Stock up for cold and flu season with the help of Medicare Advantage

It’s a sign of autumn just like the red and golden leaves: the first sniffles and throat clearing of the season. Catching a cold or the flu throws a curve into anybody’s daily routine, and it can pose a greater threat as people age. Immune systems can weaken as people get older, so staying prepared is key.

It’s always a good idea for people to contact a health care provider when they are sick if they are at high risk or have concerning or worsening symptoms. A health care provider may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) products people commonly find at the drugstore to help manage symptoms.

People who have a Medicare Advantage plan that includes an OTC benefit may be able to pay nothing out of pocket for select OTC-eligible products when they shop online or at CVS stores.*

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When can someone get sick with a respiratory virus?

Though people can catch a respiratory virus at any time of the year, people may be more likely to catch one during the fall and winter months as people start to spend more time indoors close to one another.

When is flu season?

People can catch influenza at any time, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies fall and winter as flu season in the U.S. Cases may start increasing as early as October, with peak flu activity generally occurring between December and February and potentially continuing through late April or May.

Possible ways to help manage COVID-19 and RSV symptoms

In some cases, OTC products can help support symptom relief for both COVID-19 and RSV. Symptoms can be similar to those of cold and flu, including cough and congestion. Both conditions can be especially dangerous as people age, so caution and preparation are key.

Given the risks associated with these infections, however, it’s also advised that older adults get vaccinated against both if eligible. People should also reach out to their health care provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment instructions if a respiratory illness occurs. 

Medicine cabinet options to consider

A variety of OTC products can help with symptoms, and many are eligible for CVS Flex Benefits. It may be a good idea to have some of these medications on hand should something like a cold or flu strike.

Be sure, however, to check with a provider before use. Some of these items can interact with other medications someone is taking (whether prescription or OTC) or aggravate certain medical conditions.

• Pain relievers. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen and some other pain relievers can help ease aches and pains that can come with colds, flu and other respiratory viruses. They may also help reduce a fever.
• Decongestants. Decongestants can help shrink or dry up nasal passages. People should discuss decongestant use with their health care provider because these medications may not be safe for all patients.
• Throat lozenges. Sucking on a lozenge may help soothe a sore throat.
• Thermometers. People can check their temperature with either a traditional or digital thermometer. A fever may indicate more serious illnesses, like flu, COVID-19 and RSV.
• Nasal sprays. Different types of nasal sprays can help in various ways: Saline rinses can help clear sinus passages; decongestant sprays help open up nasal passages; and nasal corticosteroids help reduce inflammation in the sinuses to ease congestion.

Spring cleaning the medicine cabinet

When people are stocking up for cold and flu season, it’s a great opportunity for them to go through their existing medications — both OTC and prescription — to make sure they haven’t expired. Medications past their expiration date can be risky to take or less effective.

Start by gathering all expired medications. Then check labels to see if individual drugs have specific instructions for disposal.

The best way to get rid of most types of expired medicines is through a medication take-back program. If a medication take-back program isn’t available, some medications can be flushed down the toilet. (Remember, though, don't flush medicine unless it’s on the flush list.) Others can be mixed with coffee grounds, dirt or cat litter — so that it’s harder for animals, children or anyone else to get hold of them — and sealed in a bag or container before being disposed of in the trash.

This is also a good opportunity to figure out which OTC medications people are low on so they can stock up on their next trip to the drugstore. Once they have that list in hand, it’s another chance to take advantage of CVS Flex Benefits — now or in a future benefit period when they still have funds left to spend.