I’m at risk for Flu?

Posted Oct 29th 2009 8:00 AM by Amy Miller for Priority Health
Filed under: Health & Wellness

Swine flu in the news It seems like everyone is talking about the flu vaccine and H1N1. I have never really paid attention to the hubbub until this year. As a mother of a three month old, I am considered to be in the “risk group.” I had no idea. So now, I have all of these new questions!

Where do I get the vaccine?
Is it covered by my insurance?
Is it safe?

I did some digging and it looks like Priority Health offers information on its website about what is covered by insurance, how to get reimbursed if you paid for it already , where you can get the vaccine, how to help avoid getting the flu and much more.

Another great resource is your local Health Department. In fact, in Ottawa County, they even have a great Facebook page dedicated providing updates on the flu vaccine and school closings, called Flu Granny.

How are you and your family protecting yourself from getting the flu? Do you have any tricks or tips to encourage your kids to wash their hands?

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Amy Miller for Priority Health

Thank you Brian!

And you bring up a good point. I think a lot of people are trying to limit their exposure. I recently tried out the Meijer Grocery Express (http://www.meijergroceryexpress.com/) option near my work. This is a program where you can select groceries online, and they do all of the shopping for you. (Which is a totally awesome feature, when you have no time to shop!)

When I picked up my groceries, the attendant explained that the program was really picking up in use. She said a lot of people were using the program because they had sick kids at home or they simply wanted to limit their exposure.
Brian

Amy - thanks for bringing up the topic. My family is considering a few less Saturday trips to the mall during flu season to avoid exposure ... and a few extra dollars in the hand sanitizer budget this winter (although we won't substitute sanitizer for hand washing as the latter is more effective).

ps. congratulations on your new baby!
kristen

Amy -- timely topic on the flu! We're also putting a lot of hope in keeping hands clean. From packing small bottles of hand sanitizer in lunch boxes and purses to attaching them to backpacks, we're always trying to clean our hands before we eat. Thanks for the tips!
Jamie Allen

We are using a lot of sanitizer at our house and try to encourage our daughter to wash her hands a lot. It's tricky with a three-year-old, but I've found if I bribe her with lotion it works. She loves putting on lotion, so I let her pick out a different scent each time she washes her hands and it makes it more fun.
Maranda

Welcome to our website Amy! Thanks for being one of our blogging buddies. I look forward to reading your insights every week!
Maranda

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Amy Miller

I am a Senior Communications Consultant for Priority Health, and have worked in health care for more than 8 years. I graduated from Grand Valley State University with degrees in health science and communications. I’m fortunate that in my role at Priority Health, I have access to a number of talented professionals including experts in general health, health benefits, wellness, nutrition and fitness. On the personal side, I was born and raised in northern Michigan. I am a new mom who is learning a lot about parenthood and balancing work and life.

I’m at risk for Flu?

Amy Miller

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