Maryland’s Health Matters - St. Joseph - Fall 2016 - 5

A HEALTHY START Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. MYTH: Only adults ages 65 and older or those with respiratory problems such as asthma or immune disorders need a flu shot. FACT: "Adults of all ages and children ages 6 months and older should receive the flu vaccine," Dr. Hilliard says. MYTH: I've heard of people getting a flu shot and then getting the flu. FACT: "The influenza vaccine contains no living virus and cannot cause the flu," Dr. Hilliard says. "However, it is not going to protect you against a really bad cold, which is what confuses some people." The best way to protect against influenza is to be vaccinated. Flu strains change each season, and the CDC must make an educated guess as to what strains will be circulating when. That means that pharmaceutical companies manufacture more than 170 million vaccine doses each year. Dr. Hilliard recommends getting a seasonal flu shot. Healthy children ages 2 and older and young adults who are not allergic to eggs may be eligible for the nasal spray flu vaccine instead of the flu shot. "Discuss this with your doctor," she adds. CDC TIPS TO PROTECT YOU FROM FLU ■ Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. ■ Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. ■ Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way. ■ Do not visit the hospital if you are sick or have had any ill symptoms within the past three days, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, uncontrolled cough or rash. FREE FLU SHOTS See page 19 to find out when and where you can get your free flu shot. ATTENTION MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES University of Maryland Health Advantage (HMO and HMO SNP) offers you all the coverage of Original Medicare plus additional benefits at no extra cost. CALL TODAY TO LEARN MORE 1-844-344-6334 (TTY: 711) Oct 1 - Feb 14: 7 days a week 8am-8pm EST Feb 15 - Sept 30: Monday-Friday 8am-8pm EST or visit www.ummedicareadvantage.org University of Maryland Health Advantage is an HMO and HMO-SNP Plan with a Medicare contract and a State of Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (Medicaid) program contract. Enrollment in University of Maryland Health Advantage depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. This plan is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the State and Medicare. H8854_16_4009-01_003_OE CMS Accepted 6/12/2016 3,000 community residents received the vaccine. See details on page 19 or call 410-337-1337 for info. stjosephtowson.com | Fall 2016 5 http://www.ummedicareadvantage.org http://www.stjosephtowson.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Maryland’s Health Matters - St. Joseph - Fall 2016