Know When to Seek Care for Colds & Flu October 10, 2023 As respiratory illnesses such as colds, flu, COVID-19 andrespiratory syncytial virus — known as RSV — make the roundsthis fall and winter, you or a loved one might end up catchingsomething, despite your best efforts at prevention. (See articleon previous page for prevention tips.) “Though the fever, chills, runny noses and sore throats maybe very uncomfortable, these symptoms usually aren’tdangerous and are best cared for at home with rest, fluids andover‑the‑counter medicines for pain or fever,” said PhysicianAssistant Hank Wright of SamCare Express — Corvallis. For symptoms of a cold, flu, COVID-19 or RSV, remember thefollowing guidelines: Stay home to avoid passing your illness to others. Help manage symptoms with proper nutrition,hydration and rest. Use over-the-counter medicine such as acetaminophenor ibuprofen to manage fever and pain. Never giveaspirin to children. Your pharmacist is often a great resource for guidance onover‑the‑counter medications. So, how do you know when to call the doctor or makean appointment? Should you go to a walk-in clinic or anemergency department? If you or your child have these symptoms, seek careimmediately at an emergency department: Difficult, abnormal or very rapid breathing. Audible wheezing. Appearing blue or pale. Chest pain. Pain with breathing. Abdominal pain. Confusion. Severe headache. Dehydration in a young child or infant (not urinating; notears when crying). Fever over 105 degrees Fahrenheit. A rash that looks like bruising or broken blood vessels. If you or your child experience the following symptoms, callyour primary care provider for an appointment or visit awalk-in clinic: Sinus pain and/or pressure. Sore throat. Ear pain. Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Rash. Headache (not severe). Body aches. Coughing. “These symptoms could mean something more serious, butusually cold and flu symptoms can be safely and effectivelycared for at home,” said Wright. “If you are on the fence andfeeling unsure about whether you need to be seen, sometimesa telemedicine appointment or a quick MyChart E-Visit cangive you the opportunity to run your symptoms by a health careprovider and put your mind at ease.” For some patients with flu, the antiviral medication Tamiflu canshorten the duration of symptoms if started within 48 hours ofsymptoms starting. For patients with COVID-19 who are at higher risk of severedisease, there are antiviral medications which, if started early,can reduce the chance of hospitalization or severe illness. Employers and educators should also allow people to care fortheir respiratory illnesses at home. “If your employees or students have to miss work or school,please do not require a doctor’s note that will force them toseek immediate attention in an urgent care or ED,” Wrightsaid. “These unnecessary visits place strain on our emergencydepartments, urgent cares and clinics.” SamCare Express — Corvallis is located in the new OregonState University Health Center, next to Reser Stadium at850 SW 26th St. and is open seven days a week. See a handy chart to know your options of where to go for care. Do you need help finding a primary care provider?Visit samhealth.org/FindaDoc or call800-863-5241 for assistance.