Flu season is the time of year when you are most likely to get sick from the flu. In general, flu season can start anytime in late fall, peak in mid-to-late winter, and continue through early spring.

What is the flu?

Influenza (flu) is a serious contagious disease that can cause mild to severe illness caused by the influenza 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 flu.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

People who have the flu 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 flu?

The first and most important step in preventing flu is to get a flu shot each year. As a Community Member, your child can get a flu shot at no cost. Your child can get the flu shot during a Texas Health Steps Checkup or Well-Child checkup. Ask your child’s doctor about the flu 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
• 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 five days after being born

Within 60 days after each checkup age listed below:

• 2 weeks          
• 2 months        
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 9 months
• 12 months
• 15 months
• 18 months
• 2 years
• 2½ years

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 [email protected].

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