Debunking flu myths - Geisinger
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GEISINGER GOLD
eM mber p
U date
Winter 2022
Debunking flu myths
Still haven’t gotten your flu shot? It’s not too late —
flu season begins in the fall and ends in the spring. If
you’re hesitating because you’re not sure you should
get the vaccine, Dr. Stanley Martin, infectious
diseases specialist at Geisinger, helps us debunk the “Because the flu and COVID-19 are transmitted in
top myths about the flu and the flu shot. similar ways, practicing these measures can reduce
your risk,” says Dr. Martin. “However, with fewer
Myth 1: I don’t need a flu shot, because I’m still people wearing masks — and activities moving indoors
wearing a mask, washing my hands and keeping where transmission is more likely — your risk increases.”
my distance from others. Getting a flu shot helps reduce the risk for everyone.
While it’s true that the things you do to protect Dr. Martin says, “It just takes respiratory droplets
against COVID-19 help lower your risk of getting the from one cough or sneeze to get infected or infect
flu, they’re still not 100% foolproof. someone else.”
Myth 2: The flu shot will give me the flu. Remember to use AudioNet for One-stop healthcare shop at
The flu vaccine is made from a dead virus that can’t your hearing benefits Geisinger 65 Forward
make you sick. Instead, it builds your immunity to
help you stay healthy. Are hearing benefits are covered under your Gold Do you need more time with your doctor? (And less
plan? If so, make sure you use a provider in the time driving from one appointment to another?)
If you feel under the weather after getting the flu AudioNet network. To find a provider, go to Geisinger 65 Forward offers all this and more. Get
shot, it’s because it triggers your immune system — AudioNetAmerica.com/Members.php and scroll same-day appointments with your doctor that can
not because it gave you the flu. Mild side effects, like
a headache or muscle aches, are normal and should
down to enter “Geisinger Gold” last up to an hour. Lab, imaging, mental health and Neighborly offers a helping
in the search box. On the specialty services are all in one place. You’ll even find
lessen within a day. Geisinger Gold page, select social activities like ceramics, card games and exercise
hand
Myth 3: It’s not safe to get the COVID and flu “Search for a Provider.” You can classes at no cost. Get connected to free and reduced-cost
vaccines at the same time. also check the hearing benefits programs and services through Neighborly,
Geisinger 65 Forward locations include:
for your specific plan. If you powered by Geisinger. This easy-to-use online
The best way to protect yourself from the flu and • Hazleton • Shamokin – Coal Township tool can locate food, housing, childcare,
don’t have access to a computer,
COVID is by getting vaccinated against each one. • Kingston • Shamokin Dam transportation, education, healthcare, legal
call AudioNet America at
Even if you just got your COVID vaccine or booster • Milton • State College services and financial assistance.
570-290-8550 to find a provider in your area.
dose, it’s safe to get your flu shot right away. It’s • Scranton • Wilkes-Barre
possible to catch COVID and the flu at the same time, As the days get colder, you can even connect to
so getting vaccinated against both can save you
Improved provider search Learn more at geisinger.org/patient-care/65-forward. heating and utility assistance services so you can
If you’re ready to enroll or have questions, give us a spend lots of warm time with your loved ones.
from dealing with both viruses and keep you out of One of the best ways to take charge of your
call at 570-207-5970.
the hospital. health? Find the right doctor. That’s why we’ve Everyone needs help sometimes — but if you
redesigned our HealthSparq provider search don’t know how or where to go to get it, visit
Myth 4: I’m healthy, so I don’t need the flu shot. homepage. Featuring faster, more interactive NeighborlyPA.com to find resources right in
Even strong, healthy people can get the flu. Getting search tools and improved results, HealthSparq your neighborhood.
vaccinated protects you from catching it, but if you will help you find any service or provider you
do get the flu, it also reduces the severity of your need in the Geisinger Health Plan network. Keep your info safe and secure
illness. “Everyone 6 months of age and older should Check us out at GeisingerHealthPlan.com/Find.
get a flu shot annually,” says Dr. Martin. When you know the latest scams and
security threats, it’s easier to keep your
If you’re ready to schedule your flu shot, ask for it at SKYGEN for dental care Milton
information secure. Find updates and tips at
your PCP’s office, check with your local pharmacy or Do you have Gold Classic Advantage, Classic geisinger.org/home/about-geisinger/security
visit geisinger.org/flu to find locations. Advantage Rx, Classic Complete Rx, Classic 360 so you can protect yourself.
Rx or Secure Rx with dental benefits? Dental
Tomorrow Health means quality benefits were previously handled by Avesis, but as
Have questions or need help? Fill out the
online form or call 570-271-8119, Monday
and lower costs of Jan. 1, 2022, dental benefits are administered
to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you use durable medical equipment by SKYGEN. You’ll need to use a SKYGEN Hazleton
and supplies, Tomorrow Health can network provider, so make sure you check to see
help keep it simple. They match your if your dentist is in the SKYGEN network.
doctor’s prescription to high-quality Visit Geisinger.ScionDental.com or call the
suppliers in the Geisinger network, customer care team number on the back of
coordinate all the paperwork and help your insurance ID card.
you along the way with a special team of care advocates. We’re happy to help you
Visit Home.TomorrowHealth.com/GHP for more. find a dental provider. State College
2 I Member Update Winter 2022 Member Update Winter 2022 I 3
NON-PROFIT
ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
MC 32-20 PAID
100 N. Academy Ave. Geisinger
Danville, PA 17822
Important Geisinger Gold information
Community events and classes
Better health is within reach — near you. Find
community events and classes focused on senior
health, pediatric health & wellness, childbirth,
adult wellness & prevention, fitness, nutrition
and sports health.
Just visit geisinger.org/events, call 866-910-6484
or email CommunityConnections@geisinger.edu.
Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and HMO D-SNP plans are offered by Geisinger Health Plan/Geisinger Indemnity Insurance
Company, health plans with a Medicare contract. Continued enrollment in Geisinger Gold depends on contract renewal. Geisinger Health
Plan/Geisinger Indemnity Insurance Company are part of Geisinger, an integrated health care delivery and coverage organization. Geisinger
Health Plan, Geisinger Quality Options, Inc., and Geisinger Idemnity Insurance Company comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and
does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 800-447-4000 (TTY: 711).
800-447-4000 (TTY: 711)
Y0032_21355_1_M Accepted 12/26/21 220631 lew 12⁄21
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