Getting Through Cold & Flu Season with First Stop Health

The arrival of cold and flu season brings worries about symptoms like fever, chills, body ache, headache and runny nose. If you’re looking for ways to stay healthy this season, here are some things you should know.

How the cold and flu spread.

According to the CDC, the flu and cold are both respiratory illnesses which share common symptoms, but the flu can be worse than the common cold and the symptoms can begin abruptly.¹ You can catch the cold or flu when people with the illness cough or sneeze near you or by touching something with the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

How to prevent getting the cold or flu.

Avoiding the cold and flu requires good hygiene. Here are the CDC recommendations:

Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
Get your flu vaccination in September or October.
Wash your hands often with soap and water.
Make sure to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Clean and disinfect surfaces in your home or public spaces.

What should you do if you have a cold or flu?

First, stay home when you are sick and cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. Next, request a First Stop Health Telemedicine visit! If your flu is diagnosed within 48 hours, it can often be treated with antiviral medications (like Tamiflu®), which can lessen the severity and length of illness. Like with other viral illnesses, antibiotics are not used to treat the flu. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. During your visit a doctor can also help to rule out any other viruses, like COVID-19. 

Assemble a cold and flu health kit.

In addition to taking precautions and using First Stop Health Telemedicine, a well-prepared health kit can ensure you are ready to face the season confidently. Make sure to stock up on these essentials: