THE SUN MEMBER NEWSLETTER WELLNESS CORNER Fall is the Flu Season Flu season is the time of year when you are most likely to get sick from the fu. In general, fu season can start anytime in late fall, peak in mid-to-late winter, and continue through early spring. What is the fu? Infuenza (fu) is a serious contagious disease that can cause mild to severe illness caused by the infuenza virus. Who is at risk? Children younger than 5 but especially children younger than 2 years old, pregnant women, and adults age 65 years and older are among the population at high risk to get the fu. What are the symptoms of the fu? People who have the fu often feel some or all of the following signs and symptoms: fever/chills or feeling feverish, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, vomiting and diarrhea (though this is more common in children than adults), headaches, and fatigue (tiredness). How to prevent the fu? The frst and most important step in preventing fu is to get a fu shot each year. As a Community Member, your child can get a fu shot at no cost. Your child can get the fu shot during a Texas Health Steps Checkup or Well-Child checkup. Ask your child’s doctor about the fu vaccine. In addition to getting the vaccine, do the following: • Stay away from those who are sick • Stay home if you are sick • Cover your cough • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds ■ 8 • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, thus reducing the spreading of germs. Wellness Checkups Texas Health Steps Checkups and Well-Child checkups, also known as wellness checkups, are the best way to help your child stay healthy as they grow. Medicaid Members get Texas Health Steps Checkups from birth through 20 years of age. CHIP Members get Wellness Checkups from birth through 18 years of age. These checkups are at no cost to Medicaid and CHIP Members. When are the checkups due? • Within fve days after being born • Within 60 days after each checkup age listed below: 2 weeks 2 months 4 months 6 months 9 months • Once a year between 3 and 20 years of age, on or after each birthday Call your child’s doctor today to schedule an appointment. Need help? Call Community at 713.295.6789 or toll-free at 1.844.882.7642 or email us at MemberServices@ CommunityHealthChoice.org. 12 months 15 months 18 months 2 years 2½ years
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