As summer starts winding down and temperatures begin to cool, cold & flu season will be here before we know it. The viruses that cause the flu are around all year, but we normally see an increase in activity between October and May. Cold and flu are two of the most common respiratory illnesses in the United States, but during the colder seasons we tend to encounter many other infections as well.
Children are more vulnerable to these illnesses due to their developing immune systems. When one person at your home gets sick, germs can spread and pass through the whole family. We have your ultimate survival guide on how to prepare for this upcoming cold and flu season, and what you can do to prevent seasonal sickness.
Why Do We Get Sicker During Winter Months?
We see an uptick in illnesses during the colder months because we spend more time indoors, which allows viruses to pass more easily between people. During the summer, hot air tends to kill or slow the spread of germs, whereas in colder, drier air, germs can survive longer and spread. This is why we do not see as many infections during the warmer months.
Cold (1.) and flu (2.) cases rank among the top sicknesses seen among children. Other common illnesses include:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Ear infection
- Bronchitis
- Strep throat
- Sinusitis (sinus infection)
- Gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Prevention and Protection are Key
The best way to reduce your risk of getting sick is by getting the flu vaccine, thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water, covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, cleaning surfaces or contaminated objects with disinfectant, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick. By taking these precautions, we are not only protecting ourselves, but those around us who may be more susceptible to illness. If we don’t, we could see an increase in doctor visits and hospital admissions, more missed days of school and work, and risk of serious health complications from infectious disease that is otherwise preventable.
Using CH Care OnDemand for Convenient Treatment
If someone in your household does end up sick, CH Care OnDemand offers the convenience and ease of scheduling a doctor’s appointment from the comfort of your home. If your child comes down with any of the conditions mentioned above, one of our board-certified physicians can provide a diagnosis and treatment plan virtually.
There are many advantages to using CH Care OnDemand, such as:
- Easy to fit into your schedule, so you don’t need to take time off of work or arrange child care
- Eliminates the need to travel and wait to be seen at a clinic
- Reduces the risk of contracting and spreading germs
- Receive timely and efficient care from the comfort of your home
- Cost effective option for patients
With CH Care OnDemand, you can receive quality care from your smartphone, tablet, or computer within an hour of requesting an appointment. Once you receive a diagnosis, the physician will send a prescription to your pharmacy.
Want to know more about CH Care OnDemand? Visit our FAQ page, or call (855)-606-0777 to speak with a VirtualCare Client Success Specialist.
