糖心Vlog

If you鈥檝e been hearing the term 鈥渢windemic鈥� a lot recently, you鈥檙e not alone. the potential for two pandemics at once: the COVID-19 pandemic and a possible flu pandemic this winter.听

Why should I be concerned about a twindemic?

This will be our first peak flu season during the COVID-19, which has killed and worldwide this year. COVID-19 first showed up in the United States . By the time spread had reached the point of government-imposed lockdowns, the peak flu season (which typically ends in February) had already passed.听

That leaves many health experts warning about what a COVID-19 pandemic overlapping with our typical flu season could mean. Since 2010, the CDC estimates between occur annually, and between die from the flu annually.

How do the symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 differ?

According to the CDC, many of the symptoms for the flu and COVID-19 , including:听

• Fever/chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
• Fatigue

It can be hard to tell the difference between the flu and COVID-19. COVID-19 鈥渟eems to cause more serious illness in some people,鈥� . COVID-19 patients have also reported a loss of taste or smell. you get tested for COVID-19 if you are experiencing symptoms.

What can I do to protect myself during a twindemic?

Fortunately, there are a number of steps you can take to reduce your chances of contracting the flu or COVID-19, including:

• • Get a flu shot. The flu vaccine reduces your chances of .
  • Maintain social distancing. The CDC recommends you between yourself and anyone who doesn鈥檛 live in your house or is sick.听
  • Wear a mask. 鈥渨ear a mask in public settings when around people who don鈥檛 live in your household.鈥�

• Wash your hands often. Use soap and water .听

How can my employee benefits help?

Your health savings account (HSA) or medical flexible spending account (FSA) can help you prepare and save on a variety of expenses to help you combat potential symptoms. And that list of eligible expenses grew when the CARES Act was signed into law, making popular over-the-counter products eligible for HSA and FSA funds without a prescription.听

A few products you can purchase with HSA and FSA funds are:听

How close are we to a COVID-19 vaccine?

Recent developments have been extremely encouraging. High-priority groups may start receiving Pfizer鈥檚 vaccine . Dr. Anthony Fauci, who is the country鈥檚 top鈥檚 infectious disease expert, said it has shown 鈥渁n extraordinarily 鈥� more than 90%, close to 95%.鈥�

We also just learned of a second COVID-19 vaccine produced by Moderna, which the company says against the virus. The combination of these two vaccines means 鈥� this pandemic in 2021,鈥� according to Scott Gottlieb, who is a former U.S. Food and Drug Administration commissioner.听

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The information in this blog post is for educational purposes only. It is not legal or tax advice. For legal or tax advice, you should consult your own counsel.听