Page 12 - Spok Inside Track

WHY YOU SHOULD GET THE FLU SHOT

As flu season approaches, health experts are warning that the addition of another respiratory illness on top of
the ongoing pandemic could overburden the health care system, strain testing capacity, and increase the risk of
catching both diseases at once. While this season might look a bit different with COVID-19 in play, it is helpful to
remember the facts about the flu.

Influenza
The flu is an infection of the respiratory tract that is caused by the flu. It is spread mainly through airborne
transmission, when an infected person sneezes, coughs or speaks. A person can infect others one day before
having flu symptoms and up to five days after becoming ill.
Symptoms
Flu is most often associated with the sudden onset of fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, congestion, cough
and sore throat. Most people recover within a few days to less than two weeks. Occasionally, complications such
as pneumonia, bronchitis or other infections can occur.
Prevention
The flu vaccine is your best chance of preventing the illness. Currently, the CDC recommends that anyone over
six months of age receive an annual flu shot. Talk to you doctor about what is best for you.

If you get sick
If you get the flu, stay home from work or school to avoid spreading the illness to others. Remember to take
advantage of telehealth 24/7/365 using Amwell or MDLIVE by logging in to myCigna and click “Connect”.

To ease your symptoms, try the following strategies:
• Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.
• Try gargling saltwater made from dissolving ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt in an eight ounce glass of warm
water to relieve a sore throat.
• Drink warm liquids, such as tea and chicken noodle soup, and add moisture to the air with a vaporizer or
humidifier to help ease congestion.
Employees who are not covered under Spok’s health plan are eligible for reimbursement up to $30 for a flu shot
through November 30th. Get your vaccine and submit the receipt to your supervisor for approval via Concur.

If you participate in Spok’s health plan, you and your enrolled dependents are already eligible to receive a FREE
flu shot by visiting a participating retail provider, clinic or primary care physician (office copay may apply) and
presenting your Cigna ID card. Send your receipt to Way2Wellness@spok.com to receive 20 wellness points!
For more information regarding the flu: cdc.gov/flu