When to Test and Treat: Influenza
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/ Categories: WELLNESS, 2022

When to Test and Treat: Influenza

We are experiencing higher influenza levels in our community, and it is important that influenza is identified and treated early in high-risk patients.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers the following patients to be at greater risk for flu-related complications:

  • Patients under the age of 2
  • Pregnant patients
  • Those over the age of 65
  • Patients with asthma or COPD
  • Those with weakened immune systems
  • Patients with diabetes or liver, kidney, or heart conditions

Patients with any of these conditions should seek treatment and may be treated with an antiviral medication, called oseltamivir, if their symptoms started within the last 48 hours. The antiviral medication will prevent complications.

For those not at high risk, most influenza infections cause a mild illness with fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, cough, congestion, and sore throat.

  • Testing is not required, as a healthcare provider can reasonably make a diagnosis of influenza, particularly if community levels of influenza are high and you have the symptoms described above.
  • Currently, there are shortages in both the antiviral medication oseltamivir and influenza testing supplies. People who are at low risk of complications from the flu will be tested only in rare circumstances and at the discretion of your healthcare provider.
  • Infections of COVID-19 and influenza are very similar and can happen at the same time. Patients with respiratory symptoms should use an at-home rapid antigen test for COVID-19.
  • If you test positive COVID-19, follow the instructions for isolation as listed on the Vermont Department of Health website.
  • Those over 12 at higher risk for a severe case of COVID-19 can be treated with a different antiviral medication, Paxlovid.
  • If you suspect you have influenza, stay at home and away from others, rest, increase fluids, and try over-the-counter fever-reducing medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Most people with this illness will have mild symptoms and will not need medical care or antiviral medications. 
  • You can reduce your risk of influenza and the risk of those close to you by receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine and consistently washing hands properly.

Crystal Labbe-Hasty, PA, is a physician assistant at SVMC’s Respiratory Evaluation Center/ExpressCare in Bennington. The practice is part of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center and Southwestern Vermont Health Care. 

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Resuming Regular Care

So many important medical appointments were booked for March and April and canceled during the height of the pandemic. Now we are beginning to refocus on the fact that skipping appointments, even if you are feeling well now, could become harmful.

One important group of patients that we are eager to see are those with serious chronic conditions. These diseases require patients to see their primary care provider or a specialist at least once a year and sometimes far more frequently than that. Those with heart failure, kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, for instance, all require regular contact with your provider.

Another group of patients we'd like to see are those with new medical concerns. We know that new medical concerns don't stop during a pandemic. Some conditions, like depression and anxiety, are far more prevalent during a pandemic than before. In many cases, new conditions are easiest to treat when patients first notice symptoms, and delaying care for these conditions can be dangerous.

Even regular care for those who are healthy is as important as ever. Other diseases—cancer in particular—haven't gone away. So, if you would normally be getting a screening such as a colonoscopy or mammogram, it's time to schedule an appointment. Many cancers can be detected and treated early with better outcomes. We can only expect those good results, if people are screened.

For children, regular vaccines are very important. If a big portion of the population neglects to get important childhood vaccines on schedule, we may be susceptible to outbreaks of measles or whooping cough.

There are many steps we have taken to improve safety for those seeking medical care. The first one is the availability of telemedicine. If the condition you are seeking treatment for does not require diagnostics or a physical exam, your provider can meet you virtually using any Internet-enabled device or over the phone. See details here.

If you do need to come to the office, you will notice check-ins at entrances, where staff check patients and visitors for respiratory symptoms and ensure that all are masked. You'll also notice efforts to space the waiting rooms to improve social distancing.

So how do you get the care you need?

  • If you have a primary care provider, call in to see what you may have missed during the pandemic. Did you miss an appointment to manage a chronic condition? Also share any new health concerns you have and check that you and your family members are up to date on all of your screenings and vaccinations.
  • If you don’t have a regular doctor, it makes sense to get one now. Locally, call the find-a-provider line at 802-447-5007 for a directory of practices that are accepting new patients.
  • Those with time-sensitive medical needs can use ExpressCare, a walk-in clinic, on the hospital campus in Bennington. Be sure to call ahead to 802-440-4077 if you have respiratory symptoms.
  • For Emergency Care, always come directly to the SVMC Emergency Department.

Most off all, we want our patients to know that we are here for them. There is no longer a need to delay medical care, whether for known conditions, new concerns, or preventive care. In every step we take, we are protecting patients against COVID-19 and helping patients with all of their other medical needs, too.

Bob Schwartz, MD, is associate medical director of Dartmouth- Hitchcock Putnam Physicians at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington and a family medicine physician at SVMC Northshire Campus in Manchester.

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