H1N1 (Swine) Flu Information

What You Need to Know about the H1N1 virus

Security Health Plan wants its members and communities to be safe and healthy. Media coverage of the recent outbreak of the H1N1 virus has heightened public awareness of how influenza viruses spread.

Seasonal flu kills several thousand people each year. The measures we take to protect ourselves, our families and our communities from the spread of seasonal flu, are much the same as those recommended for preventing the spread of the H1N1 virus.

This web page includes information about the H1N1 virus, and tips for preventing the spread of the H1N1 virus and seasonal flu.

What is the H1N1 virus?
Type A H1N1 virus, commonly known as Swine flu, is a respiratory virus that originated in pigs and has spread to humans. Like seasonal flu, it is easily spread through the air by infected people coughing, talking, laughing or sneezing near uninfected people. It can also be spread through infected surfaces and utensils.

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of the H1N1 virus are similar to those of seasonal flu: fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and cough, and may include runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Centers for Disease Control
Marshfield Clinic

Should I get a flu shot?
Flu shots are an effective way to prevent the spread of illness. In additional to seasonal flu vaccines, H1N1 vaccines will be available in fall of 2009.
Learn more about the H1N1 flu vaccine here
Marshfield Clinic flu shot clinic schedule

What will flu vaccines cost me?
Security Health Plan will cover the entire costs of flu vaccines from any vaccine provider (including non-network providers) for employer group, Advantage Plus, Advocare and Senior Security members. If you receive a vaccine from a network provider, the provider will submit a claim to us directly. If you receive a vaccine from outside Security Health Plan's network, you may need to pay for it yourself and contact us for reimbursement afterward.

Security Health Plan's BadgerCare Plus Program will cover the entire cost of these flu vaccines from any network provider for BadgerCare Plus members.

How do I get flu vaccines?
Talk to your provider about the availability of vaccines and where they can be received.

Tips for preventing the spread of the H1N1 virus

The following practices can reduce the spread of the H1N1 virus and seasonal flu:

• Get both the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines
• Stay home if you are ill
• Influenza viruses spread through the air. Staying away from other people can help stop the flu from spreading.
• Cover your cough
• Use a face mask to cover your mouth and nose if you are coughing and in a public area (such as a health care facility)
• Use a tissue to cover your cough or sneeze
• Throw the used tissue in the trash
• If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow
• Promptly disinfect hands with warm, soapy water or hand sanitizer
• Wash your hands
• When: Disinfect your hands every time
• After using the bathroom
• After blowing your nose
• After helping a child use a tissue
• After changing a diaper
• Before preparing a snack or meal
• After eating
• How: Use soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• With water: Work up a good, soapy lather and scrub for at least 15 seconds. Rinse. Dry your hands on a clean cloth towel or disposable towel.
• With hand sanitizer: Squeeze a dime-sized amount on your hands. Rub until dry.
• Avoid sharing eating utensils, drinking glasses and toothbrushes

Seek appropriate care

If you are unsure whether you should be seen, please call your provider’s office or an Urgent Care or Walk-in center near you.

Self-care for flu symptoms

• Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water, juice and warm soup broth.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce fever and pain symptoms. Do not give aspirin to children under the age of 18, as it has been associated with a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.

Other sources of information

H1N1 News Coverage