STAY HEALTHY: Protect Yourself from Illness

Late fall and winter are peak times for COVID-19, the flu, and RSV to spread—and all three are already on the rise in the U.S. As the temperature drops, and people gather indoors for holiday celebrations, cases will continue to increase. Here’s how to protect yourself—and others—this season:

  • Take everyday precautions. Practice simple ways to prevent the spread of germs: wash your hands frequently, use sanitizer, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, avoid touching your face, and stay home if you get sick.
  • Get an annual flu shot. It cuts your chance of getting the flu by 40-60% and reduces the severity and duration of illness if you do get sick. It’s not too late to get vaccinated now, because flu peaks in February and can continue into May.
  • Consider the RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine. RSV can cause serious illness in infants, young children, and older adults—and is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the U.S.
    • Adults ages 60 or over: Talk to your doctor about whether the RSV vaccine is right for you.
    • Parents and expecting parents: Talk to your doctor about the two different types of RSV immunizations to determine which option might be best for you and your baby.
  • Get the new COVID-19 booster. If you were vaccinated one or two years ago, your immunity probably won’t protect you from the currently circulating strains. Vaccination is the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death and reduces your chance of suffering the effects of Long COVID, which can last for months.

Your Health Trust benefits cover flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations, as well as COVID-19 boosters at 100% when you get them at an in-network pharmacy or provider.

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THE CHECKLIST: Here’s What to Do if You Get Sick

Even if you take all the precautions to reduce your risk for illness … you may still get sick.

Common symptoms for respiratory illnesses—including the flu, RSV, COVID-19—may include fever or feeling feverish/having chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle pain or body aches, headache, vomiting, or diarrhea.

If you develop symptoms, here’s what to do:

  • Stay home and stay away from others until your fever is gone for at least 24 hours and symptoms have improved.
  • Take an at-home COVID-19 test. This fall, every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their homes. Before you throw out "expired" tests, check the FDA’s website to see if the expiration dates have been extended.
    • If you test positive for COVID-19, prescription treatments may reduce your chances of being hospitalized. Contact a health care provider right away, even if your symptoms are mild.
  • If you get sick with flu, prescription antiviral drugs may reduce the severity and duration of the illness. Contact a health care provider as soon as possible to find out if this treatment is right for you.
  • See a doctor. Choose the type of visit that is best for you:
    • Virtual or telehealth visit: Your symptoms are not severe. Prescriptions can be sent to your local pharmacy for you to pick up.
    • In-person doctor visit: You are 65 or older, or any age with underlying health conditions, such as pregnancy, asthma, diabetes, or a compromised immune system.
    • Hospital emergency room: You are having trouble breathing or are experiencing severe shortness of breath or chest pains.

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A RESOLUTION YOU CAN KEEP: Start 2024 With A Wellness Exam

It’s that time of year when people make resolutions to improve their health. Here’s one that’s easy to do and is a solid investment in your own good health: Schedule your annual wellness exam.

Here are five good reasons to have this annual visit with your provider:

  1. Your provider can compare your health from year to year. Your doctor will get a good general look at the state of your health and can tell whether anything has changed—for the better or worse.
  2. You can take steps to detect and prevent diseases early. Your wellness visit will include scheduling the appropriate preventive services for your gender, age and health that are recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (which are 100% covered by your Health Plan).
  3. You can talk with your doctor about your inherited health risks, as well as any symptoms you’re experiencing or health concerns you have.
  4. You can find out what you can do to improve your health. Talk with your provider about diet, sleep, exercise, mental health, alcohol intake, and cardiovascular health—and ask about resources that can help you live an active, healthy life.
  5. There is no cost to you for an annual wellness visit when you choose an in-network provider.

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