San Antonio — Don’t forget to keep on top of your and your family’s health this holiday season. Below are three things to know and three resources for a healthier winter and start to the new year.
Three Things to Know
One: RSV, Flu and COVID-19 Move Through Texas
As of early December, cases of RSV and flu were on the rise in Texas, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While COVID-19 remains low in the San Antonio area, adults ages 65 and up continue to make up the majority of people hospitalized with COVID.
There are simple things you can do to stay as healthy as possible, including keeping your hands clean, sanitizing surfaces, and getting vaccinated — health providers recommend getting the Flu and COVID-19 shots.
One bright spot this winter is that there’s a new RSV vaccine that can protect babies and older adults from serious illness or hospitalization. Because the symptoms of respiratory illnesses (flu, COVID-19, RSV) can be similar, Health Confianza has created a handy guide to help you tell the difference between allergies, cold, flu, RSV and COVID-19 (see resources below).
Lastly, if your seek care over the weekend, UT Health San Antonio Physicians offers Saturday Care at UT Health Medical Arts & Research Center, 8300 Floyd Curl Dr., first floor – Walk-in or call 210-450-9180 to schedule an in-person or virtual appointment
Two: Long Covid Higher Among Minorities
COVID-19 has greatly affected communities of color, with more cases, hospitalizations and deaths reported among Hispanics and Blacks than other populations. The U.S. Census Bureau also found that minority populations are more likely to suffer from long COVID.
With that in mind, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) is working to make sure that minority populations are represented in RECOVER, the largest NIH-supported study focused on understanding the course of long COVID, its symptoms and treatments. The university has enrolled almost 1,000 participants from San Antonio and South Texas.
Learn more about Long Covid:
- Visit Recovercovid.org to participate in a study and learn about clinical trials.
- Read an article on long Covid in UT Health San Antonio’s latest Future magazine.
Three: Health Coverage Enrollment for 2024
Enrolling yourself and your family in health insurance is an important step toward a healthy 2024. To start receiving health coverage by Jan. 1, enroll in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan by Dec. 15. Enrollment runs through Jan. 15. Under ACA, health plans can run as low as $10 a month or less. For help understanding insurance plan options, reach out to EnrollSA for free in-person assistance.
Health Insurance Support:
Three Resources
- Symptoms Chart, an easy-to-read chart that helps you decide if it’s allergies, cold, flu, COVID-19 or RSV.
- Keep the Germs Away Flyer, a plain language flyer outlining practical steps for staying healthy. A good reminder for school-age children and families.
- Wellnesscultura.org, Health Confianza’s bilingual online resource, with a list of clinics, health information and more.