Guest Blog: ConnectiCare
Protect yourself (and others) with a flu shot
The flu may be taking a back seat to the coronavirus (COVID-19) among your medical worries. But the flu poses a risk this year, too. And, there’s something you can do to limit your risk of getting the flu – that’s get a flu shot.
- “I never had a flu shot, and I never got the flu.”
- “I know someone who swears he got the flu from the shot.”
- “I don’t like needles. I’ll take my chances.”
Have you heard any of these reasons for not getting an annual flu shot? Have you ever said them yourself? (FYI – the flu shot does not give you the flu.)
Public health experts agree: we’re wearing masks to protect each other. The flu shot is another way to protect yourself and the health of others.
Some flu facts:
- Millions of people, on average, are sickened, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized and thousands of people die from flu each year.
- The flu can last between one and two weeks. Even after symptoms like fever, chills, and cough subside, you can feel weak and tired for days.
- Some symptoms for the flu and COVID-19 are similar. If you feel ill, talk to your primary care provider (PCP). He or she can decide if you should be tested for either illness or for both.
- A bad flu season can overwhelm the capacity of doctors’ offices and hospitals. That’s something we especially want to avoid while we are battling COVID-19.
- Otherwise healthy people who get the flu can expose people who are especially vulnerable and could get very sick. Those include children, the elderly, and anyone with a chronic condition, such as asthma, heart disease, or cancer.
Here’s our advice for avoiding the flu
Get the shot. It’s the best way to prevent the flu. And talk toyour doctor about the pneumonia vaccine, too. It’s recommended for everyone 65 years and older, and for adults with certain health conditions.
Keep up the habits that we know can also help you avoid catching or spreading COVID-19 (they work for the flu, too): Wash your hands often, disinfect surfaces frequently, stay 6 feet or more away from others, wear a mask in public, avoid people who are sick, and stay home if you’re sick.
3 things to know about the flu shot:
- Who should get a flu shot: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that almost everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu shot.
- When to get a flu shot: Soon after the vaccine becomes available, ideally by the end of October, before the flu becomes widespread.
- The flu shot is no cost with your plan.* ConnectiCare covers the cost when you get your shot from an in-network doctor, community flu clinic, or retail pharmacy.*
*If you get a flu shot while visiting your doctor for another reason, your plan’s copayment, deductible and coinsurance will apply to the visit. Also, if you get it at an out-of-network doctor, you will have to submit an out-of-plan reimbursement form.
Flu vs. cold vs. COVID-19: What you need to know
Flu season is here. The coronavirus (COVID-19) remains a threat. So, what should you do if you feel ill and wonder, “Is it the flu, a cold, or COVID-19?”
This year will be a little different
You’re not the only one confused about the symptoms and what to do. Doctors will likely have a tougher time distinguishing the flu or a cold from COVID-19 at first glance.
Many flu and cold symptoms are similar to symptoms of COVID-19. The flu, a cold, and COVID-19 may all present with a fever, body aches, and a cough, among other symptoms.
There are, however, a few key differences. For example, COVID-19 may cause a loss of taste or smell and shortness of breath. These are not typically signs of the flu or a cold.
The flu typically comes on quickly and suddenly. With a cold, you usually experience symptoms more gradually. With COVID-19, symptoms may develop between two (2) and 14 days of exposure. But you can be infected and contagious without even showing signs of being sick.
Where to turn if you’re sick
Any time you’re ill, you want to catch it early, both to start treatment and prevent yourself from exposing others.
Contact your primary care provider (PCP) right away if you develop symptoms that could indicate flu or COVID-19. Your PCP will help you find the best testing and treatment options. Urgent care centers are another option if you think you have the flu.
Many ConnectiCare plans also include telemedicine through MDLIVE® or Teladoc®. Telemedicine doesn’t replace a PCP, but it’s a quick way to get advice without leaving home, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Sign in to our member website to be directed to your plan’s telemedicine provider.
Please note that telemedicine doctors cannot order lab tests — diagnostic or antibody tests — for COVID-19.
Get help immediately if you experience emergency warning signs, such as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, pain or pressure in your chest or abdomen, dizziness or confusion, seizures, severe muscle pain or weakness, or a worsening of chronic conditions.
Have you had your flu shot?
It’s the best way to protect yourself from the flu. And, it’s free with your ConnectiCare plan.** Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about the shot. It’s recommended for most people over the age of 6 months.
Stop the spread with these prevention tips
There are things you can do to help prevent catching or spreading the flu, the common cold, COVID-19, or other contagious illnesses:
- Wear masks covering your mouth and nose whenever you’re in public.
- Wash your hands often.
- Limit contact with sick people. Stay home if you are sick.
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Disinfect common surfaces at home and at work.
- Take care of yourself! Get enough sleep, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy foods.
- Once more: Get a flu shot! The best time to get one is by the end of October, but you can still get one later during flu season.
* Most – but not all – plans cover telemedicine. Sign in to the member website to find out if yours does and what telemedicine provider you should contact. Telemedicine does not replace the primary care physician, is not an insurance product, and may not be able to substitute for traditional in person care in every case or for every condition. See your plan documents for more information.
** If you get a flu shot while visiting your doctor for another reason, your plan’s copayment, deductible, and coinsurance will apply to the visit. Also, if you get it at an out-of-network doctor, you will have to submit an out-of-plan reimbursement form.