Respiratory Illnesses: What to Know and What to Do
There’s a lot you can do to stay healthy – and to get care quickly when you are sick with a cold, flu or other respiratory infection. Information moves fast, and to cut through the noise, we’re bringing you some important information and useful tips for navigating this cold and flu season.
1. COVID-19 and influenza treatments are time sensitive.
If you test positive for COVID-19 and are at an increased risk to get very sick, treatments are available that can reduce your chances of hospitalization and death. Treatment for COVID-19 must be started within five days of the first signs of symptoms and/or positive test. Types of COVID-19 Treatment: https://www.cdc.gov/covid/treatment/index.html
If you get sick with flu, influenza antiviral drugs may be a treatment option. Antiviral drugs work best when started early, and treatment for influenza should be started within two days of symptoms. Treatment of Flu: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/index.html
2. You tested positive for COVID-19. Now what?
If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and you are not having serious symptoms (i.e. shortness of breath, chest pain or fever higher than 103 degrees), you can get treatment by calling 763-581-CARE (2273) for 24/7 scheduling to get scheduled for a virtual visit with one of our providers. If you test positive on the weekend and want to initiate treatment right away, visit one of our four Urgent Care locations to discuss options.
3. Consider a virtual doctor visit.
A virtual visit provides you with the care you need from virtually anywhere. Prescription refills, revisits and any concern that does not require an in-person exam or test are all great options for a virtual visit. It’s a convenient way to see your doctor from the safety of your own home, either via video or by phone. Phone and video visits can be scheduled in advance through MyChart, or contact us 24/7 at 763-581-CARE (2273) or visit the link below.
4. You can check urgent care and emergency room wait times in advance.
Our urgent care and emergency room locations are experiencing a higher volume of visits during this cold and flu season. Check our estimated wait times at your nearest location to help you prepare for your visit, but please expect delays. Estimated wait time begins upon arrival at the urgent care or emergency room location, and we are unable to hold your place in line until your arrival at our location. Please note that due to high volumes, our urgent care locations may not be open to their full hours of operation.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have a medical emergency.
5. When to return to work or school
Stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick) if you have respiratory virus symptoms that aren’t better explained by another cause. These symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, among others.
You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:
- Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
- You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
When you go back to your normal activities, take added precaution over the next 5 days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors. This is especially important to protect people with factors that increase their risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses.
Keep in mind that you may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick, even if you are feeling better. You are likely to be less contagious at this time, depending on factors like how long you were sick or how sick you were.
If you develop a fever or you start to feel worse after you have gone back to normal activities, stay home and away from others again until, for at least 24 hours, both are true: your symptoms are improving overall, and you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication). Then take added precaution for the next 5 days.
6. Stay up to date on vaccines.
Vaccination has been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of illnesses. Flu and COVID vaccines are recommended for people over age of 6 months to help protect you from severe symptoms. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine is recommended for adults over age of 60 as well as pregnant individuals and there are preventative treatments available for infants as well. We can all take measures to protect ourselves and those around us from the flu, COVID, and RSV. Schedule an appointment to update your COVID and flu vaccinations. Adults can get their RSV vaccine from any local pharmacy. Make an appointment with your infant’s primary care provider to see if they may benefit from RSV preventative treatments.
7. Be a diligent handwasher.
One of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs is to keep your hands clean. Several diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands. Wash your hands often and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and clean, running water. Handwashing is particularly important after going to the restroom, coughing or sneezing, or when caring for someone at home who is sick.
8. Wear a mask, especially if you are feeling sick.
Respiratory illnesses are spread by small droplets. Wearing a well-fitting mask will decrease the likelihood of transmitting illness to others. Immunocompromised or vulnerable populations should consider wearing a medical-grade mask to help prevent contracting a respiratory infection.