RV snowbirds face flu crisis: Too late to get a vaccine?

While the warm winter weather brought crowds of RVers to Quartzsite, Arizona, this year, it brought something else. Influenza. While no precise numbers exist, plenty of people reported the aching, debilitating, evil symptoms of “the flu.” And Quartzsite isn’t alone. Arizona, Texas, and Florida—RV snowbird hotspots—all have reported a wave of influenza-A this year. Experts warn that the flu could hang on for months. It’s not too late for a flu vaccine—and it could save you an unwelcome hospital check-in.

As of a couple of weeks ago, thousands of patients had visited hospitals across the U.S. and come away diagnosed with the flu. Sad to say, some didn’t come out alive—16,000 people have died in the U.S. this flu season. And other nasty viral bugs are running around, complicating the picture.

Flu vaccine covers two types of influenza

In a story carried by AARP, an official with the American Academy of Family Physicians warned that the flu going around this season is a nasty one. “One, this is just a tough flu strain that’s going around right now,” says Steven Furr, M.D. “Typically, there are two flu strains we deal with, influenza A and influenza B. Influenza B tends to be a milder strain, whereas influenza A tends to be much more severe. And essentially, every case we’re seeing this year is influenza A.”

Why so much flu? Too few are taking a shot for the flu. In early February, only 45% of adults in the country had gotten their vaccination, and about the same number of kids. That’s a lot of folks who can get—and spread—the virus because they didn’t roll up their sleeves.

Some folks reason that getting a flu shot just isn’t worth the bother. After all, you can just hack your way through the symptoms and bounce right back. But this season’s flu comes with a nasty bite: More and more people are coming down with pneumonia after dealing with the flu. Some of these lung-damagers are antibiotic resistant.

It’s March—Isn’t that too late for a flu vaccine?

But it’s early March. Isn’t it a bit late for a vaccination? Nope, says Dr. Furr. He told AARP, “Usually, you’ll get some protection within a week to 10 days, and we’re not through the flu season yet.” The “season” could go right on through this month and into next month. In some years people are still trading influenza with their friends and neighbors clear into summertime. And while the country is duking it out with influenza A, the influenza B type typically follows right on A’s heels.

Flu shots are widely available at various locations. Got Medicare? Medicare covers one flu shot per year at no cost. Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) may also cover flu shots, but the rules may vary depending on the specific plan. It’s always a good idea to check with your Advantage plan provider to confirm coverage.

Here’s where you can get a flu shot and some general information about insurance coverage

Pharmacies: Many chain pharmacies offer flu shots, including:

• CVS Pharmacy
• Walgreens
• Rite Aid
• Walmart Pharmacy
• Kroger Pharmacy

You can walk in or schedule an appointment in advance, depending on the location.

Primary care doctor: Your primary care provider can administer the flu shot during a regular appointment or at a dedicated time for flu vaccinations.

Urgent care centers: Many urgent care centers, like MedExpress or FastMed, offer flu shots without the need for an appointment.

Local health departments: Some public health departments provide flu shots, often at a lower cost or for free. Check your local health department’s website for details.

Getting the flu can be a real drag. Getting pneumonia even worse. And we haven’t found any medical insurance plans that cover the costs of funerals. Think about it—medical professionals say it’s worth getting your flu shot even now.

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