Winter sports are in full swing! We have thousands of athletes taking to the court and the slopes, pushing their limits, training hard, and giving it their all. But nothing slows down the action more than getting sick. The best way to show up for your team is to actually show up. And you can’t show up if you’re sick.

Cold weather brings an increase in respiratory infections like the flu, RSV, and COVID-19. These illnesses can sideline you for weeks, keeping you from your sport and your teammates. But there’s good news: you can take steps to protect yourself and keep playing!

Stay in the Game with Vaccines

According to our friends at Tufts Health Plan, vaccines help reduce the risk of getting sick. Even if you do catch the flu, RSV, or COVID-19, being vaccinated lowers your chances of severe illness, hospitalization, and serious complications. Many health insurance plans, including Tufts Health Plan, cover these vaccines at no cost to their members. That means you can protect yourself without worrying about extra expenses!

Simple Steps to Stay Healthy

In addition to vaccines, follow these tips to keep yourself in top shape for the season:

• Wash your hands often – Germs spread fast, especially in winter. Scrub with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid large crowds and sick individuals – If a teammate isn’t feeling well, it’s okay to keep your distance until they recover.
• Listen to your body – If you feel run down, rest up. Playing through illness can make things worse and put your teammates at risk.

Talk with Your Provider

Not sure which vaccines are right for you? Talk to your healthcare provider to decide based on your age, health conditions, and personal preferences. You can get flu, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time, and experts recommend getting them as soon as possible!

Take Action

Don’t let the flu bench you this season. Stay ahead of the game by getting vaccinated and practicing healthy habits. Your team counts on you—stay healthy and stay in the game!

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Inclusive health content is sponsored by Tufts Health Plan, the Official Health Insurance Partner of Special Olympics Massachusetts. Tufts Health Plan and Special Olympics Massachusetts are dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles through resources that support individuals with and without intellectual disabilities. To learn more about Tufts Health One Care, a health plan for those with disabilities who have Medicare and Medicaid, visit TuftsHealthPlan.com/SOMA