As you may have heard, according to health officials, the H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus is expected to be more severe and widespread than the outbreaks this spring.

Do you have questions on the H1N1 flu? Trustmark wants you to be prepared. Read through the following FAQs regarding H1N1.

What are symptoms of the H1N1 virus?
According to the CDC, symptoms of the H1N1 virus are:

Who should get the H1N1 vaccine?
The CDC has recommended that certain groups of people receive the H1N1 vaccine. These target groups include:
• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months old
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
• People between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old
• People ages 25 through 64 years who are at higher risk for H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or
compromised immune systems

Is the seasonal flu vaccine still needed?
The H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine, according to the CDC. It is intended to be used alongside the seasonal flu vaccine.

If I’ve already had a flu-like illness since the spring, do I need the H1N1 vaccine?
Everyone who has not had H1N1 confirmed by the rRT-PCR test should get the H1N1 vaccine, unless an individual has had an allergic reaction to eggs or another flu shot or has other medical reasons to not get the vaccine. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, also known as rRT-PCR, is the only test that can confirm an H1N1 virus infection.

H1N1 vaccines will be distributed first to targeted high-risk groups, so non-targeted groups may encounter some delay in gaining access to the vaccine.

According to the CDC, people who had an H1N1 infection diagnosed by rRT-PCR earlier in 2009 can be considered to be immune and do not need to get the H1N1 vaccine.

Whom do I call in the middle of the night with concerns about H1N1?
Call MyNurse 24/7 at (866) 366-6877. Nurses who staff the 24-hour support line, available seven days a week, can help you with questions and concerns about H1N1.

Does my insurance cover the H1N1 vaccine?
The vaccine and supplies are being paid for by the government, the cost of administration of the vaccine is not. The vast majority of our members have preventive benefits in their current health plan. For these members, the administration of the H1N1 vaccine is covered at 100 percent. For the small number of members without preventive benefits, the administration of the H1N1 vaccine will be treated as a covered benefit, and applicable deductibles, coinsurance and/or co-pays will apply.

Pharmacy Notice

Relenza and Tamiflu have been recommended to treat the swine flu virus by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and are covered under your prescription drug benefit plan.

These medications do not require any prior authorization and are available as indicated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Relenza and Tamiflu do require a prescription. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine if a prescription for one of these medications is the right treatment for you.

Vaccines and preventive measures are the best tools we have to prevent influenza. Contact your healthcare provider to inquire when a flu vaccine is available to you.