Memorial Health System Offers Care Guidance on Preventing and Treating Flu, COVID, and other Respiratory Illnesses
With flu, COVID, and other respiratory illnesses on the rise, Memorial Health System wants to provide necessary information on illness prevention, treatment, and when to seek emergency care. Emergency departments are great hubs of care when life-threatening treatment is needed. For illnesses such as flu, COVID, or other respiratory concerns, patients can take preventive steps, prioritize rest at home, or seek medical attention in more appropriate locations before seeking care at an emergency department.
When needed, seeking care through a primary care provider or at a Physicians Care Express location can help ensure timely treatment, and help keep emergency departments available for those in urgent, life-saving situations.
Prevention is always the first line of defense against respiratory illnesses. To reduce the spread, wash your hands frequently with soap and water; cover your coughs and sneezes; wear a mask in public to help protect others; and stay home when sick.
If you begin to feel unwell, treatment and timely care in the right setting can make a huge difference in your recovery. Rest and hydration at home are key, and for other non-emergency symptoms you can visit a primary care provider or a Physicians Care Express location for evaluation and treatment.
Visiting these appropriate locations helps reduce the strain on emergency departments and ensures everyone receives the right level of care quickly.
You should seek emergency care for respiratory illnesses if you experience the following:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or pressure
- Confusion or disorientation
- A persistent high fever lasting more than three days, spiking above 103°F, or accompanied by confusion or a rash
By taking these preventive steps and seeking care in the right place at the right time, you can help protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community.
Need a primary care provider? Memorial Health System’s Department of Primary Care is proud to offer same/next day appointments for most of our clinics. Find a provider today by calling the Provider Line at (740) 568-5241.
For quick care during the week, evening, and on the weekends visit a Physicians Care Express location! Find the closest location to you, phone numbers, and directions on our locations page.
Need help but not sure where to go? Call the FREE 24 Hour Nurse Line at (844) 474-6522 to speak with a dedicated registered nurse who can help guide your care!
