URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — With flu season right around the corner again, OSF Healthcare in Urbana shared what mild symptoms look like, when it is time to see a medical provider, and what you can do now.
OSF says that most cases of respiratory illnesses like RSV, COVID-19, and influenza or rhinovirus or enterovirus (common cold) can be taken care of in the comfort of your own home.
“That could be a low-grade fever, cough, congestion and body aches.” Dr. Brian Curtis advises, “Tylenol and Motrin can be used, if your health circumstances allow for it, and then drinking fluids and having plenty of rest is the care for that.”
Seeking medical care from a health care professional is not needed for people with mild symptoms, though there are times when serious medical attention is required.
If you have trouble breathing, are unable to keep liquids down, your fever is not responding to Tylenol or Motrin, are not acting like yourself mentally, or the illness is lasting more than seven days with no signs of improvement, OSF says that you should be seen by a medical provider.
Craig says that the best way to be prepared for flu season is to look after yourself.
“The best thing you can do is take care of yourself and make sure your body is the healthiest it can be. That means prioritizing exercise, sleeping, eating right and limiting your intake of alcohol,” Curtis said. “Not taking care of your body can wear down your system and leave you susceptible to getting infections.”
OSF OnCall offers virtual options for patients to get care 24/7 through its Virtual Urgent Care. The appointment generally takes 5-10 minutes and gets sick patients a treatment plan within 30 minutes. No appointment is needed.
