The holiday season brought with it a significant surge in country-wide reports of respiratory illnesses associated with cases of influenza (the flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Given this current situation, it is critical to remain well-informed and aware of how to best protect your health.
In this blog post, we will provide you with:
- The most recent Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updates
- How this information may affect you and your loved ones
- What measures you can take to maintain your well-being – while boosting your Gold Kidney Medicare Advantage plan benefits
In the final week of 2023, the CDC reported that 18% of tests administered were positive for the viruses that cause the flu, and over 10% were positive for the viruses that cause COVID-19 and RSV. As of mid-January, healthcare experts are continuously monitoring this uptick in respiratory ailments, as positive test rates are consistently hovering around 10% for all three viruses.
Who Is Being Affected?
The flu, COVID-19, and RSV are all highly contagious viruses that cause symptoms like the common cold, although certain factors put some individuals at higher risk for complications than others. Here are some important things to know:
- As of January 2024, respiratory illness activity levels are considered high in Florida and moderate in Arizona (CDC)
- It is estimated that between 70-85% of seasonal flu-related deaths and between 50-70% of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations occurred in older adults (CDC)
- Older adults with chronic conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease (i.e., asthma or COPD), are at an increased risk for developing life-threatening complications from the flu and COVID-19 (National Council on Aging [NCOA])
Why Wait? Getting Vaccinated!
Despite the delayed arrival of flu season and the persistent increase in COVID cases compared to last season, there is still time to protect yourself against these infections. Here’s how:
- It is recommended that adults 60 and older get the newly updated COVID vaccine and talk to their doctor about the RSV vaccine (CDC)
- For people aged 65 and older, federal health officials recommend specific flu vaccines: Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, Flublok Quadrivalent, and Fluad Quadrivalent (NCOA)
Boost Your Immune System and Your Benefits
Gold Kidney Medicare Advantage plans reward you for protecting yourself with our health-focused Rewards Program benefits. When you complete a wellness activity – like getting vaccinations – Gold Kidney will apply a $25 reward to your Alivi Gold Kidney Prepaid Visa® Card.
In addition to keeping current on your vaccines, taking the following steps will boost your benefits:
- Health Risk Assessment: if you are within 90 days of plan enrollment prior to July 31, you’ll receive a $25 reward to your prepaid benefit card wallet for the completion of an annual Health Risk Assessment (HRA) Questionnaire about your health history
- Annual Wellness Visit: complete an Annual Wellness visit to receive a $25 reward added to your prepaid benefit card wallet
Whether you choose to get vaccinated through your primary care provider, local clinic, or at no-cost locations such grocery stores, keep your Wellness Verification Form handy to be signed by the healthcare professional administering your vaccine(s). You can read more about how to protect yourself and boost your health with Gold Kidney Health Plan by clicking here.
To access and download the Wellness Verification Form, click here
To learn more about our Rewards Program, click here
Benefits may vary by plan
Sources:
- https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/data-research/dashboard/activity-levels.html
- https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-older-adults-need-to-know-during-flu-season
- https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2024/01/05/1222976528/respiratory-illnesses-covid-flu-rsv-increase-rise-after-holidays
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