Your Guide to Flu Season
Knowing when and where to get care can save you time and money
If you experience flu symptoms, it's important to make informed decisions about when and where to seek care. Knowing where to go is even more critical during peak flu season, which is usually between December and February. Here’s how to choose the best care option for your symptoms and help ensure a speedy recovery.
Self-care at home
For mild to moderate flu symptoms, self-care is often the best first step. Rest, stay hydrated, and use over-the-counter medications to manage your symptoms. Dr. Jeremy Wigginton, Chief Medical Officer at Capital Blue Cross, emphasizes the importance of self-care: “Staying home and taking care of yourself not only helps you, but it also helps prevent the further spread of viruses,” he said. “If you have chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, talk to your regular healthcare provider about which over-the-counter medications are best for you. Pharmacists also can help answer questions when you’re choosing over-the-counter treatments.”
Your family doctor
If your symptoms persist or get worse, contact your primary care physician (PCP), commonly known as a family doctor. They can provide guidance on managing your symptoms and prescribe medications if necessary. Regular check-ups with your PCP also can help manage chronic conditions and prevent complications.
Telehealth services
Many healthcare providers and insurance carriers offer telehealth services, allowing you to see a doctor without leaving home. These options can be especially useful if you need medical advice outside of regular office hours. Eligible Capital Blue Cross members can use our VirtualCare service, available 24/7, to get immediate assistance and treatment. Many telehealth providers can refill and prescribe medications and help determine if you need to visit an urgent care center or the ER.
Urgent care centers
If you need immediate attention and can't see your family doctor, urgent care centers might be a good option. They can handle non-life-threatening issues and usually have shorter wait times and lower costs compared to ERs. They are equipped to deal with a variety of medical issues that require prompt attention but are not severe enough to warrant an ER visit.
When to visit the ER
The emergency room should be reserved for critical symptoms such as severe breathing trouble, chest pain, confusion, or other life-threatening conditions that require immediate and intensive medical intervention. “Knowing when to head to the ER not only can aid your recovery, it also can help keep hospital caregivers from being stretched too thin,” Dr. Wigginton says. Keep in mind emergency rooms tend to see the sickest patients first, regardless of when they arrive, so you might wait longer if your condition is less urgent. ER visits also typically cost more than a family doctor or urgent care.
Making the right choice Making informed healthcare decisions during flu season can save you both time and money, while ensuring that emergency rooms are available for those who really need them. By knowing when to practice self-care, consult your family doctor, use virtual care, or visit an urgent care or ER, you can manage your health more effectively and make the best choices for your well-being.