UPMC for Life Dual (HMO SNP) Plan and UPMC Community HealthChoices Plan Caring for Life Newsletter

CARING FOR LIFE • Issue Three • 2021 5 1. Get the flu shot. The most important thing you can do to protect yourself this flu season is to get the flu shot. People 65 years and older are at a high risk of developing serious complications from the flu. 1 This little shot packs a powerful punch of health protection, so don’t wait! As a UPMC Health Plan member, you can get your flu shot easily, and it’s FREE. 2 Simply go to your doctor’s office, UPMC Urgent Care, or any in-network pharmacy and show your member ID card. 2. Wash your hands. Washing your hands with soap and water as often as possible halts the spread of germs and limits your chances of illness. Remember to wet your hands thoroughly, lather, scrub, rinse, and dry. Soap and water are the best combo, but an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can help to remove many germs if soap and water aren’t available. 3. Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth. Viruses that cause the flu often enter your body through the nose, eyes, and mouth. Make sure to wash your hands before touching your face. Make it a flu-free season This time of year means cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and other fall favorites. Unfortunately, it also means the beginning of flu season. Keep these tips in mind to help you stay flu-free this year. 4. Practice healthy behaviors. Keep your body healthy by eating well, managing your weight, being physically active, managing stress, and getting enough sleep. These everyday behaviors help keep your body healthy and strong throughout the flu season. 5. Cover coughs and sneezes. When coughing or sneezing, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or the inside of your elbow. Avoid coughing directly into your hands. Put tissues directly into a wastebasket for safe disposal. If you are coughing or sneezing a lot, consider wearing a surgical mask to avoid spreading germs. 6. Disinfect your space. Cleaning and disinfecting are not the same thing. Cleaning removes germs from surfaces. Disinfecting destroys them. Even if a surface looks clean, germs still might be on it. Make time to disinfect your home regularly. 7. Avoid close contact with sick people. If a friend or family member is sick, avoid close contact with them until they are better. 1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People at high risk for flu complications. December 1, 2020. Accessed September 10, 2021. https:// www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/index.htm 2 If you have to pay for your flu shot, we will reimburse you. You can complete a reimbursement form on MyHealth OnLine or print one out and mail it to us.