Health Tips

Public Health

When's the best time to get a flu shot? Data for 2020-2021

The best time to get a flu shot is before the flu is spreading in your community. Since the flu peaks in February, and begins to spread throughout October and into March or April, it's recommended to get your flu shot by the end of October. The flu vaccine lasts the entirety of the season but since the virus changes the next season, it's important to get the shot each year.

Mira Research Team03 Nov 2020
Public Health

When Should I Get A COVID Test?

There are three different types of COVID-19 tests: the PCR test, the antigen test, and the antibody test. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should get a PCR or antigen test about 3-4 days after symptom onset. If you had any exposure to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 you should get a PCR or antigen test about 4-5 days after the exposure. Note - these tests are not 100% accurate and may yield false-negative results. Thus, if you had exposure, it is best to isolate yourself from other people for 14 days. You should get a COVID tests if you have symptoms or have been exposed to coronavirus.

Mira Research Team18 Nov 2020
Public Health

Oscar Health Simple Bronze vs. UnitedHealthcare Compass Bronze

UnitedHealthcare Compass Bronze has a 38% higher monthly premium when compared to Oscar Bronze, however, when it comes to in-network hospital coverage, UnitedHealthcare has more prominent hospitals covered when compared to Oscar. UnitedHealthcare also offers gym reimbursement where Oscar does not. UnitedHealthcare also has a lower deductible when compared to Oscar. UnitedHealthcare is the better option because of the gym reimbursement and better hospital coverage.

Mira Research Team01 Nov 2020
Public Health

What's the difference between a cold, the flu, or COVID-19?

As flu season is quickly approaching, it is important to be able to distinguish between COVID vs. Flu vs. cold. The best way to know what type of infection you have is to get a diagnostic test for COVID-19 or the flu. There are some symptoms you can use to distinguish between these illnesses. The difference between a cold a COVID-19 and the flu is: It is possible to lose your sense of smell or taste when infected with COVID-19, but unlikely with the flu or a cold. Additionally, it is unlikely that you will have a fever or difficulty breathing with a common cold, but possible with coronavirus and the flu.

Mira Research Team18 Nov 2020
Insights

How Much Do Lab Tests Cost Without Insurance? Blood work, STD test, Urinalysis, and more

The cost of laboratory testing varies greatly depending on what part of the country you live in and where you are getting tested. In California, CBC can cost $140 - $622, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone test can cost $150 - $1,139, Lipid Panel can cost $303 - $843, Basic Metabolic Panel can cost $330 - $1309, and Urinalysis can cost $129 - $643. A membership with Mira for $45/month will give you access to lab testing for $50 or less.

Mira Research Team06 Nov 2020
Tips

Empire BlueCross Silver Health Plan vs Healthfirst Silver - Reviews & Which is best?

Empire Blue Cross silver plan is the more expensive option that costs almost 39% more than the HealthFirst silver plan. Both plans have a similar deductible and copay amount by design. HealthFirst offers better access to specialists since you would not need a referral while with Empire Blue Cross you would need one from a primary care provider or similar. Though more expensive, the Empire Blue Cross plan does provide access to top-tier research academic medical centers - i.e. NYU Langone. Health First does give you access to Mount Sinai, which is a fine medical institution in NYC. Overall, HealthFirst has very similar features but at a lower cost. We advise that you evaluate your specialist need before picking the right plan.

Mira Research Team07 Oct 2020
Tips

List of Reopening Gyms in NYC- Equinox, NYSC, Blink, Crunch Fitness

Governor Cuomo is allowing gyms in New York to reopen beginning on August 24th 2020. Since many gyms need to adjust to newly implemented protocols, the soonest gyms will realistically reopen is around September 2nd. New protocols for reopening include 33% maximum capacity, mandatory mask wearing, 6 feet social distancing, and health checks. Equinox, NYSC, Blink, and Crunch Fitness are all planning on reopening in the coming weeks. Although these gyms have not announced new prices in light of COVID-19, most are offering a free trial or a lowered initiation fee for first time members. In order to avoid getting COVID-19 at the gym, wash your hands upon entry and exit, bring your own disinfectant supplies, wear a mask, and avoid peak times. 

Mira Research Team24 Nov 2020
Insights

Oscar Health Catastrophic (Secure) vs. Oscar Simple Bronze - Which one is best?

Catastrophic plans are not for everyone- they are designed for young adults. However, when it comes down to choosing the best option between Oscar Health's catastrophic and bronze plan, there are factors to consider such as co-pays, deductibles, and monthly premiums. Oscar Health's Secure Plan and Oscar Health's Simple Bronze plan have many similarities, however, the Bronze plan is the best choice due to the monthly premium being just $191.15 compared to the catastrophic plan which has a monthly premium of $542.53.

Alyssa Orcuilo07 Oct 2020
Tips

Should I Travel For The Holidays?

Due to coronavirus COVID-19, there are travel bans and travel restrictions in multiple states in the U.S. as well as international countries. Public health officials are advising against traveling for the Holidays. It's safest to stay home this Holiday season. And states such as Florida, Georgia, and Illinois do not have statewide restrictions. Many states and countries require a negative test result before entering and you must self-quarantine for 14 days once you return. New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, Texas, Orlando, Hawaii.

Mira Research Team21 Nov 2020
Public Health

What Are The Long-Term Side Effects of COVID-19?

Onset symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, shortness of breath, and fatigue; however, around 40% of people may be asymptomatic. The most common long-hauler effects include respiratory issues, fatigue, heart failure, and neurological issues. Tips for reducing your chance of contracting COVID-19 include wearing a mask, frequent hand washing, and social distancing. Lingering side effects of COVID are not extremely common. Resources for support, such as hotlines, groups on social media, and websites are provided. This article reviews the most common symptoms and long-term effects of COVID-19 by utilizing data from various surveys and an interview with a coronavirus survivor.

Mira Research Team20 Nov 2020
Tips

Are Masks Effective In Preventing COVID-19? States That Require Face Masks

According to researchers, masks are very effective in preventing the spread of coronavirus COVID-19. This article explains the benefits of wearing a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic, which masks are best, and how to properly wear masks. In some states, it is mandatory to wear a mask. States that require masks are Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Mira Research Team10 Nov 2020
Insights

How To Pick The Best Health Insurance For You? 5 Factors To Consider

The most comprehensive guide to determine the best health insurance plan, 5 factors to consider: the type of coverage, eligibility, monthly cost, type of plans, and enrollment period. In 2019, annual premiums were $7,188 for single coverage and $20,576 for family coverage. Data on monthly premiums of health insurance in all 50 states and overviews of Medicare, Medicaid, employer-sponsored insurance, individual exchange, supplement plans, and health share plans. Choosing a health insurance plan can be complex but here's what you need to know.

Khang T. Vuong27 Oct 2020
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