10 minute read
Health
Flu in a World of COVID-19: Why This Year’s Flu Shot is Critical
By Dr. Tara Ostrom
It’s 100+ degrees out, so you may not be thinking about flu season. However, there are sporadic cases of flu here in Arizona, according to community health data from Maricopa County, and already doctors are recommending people make a plan to get their annual flu shot when it becomes locally available. In addition, this year’s COVID-19 pandemic has shaken our nation and, of the many lessons we’ve learned as a result of this public health crisis, one of the most impactful is the importance of immunizations and vaccinations. For example, in part due to COVID-19, 30 percent of Americans said they are now more likely to get a flu vaccine this year.
Unfortunately, many adults still are under the mistaken impression that vaccinations are not needed for themselves or their children or are concerned about side effects. The reality is quite the opposite: in the U.S., vaccines have greatly reduced or eliminated many infectious diseases that once routinely killed or harmed infants, children and adults. This year, seasonal flu vaccination is especially important as the stress on hospitals will be greatest if the COVID-19 and influenza epidemics overlap and peak around the same time.
While it isn’t possible to predict the future, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes it’s likely that flu viruses and the virus that cause COVID-19 will both be spreading in the fall and winter. So while vaccination is important, given pandemic concerns, how you go about getting your flu shot may look a little different. Additionally, some common places where people get their flu shots, such as workplaces, may not offer them this year due to social distancing challenges.
To help minimize risks, there are certain safety precautions and new protocols that health care facilities are implementing in order to help ensure that getting a flu shot is safe and accessible for all patients. For example, OptumCare Primary Care has been following the CDC’s guidelines to help ensure safe delivery of care during vaccination visits including: 1. Screening all patients for COVID-19 symptoms both when they schedule their appointment and when they arrive. 2. Assigning a dedicated screener at each clinic entrance checking the temperature of all patients, visitors and staff prior to coming into the facility. 3. Following social distancing protocols while waiting. 4. Ensuring all rooms are disinfected after each patient’s visit. 5. All staff, patients, and visitors wear surgical masks and staff practice respiratory hygiene, cough etiquette and hand hygiene.
This year’s health crisis has made it a critical year for ensuring that you receive your annual flu vaccination. The cost of the flu vaccine is often covered by your health plan, whether you buy health insurance on your own, receive health benefits from your employer, or through a Medicare or state Medicaid program. Check with your health insurer and then schedule an appointment by calling your physician or going to a nearby urgent care clinic. Make sure you’re making your health a priority by getting your flu shot this year.
Dr. Tara Ostrom is the associate medical director with OptumCare Primary Care.
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Health
Save the Date! Benevilla Live, Virtual “Caregiver Connect” Event Coming October 12
Benevilla is excited to announce that their government programs. There will be Benevilla 2nd “Caregiver Connect” event of 2020 will programs’ information highlighting support groups, take place as a live, virtual experience on home services, and the C.A.R.E.S. resource Monday, October 12 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. This department. free educational event provides family caregivers with support, expert guidance, and valuable information Benevilla has been helping family caregivers since to assist them on their caregiving journey. You can 1981 when they started as a crisis counseling service. join the event on “Facebook Live,” live stream on the web at peoriaaz.gov/PeoriaTV or tune into Cox “The Benevilla founders understood family Channel 11 or Century-Link Channel 8509. caregivers were bearing a heavy burden caring for There will be three presentations during this event says Benevilla President and CEO, Joanne Thomson. from local experts on dementia care and caregiving “Today, 30-60% of caregivers pass from illnesses education. Dr. Danielle Goldfarb from Banner related to caregiver stress before the person they are Sun Health Research Institute will present “Life caring for. That’s why getting family caregivers this Rhythms: Routines for Healthy Brain Aging.” type of support and information is crucial for our “Navigating Caregiving Through Challenging aging communities and their families.” Times” will be the topic of the presentation from Dana Marie Kennedy, AARP Arizona State Event Series Sponsors include Western State Bank Director. And if you have general questions about and the City of Peoria. If you are unable to tune caregiving, Connie Danks, M.A. from Benevilla will into this event live, you can sign up on the Benevilla be live at 10:50 a.m. to answer your questions and website at benevilla.org/caregiver-connect-eventsupport you on your journey. If you send a question sign-up or call 623-584-4999 to receive a link to the to marketing@benevilla.org by Monday, October 5 full presentation to watch at your own convenience. it will be answered live during the event. their loved ones often neglecting their own health” Started by the community and for the community Family caregivers can get their pressing questions in 1981, Benevilla is a not-for-profit family services answered. Over 40 local senior services providers agency dedicated to enriching the lives of West will also supply critical caregiver information to the Valley residents by providing care services for attendees. They will have videos and links offering older adults, adults with disabilities, children, and expert advice and direction on a myriad of topics families. For more information on services, volunteer including senior living options, home care choices, opportunities, to take a tour or make a donation to insurance alternatives, elder law and help with Benevilla, call 623-584-4999 or visit benevilla.org.
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Health
Telemedicine Quickly Becoming the New “House Call” for People with Brain Injury
By Ed Roth
Technology has a way of changing the way we see things, sometimes overnight. Since COVID-19 has become an unwelcome part of our lives, doctors and patients are creating a new normal for effective treatment. In several short months, the playing field has changed, thanks to telemedicine. In fact, many health care leaders claim the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telemedicine by at least a decade.
It’s not a new concept; doctors have been utilizing this form of digital health since the late 1950s, when a closedcircuit setup connected the Nebraska Psychiatric Institute and Norfolk State Hospital.
Fast forward to 2020. With the coronavirus pandemic in full swing, traveling to the doctor’s office has become more difficult, and sometimes, impossible. For people recovering from brain injuries, being able to be treated without leaving home has become just what the doctor ordered.
For Christina Kwasnica, M.D., director of neuro-rehabilitation and the Center of Transitional Neuro-Rehabilitation at Barrow Neurological Institute at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, telemedicine has become an integral part of her arsenal for treating people with brain injuries. “In the past, we used telemedicine to reach remote parts of the state where specialist providers weren’t always available,” she says. “Patients would have to go to a nearby clinic to participate and someone there, like a nurse, would help with the examination. Now, we can see patients virtually in their homes.”
Although her patients and staff miss seeing each other in person, and tech issues may emerge, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. “I love seeing the family interactions, their pets, toys, etc.,” says Dr. Kwasnica. “It also helps me to see some of the challenges we face with our patients, such as how much space they live in, and how rural their home may be.” Laura Johnson suffered a brain injury in 2007. Currently a patient of Dr. Kwasnica’s, she still has difficulty going to appointments. “Because of my brain injury, just driving to the doctor produces a ton of anxiety. From the traffic to the parking, navigating the hospital campus can be overwhelming. Telemedicine has taken away all that stress.”
Another enthusiastic adopter of telemedicine is Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona (BIAAZ) Board Member Katie Pierce, PT, DPT, a physical therapist at CoreBalance Therapy. Herself a brain injury survivor, she combines her personal and professional experiences to develop and deliver unique treatment plans for her patients.
“Some people had fear of technology, didn’t have Zoom on their phone, or were concerned about privacy. However, after the first time, they loved it… and I was delighted.”
Pierce cites several advantages, including treating people in their own environment. “One brain injury survivor patient was falling often at home. In our first telemedicine appointment, I helped him identify fall risks at home, like the throw rugs, and the protruding lip leading to the kitchen. Once we removed the barriers we could, and practiced safely navigating the others, he hasn’t fallen once in the past 10 weeks since we started telemedicine.”
Like Dr. Kwasnica, she favors a hybrid approach. “Sometimes there’s no substitute for touch. For instance, if they’re a high-fall risk, they need staff to guard them with upright exercises.” She adds, “I think once people can come back in the clinic, it could be ideal to have one session weekly in the office, and one over telemedicine at home.”
Perhaps the most surprising feature of telemedicine is how insurance companies support it. It is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid.
Ed Roth is the communications director for the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona.
