The holiday season is upon us and 2021 will soon end. Despite the hustle and bustle that this time of year brings, it is important to make your health and well-being a priority. A great way to do so is by taking advantage of an annual wellness exam and your yearly flu shot.
“Much of what we have seen in the news over the past two years has been focused on COVID-19, but we must all remember that wellness is a comprehensive topic,” says Harper Neal, Clinic Manager, Family Nurse Practitioner Student – Intern at Brady Medical Clinic, a service of Heart of Texas Healthcare System. “Since annual wellness exams are covered by Medicare and most insurance plans, taking advantage of this benefit is a no-brainer. While you’re at it, getting your annual flu shot is also important!”
Covered once a year by Medicare and most private insurance plans, wellness exams are critical check-ups that provide patients with an opportunity to speak with their physician and ensure they are in good health for the year ahead.
Fewer than half of American adults, age 65 or older, and fewer than a quarter of adults, ages 50 to 64 receive the recommended level of preventative health services according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This includes immunizations and cancer and cardiovascular screenings.
A variety of health stats are reviewed during a wellness exam, such as height and weight changes; a check for possible diseases that could be treated early; update necessary immunizations; laboratory screenings that check cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
If you have yet to receive your annual flu shot, doing so during your annual wellness exam is critical.
The CDC says that flu activity during the 2020-2021 season was very low due to pandemic-related face coverings and social distancing measures. With this year’s holiday season looking more normal than last year, the organization anticipates this year’s flu season to pan out much differently.
It is estimated that half of the adults, ages 18 to 64, with at least one chronic health condition received a flu vaccine last season. This means that many individuals who are most vulnerable to getting very sick with the flu are not getting the protection they need.
“Flu vaccines are a must each year because flu viruses are constantly changing,” Harper explains. “The vaccines are reviewed annually and updated as appropriate to better match flu viruses that are expected to spread in the U.S. during that season.”
This year, flu vaccines in the U.S. are quadrivalent (four-component), meaning they are designed to protect against the four flu viruses that research indicates are most likely to spread. The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older get vaccinated.
According to health officials, it is possible to become sick with both the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. Both viruses are contagious respiratory illnesses, but different types of viruses cause them.
Being vaccinated against both the flu and COVID-19 does not prevent you from being infected. Symptoms in such cases are typically less severe than those who have not been vaccinated.
“Understanding your health, asking important questions, and ensuring you are up to date on critical vaccinations are all key to a healthy holiday season,” Harper explains. “Most importantly, it will set you up for a better outlook in the New Year.”
Brady Medical Clinic is a convenient choice for numerous healthcare services for the whole family. Most private health insurances, along with Medicare, cover the cost of annual wellness visits. Flu vaccinations are also covered by most health plans and COVID-19 vaccinations are free, regardless of insurance coverage.
For more information and to schedule an appointment for wellness exams or vaccinations, please call Brady Medical Clinic at 325-597-2114.
About Heart of Texas Healthcare System
Heart of Texas Healthcare System provides healthcare for residents of McCulloch County and the surrounding area. Founded in 2011, the system offers many medical services, including 24-hour emergency care, advanced radiology services, a clinical laboratory, dialysis services, physical therapy, surgical services, patient education, sleep studies, and more. The system also owns and operates Brady Medical Clinic, which provides family medicine, preventive care, and acute care for minor emergencies. For additional information, please visit www.heartoftexashealthcare.org.