You may be used to “toughing it out” when the flu hits. But why battle fever, body aches and brain fog when you really don’t have to?
With today’s antiviral drugs, you can cut your symptoms within hours, stay safer and even save money. However, you must act fast. That makes telehealth an ideal solution.
To be effective, you need to start antiviral drugs within a day or two of when symptoms begin. Oseltamirvir (Tamiflu) is the most well-known antiviral drug for the flu, along with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) for Covid-19.
Antiviral drugs work by stopping the progress of illness in your body. Within hours, you’ll notice a difference in how you feel. But the longer a virus has time to work, the less effective these drugs become. Wait too long, and antivirals won’t work.
Most health plans offer coverage for virtual visits. Telehealth means you (or your kids) don’t need to leave home, plus it’s fast and accessible, even when you’re on vacation. The cost savings can be significant, too.
If you have good health and normal symptoms, virtual visits are a handy option. Normal flu symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and chills, and fatigue.
Telehealth also works well for urinary tract infections, Covid and other respiratory illnesses like RSV, and sinus issues, too.
It’s simple to get started. You only need 1) a device with a camera, speaker and microphone like a smartphone, tablet or desktop; and 2) an internet connection.
During your call, your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and when they started. You might still need an in-person visit to check your lungs, assess your sinuses, or rule out something other than a virus.
However, if you have a fever above 103°F (adults) or a cough that has lasted for days, call to get seen.
And if your flu has been ongoing for more than 3 days, an antiviral drug isn’t going to help. So, once you start to feel sick, don’t wait.
Although not a replacement for a comprehensive medical plan, a telehealth subscription can provide additional support and the freedom to seek consultation for less serious medical concerns without expensive and time-consuming doctor office visits.
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