The Flu

Use these tips to help you and your family avoid the flu, know when to get a flu shot, and understand when to call a doctor.

What is the flu? The flu is an illness that affects your breathing and is caused by germs called influenza viruses.

How can you get the flu? You can catch the flu from someone who is sick when they cough, sneeze, or talk. Flu germs can also be picked up from things you touch, like phones or doorknobs, and then get into your body when you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Common flu symptoms can include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, body aches, headache, and feeling very tired. Some children may also have vomiting or diarrhea. 

Not everyone with flu has symptoms: Some people can have the flu and feel fine. They can still spread the flu to others. That’s why it helps to know how the flu spreads and how to stop it, so you can help protect people who could get very sick like young children, older adults, and people with health problems.  

Disclaimer: This is for education only. Please talk to your doctor or healthcare provider if you have questions or need medical advice.

Source: AMA Influenza Virus (Flu) Resources (accessed June 1, 2026) 

Why flu awareness matters in Ohio 

Flu season comes back every year, and it can spread quickly in schools, jobs, and communities. Watching flu signs and knowing what to do can help keep you and your family safe. 

  • Flu season often starts in October and goes through March, but it can start sooner or end later.
  • The flu is more than just a cold. Most people get better, but the flu can make some people very sick or even cause death. 
  • Flu cases and hospitalizations go up and down each week. Sometimes more people get sick or go to the hospital. 
  • Some people can get very sick from the flu, meaning they have a higher chance of serious complications or needing hospital care. This includes: young children, adults and children with chronic conditions (like asthma, COPD, diabetes, or heart disease), older adults, and pregnant people.  
  • Knowing about the flu helps you take action: Get your flu shot, practice healthy habits, and stay home when you feel sick. 
  • If you’re at higher risk and feel sick, call your doctor right away. Some people can get medicine that works best if started early. 

Disclaimer: This is for education only. Please talk to your doctor or healthcare provider if you have questions or need medical advice.

Sources: Ohio Department of Health influenza page (accessed May 1, 2026); Ohio Department of Health Respiratory Dashboard (seasonal flu data, accessed May 1, 2026)

Plan ahead: Flu season checklist  

Use this checklist to get ready before and during flu season. 

  • Get a flu shot (make an appointment for your child/family members too if needed). 
  • Keep important supplies at home: tissues, soap, hand sanitizer, wipes, a thermometer, and drinks. 
  • Find out who to call for medical help (like your doctor, urgent care, or MD Live (telehealth services). 
  • Make backup plans for work, school, and child care in case someone gets sick and has to stay home. 
  • Make sure you have enough of your daily medicines (including inhalers, diabetes supplies, and heart medicine). 
  • Update plans for any health conditions you have (like your asthma, COPD, or diabetes plan) and know what to do if you feel worse. 
  • Save important numbers: Member Services 1-833-764-7700 (TTY 1-833-889-6446), available 24/7.
 

Disclaimer: This is for education only. Please talk to your doctor or healthcare provider if you have questions or need medical advice.

Sources: National Foundation for Infectious Diseases Flu Preparedness Guide (accessed May 1, 2026); Ohio Department of Health influenza page (accessed May 1, 2026) 

Get your flu shot 

The flu shot is the best way to lower your chance of getting the flu, and it can help keep you from getting really sick. 

  • Who should get it: Almost everyone age 6 months and older should get a flu shot every year. If you’re not sure, ask your doctor. 
  • When to get it: Get your flu shot as soon as you can, especially between October and March. Even if it’s later, the shot can still help. 
  • Can it give you the flu? No, the flu shot cannot cause the flu, infertility, autism, or cancer. 
  • What about side effects? Some people may have a sore arm, feel tired, or have mild aches for a day or two. 
  • Chronic conditions: If you or your child has ongoing health problems, ask your doctor which flu shot is best. 

Tip: Getting the flu shot helps protect the people around you. When more people get vaccinated, the flu spreads less. This helps keep babies, older adults, and people with health problems safer. 

Coverage, rewards, and help scheduling

  • Flu shots are free for our members. 
  • Members may get a $25 CARE Card reward when getting a flu shot. 
  • If you need help finding a place for a flu shot, making an appointment, or getting a ride, call Member Services at 1-833-764-7700 (TTY 1-833-889-6446). We are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Disclaimer: This is for education only. Please talk to your doctor or healthcare provider if you have questions or need medical advice.

Source: AMA Influenza Virus (Flu) Resources (accessed June 1, 2026) 

Where can I get a flu shot?  

There are a few easy ways to find a place near you to get a flu shot. 

  • Use the Ohio flu shot finder: Ohio Department of Health Flu Shot Finder 
  • Check common places that offer flu shots: your doctor’s office, a local pharmacy, your local health department, or a community clinic. 
  • Call ahead if you can: Some places take walk-ins, and some require an appointment. 
  • For children: Most children can get a flu shot starting at 6 months of age. If you’re not sure what your child needs, ask your child’s provider or pharmacist. 
  • What to bring: Bring your insurance card (and a photo ID if the location asks for it). 
  • Need help? For help finding a place to get a flu shot, making an appointment, or getting a ride, call Member Services at 1-833-764-7700 (TTY 1-833-889-6446). We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Disclaimer: This is for education only. Please talk to your doctor or healthcare provider if you have questions or need medical advice.

Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Flu (Influenza) page (accessed May 1, 2026) 

Healthy habits and hygiene 

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for about 20 seconds. If you can’t use soap and water, use hand sanitizer. 
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with your hands. 
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow. 
  • Clean and disinfect things people touch a lot (like phones, doorknobs, toys, and counters). 
  • Stay home if you or your child is sick so you don’t spread germs to others. 
  • Try to stay away from people who are sick.  
  • Wear a face mask in crowded places or when a lot of people are getting sick. Masks help stop germs from spreading and help protect you, too.  

Disclaimer: This is for education only. Please talk to your doctor or healthcare provider if you have questions or need medical advice.

Sources: HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics) — Prevent the Flu (tips for parents and child care providers, accessed May 1, 2026); National Foundation for Infectious Diseases Flu Preparedness Guide (accessed May 1, 2026); AMA Influenza Virus (Flu) Resources (accessed June 1, 2026) 

Know the flu symptoms  

The flu can come on fast. Knowing the symptoms can help you decide when to stay home and when to call a doctor. 

  • Fever or chills 
  • Cough 
  • Sore throat 
  • Runny or stuffy nose 
  • Body aches 
  • Headache 
  • Feeling very tired 
  • Sometimes: vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children) 

Important: Not everyone has a fever. Flu symptoms can also look like a cold or COVID-19. A test is the only way to know for sure. 

If you or your child has symptoms and is at higher risk (young children, older adults, or people with chronic conditions), call your doctor as soon as possible. Treatment works best when started early. 

Disclaimer: This is for education only. Please talk to your doctor or healthcare provider if you have questions or need medical advice.

Sources: National Foundation for Infectious Diseases — What You Need To Know This Respiratory Season (accessed May 1, 2026); AMA Influenza Virus (Flu) Resources (accessed June 1, 2026) 

If you’re sick: what to do 

  • Stay home so you don’t spread your illness to others, especially if you have fever or cough. 
  • Rest and drink fluids like water or juice to help your body recover. 
  • Stop germs from spreading by covering coughs and sneezes, washing your hands often, and cleaning surfaces you touch. 
  • If you need to be around others, wear a mask, especially near babies, older people, or anyone with health issues. 
  • If you get sicker or are worried, call your doctor. 
  • Let your school or work know you’re sick and staying home. 

Disclaimer: This is for education only. Please talk to your doctor or healthcare provider if you have questions or need medical advice.

Sources: HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics) — When to Keep Your Child Home From Child Care (accessed May 1, 2026); Ohio Department of Health — If You’re Sick (accessed May 1, 2026) 

When to call a doctor 

  • If you’re feeling sick, consider using a telehealth service. MD Live is available through AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio and lets you talk to a doctor from home. This can help you get medical advice or care without needing to go out. Learn more: AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio MD Live page.
  • Call your doctor as soon as possible if you or your child has flu symptoms, has a long-term health problem (like asthma, COPD, or heart disease), or if your child is very young. Starting treatment early works best. 
  • Get emergency help right away if you see any of these signs: 
    • Having trouble breathing or feeling short of breath 
    • Chest hurts or feels tight
    • Lips or face look blue or gray (especially in children)
    • Not waking up or not acting normally
    • Very dehydrated (not peeing much, no tears when crying, very dry mouth)
    • Having a seizure 
    • Symptoms get better, then come back or get worse 
    • Long-term health problem gets worse (for example: asthma attack, very high blood sugar) 

Disclaimer: This is for education only. Please talk to your doctor or healthcare provider if you have questions or need medical advice.

Sources: Ohio Department of Health — If You’re Sick (accessed May 1, 2026); AMA Influenza Virus (Flu) Resources (accessed June 1, 2026) 

Treatment (antiviral medicine) 

Some people might benefit from taking medicine from a doctor called an antiviral. These medicines can help you feel better and can also stop the flu from causing serious health problems, especially if you are more likely to get very sick. Antivirals work best if you start taking them within 1 – 2 days after you first feel sick. 

Sources: National Foundation for Infectious Diseases — Influenza Antivirals Fact Sheet (accessed May 1, 2026); Infectious Diseases Society of America — Seasonal Influenza Clinical Practice Guidelines (diagnosis and treatment, accessed May 1, 2026) 

AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio member quick links 

Disclaimer: This is for education only. Please talk to your doctor or healthcare provider if you have questions or need medical advice.