Expires 04/01/2021

Specialty Pharmacy

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Alto Pharmacy Technician

Alto Pharmacist

For Black History Month, we’re recognizing pivotal Black leaders in healthcare who’ve paved the way forward for our country and the Black community.

Services that reduce travel and encourage social distancing are now more essential than ever, not only for vulnerable populations but all of us as members of our communities. Alto’s free same-day doorstep delivery ensures you have safe and reliable access to medications in this time of uncertainty. 

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This fall, we had the opportunity to meet Tiffany Remington and her husband Caleb, who spoke to us about the importance of having a pharmacy partner they could rely on through their own infertility journey.

Fertility Patient Story: Tiffany Shares Her Experience with Alto

How One Couple Navigated Their Infertility Journey

Facing fertility issues can feel like entering completely unfamiliar territory. From deciding when and how to pursue treatment to navigating the ensuing procedures and medication protocols, uncertainties can surface at every turn. However, while no two journeys are completely alike, there is so much to be learned from the many hopeful parents who have traveled the various paths of infertility treatment before. 

This fall, we had the opportunity to meet Tiffany Remington and her husband Caleb, who spoke to us about the importance of having a pharmacy partner they could rely on through their own infertility journey. Read on to learn more about how the process unfolded in Tiffany’s own words and her advice for others going through a similar experience. 

My husband, Caleb, and I love to seek out adventure in almost everything we do. For the past two years, we’ve been living full-time in an RV that we renovated into the coziest home on wheels. Before pursuing our wild dreams of living tiny, we created a one-off event called The Greatest Wedding Ever Donated, where we turned our wedding into a gala and benefit concert and raised $207,000 for charity. 

So what’s next in our books? Starting a family. To our surprise, it took us a year and a half to start our journey of growing our family, and most of the waiting was out of our control. When we had our initial visit with our reproductive endocrinologist back in May of 2019, we thought things were going to happen fast—boom, bam, baby in the utero in one month. We quickly found out how intense the process is and how little we fully understood. All we knew was that we needed help. 

My husband was born with a condition called cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic condition that creates a thick buildup of mucus in his lungs and other organs of his body. 98% of men with CF are also born infertile due to the absence or underdevelopment of the vas deferens (think of it as the highway for the sperm). After trying to conceive for two years on our own, we had a gut feeling that the lottery win for natural conception was not in the cards. We are a couple affected by male factor infertility.

After choosing a clinic, we had blood work done within the month. We then planned for Caleb’s microTESE, a surgical procedure to extract sperm from the seminiferous tubules of a male’s testes and epididymis. Unfortunately, that was round one of delays. We had to wait five months for an open spot for surgery. The initial disappointment rapidly turned into gratitude knowing that we had more time to fully wrap our head around this process, find a community for support, and educate ourselves in the decisions we would have to make along the way.

In February of 2020, we joyfully celebrated the eleven vials of sperm that were collected and were ready to start our IVF protocol. To ours and the world’s dismay, COVID-19 restrictions were put into place and our clinic shut down in March, just as we were about to begin. Due to Caleb’s health and the nature of the virus, we decided to move our IVF funds back to his medical emergency savings in case something happened. 

For five and a half months, we waited. We finally came to a place of comfort to move forward once our clinic allowed for new patient protocols to resume. We officially started our IVF stimulation protocol for egg retrieval at the beginning of August. After fifteen days of shots, we pulled the trigger and were able to produce seventeen beautiful mature eggs. Of the seventeen eggs, fourteen were fertilized, thirteen made it to Day 3 Blastocysts, four to Day 5 Blastocysts, and two to Day 6. We ended up with a total of six embryos that got sent off for PGS testing. A week later, we found out that of the six embryos, three came back genetically normal.

We wanted to keep the momentum going, so we opted to transfer our first frozen embryo as soon as possible. I had surgery to remove a couple of polyps and by the beginning of October, I was in the clear with a healed uterus, ready to welcome our baby home. With the transfer protocol moving rapidly, I knew I had to find a new pharmacy that I felt like I could rely on. 

During egg retrieval, I ordered from my clinic’s partnered pharmacy without realizing that I had much of a choice otherwise. My medication was delivered to the wrong address, and the idea that it might happen again stressed me out because timing is everything in this process! When speaking with some of my IVF friends, I kept hearing about Alto Pharmacy. I took a deep dive to see what all the “buzz” was about.

I could feel the grin stretch across my face when clicking enter on the URL. The website was already drawing me in. This is a pharmacy? Free delivery, advice, price investigation, and they work with your insurance? I’ve been managing my husband’s medication for years. I know first-hand how time-consuming all of the things that Alto provides can be—it’s a full-time job. This isn't just a pharmacy, it's a care team.

When I saw that Alto would take the burden off my shoulders, I was INSTANTLY sold. No need for spreadsheets, no need to play phone manager while connecting insurance and pharmacies, no need to Google down a rabbit hole. They would take care of all the details and that in itself is priceless.

I had my nurse place my next order with Alto and within the hour I had a text message to my phone prompting me to download the Alto app where I could manage deliveries and medications, connect with a pharmacist, and track my orders. Again, mind blown. An app? For a pharmacy? Can someone bring Alto their crown? One of the best parts is that the delivery windows were only a couple of hours—not like most other pharmacies where you have to wait the entire day to receive your medications. They also have one of their own courier team members HAND-deliver it to you.

Boutique service with savings—I couldn’t be a bigger fan. This whole IVF process can sometimes make you feel like a number. Alto is one of those companies doing it right by honoring you as a human. They show up in your texts. They show up in the app. They show up on the phone. I felt heard and fought for.

If you are walking through this (in)fertility process, or any medical journey for that matter, my advice is: don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. Speaking as both a caretaker and patient, medicine is often routine and anonymous, and personalized care has not yet been perfected. Pharmacy choice, specifically, matters. Are they reliable? Do they advocate for you as a patient? Can they cut costs? What’s their customer service like? What are patient reviews? Do they deliver on time? You have a choice, even if the options aren’t clear at the start.

The team at Alto is ready to be your partner through it all, from your first cycle to your last. Questions about using Alto? Visit alto.com/fertility or give us a call at 1-800-874-5881. Our team is available 9 am - 9 pm PT Monday - Friday and 10 am - 6 pm PT on weekends. 

To connect with Tiffany and Caleb follow them on Instagram @ustheremingtons. 

Disclosure: Tiffany received medications at no cost from Alto Pharmacy in order to share her opinion about our services. The views expressed are solely her own. 

Fertility Patient Story: Tiffany Shares Her Experience with Alto 

We offer the latest advice on how you can access the medications and services you need while protecting yourself from infection with COVID-19.

Navigating HIV Treatment and Prevention During COVID-19

Living with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic

It’s been over six months since the first stay-at-home orders swept across the country, and we’re just beginning to replace widespread uncertainty about the coronavirus with real-world data. There’s still much we don’t know about how COVID-19 affects those living with HIV, but researchers are working quickly to glean insights from cases over the past months. 

Though our understanding is continually evolving and the data is limited, experts believe that people with HIV who are receiving treatment have the same risk for COVID-19 as the general population. We do know, however, that people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get severely sick from COVID-19, which underscores the already vital importance of preventing new HIV infections and ensuring access to treatment. 

If you are at risk of HIV infection or living with HIV, we encourage you to not put prevention or treatment on hold. It’s also crucial that you stick to the plan outlined by your doctor as closely as possible, especially by taking your medications correctly and on time. As your pharmacy, we’re here to help you overcome any challenges in maintaining your regimen that may arise. Let’s walk through the latest advice on how you can access the medications and services you need while protecting yourself from infection with COVID-19.

Is COVID-19 illness more severe in people living with HIV?

As we mentioned, when HIV is being treated, it does not seem to increase the risk of infection or severe illness. Those who are living with HIV and not on treatment or virally suppressed, however, may be at greater risk of COVID-19 complications. Additionally, older people living with HIV and those with other underlying health conditions may also be at greater risk of serious illness from COVID-19. It’s important to take precautions to protect yourself from COVID-19 infection by following CDC guidelines, such as wearing a mask, social distancing, and washing hands and high-touch surfaces often. 

We know that people living with HIV are more vulnerable to respiratory infections when their HIV is not well managed. That’s because their weakened immune systems may be unprepared to deal with an invading virus. For this reason, it’s incredibly important to continue your antiretroviral treatment (ART) as prescribed. If you are having difficulty continuing your treatment for any reason, talk with your healthcare provider right away.

What additional precautions should people living with HIV take?

The most important actions you can take for your health are to continue your HIV treatment and avoid potential exposure to the coronavirus. Follow the preventative guidelines outlined by the CDC to protect yourself and others from getting sick. Additionally, you should take the following precautions:

Keep your regular medical appointments and discuss ways you can reduce your risk of exposure to COVID-19 during your visits. Use telehealth services whenever possible; your doctor can advise you on the remote options available to you.

Keep at least a 30-day supply of your HIV medications on hand as well as any other medications or supplies you need to manage your health. If possible, ask for a three-month supply and choose a pharmacy that offers home delivery to avoid spending time in close contact with others while standing in lines. (Alto’s couriers will hand-deliver your medications to your doorstep, so you never have to worry about mail delays either!)

People living with HIV are at a higher risk of serious flu-related complications, make sure all your vaccinations are up-to-date, especially your flu shot.

The CDC recommends maintaining a healthy diet, aiming for 8 hours of sleep every night, and taking steps to reduce stress. 

If you start to feel sick, especially if you have a dry cough, fever, fatigue, and/or a loss of smell or taste, stay at home and contact your doctor immediately so you can determine your next steps. You will need to self-isolate to avoid spreading the coronavirus to others as you await instructions from your doctor. For this reason, we strongly recommend having a plan in place for if you get sick, including keeping 30 days’ worth of medications, food, and other supplies on hand.

How can I get tested for HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic?

It’s as important as ever to know your HIV status. If you’re at risk for HIV, talk to your healthcare provider about your options for getting tested. The CDC has stressed the importance of continued access to HIV testing and encourages people who are at risk for HIV infection to get tested in ways that support social distancing and stay-at-home orders (when they are in place), such as self-testing when possible. They have created this resource that lists self-testing services by state. You can also find in-person testing locations here. 

I’ve lost my insurance. How can I continue to get my HIV medication?

As we face this public health crisis, record numbers of people are also losing their jobs and employer-based coverage. If you’re currently uninsured or cannot afford your out-of-pocket costs, there are resources that can help. HIV.gov puts out this list of toll-free helplines that can help you find programs and services in your state to lower your treatment costs. They also list a variety of federal resources here. 

The AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), which is part of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program was created to help cover the cost of HIV-related prescription medications for people who have limited or no prescription drug coverage. Eligibility may vary by state, so find out more by using the ADAP Directory to identify your local program. 

How can I continue to access PrEP during the COVID-19 pandemic?

If you are at risk of HIV exposure, protecting yourself needs to remain a top priority. PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is an HIV prevention method that's available by prescription. We explain more in our article, “All About PrEP for HIV Prevention.”

If you are already taking PrEP, talk to your provider about the possibility of telehealth options for the time being and see if you can get a prescription for a 90-day supply of PrEP. To find an in-person or online provider, visit one of the following websites:
PleasePrEPme.org
Greaterthan.org

If you need help paying for PrEP, there are assistance programs available that can cover the costs. PleasePrEPme.org maintains a comprehensive list of available resources here. 

What are some ways to cope with stress and anxiety right now?

It’s normal to experience heightened emotions during times of stress. And, unfortunately, some of the actions we are taking to protect ourselves, such as social distancing, can negatively impact our emotional well-being. Here are some ways you can protect your mental health and cope with the stress and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unplug when you need to. It’s important to stay informed, however, the constant cycle of news reports and social media updates can become all-consuming and overwhelming. Take breaks from your devices when necessary and try to focus on reliable news sources and avoid social media accounts and websites that may be spreading rumors or false information.

Find soothing activities and practice them daily. Maybe you turn to a calming classic like meditation when you need to recharge or perhaps nothing makes you happier than whipping up a batch of chocolate chip cookies from scratch. Whatever helps you unwind is good for your emotional well-being and overall health. 

Stay on top of your health and wellness. Stress can disrupt your usual healthy habits. Try to move your body frequently, incorporate healthy foods, and get a full night’s sleep. You may not succeed every day and that’s okay. Just do your best to keep up your healthy habits most of the time. 

Seek help if you need it. If feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, or numbness interfere with your responsibilities for several days in a row or if you find yourself turning to unhealthy coping strategies like drugs or alcohol, please reach out for help. The CDC offers this list of free and confidential resources.

We are committed to ensuring you receive your HIV medications safely and on time throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Our pharmacy locations are fully stocked, our couriers are ready, and our pharmacists can assist with coordinating early refills and longer fills. We offer free, contactless delivery, plus ongoing access to support and advice.  

Reach out to our HIV speciality team at 1 (800) 874-5881 (call/text) or send us a message through our mobile app. We’re available from 9 am - 9 pm PT Monday - Friday and 10 am - 6 pm PT on weekends.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Every year, we look forward to October, when we get a whole month to honor the extraordinary work of the pharmacists and pharmacy technicians at Alto and around the world.

Celebrating National Pharmacist Month at Alto

Every year, we look forward to October, when we get a whole month to honor the extraordinary work of the pharmacists and pharmacy technicians at Alto and around the world. National Pharmacist Month is a time to celebrate the many ways that pharmacy professionals positively impact their communities. At Alto, we get an intimate look at how pharmacists improve the health and well-being of others every single day through their expertise and exceptional care.

This year’s theme is “Essential Providers, Accessible Care,” recognizing the vital roles that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are playing on the front lines of healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. From the common cold to chronic disease, pharmacists are always there to answer important health questions and make sure medications are not only accessible but used safely and effectively.

National Pharmacist Month is a great time to show your appreciation for the pharmacy professionals who help with your medications. It’s also an opportunity to learn more about the depth of their expertise. For example, did you know that becoming a pharmacist requires a doctorate degree? Pharmacists are not only experts on medication management, they also serve as patient educators, perform laboratory studies and health screenings, and act as skillful problem solvers. Whether we’re facing an acute issue or a chronic condition, many of us turn to our pharmacists to suggest supplements, over-the-counter medicines, or lifestyle adjustments that can help us feel better. 

In addition to our month-long celebration of pharmacy professionals, the third Tuesday of October has its own special designation: National Pharmacy Technician Day. On this day, we recognize the unique and invaluable contributions of pharmacy technicians. A critical part of any healthcare team, pharmacy technicians work closely with pharmacists to make sure patients get the medications they need. Technicians not only assist in the preparation and distribution of medications, but they also work directly with community members to collect patient information and help process billing claims.

Both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are essential in providing us with access to safe and effective treatment when health issues arise. This year, more than ever, we are grateful for their steadfast dedication to your care. 

In honor of the 116 incredible men and women who perform these vital roles at Alto, here are five facts you may not know about the pharmacy profession:

October 12th is Women Pharmacists Day! About 55% of pharmacists are women, making pharmacy a predominantly female field. 

Pharmacists are the most frequently visited healthcare providers in America. They can be found working in a variety of settings—from hospitals to the neighborhood pharmacy—and we turn to them most often for health advice. 

The world’s oldest prescriptions were etched into tablets around 2100 B.C

Benjamin Franklin is considered one of the founding fathers of pharmacy. He helped to establish the first public hospital and hospital pharmacy in the United States. 

Agatha Christie, the crime novelist, worked as an apothecary’s assistant, or what we would now call a pharmacy technician. Her interest in medicine was apparent in much of her writing, inspiring her many plot lines about poisoning and disease. 

We at Alto could not be more proud of our incredible pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. Through your skills as educators and guides, you uplift the health and well-being of the communities you serve. 

Want to express your gratitude to the pharmacists at Alto? You can reach out by phone, text, or through the app to say thanks and brighten their day. 

In July 2020, Catherine Scott joined Alto as Head of IT, responsible for building and leading a high performing IT team. We sat down with Scott to learn more about her plan to build Alto’s IT strategy and support teams focused on End-User Support, Infrastructure & Networks and Business Applications. 

Airbnb’s Former Head of Business Technology Joins Alto

In July 2020, Catherine Scott joined Alto as Head of IT, responsible for building and leading a high performing IT team. Previously, Cat spent five years at AirBnB where she acted as the  Global Head of Business Technology during their worldwide growth and was pivotal in delivering exceptional technology experiences to employees. With this expertise, and over 20 years experience spanning startups to Fortune 500 Companies, we are excited to officially call her an Altoid! 

We sat down with Scott to learn more about her plan to build Alto’s IT strategy and support teams focused on End-User Support, Infrastructure & Networks and Business Applications. 

Welcome to Alto! What excites you most about recently joining the team? 

Thank you! I’ll start by sharing that I am excited by companies that have a strong mission. This was an important consideration for joining Airbnb.  When contemplating what was next, I knew that this was a primary driver for my next move.  Alto’s mission - to improve the quality of life for everyone - very much resonated with me. 

Aside from that, my conversations with Altoids during the hiring process reflected a sense of passion and humility that I found to be rare in a successful company. There is a culture of really intelligent, driven individuals here that are unpretentious about their accomplishments. 

Likewise, any time I evaluate an opportunity for growth, I assess the impact that I can have based on my experience. Given my background in consulting, startups, and Fortune 500 companies, I found Alto’s goals to be in line with my ability to improve efficiency and help IT mature into being viewed as a critical enabler to our business.

You were the Global Head of Business Technology (Products) at Airbnb for 5 years. How did this experience shape your outlook on strategic growth and what was the most important lesson that you learned? 

When I joined Airbnb the IT organization was in its infancy. We were present in 192 countries and yet there were only six people assigned to the global team.  It was imperative to create a global strategy quickly that would both enable the hyper-growth of the company and consider how to scale in a cost effective way.

I think the key takeaway is that IT is everywhere. It's a foundational layer supporting how everything functions. Thinking about IT early in a company’s lifecycle is essential, but above that you have to ensure everything is thought of from a scalable perspective. If we only build for right now there will inevitably be a technical rework later so making sure the IT services are both built for increased volume and still cost effective is important.

Can you share a little bit about your goals at Alto for the remainder of the year? 

Right now I’m very focused on what I would call core/foundational IT (network infrastructure, IT support function, etc.) -- essentially the programs that are the enablers for everyone. I’m also working closely with Alto’s Director of Security to ensure that we continue to protect our patients' data with the utmost level of reliability. 

Next year I’d love to start addressing  how IT can enable more business return on investment. For example, managing and implementing 3rd party applications. Typically, and this was the same at Airbnb, if everyone is going off and buying different, potentially duplicative, applications, we start to leave money on the table and can have disjointed data and compromise security. This is where IT starts to become a case for ROI and business benefit. 

I’ll actually contend that Alto is a forward thinking in recognizing the importance of IT. Because of this, I know I’ll be able to create positive benefits because we’ll be in front of the curve. At the end of the day, if we can grow in a thoughtful manner, we’ll arrive at a place where we’ll have a really high performing IT organization that contributes to the bottom line. 

You know, my motto is to “embrace the adventure.” I love spending time outdoors, whether hiking, skiing, or sailing, so it really resonates in my professional life as well. I feel excited about developing an IT strategy that will ensure high quality services both in our sites and remotely, protect our internal data, maximize productivity of our workforce, and ultimately contribute to the company mission of improving the quality of life for everyone.

The good news is, having done this before, I don’t think there’s anything that’s a surprise yet. During the interview process, I knew that this role would require another ground-up build and that it would require a strategic and thoughtful leader. Having said that, the results are always less about me and more about what the team has been able to do and how we have contributed to Alto’s success.

On that note, how would your prior teams describe you? 

I think, or hope, my team would say that I’m incredibly supportive in removing anything that is keeping them from being able to achieve maximum impact or create maximum value for the company. I define myself as authentic, trustworthy and driven -- and value those qualities in others. I definitely have a high bar for excellence and want my team to be successful at performing but at the same time, I’m also there to help when needed and support their professional development. 

Stylistically I’ve always been a leader where I kind of exist to support others and provide thought leadership. You are nothing without your team. To quote Steve Jobs, "It doesn't make sense to hire smart people and tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do." This philosophy is one that has always resonated with me. 

How do you feel about technology changing our work culture given the current climate of COVID-19? 

Alto is the first job where I joined having never met a single team member in person. It’s definitely changed things up but I’m pretty comfortable with it at this point. Looking forward though, I think it’s important to consider how we can recreate the “magic” that happens in person when a number of our workforce is remote. 

COVID highlighted the significance of innovative IT related to remote work and collaboration that is essential for everyone. That area of creativity is where I think IT will fundamentally shift how we continue to work and communicate with one another in what may be an increasingly remote workforce. 

Are you working on any passion projects outside of Alto at the moment? 

Yes! I’m very passionate about animals and am currently looking to rescue another dog. Aside from that, I’m recently new to the Tahoe, CA, area so hope to become more embedded in community volunteering. 

My other personal passion project is actually an overhaul remodel on our Tahoe house which has required a fair amount of architecture and engineering for my husband and myself. It’s a fun project that keeps us constantly engaged with one another. 

What would you say to someone interested in joining the Alto team, specifically in a technology driven role? 

Just do it, it’s an amazing opportunity! I believe so strongly in what Alto is doing. If you ever have an opportunity to work for a company that is founder-led you should make it happen. There is a palpable passion that resonates throughout a company when the founders are present. It’s an experience worth doing because it creates a belief and excitement around the company that might not happen otherwise. 

For more information on Scott, or to connect with her directly, reach out via LinkedIn. If you have any questions about Alto, or are interested in joining our team, please visit alto.com/careers. 

Airbnb’s Former Head of Business Technology Joins Alto 

Rather than letting every cough or sniffle cause a panic, let’s sort through the most likely symptoms of the three respiratory illnesses to look out for this season: the cold, flu, and COVID-19.

Cold, Flu, or COVID-19? Your Seasonal Symptom Guide

For most of the year, we’ve had one virus on our minds. But as cold and flu season moves into full swing, an onslaught of new symptoms could sow confusion. Rather than letting every cough or sniffle cause a panic, let’s sort through the most likely symptoms of the three respiratory illnesses to look out for this season: the cold, flu, and COVID-19.

We can usually get an idea of what the flu season holds in store for us by studying recent flu activity in the Southern Hemisphere. This year, reported infection rates were 99% below normal, which epidemiologists credit to the fact that people were wearing masks, social distancing, and washing their hands frequently. The same precautions that prevent the spread of the coronavirus will also stop the flu (and the common cold too).

Still, experts are urging everyone to get their flu shot this year. More people getting sick could cause more than just confusion over symptoms. It could put a strain on testing supplies and medical care. Getting your flu shot will not only make you less likely to get sick with the flu, but it can also reduce the severity of your symptoms if you do get sick.

There’s a reason we call it “the common cold.” According to the American Lung Association, most adults come down with two to four colds per year. With more than 200 viruses that can cause the common cold floating around out there, it’s not all that surprising. Here are the main symptoms most cold sufferers can look forward to: 

The CDC reports that a cold usually begins gradually with a sore throat and a runny nose and then progresses to include coughing and sneezing. It is rare for cold symptoms to include fever, and diarrhea is not considered a symptom of a cold. 

There is no cure for the common cold, but most people recover within 7-10 days. The best way to feel better is to rest and drink plenty of fluids, although over-the-counter cold medications can help ease your symptoms. Since colds are contagious, try to be mindful and cover up when you cough or sneeze. 

The flu tends to hit us like a ton of bricks. Unlike the more gradual onset of a cold, flu symptoms are known to appear suddenly and with force. Along with a tell-tale fever often comes headaches, body aches, and a general feeling of exhaustion. 

The CDC reports that the following symptoms are common with the flu:

Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)

You may have noticed that the common cold shares some of these symptoms. Deciphering the differences is not always cut and dry. Generally, it’s that “hit by a bus” feeling that differentiates the flu. If you’re suddenly sidelined by a fever, chills, aches, and pains, you’re probably not dealing with a cold. It’s important to note, however, that not everyone experiences fever with the flu. 

Your healthcare provider can determine if you have the flu with a simple swab test. As with a cold, you should drink plenty of fluids and try to rest. You should feel better after a few days. Antiviral drugs can be used to reduce symptoms and shorten the amount of time you are sick. Antiviral medications are available by prescription only and work best when started soon after you get sick. When you send your prescription directly to Alto, we can make sure you get your flu medication delivered safely to your home that very same day. 

Here’s where our symptom detective work gets really tricky. Not only are the symptoms of COVID-19 all over the map, many of them closely mimic those of the flu. The coronavirus has confounded experts by showing up in strange and disparate ways. The only true way to know if you have symptoms of coronavirus infection is to get tested, but there are a few red flags to watch out for.

What’s so confusing is that COVID-19 is a respiratory illness like the cold and flu, but it’s not only a respiratory illness. Experts consider it to be a multi-organ disease. Symptoms may appear from head to toe, range from mild to severe, and often come on gradually. While there isn’t a clear set of symptoms that always distinguishes COVID-19, these four seem to be the most common:

The CDC also lists the following symptoms of COVID-19:

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Interestingly, a sudden loss of smell or taste seems to be emerging as a defining symptom of coronavirus infection. While it doesn’t occur in every patient, some studies have indicated that nearly 65% of people with COVID-19 experience this symptom. Additionally, while you may be accustomed to having your temperature checked when you visit a restaurant or store, fever is a common symptom of COVID-19, but by no means always present. About 55% of all infections are accompanied by a fever. 

The rule of thumb is this: if you think your symptoms could be COVID-19, you should act as if you’ve been infected until you can be tested. Call your doctor right away and self-quarantine while you monitor your symptoms and wait for further instructions. It’s crucial that you take every precaution to ensure you don’t transmit the virus to anyone else.  According to the CDC, you should also be on alert for more dangerous symptoms, which include trouble breathing, pain or pressure in the chest, bluish lips or face, confusion or incoherence, and an inability to wake or stay awake. Seek emergency medical care if any of these symptoms occur.

Coronavirus infections tend to last longer than the flu, but those with mild cases should recover on their own in about two weeks. Even if you have only mild symptoms, you need to call your doctor and self-quarantine immediately. With more severe cases, doctors may provide patients with intravenous fluids, medicines to reduce a fever, or oxygen to help with breathing.

If all you know is that you’re feeling terrible, give your doctor a call. Generally speaking, if you’re sniffly, sneezy, and slightly rundown, you’re probably battling the common cold. If you suddenly come down with a fever or chills, body aches, and heavy fatigue, the flu may be to blame. However, with COVID-19 so tricky to identify, it’s vital that you rule it out whenever troubling symptoms crop up. 

If you have questions about which medications can help you deal with your seasonal symptoms, our pharmacists are standing by. And if you do come down with the flu, we can hand-deliver your antiviral medication quickly and safely, while you stay home and get that all-important rest. 

Want Alto by your side this cold and flu season? Our team is available 9 am - 9 pm PT Monday - Friday and 10 am - 6 pm PT on weekends; call or text 1-800-874-5881 or download the mobile app for secure messaging.

We combed through the latest advice from the experts to give you some actionable steps that may help protect your health.  

Managing Diabetes During COVID-19

Pre-existing condition. These two words have echoed across news broadcasts and government briefings about COVID-19, stirring up fears in those living with chronic disease. But as we’ve gathered data and learned more about the novel coronavirus, a clearer picture has emerged. We now better understand how people with underlying medical conditions like diabetes can take careful precautions to decrease their likelihood of getting sick. 

According to the ADA, it does not appear that people with diabetes are more likely to get COVID-19. They do, however, have a higher risk of developing serious symptoms and severe complications that require hospitalization if exposed. This increased risk makes prevention and early detection critical. 

If you are living with diabetes, it’s important to focus on what you can control right now. In addition to following the CDC’s prevention guidelines, which include wearing a mask, washing your hands frequently, and avoiding unnecessary social contact, you can manage your risk by planning ahead. With this in mind, we combed through the latest advice from the experts to give you some actionable steps that may help protect your health.  

The world is full of very real stressors right now. It’s easy to let healthy habits slip when you’re anxious or under pressure, however, it’s more important than ever to stay on top of your health. The ADA advises that your risk of experiencing severe illness from COVID-19 is likely to be lower if your diabetes is well-managed. Dr. Janaki Vakharia, MD, clinical fellow in the Endocrinology Division at Massachusetts General Hospital, explains, "Studies have reported that patients with well-controlled diabetes who have been hospitalized for COVID-19 have a higher rate of survival. Better controlled diabetes is also associated with lower markers of inflammation, which may explain this better rate.” 

Do your best to stick to the care plan you’ve created with your doctor—keep taking your insulin and/or other medication, test and track your blood glucose, exercise at home, and maintain a healthy diet. Make sure you have enough medication on hand to last you several weeks and continue your doctor’s appointments virtually if telemedicine is an option. 

In his FAQs about Diabetes + COVID-19 for Johns Hopkins Medicine, Mohammed Al-Sofiani, MBBS, MSc, writes, “I strongly encourage all people with diabetes to make sure that they have enough supply of insulin and all the tools they typically use to manage their glucose...I also encourage people with diabetes to avoid going to the clinics or pharmacies unless it is for urgent matters.”

You should never have to risk your health to obtain your insulin and other medications. That’s why we offer free contactless delivery when you fill your prescription through Alto. Simply let us know where and when to drop it off, and we’ll make sure your medications and supplies arrive safely. 

We’re about to enter cold and flu season. More viruses going around means more chances of getting sick so experts are urging everyone to get a flu shot. This year, a sore throat or runny nose could produce more anxiety than usual, but try not to let yourself slide into fearful thinking. Stay home and report your symptoms to your doctor, especially if you experience a fever, dry cough, or shortness of breath. There is a wide range of symptoms associated with the onset of COVID-19, but the CDC offers this list as well as an interactive coronavirus self-checker. Mild symptoms can often be managed and monitored from home, but don’t make that decision without your doctor. 

If you develop any emergency warning signs for COVID-19, seek medical attention immediately. According to the CDC, these emergency signs include difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face, though they stress that severe symptoms of any kind should be immediately reported to your medical provider. 

Preparing for the possibility of getting sick is especially important right now. The ADA recommends having enough supplies to last you several weeks in case you are symptomatic and unable to leave your home. If you do get sick and your doctor has recommended that you remain at home, take that as good news and try to focus your attention on resting while keeping an eye on your glucose levels and symptoms. 

Remember—any infection, including COVID-19, will likely cause your blood glucose levels to start rising. It’s important to pay close attention to your blood sugar, continue taking your medications, and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. If your blood sugar becomes hard to manage and your body doesn’t have enough insulin, you are at risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The ADA advises that if your blood sugar has registered high (greater than 240mg/dL) more than twice in a row, you should use an over-the-counter kit to test your urine for ketones. If ketones are present, call your doctor right away. 

Continuing to take your insulin and other medications must be your top priority, so be sure that you don’t risk running out. According to ADA, the leading manufacturers of insulin and other supplies are not reporting any impact on their manufacturing and distribution capabilities due to COVID-19. There have been, however, widespread reports of mail delays that could affect the timely delivery of mail-order prescription drugs. 

When you fill your prescriptions through Alto, we’ll coordinate your refills automatically, then one of our couriers will hand-deliver them to your home. Your prescriptions will never change hands during the delivery process and you can designate a safe place for your courier to leave your medications for contact-free drop-offs. 

Finally, if like so many you are currently experiencing unemployment, loss of insurance, or economic hardship, there are options to get help. The ADA offers this list of resources and the team at Alto is always here to help you find options that can save you money. Reach out to us at any time via text, phone call (1-800-874-5881), or in-app messaging.

So many of us are feeling anxious and uncertain right now, and that can interfere with our ability to sleep well, manage stress, and practice self-care. Be sure to keep in touch with the people you love and talk to them about your fears. Joining an online community for people with diabetes can also help you get the emotional support you need. 

We're here to support you through COVID-19 with free home delivery. Our team is available 9 am - 9 pm PT Monday - Friday and 10 am - 6 pm PT on weekends; call or text 1-800-874-5881 or download the mobile app for secure messaging.

We don’t know exactly what COVID-19 will mean for this year’s cold and flu season, but it’s safe to say we should double down on our usual protective measures. Our pharmacists share their best tips for ensuring you stay healthy this fall.

Immunity-Boosting Tips for Fall

If you’re looking ahead to this year’s cold and flu season with uncertainty, you’re not alone. On the one hand, we’re wearing masks and social distancing. That should help, right? But on the other hand, we have another serious virus to contend with this season. According to Harvard Health Publishing, there are two main reasons we get sick more often in winter: we spend more time indoors with other people, and some viruses, like the flu, can stay airborne longer in colder weather. 

We don’t know exactly what COVID-19 will mean for this year’s cold and flu season, but it’s safe to say we should double down on our usual protective measures. That means washing our hands frequently, wearing a mask, social distancing, avoiding touching our face while we’re out and about, and getting a flu shot. It also means staying home when we experience cold symptoms to avoid spreading any type of virus. Preventing exposure is by far the best way to keep from getting sick. Despite our best efforts, however, illness-causing intruders can sometimes sneak past our defenses. It’s then that our immune systems must step up and fight.

Your immune system is an intricate network of organs, cells, and proteins that work together to defend the body from infection and disease. Due to its complexity, it’s better to focus on living a healthy lifestyle in general than to pin your hopes on a single supplement or superfood. That being said, recent research points to a few specific strategies that seem to hold promise in shoring up the body’s defenses. Let’s explore four healthy habits that might be worth adding to your immunity arsenal this fall.

Night owls, take note. Here’s one more reason to prioritize sleep—it’s a seriously powerful immune booster. According to the National Sleep Foundation, lack of sleep causes the body to make fewer cytokines, a specific protein that targets inflammation and infection. Plus, when you’re fatigued, your body releases stress hormones to keep you alert, which is known to have an immune-suppressing effect. Recent research has even revealed that sleep can enhance the efficiency of T-cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a critical role in fighting infection. In fact, a 2015 study found that people who slept seven hours or more every night were four times less likely to catch a cold than those who slept less than six. 

When it comes to immunity, we tend to think of bacteria as the bad guy. But we now know that nearly 70% of our immune system is located in our digestive tract and the beneficial bacteria and microorganisms in our gut play an important role in defending us from illness. In one study, workers who were given a daily dose of the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri took 55% less sick days due to gastrointestinal or respiratory tract infections, suggesting it may be worth tending to our microbiota during cold and flu season. The simplest way to introduce more good bacteria into your body is by eating fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, miso, and kombucha. Additionally, a diet rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates can help keep these friendly bacteria fed. 

As we journey toward winter and the days grow shorter and colder, we inevitably spend less time in the sun. Without direct sunlight on our skin, our body can’t produce vitamin D—one of the most important nutrients for our immune system. About 40% of U.S. adults are thought to be deficient in vitamin D and it’s not found in many foods, so it’s something you’ll want to consider supplementing throughout the colder months. Studies have found that taking this immune enhancer daily significantly reduces the risk of getting sick with the common cold or flu. The recommended daily dose is 600 IU for children and adults aged 1 to 70 years and 800 IU for people over 70.

Exercise is one of the best ways to increase circulation, which helps infection-fighting white blood cells and antibodies travel where they’re needed. A good sweat can also reduce the levels of immune-suppressing stress hormones in the body and increase overall health and vitality. A study following 1,000 people during the fall and winter months found that those who exercised at least five days a week were nearly half as likely to develop an upper respiratory infection as those who were sedentary. Plus, when regular exercisers did get sick, their symptoms were greatly diminished. Just be aware that when it comes to exercise, more isn’t always better. Don’t go so hard that you over stress your body; aim for 30-60 minutes of moderate exercise every day. 

While these immune-boosting strategies are helpful at any time of year, fall is an especially important time to put them into play. We want our bodies’ defenses to be as strong as possible to guard against viral invaders and help us rebound more quickly if we do catch a cold or flu.

Remember—the best way to stay healthy this season is to limit your chances of being exposed to a virus. If you start feeling sick, help keep others safe by staying home and reporting your symptoms to your doctor. Mild symptoms can usually be treated with simple rest and self-care, however, if your doctor prescribes an antiviral medication, there’s no need to drag yourself out of bed. We’ll hand-deliver it to your door for free. 

Alto can make the whole prescription process easier. Let us show you how. Our team is available 9 am - 9 pm PT Monday - Friday and 10 am - 6 pm PT on weekends; call or text 1-800-874-588 or download the mobile app for secure messaging.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

How to avoid postal delays and pharmacy lines with Alto

Concerned about Mail Delays tying up your Prescriptions? There’s a Better Way.

With the pandemic pushing many to avoid lines at the pharmacy, more Americans than ever are receiving their prescriptions through the mail. Last year, over 170 million prescriptions were filled by mail in the United States. According to a recent report, that number has increased by 20% since the onset of COVID-19. 

Recently, sweeping policy changes within the United States Postal Service have led to significant delays, with everything from Amazon packages to mail-order prescriptions becoming increasingly bogged down. Now, two U.S. Senators are voicing serious concerns, saying the delays are putting the health of millions of Americans at risk. 

Switch to a better pharmacy and enjoy free same-day delivery

In a recent investigation of five major pharmacies offering mail-order service, Senators Robert Casey (D-PA) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) found an increase in average delivery times ranging from 18-32%. That means millions of people with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and asthma are facing a dangerous dilemma. They can either risk unnecessary exposure to COVID-19 knowing they are especially vulnerable to the virus or possibly go without life-saving medications for days due to delays in the mail. 

Alarmed by the striking slow down, Jacqueline W. Fincher, MD, President of the American College of Physicians, released a statement cautioning that “a delay in receiving a necessary prescription could be life-threatening. My patients who rely on their insulin, or their inhalers, or any other type of medication can’t wait weeks to see whether or not their prescription will be delivered.”

This situation is certainly troubling, however, at Alto, we promise to deliver a better experience. Here’s why our courier service is the best method for ensuring your prescriptions arrive safely and on time.

Same-day, contactless delivery: We skip the mail, preferring to hand-deliver your medications that very day. We also provide contactless drop-offs to ensure everyone stays safe.

Zero risk of in-transit delays: Your prescriptions will never change hands during the delivery process, increasing not only speed, but safety as well

Convenient scheduling: Select from multiple 3-hour delivery windows that work best with your schedule

Real-time tracking: Stay updated throughout the delivery process via text or follow along in real-time in the Alto app.

Always free - There are never any hidden fees—your delivery is completely free. 

We’re committed to helping you lead a healthier life by providing swift and safe access to the medicine you need. Making the switch to Alto is easy. We’ll handle the transfer.

Concerned about Mail Delays Tying up Your Prescriptions? There’s a Better Way.

When the city of Denver instituted a shelter-in-place order, the non-profit A Precious Child (APC), based in Broomfield, CO, suddenly saw both a dramatic decrease in donations and an increase in people in need. With COVID-19, APC found that many children and families were still in dire need of donations of cleaning supplies, hygiene products, and more, but it was much harder for APC to collect and distribute these goods. The Alto team in Denver started a food and clothing drive to help support APC's efforts and is offering free delivery of donations to people in need.

Matt Alley, Sr. Manager of Operations at Alto Pharmacy in Denver, had previously been a volunteer at A Precious Child and received a message from APC as they were looking for organizations to help support their efforts. We caught up with Matt to hear more about Alto's commitment to the Denver community.

Q: Can you share how the Denver Alto team got involved in efforts to support A Precious Child?

When the shelter in place started in Denver, I had a few non-profits reach out to me as many of them were really impacted by this and looking for ways to ensure they could help people in need. I had volunteered with A Precious Child before and believe they are doing great work to support children in the area.  

I immediately wanted to find a way that I could support them, but also knew that many of my Alto coworkers had been talking about how they could help give back to the community during this time. We spoke with A Precious Child to hear what they needed help with and our team decided to hold a food and clothing drive to help collect donations for A Precious Child.

We all focused on reaching out to our own networks to ask for donations that we collected at the Alto office and then delivered to A Precious Child for them to distribute to families in need.

At our core we are a community pharmacy. This is just what we do. That’s why this is so important to me.

Q: How do you anticipate this partnership with A Precious Child may adapt as Denver ends its shelter in place?

The shelter in place order definitely had an immediate impact on A Precious Child’s donations since more people were staying home. They normally have individuals drop off donations in person, but that doesn’t work during shelter in place, so they were exploring ways to aggregate collections and have them delivered in bulk. A Precious Child created a wish list of things that they needed to get to families such as hygiene, cleaning and baby essentials. Our team worked to get these goods and then our Alto delivery couriers helped drop these off in a safe way to the donation center.

Looking forward, we have identified that the way we can best help out A Precious Child is to have Alto couriers provide safe, no contact delivery of donations to families in need. Since Alto has continued to serve the community and help get deliveries of medications to people, even during shelter in place, we already have great processes in place to keep both the delivery courier and the person receiving a delivery of medications or donations safe.  

We are going to be partnering with A Precious Child in an ongoing capacity to offer free delivery service of donations to families in need across eight counties in the Denver area each Friday. 

I am grateful that the Alto leadership has been so supportive of our team’s efforts to give back to the community. We are in such a crazy new reality with COVID-19, and it feels really good to be able to contribute and give back. I know it’s been motivating for everyone here on the Denver Alto team to be able to give back to the community both through our own work at Alto and through this partnership.

Now, more than ever, I think Alto’s services and free doorstep delivery of medications will help keep the community healthy and safe.

Alto’s Denver Team is Delivering Impact During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Two team members at Alto’s Las Vegas Pharmacy spearheaded an initiative to deliver school supplies and meals to children around Las Vegas who depend on school meals and were impacted by school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The COVID-19 crisis has had rippling effects across communities. Miles Fray, a Pharmacy Technician, and Bang Le, Pharmacist-In-Charge at Alto Pharmacy Las Vegas, worked together to ensure the team at Alto could do its part to support the community. We spoke with Miles and Bang about the initiative they launched with the health plan Teachers Health Trust (THT) and the non-profit Serving our Kids Foundation to help address childhood hunger for children impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

What prompted your team to launch a program to support hungry children in Las Vegas?

Bang: The idea to support children was Miles’ idea. We are all impacted by the quarantine and everything related to COVID-19.  I’ve been living in Las Vegas for the past seven years and wanted to be able to help people in the community. I asked my team what they want to do to give back, and Miles suggested we start a food drive to help out hungry kids.

Miles: I grew up here in Las Vegas, and this is my community. I was interested in starting a service program because when times are tough, any type of positivity you can put out there makes a big difference. I wanted to tap into Alto’s resources to help children in need since we have a lot of unique capabilities, like our expertise planning delivery routes. I know that a lot of kids around here depend on school for their meals and when schools were closed because of the shelter in place order, I figured there would be children in need.

How are you partnering with THT and Serving our Kids Foundation to support the community?

Bang: Once we decided we wanted to do a food drive, we reached out to the CEO of THT, an organization we are already work with (Alto is THT’s preferred pharmacy partner.) THT was already talking to the Serving Our Kids Foundation about a food drive and brought us in to help with delivery. THT identifies children who are impacted by school closures and need food donations; Serving our Kids Foundation collects donations of food and school supplies; and Alto’s delivery couriers provide safe, no contact delivery of meals and school supplies to children in need.

Miles: It’s been a pretty perfect partnership. Each of us has a piece to make the whole initiative work. 

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