Three ways to fight the flu with your FSA
With the temperatures falling and the landscape turning its familiar shades of orange, red and brown, the brilliance of fall is finally here in full swing!
A new season brings its own share of new health concerns for your loved ones, and none are greater than the threat of the flu virus.
Flu season is unpredictable, as the timing, severity and length of the season vary from one year to the next and assorted strains of the virus may emerge throughout fall and winter.
If you use a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you are uniquely prepared to tackle the coming season and safeguard your family's health.
Here are a few ways to get started on fighting the flu with your FSA:
- Get vaccinated!
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends receiving a vaccination soon after it becomes available, typically by early October. It will take about two weeks for antibodies to develop in the body to provide protection against the virus, so it's advisable to plan early. It's important to remember that flu vaccines only protect against strains that figure to be most prominent during the coming season, so you should still be wary of coming into contact with sick people and aim to wash your hands regularly.
Browse other covered expenses with the Eligibility List.
- Know the symptoms
The flu is often characterized by coughing, chills, fever, headache, body aches, runny nose and a sore throat, and the illness can be contracted by anyone at any age. If you notice that a loved one is having trouble breathing or exhibiting these types of symptoms, don't hesitate to make an appointment with a doctor to have him or her checked out (the cost of which can be reimbursed through your FSA!) Additionally, if it is a young child, be sure to notify babysitters and other people he/she may have come into contact with recently.
- Prepare ahead with cold/flu supplies
With an FSA at your disposal, the early fall is the perfect time to use those tax-free funds you've accrued over the course of the year to prepare for the many colds and viruses your family will contend with over the course of the cold weather months.
Antihistamines, cough syrup/drops, effervescent tablets, expectorants, pain relief medications and much more are covered by your FSA or HSA when prescribed by your doctor, and getting your prescription to purchase then now before cold and flu season will help you stay ahead of potential ailments all season long.
For example, did you know thatVicks Warm Steam vaporizers are covered?
Shop for Cold/Allergy products at FSAstore.com
Before flu season hits, be sure to check out FSAstore.com for everything you need to support your family's health and wellness. We have the web's largest selection of FSA eligible products and a simple prescription process to help you make the most of your employee benefits!