Worried you might have the flu? Beaufort Memorial advises doing these 5 things

It seems like almost everyone is coming down with the flu this year. Schools are closing because of it. Hospitals have changed their visitation policies. So, if you have the characteristic aches and pains, fever and congestion associated with the virus, what should you do?

Beaufort Memorial Hospital has five tips for patients that fear they might have the virus.

1. Stay home

Simply breathing the same air as someone who has the flu can spread the virus, a Beaufort Memorial Hospital news release said. That means if you are feeling like you might have the flu, you should avoid work and school. Stay home and avoid potentially infecting anyone else, the release says.

2. Wear a mask

Despite common wisdom that covering your mouth and washing your hands was sufficient to stop the spread of the flu virus, people living in the same home as you run a high risk of exposure to the virus if you have it, the release says, so wear a mask to help keep them from getting sick as well.

3. Virtual doctor’s appointment

Once again, this involves staying home. A virtual doctor’s appointment will keep you out of an emergency room or doctor’s waiting room where, even if you don’t have the flu, you might contract it from someone who does. Using the camera on a smartphone, tablet or computer you can see a doctor anytime and anywhere, the release says. You can download the BMH Care Anywhere app for free or visit bmhcareanywhere.org to set up an appointment. Seeing a doctor is $59, according to the release.

4. Flu fast track

From 3 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, the emergency room at Beaufort Memorial will be offering a flu fast track for people exhibiting symptoms of the virus, the release said. If you feel your symptoms are getting worse or that you need to see someone in person, people with classic flu symptoms will be tested and treated immediately during fast track hours.

5. Online check in

You can minimize the risk of spreading the flu to others or contracting it if you don’t actually have it by cutting down waiting room time using Beaufort Memorial ER’s online check in, their release says. Visit bmhsc.org and click “Check-In Online” from the home page.

“The last place you need to be if you think you have the flu is in a busy waiting room, or any public area where you risk infecting others,” said Beaufort Memorial Hospital Emergency Center Director Kevin Kremer in the release. “Our goal is to provide the community with access and advice to get the care they need, when they need it, and to prevent the spread of infection.”

This story was originally published January 28, 2018 at 10:09 AM with the headline "Worried you might have the flu? Beaufort Memorial advises doing these 5 things."