Many of you are, no doubt, following the news regarding the outbreak of Coronavirus -2019 (COVID-19) virus which began in China in December of 2019 and has spread to multiple countries, including the United States. There has been one patient in a Chicago South Suburban Area who has tested positive for Coronavirus-2019. This virus is new and it is not the regular Flu and it is not the common cold. If you have been vaccinated against the Flu, that vaccine will not protect you against this virus. Because it is new, we humans do not have any natural immunity to the virus. It spreads from human to human. We are not absolutely sure how long the time is between becoming infected and showing symptoms, but the current thinking is 14 days.
There are people who have tested positive for Coronavirus-2019, and people who have been exposed to Coronavirus, who may never display any symptoms. There is a concern that these individuals can transmit the virus even if they are not visibly sick. One of the tools the World Health Organization (WHO), World Governments, and the CDC is using to prevent the spread of the virus, is a quarantine for 14 days for people who have been exposed but do not show any signs of the illness. Quarantine may mean being restricted to your home, or a cruise ship, or hospitalized to prevent the spread of the virus.
Health News from the Zing Health CMO
Sydney Ross-Davis,M.D
IMPORTANT UPDATES:
- The State of Illinois declared a State of Emergency on Monday 3/9/2020 due to the Corona virus or the COVID-19 Pandemic.
- Please refer to the IDPH website for the latest on the COVID-19 Pandemic (http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus)
- We are strongly advising our members, especially those with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, COPD, asthma, or who are currently on medications that decrease their ability to fight infections, such as steroids or chemotherapy drugs, to avoid:
- Any unnecessary travel
- Large groups at social or sports events
- Visits to nursing homes or hospitalized patients
- Once again, if you have any questions about your health, please contact your primary care physician
- COVID-19 Household Preparedness Checklist
- Disinfecting your home if someone is sick
Keep yourself and others healthy.
What Older Adults Need to Know About COVID-19
If you're over 40, please read this short article to be informed.
Important Health Alert Guides
Please click on the guide for more information.
Public Health Authorities
To get the latest update on the coronavirus outbreak in your community , visit your local health department, state health department or CDC online.
Important Health Alert for Our AmaZING Health Community
Below are the important things you should know from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
Symptoms
For confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. Symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
The CDC believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure. This is based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses.
Prevention
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a face mask
- CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. Click here to review the recommendation: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html
- Learn more about the use of cloth face coverings to help slow the spread of COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
AmaZing protection starts with clean hands
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty
Treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions.
People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
To learn how Zing Health’s Medicare Advantage plan can cover coronavirus testing, Call or Request a Call.
Download the prevention checklist today.
Dial 1-800-889-3931 or email DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV to have all your coronavirus questions answered.
Last Updated 5/12/2020
Zing Health is a Medicare Advantage plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Zing Choice IL (HMO) depends on contract renewal.
Zing Health complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
Please contact our Customer Service Department for additional information.
ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-866-946-4458 (TTY: 711)
Medicare beneficiaries may also enroll in Zing Health through the CMS Medicare Online Enrollment Center located at https://www.medicare.gov.
Disclaimers
This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or copayments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium.
Out-of-network/non- contracted providers are under no obligation to treat Zing Health plan members, except in emergency situations.
Please call our customer service number or see your Evidence of Coverage for more information, including the cost-sharing that applies to out-of-network services.
