AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana Stresses the Importance of Flu Shots As State Sees Dramatic Increase in Flu-Related Illnesses
Per the Louisiana Department of Health, flu activity is almost three times the regional baseline
January 7, 2020 - Baton Rouge, La.
AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana, a Healthy Louisiana The flu season is fully underway and Louisiana is becoming one of the hardest hit states in the nation, according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The “Flu Review” report, which noted seasonal flu activity through November 30, 2019, shows that Louisiana was one of 12 states with high levels of flu diagnoses.1
In fact, a CNN.com story reported that Children’s Hospital of New Orleans has seen more than 1,400 cases of the flu by late November, a dramatically high increase compared to nine cases at the same time in 2018.2 AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana, a Healthy Louisiana Medicaid managed care health plan and part of the AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies, is working to remind its members that flu vaccinations are available to children and adults – and that they could go a long way with keeping people healthy and well.
“The vaccination is the best way for anyone to guard against the flu,” said Jeanine Plante, Pharm.D., adding that members should contact Member Services at 1-888-756-0004 (available 24/7) with any questions about flu vaccinations. “Unfortunately, the flu can cause devastating health complications, including death, so it’s very important that we all take whatever steps are necessary to be as safe and healthy as possible. And getting vaccinated is an easy and quick way to do that.”
AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana also has many educational resources about the flu on its online member hub at www.amerihealthcaritasla.com. Eligible members who receive the flu shot can earn a reward on their AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana Care Card.
Anyone can get the flu, but certain groups are at higher risk. According to a 2018 study by the CDC, children ages 0-17 made up the largest block at 9.3 percent, with adults ages 18-64 making up 8.8 percent. Adults 65 and over accounted for 3.9 percent of people getting the flu infection.3
According to a recent report released by the CDC, there were up to 43 million people with flu illnesses and 20 million flu-related medical visits between Oct. 1, 2018 and May 4, 2019.4 During that same period, the CDC estimates that flu-related illnesses led to nearly 650,000 hospitalizations and up to 61,000 deaths.
“It’s crucial for primary care physicians to help educate their patients on the necessity for people, especially those from the most vulnerable groups, to get vaccinated,” said Plante, adding that people can play a major role in helping others avoid the flu simply by getting themselves and their loved ones vaccinated. “The vaccination isn’t 100 percent effective, but it can be a great weapon in fighting the spread of the illness and that’s really what matters most.”
In addition to getting vaccinated, health care professionals encourage the following steps to help prevent the flu:
- Repeatedly washing your hands: Flu germs tend to linger and hand washing can reduce exposure.
- Elbow reflex: You can reduce the spread of viruses by covering your face with your entire elbow when coughing rather than using your hands.
- Hydrate: Drinking water can help strengthen the immune system and keep the flu at bay. And if you do get sick, water flushes your system and washes out toxins.
- Disinfect common surfaces: Viruses that cause colds and flu can survive on common surfaces such as door knobs, light switches, remote controls and phone receivers for up to 72 hours.
- Stay away: If you find yourself sick, stay home from work or school to protect the people around you.
1 – https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm
2 - https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/03/health/early-flu-season-louisiana-eprise/index.html
3- https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm
4 - https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/preliminary-in-season-estimates.htm