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DECEMBER 2024
Tips to stay healthy over the holidays
Gathering with friends and family is a big part of the holiday season. But so are colds, the flu and other respiratory viruses, which spread more commonly over the fall and winter.
Luckily, there are actions you can take to help you and your family stay healthy. And if you or a family member does get sick, turn to your Costco benefits right away to get the care you need.
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Cold or flu or ?
From sneezing to aches and fever, cold weather sniffles can be hard to diagnose yourself. But the earlier you determine if you have a common cold, the flu or COVID-19, the faster you can treat it and start feeling better. Use the 98point6® app (or log in to TeleconsultaMD in Puerto Rico) to talk to a provider in minutes. The doctor can assess your situation, write prescriptions, order lab work and more, with no appointment — or leaving home — necessary. And with 98point6, there is no copay.
If follow up is required, be sure to make an appointment with your primary care physician (PCP). If you don’t have one, go to Costcobenefits.com and click “Find a Doctor” under Health & Wellness to start your care.
98point6 made everything easy — from downloading the app to texting the doctor and getting my prescription called in.
A Costco employee
In the meantime, follow this action plan from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stay healthy.
7 ways to fight off winter illnesses
Get your flu shot.
It’s your best protection against getting the flu virus and can limit the severity of your symptoms if you do get sick.
Stay home.
Keeping away from others when sick limits the spread and avoids exposing you to more germs.
Cover coughs and sneezes.
Use a tissue or sneeze and cough into your elbow to help stop the spread of germs. Teach your kids to do this, too.
Stay away from others who are sick.
The closer you are to a sick person, the more likely the droplets and particles that can make you sick will affect you.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
80% of germs are transfered by touch. Germs can spread to the hands by sneezing, coughing and rubbing the eyes.
Wash your hands.
Soap removes most germs. If not available, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can work.
Open a window.
Viral particles in the air spread more easily indoors than outdoors. An open window or air purifier can reduce the amount of virus you’re exposed to.
Source:
CDC. Take steps to help you stay healthy during the holidays.
Resources for you
- Aetna Smart Compare® helps you connect with a high-quality, in-network doctor. Go to Costcobenefits.com, click “Find a Doctor” under Health & Wellness and search by name, provider type, condition or procedure. Then look for the “Quality and Effective Care” label to ensure your provider meets high standards of care. To learn more, visit Aetna.com, call 800-814-3543 (TTY: 711) or text AETNA to 90156* to download the Aetna Health℠ app.
*Message and data rates may apply. - 98point6® offers on-demand text access to doctors 24/7 for $0 copay. They can answer health questions, diagnose and treat urgent concerns, and order prescriptions or lab work, all through the convenience of an app. No appointments, waiting rooms or travel needed. This service is available for you and your family members age 1+ enrolled in a Costco medical plan. Learn more at 98point6.com/Costco or download the 98point6 app.
- Triple-S provides medical coverage to get you the right care at the right time. To find a provider, go to Costcobenefits.com, click “Find a Doctor” under Health & Wellness, then search by name, location or specialty. Learn more at SSSPR.com, call 800-981-3241 or download the Mi Triple-S app.
- TeleConsultaMD connects you with a doctor online in minutes. They can treat you and prescribe medication, order lab work and preventive tests, and review your test results and any photos you submit. This service is available 7 days a week, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m., to employees and their families enrolled in the Triple-S medical plan. To learn more, visit TeleConsultaMD.com, call 866-795-8300 or download the TeleConsulta MD app.
- HMSA provides medical coverage to get you the right care at the right time. To find a doctor, go to Costcobenefits.com, click “Find a Doctor” under Health & Wellness, then search by name, provider type, condition or procedure. You also have 24/7 virtual access to doctors through HMSA’s Online Care. Visit HMSA.com, call 800-776-4672 or download the HMSA app to learn more.
- 98point6® offers on-demand text access to doctors 24/7 for $0 copay. They can answer health questions, diagnose and treat urgent concerns, and order prescriptions or lab work, all through the convenience of an app. No appointments, waiting rooms or travel needed. Available for you and your family members age 1+ enrolled in a Costco medical plan. Learn more at 98point6.com/Costco or download the 98point6 app.