This flu season has been one of the worst in recent years, with approximately 8.7 million flu illnesses, 78,000 hospitalizations, and 4,500 flu-related deaths reported across the United States. Flu vaccines remain the best defense against this year’s flu, along antiviral medications like Tamiflu, handwashing and plenty of rest. Your patients likely have plenty of questions about treating flu symptoms or avoiding flu altogether. In this article, we address some commonly asked questions with input from clinical experts.

VHAN Care Management offers focused programs to help patients better manage their diabetes and meet their health goals.

VHAN is excited to partner with Aetna to create a member program for small to mid-size benefit plans that helps your employees stay healthy while your practice saves on health care costs. The Aetna Whole Health Employee program offers discounts, comprehensive benefit design, and enhanced features such as wellness, an Employee Assistance Program and $0 copay visits to multiple convenient care options. Hurry and sign up by Jan. 1—and find more information on the VHAN Hub.

The Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) with a patient’s primary care provider can help prevent illness based on a patient’s current health and risk factors.

VHAN members also scored higher than Aetna’s Q4 national average on several measures.

To improve our performance, VHAN licensed clinical social workers met with practices to promote our social work program and the benefits of using the pediatric behavioral health consult line.

Young patients who turn 18 are suddenly forced to fend for themselves in a complex health care system, which can lead to confusion, frustration and gaps in health care.

The adolescent years pose many challenges, including emerging sexuality, development of personal identity and adult relationships, behavioral health issues and a high degree of risk-taking behaviors.

To help our members connect patients with the behavioral health support they need, VHAN continues to provide new tools and connections to community resources.