Shop for Plans
Shop for your own coverage
- Medical
- Dental
- Other Supplemental
-
(Cancer Treatment, Hospital Indemnity, and more)
Plans through your employer
- Learn about the medical, dental, pharmacy, behavioral, and voluntary benefits your employer may offer.
- Explore coverage through work
Learn
- How to Buy Health Insurance
- Types of Dental Insurance
- Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment
- See all topics
Looking for Medicare coverage?
- Shop for Medicare plans
Shop for Plans
Shop for Plans
The Flu: Symptoms and Treatment
From treatment to vaccine, find the information older adults need to fight the flu.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines the flu as a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and, at times, can lead to death.
Getting a yearly flu vaccination is the first and most important step you can take to protect against the flu and its potentially serious complications.
You may have a high risk of complications:
- Older adults are more likely to develop complications from the flu.
- As we get older, our immune systems weaken. That’s why vaccination is so important for people 65 and older.
- The flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and prevent flu-related hospitalizations.
What are the main flu symptoms?
The flu shares many of the same symptoms as a cold, but the flu usually starts suddenly.
People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms:
- Feeling feverish or having chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (very tired)
Why get the flu vaccine?
Get your flu shot each year. Vaccines are developed each year based on which flu viruses will be most common. Don’t wait until someone close to you gets the flu. Your body takes about two weeks after vaccination to develop protective antibodies. And in some cases, the flu can often be worse for older adults, especially those with chronic conditions, diseases that suppress the immune system, or respiratory problems. And no, you can’t get the flu from the vaccine! The viruses in the flu shot are killed (inactivated).
How does the flu affect older adults?
The flu can be more serious for some older adults and the elderly, especially for those with underlying medical conditions, or with weakened immune systems. As we age, our immune systems naturally weaken, even if we try to stay healthy. This is another good reason to ensure that as you age, you continue to get your flu shot each year. If you’re a caregiver, make sure to ask the patient’s primary care provider to administer the flu shot during a visit.
What should I do if I think I have the flu?
- See your doctor as soon as you suspect you have the flu.
- Your doctor can prescribe antiviral drugs that can make your illness milder and shorter. These drugs work best if started within two days of getting sick, but starting them later can still be helpful.
- Remember, an antiviral drug can mean the difference between having a milder illness versus a very serious illness that could result in a hospital stay.
If I get the flu, how can I stop the germs from spreading?
- Stay home: You should stay home for 24 hours after your fever is gone.
- Cover coughs and sneezes: Be sure to use a tissue and throw it in the trash.
- Wash your hands often: Wash with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand rub.
More Information
For more facts about the flu, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
Tags
I want to...
Audiences
Manage Your Account
Cigna Healthcare Information
The Cigna Group Information
Disclaimer
Individual and family medical and dental insurance plans are insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (CHLIC), Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Illinois, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Georgia, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of South Carolina, Inc., and Cigna HealthCare of Texas, Inc. Group health insurance and health benefit plans are insured or administered by CHLIC, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (CGLIC), or their affiliates (see a listing of the legal entities that insure or administer group HMO, dental HMO, and other products or services in your state). Accidental Injury, Critical Illness, and Hospital Care plans or insurance policies are distributed exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group Corporation, are administered by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, and are insured by either (i) Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT). The Cigna Healthcare name, logo, and other Cigna Healthcare marks are owned by The Cigna Group Intellectual Property, Inc.
All insurance policies and group benefit plans contain exclusions and limitations. For availability, costs and complete details of coverage, contact a licensed agent or Cigna Healthcare sales representative. This website is not intended for residents of New Mexico.
La aseguradora publica el formulario traducido para fines informativos y la versión en inglés prevalece para fines de solicitud e interpretación.
The insurer is issuing the translated form on an informational basis and the English version is controlling for the purposes of application and interpretation.