Symptoms rarely happen all at once. Maybe it’s a scratchy throat you brush off or fatigue you chalk up to a long day. Before you know it, a cough develops, the fever arrives, and you’re left wondering whether you’re dealing with the flu.
Each fall, influenza begins making its way through schools, workplaces, and households. If you start feeling sick, don’t assume you have to wait it out before seeking medical care. An early evaluation can help identify what’s causing your illness, determine whether treatment may be appropriate, and put you on the path to recovery sooner.
The good news? Getting expert medical guidance doesn’t have to mean leaving home. EMConnect connects you with board-certified emergency medicine providers through convenient virtual visits, making it easy to receive care when you’re not feeling your best.
Know What’s Making You Sick
When you’re sick, uncertainty can be just as frustrating as the symptoms themselves.
A fever and cough could point to the flu. Or maybe it’s COVID-19, RSV, or even a stubborn cold. Without a medical evaluation, it isn’t always easy to tell the difference.
Instead of searching the internet or hoping tomorrow will be better, a virtual visit can provide answers. An EMConnect provider can evaluate your symptoms, discuss your concerns, and recommend the most appropriate next steps based on your individual situation.
Why Acting Early Matters
When it comes to the flu, acting early can make a real difference.
Antiviral medications may help shorten the length of your illness and reduce the risk of complications. They’re generally most effective when treatment begins within the first 48 hours after symptoms appear, making it important to seek care when symptoms first develop.
Not everyone needs medication. Your provider can explain what to expect, recommend ways to manage your symptoms, discuss whether antiviral medication may be appropriate, and let you know when it’s safe to return to your normal routine.
Early care can also help protect the people around you. Knowing you have the flu means you can take steps to avoid spreading it to family members, friends, coworkers, and others in your community.
Care That Fits Your Day
Nobody wants to drive across town or sit in a crowded waiting room when they’re already feeling miserable. During flu season, waiting rooms can become especially busy as more people seek care for respiratory illnesses, increasing both wait times and potential exposure to others who are sick.
With EMConnect, you can receive expert medical care through a secure virtual visit using your phone, tablet, or computer. For many non-life-threatening illnesses, virtual care offers a convenient way to receive timely medical guidance without disrupting your day any more than it already has.
Is Virtual Care Right for You?
For many flu-like illnesses, a virtual visit is a great place to start. Common symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Persistent cough
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
Not sure where to start? EMConnect can help determine whether your symptoms can be evaluated virtually or if an in-person medical evaluation is the better choice.
Know When to Seek Emergency Care
Certain warning signs should never wait.
If you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain or persistent pressure, confusion, seizures, blue lips or face, or severe dehydration that prevents you from keeping fluids down, seek emergency medical care immediately or call 911.
These symptoms may signal a serious medical emergency that requires immediate in-person treatment.
Get Ahead of the Flu This Season
No one plans on getting sick, but knowing where to turn when symptoms appear can make a difference. If you think you may have the flu, don’t wait to get answers. EMConnect provides convenient access to emergency medicine expertise, helping you get the guidance and treatment you need sooner. Click here to earn more.