We are here for you! As we all adjust to “Stay at Home” guidance, MVP wants to make sure you have the resources and information to help you and your family stay healthy.

Understanding COVID-19

  • Common COVID-19 Myths

    According to the World Health Organization, the following are common myths about COVID-19:

    Can 5G mobile networks spread COVID-19?
    No. Viruses cannot travel over 5G mobile networks, nor can they travel over any electronic, radio waves, or mobile network.

    Will warmer weather prevent the spread of COVID-19?
    No. Weather has no effect on COVID-19 or the coronavirus that causes it, and sun exposure will not prevent COVID-19.

    If I catch COVID-19, will I have it for life?
    No. Most people will recover from COVID-19, at which point the virus is eliminated from their bodies.

    Will drinking alcohol protect me against COVID-19?
    No. Drinking alcohol will not protect you against COVID-19.

    Can COVID-19 be transmitted through mosquito bites?
    No. Mosquitoes cannot transmit COVID-19.

    Will applying alcohol, chlorine, bleach, or other disinfectants on my body kill COVID-19?
    No. Spraying disinfectants on your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body.

    Can vaccines for pneumonia protect against COVID-19?
    No. There are currently no vaccines, including those for pneumonia, that protect against COVID-19.

    Visit the World Health Organization’s website for more Myth Busters.


  • Social Distancing

    One of the most effective ways to slow the spread of COVID-19 is to practice social distancing. Keeping a distance of six feet from others when out in public is one way to practice social distancing, but there are several other ways to limit contact with other people and contaminated surfaces. Effective social distancing applies to people of all ages, and means the following:

    1. Stay at least six feet away from others if you visit the store, pharmacy, or other public places.
    2. Cover your mouth and nose with a face mask when you are out in public
    3. Do not gather in groups of 10 or more people, and stay away from crowded places like parks and hiking trails.
    4. Do not have get-togethers with family or friends, or play dates with other children. Have a virtual visit instead.
    5. Mail-order your medications if possible (View MVP’s mail-order pharmacy option to see if your plan allows for medication delivery).
    6. Ask your doctor about a telemedicine appointment or check out Gia℠ if you feel ill.
    7. Exercise at home or outside, keeping a six-foot distance from others.


  • Advice for Caregivers

    If you are caring for someone who has or may have COVID-19, even if they are not showing symptoms, there are several things you can do to protect yourself and others.

    Limit contact

    • When possible, caregivers should not be at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
    • If possible, designate a room in the home of a person who has been infected as an isolation room (or “sick room”). The person who has been infected should stay isolated in this room, and avoid any contact with others, even members of their household. They should remain in this room until a health care professional advises that they are free from the disease. This means he or she should take meals in this room. If possible, the person who has been infected should use a separate bathroom.
    • If you have to share space with a person who has COVID-19, make sure to do so in a room with good airflow, where you can open windows and/or use a fan to bring outside air in and push indoor air out. Use gloves to handle dishes, cups/glasses, or silverware used by the person who is sick. Wash them with soap and hot water or in a dishwasher. Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds (or thoroughly apply hand sanitizer of at least 60% alcohol strength) after taking off gloves or handling items a person who is sick may have touched.
    • Avoid sharing personal items like dishes, cups/glasses, silverware, towels, bedding, clothing, or electronics with someone who has COVID-19.

    Follow COVID-19 precautions

    • Use a face mask when you are around someone who is or may be sick
    • Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and/or use hand sanitizer often
    • Clean and disinfect around the house, especially in any shared spaces
    • Handle clothes, sheets, towels, and any other laundry while wearing gloves. Make sure to thoroughly wash and dry these items and wash your hands thoroughly after handling dirty laundry.
    • Use trash bags in any trash cans where items touched by a person who is sick may have been disposed of
    • Keep track of your own health, paying special attention to any symptoms that could be related to COVID-19. For a list of symptoms, visit the CDC website.

    For more information, see the CDC’s Advice for Caregivers.

    Source: The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention


 

Caring for Your Mental Health

  • Resources and Tips for Managing Stress and Anxiety

    If you feel stressed or anxious because of COVID-19, you’re not alone.

    The New York State Office of Mental Health has resources to help. Click the links below or call their COVID-19 Emotional Support Line at 1-844-863-9314.

    See the Vermont Office of Mental Health resources for families and individuals and suggestions for self-care.

    Additional resources on common mental health concerns and substance use disorders can be found here.


  • Connect with a Behavioral Health Professional

    If you are feeling anxious or stressed, myVisitNow can connect you with a qualified behavioral health professional. This benefit lets you speak with a health care professional using a computer with a webcam, tablet, or smartphone. Learn more or schedule an online visit today!


 

Caring for Your Physical Health

  • Get Your Annual Wellness Exam via Telemedicine

    As we continue to practice social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, your annual wellness exam will be covered if conducted through a telemedicine visit.

    A telemedicine visit allows you to speak with a doctor over the phone or via video chat on your mobile device, tablet, or computer. Telemedicine visits are especially useful during the COVID-19 pandemic because they help minimize the spread of the virus, protecting you and your community.

    Your annual wellness exam with your primary care provider is one of the best ways to take charge of your health. During your virtual visit, you and the doctor will talk about your health and lifestyle, ways you can improve your health, and make sure you are up to date on preventive screenings and immunizations. You can also compile a list of questions to discuss with your doctor including behavioral health concerns, medications, or symptoms/flare-ups you may be experiencing.

    Contact your doctor today to see if they can offer a virtual visit for you during this time. To learn more, visit The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.


  • Information for People with Chronic Health Conditions

    People living with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and moderate-to-severe asthma, are more likely to experience serious symptoms from COVID-19. If you are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, you should take action to reduce your risk of getting sick, including staying home and practicing social distancing. Read the CDC’s recommendations on extra precautions for certain chronic conditions.

    The CDC also recommends that those living with a chronic condition continue taking medications as prescribed by their doctor. If possible, be sure to keep a two-week supply of your prescription medications in your home. Many pharmacies are offering delivery services during the COVID-19 outbreak, and MVP also offers mail-order prescription refills through CVS Caremark®. Learn more about MVP prescription benefits.

    Stress is a major trigger for people living with chronic health conditions. Keeping your immune system healthy and practicing regular infection prevention can help. See resources available to help you manage stress and anxiety.

    Need to talk to a doctor? Start with Gia®. Available 24/7 by phone, web, or mobile app, Gia expertly assesses your needs and quickly refers you to the right care—including MVP’s FREE telemedicine services or in-person care. Learn more.


  • How to Stay Active at Home

    Staying active during this unprecedented time can have many benefits. There are lots of creative, enjoyable ways to get or stay active, even while we’re at home. Need some inspiration? Read these tips!


  • How to Stay Active Outside the Home

    As many of us continue to take steps to slow the spread of COVID-19, we are faced with the challenge of managing everyday household and personal needs. This may mean finding new ways to grocery shop, get gasoline safely, or pickup takeout orders while limiting contact with others. Here are some tips for staying safe outside your home.


 

Caring for Your Family and Children

  • Talking to Children about COVID-19

    Children may have a hard time understanding the cultural changes occurring all around them. What parents and other adults say can help them make sense of a confusing time. It is important to strike a balance between being honest and accurate while using words and concepts that help minimize anxiety or fear. See more tips from the CDC to help guide conversations with kids.

    Teens have their own challenges. They may be missing important social and educational milestones. Read more about some common questions and concerns that teens may have, and how parents and guardians can address them.


  • Information on Breastfeeding

    Women who are breastfeeding may wonder about the impacts of COVID-19. MVP’s lactation support partner, Corporate Lactation Services, provides information and guidance for nursing mothers. Learn more.


  • Support Services for Children

    Find national organizations and New York State agencies that can help children and families during difficult times.

    New York State and national support services for children and teens