COVID-19: Testing, Prevention, And Resources

Community First Health Plans is committed to providing the COVID-19 resources and support you need while helping you get access to the care you deserve. For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19, please visit CDC.gov/coronavirus.

Every U.S. household can order 4 COVID-19 at-home tests shipped directly to your home at no cost. Visit COVIDTests.gov to place your order.

If you already have tests at home, check the FDA’s website to see if your tests’ expiration dates have been extended.

ABOUT COVID-19

WHAT IS COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a sickness caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. It spreads when people cough, sneeze, or talk, and it can make you feel anything from a little sick to very sick.

WHAT IS A COVID-19 VARIANT?

COVID-19 changes over time, and these new versions are called variants. Some variants make it easier for the virus to spread or might make it harder for your body to fight it off. Vaccines help protect against these changes. Right now, a new version of the virus called XEC is spreading quickly and might be the most common one in the U.S. this winter.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEWEST VARIANT?

The XEC strain, a new COVID-19 subvariant, is quickly spreading and could become the dominant strain in the U.S. this Winter.

  • XEC, a recombinant strain of two Omicron subvariants, spreads rapidly but doesn’t appear to cause more severe illness.
  • The latest COVID-19 vaccines are expected to provide effective protection against XEC.
  • XEC does not appear to cause more severe symptoms than other recent strains, but COVID remains a concern for older adults and those who are immunocompromised.

More information:
COVID variant XEC explained

3 Things to Know About XEC COVID Strain:

  1. What is XEC?
    XEC is a new COVID-19 variant made from two parts of the Omicron variant. It’s spreading quickly and might become the most common strain this winter, but it doesn’t seem to cause more severe illness than other variants.
  2. How does it spread?
    XEC spreads faster than many other COVID-19 strains. Like other variants, it passes from person to person when they talk, cough, or sneeze. Vaccines are expected to help protect against it.
  3. Who is at risk?
    While most people, especially children, don’t get very sick from XEC, older adults, and people with certain health conditions (like diabetes or a weak immune system) are still at higher risk for serious illness. Getting vaccinated can help protect these groups.

Sources: Yale Medicine, Gavi.

HOW DOES COVID-19 IMPACT CHILDREN, SENIORS, AND INDIVIDUALS WITH WEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEMS?

Most kids don’t get very sick from COVID-19, but older people and those with health problems, like diabetes or a weak immune system, could get very sick. Getting vaccinated helps reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keeps people safe, especially those at higher risk.

TESTING AND INFORMATION

DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR A COVID TEST?

Every household in the U.S. is eligible to order an additional four free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home. Order online at COVIDTests.gov or call 1-800-232-0233.

Laboratory Testing

COVID-19 lab tests ordered by your doctor are covered benefits for Community First Health Plans Members. However, a copay may apply depending on your plan. To schedule a test, contact your primary care provider.

WHERE CAN I GET TESTED FOR COVID-19?
  • Visit a community-based testing location, such as a pharmacy or health center near you. These locations may offer PCR or antigen tests, and provide low- or no-cost testing for everyone, including people without insurance.
  • Talk to a doctor or health care provider about other testing options that may be available to you.
  • If you are a person with a disability, the Disability Information and Access Line can help you access a test or find a test location.
WHO SHOULD GET TESTED FOR COVID-19?

According to the CDC, these are the key times to get tested.

  • If you have symptoms, test immediately.
  • If you were exposed to COVID-19 and do not have symptoms, wait at least 5 full days after your exposure before testing. If you test too early, you may be more likely to get an inaccurate result.
  • Consider testing before contact with someone at high risk for severe COVID-19, especially if you are in an area with a medium or high COVID-19 Community Level.

Get updated recommendations from the CDC here.

VACCINES AND BOOSTERS

WHO SHOULD GET THE COVID-19 VACCINE?
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the 2024–2025 updated COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Everyone ages 6 months and older should get a 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from COVID-19.
  • People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should receive a second dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine six months after their first dose.
  • People 65 years and older should receive a second dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine six months after their first dose.
  • Children aged 6 months–4 years need multiple doses of COVID-19 vaccines to be up to date, including at least 1 dose of updated COVID-19 vaccine.
  • COVID-19 vaccine recommendations will be updated as needed.

Stay up-to-date with the latest vaccine recommendations from the CDC here.

WHERE CAN I GET A COVID-19 VACCINE?

Call your primary care provider to schedule an appointment to get your COVID-19 vaccine or booster or go to a pharmacy in network with your plan.

Masks

Masks can help protect you and others from COVID-19.
Learn more about different types of masks and respirators and how to get the best fit.

What to Know

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is a safer and more dependable way to build immunity to COVID-19 than getting sick with COVID-19. Review myths and facts about COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19, Flu, or RSV?

Influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial (RSV), and COVID-19 are all contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Some of their symptoms are similar, so it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone.

There are actions you can take to protect yourself and others. Learn from the CDC about whether you’re more likely to get seriously ill, how to prevent these viruses, and what to do if these viruses are spreading in your community.

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