Flu Season Facts & Tips: Protecting Your Health With Saluda Health & Telemedicine

Every year, the flu season arrives at our doorsteps and each year brings a different set of

challenges. Some years bring milder strains of the flu, while others hit harder and earlier. At

Saluda Health & Telemedicine, we believe that preparation and access to care should be

simple, timely, and centered on you. . Whether you are a busy professional juggling schedules, a college student, or traveler on the go, our telemedicine services make it easy to get the support you need without waiting days for an appointment.

What is the flu?

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.

Symptoms often include fever, chills, cough and sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches,

body aches, fatigue, and sometimes even nausea and vomiting. While most people recover in a week or two, the flu can be serious for children, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions.

Why does the flu season matter?

• Flu season typically peaks between December and February in the United States, although

cases can occur as early as October and as late as May.

• Each year, millions are affected, leading to missed time at work, school, and sometimes

hospitalization.

• Preventive care and early treatment are key to preventing complications.

  
  

Prevention: Protect yourself and your family

• Get vaccinated: The flu shot is updated annually to match the strain of flu that is circulating

that season.

• Practice good hygiene: Wash hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid contact with

others when sick Use good cough/sneeze etiquette: Cover your mouth with a tissue and throw

the tissue away immediately, then wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20

seconds. Use of a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is a good alternative. Avoid

coughing or sneezing in your hands. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your

elbow.

• Boost immunity: Be sure to get adequate sleep, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly to

help strengthen your body’s defenses.

• Stay home when ill: Protect others by resting and recovering at home.

Saluda Health & Telemedicine services are available to support you during flu season with:

• Convenient access where you can connect with a nurse practitioner from home, work, or while

traveling

• Early evaluation -Call or email us to discuss symptoms quickly so that we can determine if you

need testing, medication, or supportive care

• Prescription support: Antiviral medications are most effective when started early.

Saluda Health & Telemedicine offers convenient access, early evaluatio, and prescription support. Our Telemedicine services ensure timely care, so you get the help you need without delay.

Follow-up care: We check in on your recovery so that you can return to daily life with

confidence.

When to seek emergency care immediately

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if you experience severe symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden confusion or fainting, persistent high fever, or severe dehydration,

These may signal serious complications that require immediate medical attention.

Flu FAQs:

Q: Can I get the flu from the flu shot?

A: No. The flu vaccine does not cause the flu. Some people say experience mild side effects

like soreness at the injection site or a low-grade fever, but these are short-lived.

Q: How do I know if I have the flu or a cold?

A: The flu tends to come on suddenly with fever, body aches, and fatigue, while colds are

usually milder and symptoms occur more gradually. Telemedicine visits can help distinguish

between the two.

Q: What if I already got sick once this season?

A: It is possible to catch the flu more than once if different strains are circulating. Staying

vaccinated and practicing good hygiene are important.

At Saluda Health & Telemedicine, we know that the flu doesn’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule. That

is why our concierge telemedicine services are available evenings, nights, weekends, an

holidays to ensure that you are not left without support and always receive prompt medical

attention. We are here, a phone call or click away.