How to Protect Yourself from the Flu and Colds this Year

Antibiotics aren’t the answer to viral infections

It’s flu and cold season. You’re sick or maybe you have a sick child at home and are ready to make this achy feeling go away. So, you call your doctor and schedule a visit to get an antibiotic. That is likely not going to help you get better.

During cold and flu season, acute respiratory tract infections are the most common reason doctors are asked to prescribe antibiotics. But normally neither you nor your child needs an antibiotic for things like a sore throat, sinus infections or the common cold. 

Like many viruses, the flu can include following symptoms:

• Fever or chills
• Headaches
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Tiredness
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

Taking antibiotics for the flu or COVID will not cure the infection, keep other people from getting sick or help you or your child feel better. They may even cause unnecessary and harmful side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance. That’s when bacteria resists the effects of an antibiotic and it could actually hurt you.

“Antibiotics treat bacterial infections and they may not be what you need,” said Dr. Terin Blanchard, vice president and senior medical director for the Atrium Health Navicent Medical Group. “Colds, sore throats, and bronchitis are often caused by viruses and not a bacterial infection. Most respiratory viruses are self-limiting and the treatment is limited to supportive care. In other words, get lots of rest, treat your symptoms, and drink plenty of fluids. However, if you are experiencing persistently worsening symptoms or if you are at risk of medical complications, you should immediately seek medical attention.”

The following tips can help you and your family stay healthy:

• Wash your hands often with soap or hand sanitizer. Make sure you wash the front and back, between your fingers and around your fingernails.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. You can become infected if you touch something that is contaminated and then touch your face.
• Try to avoid close contact with anyone who is sick. Also, extend the same courtesy if you are sick and keep your distance from others so you won’t infect them.
• If you are sick, don’t go to work or school. If you have errands you need to run, see if someone else can help you. Self-quarantine plays a big role in not infecting others.
• If you have to cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sneeze into your elbow. The flu can be spread by respiratory droplets, so anything you can do cover your cough will help protect others. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk.
• Keep objects clean that you touch often. That means wiping down things like your computer keyboard, doorknobs, cell phones keys and countertops.

When to Go to the Emergency Room

• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty waking up
• Not drinking enough liquids
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Chest pain or pressure
• Persistent, severe vomiting

Can’t make it to the doctor and would like to try a convenient virtual visit for your child or yourself? Learn more about Atrium Health Levine Children’s Pediatrics Virtual and other Atrium Health Navicent virtual visits for primary care.

About Atrium Health Navicent

Atrium Health Navicent is the leading provider of health care in central and south Georgia and is committed to its mission of elevating health and well-being through compassionate care. Atrium Health Navicent is part of Advocate Health, which is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is the third-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, created from the combination of Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health. Atrium Health Navicent provides high-quality, personalized care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region. As part of the largest, integrated, nonprofit health system in the Southeast, it is also able to tap into some of the nation’s leading medical experts and specialists with Atrium Health, allowing it to provide the best care close to home – including advanced innovations in virtual medicine and care. Throughout its 130-year history in the community, Atrium Health Navicent has remained dedicated to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. It is also one of the leading teaching hospitals in the region, helping to ensure viability for rural health care for the next generation. For more information, please visit www.NavicentHealth.org.

About Advocate Health

Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. Advocate Health is nationally recognized for its expertise in heart and vascular, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs more than 160,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to redefining care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.