The typical flu season runs from October to April, and given the great uncertainty surrounding this year's flu season combined with COVID-19, experts believe flu vaccination is more important than ever. . The CDC reported that there were 56 million cases of flu and between 410,000 and 740,000 hospitalizations last year.
People aged 65 and over are responsible for 70 to 85% of flu-related deaths and eight in ten deaths from COVID-19. Given the great danger this population is facing, what should they know about Medicare, the flu, and the flu vaccine? Here are some tips on the frequently asked questions we get at Devoted Health.
What are the symptoms of the flu and how are they different from COVID-19?
Dr. Brian Riveland is the Arizona Medical Director for Devoted Health.
The symptoms of the flu are very similar to those of the coronavirus. These include cough, fever, chills, muscle pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Symptoms that can occur with COVID-19, and generally do not occur with the flu, include loss of taste and / or smell, runny nose, and sore throat. COVID-19 infections often cause more severe coughs and chills. The flu generally sets in faster while it can take days or up to 14 days for COVID-19 to show symptoms.
How can older people protect themselves from the flu this year?
Get a flu shot first! We recommend everyone get a flu vaccine unless they are younger than 6 months or have a severe and life-threatening allergy to the flu vaccine or any of its ingredients.
Additional safety measures to prevent flu and COVID-19 include: avoiding close contact with sick people, cleaning and disinfecting heavily affected surfaces and objects, wearing a mask, and limiting exposure to crowds and areas. populated. Try to know how hard you are touching your nose, mouth and eyes, as this is how germs spread.
If you get sick, you should limit contact with other people as much as possible. If you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue and wash your hands. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds every time you wash your hands. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
How could influenza and COVID-19 affect this year's hospital stays for people 65 and over?
Combining COVID-19 with this year's flu season is adding to the strain on our hospital system. There is concern that this combination could overwhelm our hospital facilities. We all need to be extra vigilant during this era of social distancing, wearing masks, and avoiding contact with people outside of their immediate home.
Does Medicare pay for all flu shots and do you have to queue in a crowded office?
Medicare pays for all flu vaccines when they are given by a provider that accepts payment from Medicare. With Medicare Advantage, you have coverage when the provider is on the network. Flu vaccinations are widespread and most pharmacies will offer the flu vaccine in addition to your doctor's office. It is best to call ahead to check the waiting time and contact your provider to make sure all costs are covered.
When should you consider the high dose vaccine? Will Medicare Cover It?
The high-dose flu vaccine is only recommended for patients aged 65 and over. Medicare beneficiaries are not charged if the provider accepts Medicare or has a Medicare Advantage plan and the provider is part of the plan's network. As we age, our immune systems do not respond as well to vaccines, and the high-dose vaccine has been shown to be more immune than the standard flu vaccine. Side effects may be slightly more common (pain in the arms, pain in the body) but are not serious. The CDC has not indicated a preference for one vaccine over the other. We recommend that you consult your doctor to see if they recommend the high-dose vaccine.
Can you get the flu from the flu shot?
The adult flu vaccine is either made up of inactivated viruses or a single protein from the flu virus so that the vaccine cannot transmit flu to the patient.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or the flu, it is important to contact your doctor right away and limit exposure to other people to avoid infection. Contact your Medicare provider with questions about your coverage and the costs of the flu vaccine.
Dr. Brian Riveland is the Arizona Medical Director at Devoted Health, a next-generation Medicare Advantage plan led by a deep belief that each member should be treated like we would treat our own family: with care, a deep one Commitment to your health. and wellbeing, respect for them and their time. As a "payer," encompassing both payer and health care provider status, Devoted Health works with the best doctors and hospitals, leverages cutting-edge technology, and provides members with guides and services to help Medicare beneficiaries achieve high quality Getting healthcare - the right care in the right place at the right time. Devoted Health is led by co-founders Ed and Todd Park and supported by a proven world-class health and technology team. More information is available at www.devoted.com
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