Raley's, Bel Air, Nob Hill Foods and Food Source are offering Flu Vaccination clinics in many of our stores. The price of the flu vaccinations will be $25 ($28 in Nevada) for the general public and FREE for individuals with Part B Medicare and no HMO insurance coverage. Pneumonia Shot will be $50.

SEASONAL INFLUENZA
Vaccination against influenza is important since many persons will develop life- threatening complications (such as pneumonia). Some will have to be admitted to hospitals as a result of influenza-related causes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that while anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu should consider vaccination, there are some persons at high risk and should be vaccinated each year. These persons are:

-- Those that are 50 years of age or older
-- Those with chronic medical conditions
-- Those that are pregnant
-- Those living in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities
-- Those that are health care workers

PNEUMONIA
Pneumonia is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable death in the United States. This disease can cause major complications and debilitation. Although anyone can get pneumonia, some groups are at higher risk that others. These groups include:

-- Anyone over 65 years of age
-- Anyone with a suppressed immune system
-- Anyone with alcoholism
-- Anyone with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, kidney disorders, lung disease or cardiovascular disease
-- Anyone living in nursing homes or other chronic care facilities

For those whose doctor recommends a second pneumonia shot, they may have it given no sooner than five years after the first.

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IMMUNIZATIONS
Many of our Pharmacists also provide Flu Vaccination in our pharmacies. Are you afraid of needles? Flu Mist, an inhaled Flu Vaccination, is also available from our Pharmacists at these locations. Certain age restrictions apply; please call the pharmacy for details. No appointment is necessary.

For a Raleys, Bel Air and Nob Hill Immunizing Pharmacy near you,
click here to download PDF

For more information on Flu Mist, click here to go to flumist.com.

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PARTICIPATING INSURANCE PLANS
Some major insurance plans may pay for your flu immunization. Please check with our pharmacies. Below are examples of participating Third Party insurances that may pay for your flu shot.

-- BC/BS FEP Program
-- CALPERS Click For Sample
-- Caremark
-- Medi-Cal
-- PAID (MEDCO)
-- Partnership Health Plan

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WHAT IS SEASONAL FLU?
Seasonal flu is caused by influenza (flu) viruses that have been interacting with humans for many years. Most of our immune systems have been exposed to influenza viruses at some time in our lives. Every year, these viruses change a little bit so a new seasonal flu vaccine is developed each year.

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HOW IS NOVEL H1N1 DIFFERENT THAN THE SEASONAL FLU?
Novel H1N1 is a novel virus, meaning humans, until recently, have never been infected with this virus. The virus changed in a way that enabled it to go from infecting only animals to infecting humans as well.

Novel viruses are dangerous because our immune systems have no previous experience battling them. Although the seasonal flu is most dangerous to those with weak immune systems, such as the very young and the elderly, the Novel H1N1 virus appears to be a threat to healthy, young adults.

Novel H1N1 viruses are not spread by food. You can not get infected with Novel H1N1 virus from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

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NOVEL H1N1 SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of Novel H1N1 flu are very similar to seasonal flu. They include:
-- Fever 100¡F or higher
-- Cough Trouble breathing
-- Head and body aches
-- Sore throat Vomiting and/or diarrhea
-- Chills

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WHO IS AT RISK?
The rules for who is at high risk for seasonal flu complications do not seem to apply to Novel H1N1 flu at the moment. The Novel H1N1 virus affects young people, pregnant women, people who are obese, and those with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney or heart disease, or asthma.

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WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT GETTING SICK?
-- Wash your hands with soap and hot water to get rid of germs and to prevent the spread of disease. If you do not have soap and water, use a waterless hand gel with an alcohol base of at least 60%.
-- Avoid kissing or shaking hands with people, and do not share food, drinks or utensils.
-- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
-- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
-- Get the seasonal flu vaccine, and if you are in a risk group for Novel H1N1, get that vaccine when it becomes available.

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WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK I AM SICK?
-- If you have a fever 100¡F or higher, and one of the symptoms listed earlier, consider calling your doctor or medical provider if you feel moderate to severe symptoms. Your doctor will decide if you need to come in for an appointment and if influenza treatment is needed.
-- Stay away from others as much as possible to prevent spreading the flu. This means avoiding normal activities including work, school, travel, shopping, social events and public gatherings. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends staying at home until you have no fever for at least 24 hours without the help of fever-reducing medicines.
-- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when you sneeze or cough, and throw the tissue in the trash afterwards.

What should I do if someone in my household is sick?

Make sure the person who is sick stays at home and gets plenty of rest and fluids. Limit visitors. Monitor them for warning signs that the illness is getting worse. If you observe any of the following warning signs, call their doctor immediately:

Warning signs in children:
-- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
-- Bluish or gray skin color
-- Not drinking enough fluids
-- Severe or persistent vomiting
-- Not waking up or not interacting
-- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
-- Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and a worse cough

Warning signs in adults:
-- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
-- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
-- Sudden dizziness
-- Confusion
-- Severe or persistent vomiting
-- Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and a worse cough

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TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF THE FLU VIRUS IN YOUR HOME
-- Keep frequently used surfaces clean with a household disinfectant, i.e. bedside tables, bathroom and kitchen surfaces, and children's toys.
-- Linens, eating utensils and dishes that are used by the person who is sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but should not be shared without washing thoroughly with soap and water.
-- Wash linens (i.e. bed sheets and towels) by using regular laundry soap. Dry on the "hot" setting.
-- Wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub after handling the sick person's linens, utensils or used tissues.
-- Allow fresh air to flow into your home by opening screened windows and doors.

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For more information regarding flu and also an up to date tracking of flu cases in your area, click here to go to FluSTAR.