December through February is the peak time for the flu, but the season can last until May. The flu is a contagious illness caused by flu viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild or serious illness, and can sometimes lead to death.
Know the Signs
It can be easy to mistake the flu for a bad cold. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms suddenly:
· Fever or feeling feverish/chills
· Cough
· Sore throat
· Runny or stuffy nose
· Muscle or body aches
· Headaches
· Fatigue (very tired)
Protect Yourself
The flu shot is your best chance of protecting yourself and your family, so be sure to schedule a flu shot with your doctor if you have not already. Good habits like covering your cough and washing your hands can help stop the spread of germs and prevent illnesses.
Are
you planning to quit using tobacco for the New Year?
The New Year brings celebration but for some it can also bring major stress. That can make the choice to quit smoking even more difficult.
If you’ve been thinking about quitting, but don’t know where to start, SoonerCare is here to help!
 The following products are free with a prescription from your doctor and they do not count against your six prescription limit per month:
- Patches
- Gum
- Lozenges
- Inhaler
- Nasal spray
- Zyban
- Chantix (180 days per 12 months)
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Using tobacco cessation products in addition to counseling greatly increases your chances of quitting. The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline provides free support and is available 24/7. For more information and to find helpful tips, call 1-800-QUITNOW or visit okhelpline.com.
 SoonerCare has stopped mailing out member ID cards. If still want a physical card, you print it yourself online through your member portal. Watch our helpful How To: Print a New SoonerCare ID Card video here.
AND...
Have you moved or changed jobs recently? Remember to let us know. We've made it easy for you; simply log into your SoonerCare account at www.MySoonerCare.org and update your information. Keeping your account up-to-date helps you get important information in a timely manner.
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It's time for the 3rd Annual SoonerFit Art Contest! Kids ages 3-18 can submit art based on this year's theme, "You Art What You Eat." The contest runs through February 28. Learn more here.
Your pharmacist is part of your health care team, and they can answer questions your prescription. Below are some common questions you can ask your pharmacist to help you better understand your prescription.
What is the name of the medication?
When should I take the medicine?
What happens if I miss my dose?
Will I need to eat food or can I take the medicine on an empty stomach?
How long will I need to take the medicine, and are there any refills?
Will this be safe to take with
other prescriptions or over the counter medications?
How will it affect my daily activities
like driving, sleepiness, or my mood?
Asking these important questions to your pharmacist
will help to ensure you are taking your medicine correctly.
Effective on November 1, SoonerCare policy was updated to better explain that only extractions are covered for adults. Any oral exams and images that are needed for the emergency extraction, tobacco cessation counseling and other services that your dentist must perform are still covered.
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When Stephanie Miller began fostering her now-adopted boys, she had no idea how much they would rely on SoonerCare. Watch her story here!
Do you have a story about how SoonerCare has made a positive difference in your life? Whether we've helped with a life-saving medical treatment or the opportunity to receive routine medical care for your child, we'd love to hear from you! Click here to tell your #MySoonerCare story!
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