Cold, Flu & COVID-19: How Do I Protect Myself? Where Do I Go for Care?

Respiratory illness season is here, and according to the CDC, rates of cold, flu and COVID-19 infections are rapidly rising. How can you reduce your risk of getting sick? If you do get sick, what are your options for care? Get answers to these questions and more below.

How to Prevent Cold, Flu and COVID-19

Get Vaccinated

Your first line of defense during respiratory illness season is getting vaccinated. Stay up to date on recommended vaccines, like the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine. 

Flu vaccines (ages 10+) and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines (ages 12+) are available at Cone Health Community Pharmacy locations, which are open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday. The MedCenter Greensboro and Wesley Long locations also offer Saturday hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Practice Healthy Habits

In addition to getting vaccinated, practice these healthy habits:

• Wash your hands. Clean germs from your hands by using soap and water and scrubbing for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Clean and disinfect. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. At work, use antibacterial wipes to clean doorknobs, keyboards, phones, etc.
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Sneezing or coughing into your elbow reduces the chance you will spread germs to others.
• Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces, especially if you have a higher risk for severe illness.
• Take care of your health. A healthy immune system helps you ward off illnesses. Improve your overall health by eating well, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. Managing stress also increases your immune function.

What to Do When You Have a Cold, Flu or COVID-19

If you get sick, it's important to take care of yourself. Make sure to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. It's also important to be evaluated by a health care professional, especially if you have COVID-19 or the flu or if your symptoms are severe.

There are many options for care, and the best option for you depends on your symptoms.

For emergency conditions like shortness of breath, chest pain, weakness or slurred speech, you should go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. For non-emergency conditions, there are other convenient options available.

Urgent Care can be an affordable alternative to the emergency room. Urgent Care providers can treat many moderate symptoms of colds, flu and COVID-19, including cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache or chills.

• Cone Health Urgent Care provides convenient in-person options to fit your needs, with care options available for people of all ages. Learn more about the conditions we treat, see wait times and schedule an appointment online at conehealth.com/urgentcare.
• Cone Health Virtual Care also provides access to care from the comfort of your home using your phone, tablet or computer. Providers can treat mild to moderate symptoms of common colds, flu and COVID-19. Learn more about the virtual care options at conehealth.com/virtualcare.

About the Expert

Philip Lamptey, MD, is the division medial director for the Cone Health Urgent Care locations. He is board certified in internal medicine and pediatrics. His specialties include internal medicine, pediatrics and urgent care.