Flu Care Made Simple: 5 Options to Get the Right Help at the Right Time

Flu season is here, and knowing where to turn for care can make all the difference – for your health and your wallet. From self-care at home to emergency rooms, each option comes with different costs, levels of access, and urgency.

Getting your flu shot before peak flu season is an important way to prepare for the winter ahead. But so is knowing where to go if flu symptoms arise.

Dr. Shikha Doomra, Clinical Medical Director at Capital Blue Cross, recommends following a simple approach to get the right care at the right time:

Option 1: Self-care at home

Many people with mild flu illnesses do not need medical care, according to the CDC.

In such cases, self-care is often the best first option. Self-care involves rest, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter medications to manage your symptoms.

If your symptoms worsen, if you are at high risk of serious flu-related complications, or worried about your illness, contact your health care provider, Dr. Doomra said.

Antiviral medications, when taken early, can help you recover faster and may reduce the risk of serious complications. Ask your doctor if these treatments are right for you.

“If you have chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, talk to your regular healthcare provider about which over-the-counter medications are best for you,” Dr. Doomra said. “Pharmacists also can help answer questions when you’re choosing over-the-counter treatments.”

Option 2: Your family doctor

When flu symptoms linger or worsen, your primary care physician – often called your family doctor – should be your first call.

They know your health history, can guide you through symptom management, and prescribe medication if needed. Regular visits with your PCP also help prevent complications and keep chronic conditions in check, making them the best resource for personalized care.

It can sometimes be difficult to make an appointment with your primary care provider on short notice. If your symptoms get worse and you cannot get a timely appointment with your primary care provider, another option could be telemedicine, said Dr. Doomra.

Option 3: Telehealth services

Many healthcare providers and insurance carriers offer telehealth services, allowing you to see a doctor without leaving home.

These options can be especially useful if you need medical advice outside of regular office hours or cannot schedule an appointment with your primary care provider.

Eligible Capital Blue Cross members can use the VirtualCare service, available 24/7, to get immediate assistance and treatment. Many telehealth providers can refill and prescribe medications and help determine if you need to visit an urgent care center or the ER.

Option 4: Urgent care centers

If you need immediate attention and can't see your family doctor, urgent care centers might be a good option.

They can handle non-life-threatening issues and usually have shorter wait times and lower costs compared to ERs. They are equipped to deal with a variety of medical issues that require prompt attention but are not severe enough to warrant an ER visit.

Option 5: Emergency room

The emergency room should be reserved for critical symptoms such as severe breathing trouble, chest pain, confusion, or other life-threatening conditions that require immediate and intensive medical intervention.

“Knowing when to head to the ER not only can aid your recovery, it also can help keep hospital caregivers from being stretched too thin,” Dr. Doomra said.

Keep in mind emergency rooms tend to see the sickest patients first, regardless of when they arrive, so you might wait longer if your condition is less urgent. ER visits also typically cost more than a family doctor or urgent care.

Making the right choice

Making informed healthcare decisions during flu season can save you both time and money, while ensuring that emergency rooms are available for those who really need them.

By knowing when to practice self-care, consult your family doctor, use virtual care, or visit an urgent care or ER, you can manage your health more effectively and make the best choices for your well-being.