(BPT) - We tend to think of COVID-19 and flu as cold-weather problems. Flu does usually pick up in the fall and winter, but COVID-19 can circulate at any time of year, and COVID-19 infections have been increasing across the country this summer. With that in mind, now is a good time to take stock: Do you know your risk? Would you recognize the symptoms? And if you got sick, would you know who to call?
These questions are especially important for people at higher risk of serious illness. Planning ahead can save valuable time, because treatments work best when started soon after symptoms first appear.
Here are three things worth doing before respiratory illness season gets underway.
1. Know what can put you at higher risk
Age matters. So do health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses.
Older adults are more likely to develop serious complications from COVID-19 or flu, and the risk generally rises with age. Conditions that affect the heart, lungs or immune system can also make it harder to fight an infection or recover from one.
Pregnancy can also raise the risk of complications from some respiratory illnesses. Young children can be especially vulnerable to serious complications from flu.
You don't have to sort through that risk on your own. Ask a healthcare provider what your age, medical history, pregnancy status or other circumstances mean for you before you're sick and pressed for time.
2. If you're at higher risk, don't wait
The first few days after symptoms appear can make a real difference.
Antiviral treatments are available for COVID-19 and flu. For people who are eligible, they can reduce the risk of severe illness, but the window to start treatment is short.
Flu antivirals work best when started within the first two days of illness, although starting later may still help some people. Some COVID-19 treatments must begin within five days after symptoms start, while others must begin within seven days.
If you're at higher risk and develop a fever, cough, fatigue, body aches or other symptoms, don't wait for them to get worse. Contact a healthcare provider promptly and ask whether you should be tested and whether antiviral treatment is right for you.
3. Make a plan now, while you are well
No one wants to figure out where to get care while feeling miserable. Thinking through the first steps now can make it much easier to act quickly later.
Start with the people in your household. Who may be at greater risk? Consider keeping at-home tests on hand and know how you would quickly reach your healthcare provider, a pharmacist or another source of medical care.
This is also a good time to ask a healthcare provider which COVID-19 and flu vaccines are recommended for you. Vaccination can help protect against severe illness and complications.
If you care for an older parent, a young child or someone with an underlying health condition, bring them into the plan. A short conversation now about their risk, who to call and what to do if they become sick can prevent delays later.
Viruses don't always follow the calendar, and they rarely arrive at a convenient time. Know your risk, know where you'll turn for care and act quickly when symptoms begin. Those three steps can help you avoid losing valuable time when it matters most.
CVEEP brings together public health, patient and provider organizations to share practical information and resources about respiratory illness prevention and treatment.
For more information about respiratory illness risk, prevention and treatment, visit CVEEP.org/treatments.