H1N1, Seasonal Flu Update
The attention paid to the spread and prevention of the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu (also known as swine flu) this year is important because of the threat flu viruses pose to the health of people around the world and here in our community. Earlier this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic for the H1N1 flu virus due to the breadth of its impact around the globe. State, national, and international bodies, such as the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the U.S. government's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the WHO continue to closely monitor the situation. Our company is also monitoring the situation for its potential impact on our business, customers, and community.
To find out more, check out the frequently asked questions below about the flu. Also, for excellent sources of the latest flu information, we recommend you visit the CDC's website and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's website, which offers local information.
| Extended Member Coverage |
Learn more about the new  Extended Coverage Policy for H1N1 vaccination administration and visit Member Central to view how this is being communicated to members. |
| Advice from our Medical Director |
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Dr. Tom Hawkins, a medical director at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, provides information about this flu season, including prevention and treatment tips.
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| Additional Resources |
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Massachusetts Department of Public Health Información actualizada sobre la gripe estacional y la gripe H1N1 |
| Need help with a medical question about you or your family's health? |
| Call Blue Care LineSM, our 24-hour, toll-free nurse care hotline at 1-888-247-BLUE (2583). |
About the Seasonal Flu & H1N1 Flu
What is the difference between the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu?
Influenza, or flu, is a respiratory infection caused by several flu viruses. Flu viruses are classified as types A, B, and C; type A has a number of subtypes. Generally, you can not tell the difference between seasonal flu and H1N1 flu by the symptoms.
Seasonal flu is the term used to refer to the flu outbreaks that occur yearly, mainly in the late fall and winter. It is estimated that between 5 and 20 percent of Americans come down with the flu every flu season. Although seasonal flu is most dangerous to those with weak immune systems, such as the very young and the elderly, the H1N1 virus appears to be a threat to healthy, young adults.
H1N1 flu is a respiratory disease caused by type A influenza viruses that regularly cause outbreaks of influenza in pigs. The virus that gave rise to this new H1N1 virus only infected animals previously. Then the virus genetically changed in a way that enabled it to go from infecting only animals to infecting humans as well. H1N1 flu viruses may circulate among animals throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months, similar to outbreaks in humans. These kinds of "novel" viruses are dangerous because the human immune system has no previous experience battling them.
Are the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu viruses contagious?
The seasonal flu and H1N1 flu viruses are contagious and spread from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the H1N1 virus spreads between people.
What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 flu in people?
The symptoms of H1N1 flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
What is a pandemic?
Earlier this year, the WHO declared a pandemic for the H1N1 flu virus due to the breadth of its impact around the globe. A pandemic is an epidemic that occurs across several countries and affects a sizable portion of the population in each country. For pandemic influenza to occur, three conditions must be present: a new influenza—a virus—appears or "emerges" in the human population; it causes serious illness in people; and it spreads easily from person to person worldwide.
According to the CDC, the last influenza pandemic took place from 1968 to 1969, when the Hong Kong flu killed 33,800 Americans between September and March.
Supporting Our Members
What is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts doing?
We are carefully monitoring the flu season, including H1N1, and preparing appropriate actions to support our customers and community, if necessary. In the event of a severe flu outbreak, we are prepared to support continued access to the care and services our members need.
We are also taking measures to prevent the spread of the flu. We are asking employees to stay home from work and seek medical care if they have flu symptoms. Social distancing and personal hygiene are the primary ways to combat the spread of the flu.
To learn more about how Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is preparing for a potential disaster, such as a flu pandemic, visit the Disaster Readiness section.
Does my Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts health plan cover H1N1 flu shots?
The new H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in October. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts will cover the cost of the vaccine administration for members so you will be able to receive the H1N1 shot without paying a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible regardless of your plan's benefit design for the administration of the vaccine. There is typically no charge for an office visit when you only receive am H1N1 vaccination; however, if you receive additional covered services, such as an office visit, then you may be subject to any applicable cost-sharing, as outlined in your health plan's Summary of Benefits. If your employer is self-insured, please check with your employer on how they are administering this benefit.
To find out if you are recommended to get either flu shot, check the CDC web site for details on both flu strains.
What should I do if I think I may have the flu?
- Avoid contact with others, get rest, stay hydrated, and seek treatment early on.
- You can always call Blue Care LineSM, our 24-hour, toll-free nurse care hotline at 1-888-247-BLUE (2583) with medical questions.
- Consult your doctor for the best treatment, but also be aware of emergency warning signs that require urgent medical attention.
See the prevention and treatment section below for more information.
Getting a Flu Vaccination
How do I get a seasonal flu vaccination?
We encourage you to contact your doctor as soon as possible to schedule a vaccination shot for the seasonal flu. The CDC is encouraging that people get their seasonal flu shot as early as possible this year.
How do I get an H1N1 vaccination?
There is a vaccine in development that should be available in October to protect against H1N1 flu. Every state government is developing a vaccine delivery plan. Vaccines will be distributed by state governments and available in a combination of settings, such as vaccination clinics organized by local health departments, health care provider offices, schools, etc. It will be made available to at-risk populations first as defined by the CDC and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Read more information about the H1N1 vaccination guidelines.
Currently, the recommended at-risk priority groups according to the CDC are:
- Pregnant women
- Health care workers and emergency medical responders
- People caring for infants under 6 months of age
- Children and young adults from 6 months to 24 years of age
- People aged 25 to 64 years with underlying medical conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes)
Where can I get a flu shot?
For seasonal flu vaccination your options may include:
- Your Primary Care Physician
- Limited Services Clinics, like CVS' Minute Clinics. These clinics offer a convenient option for minor medical care as they provide a limited, specific set of services, covering non-emergent medical care, such as treatment for coughs, colds, aches, and also flu shots without an appointment.
- Local flu shot clinics. These are often located at a local community center or school.
- Hospitals
- Check with your employer or Human Resources department as some companies offer flu vaccinations to their employees.
For an H1N1 vaccination, every state government is developing a vaccine delivery plan. Vaccine will be distributed by state governments and available in a combination of settings such as vaccination clinics organized by local health departments, healthcare provider offices, schools, etc. It will be made available to at-risk populations first as defined by the CDC and Massachusetts DPH.
Prevention & Treatment
How can I avoid getting seasonal flu or H1N1 flu and prevent it from spreading?
There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. The best thing you can do to stay healthy is practice good hygiene, which can help reduce the spread of germs. Some very effective methods include:
- Frequently washing your hands with soap and water. When hand washing is not possible, use antiseptic hand gels that contain alcohol.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw out the tissue in the nearest wastebasket and then immediately wash your hands with soap and water.
- Don't sneeze into your hand if you don't have a tissue. Instead, use the crook of your arm.
- Stay at least three feet away from people who are coughing or sneezing.
- Immediately wash your hands after contact with an ill person.
- Stay at home when you are sick.
- Keep your children at home when they are sick.
- Teach your children good hygiene habits.
- Ask for a mask if you go to a doctor's office or hospital when you are sick.
Are there other medicines to prevent or treat the flu? How do I treat the flu?
The CDC and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health do not recommend the use of antiviral medicines Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Relenza (zanamivir) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with seasonal or H1N1 influenza viruses, unless patients are very sick, are in an at-risk group, or they are using the medications to contain a specific outbreak. Please see the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and CDC websites for their rationale and guidelines.
The CDC is also offering treatment guidance for H1N1 flu on its website, such as Taking Care of a Sick Person (H1N1) in Your Home and Taking Care of Yourself (Seasonal Flu).
