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GREAT NEWS, YOU HAVE BETTER ER OPTIONS!
Altus Baytown ER is Now In-Network with More Insurance Options. Together, we can all Fight the Flu.
[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/3wBWUYIxdFM”][us_separator size=”small”][vc_column_text]We should never downplay the dangers of flu season. This year, as the coronavirus continues to spread in our communities, we need to double our efforts to prevent getting sick. Fortunately, as Baytown ER is in-network with many more insurance options, there’s no reason why you should risk your health – come in for a free medical screening!
Let us explore the many reasons why you should take flu season seriously.
The Effects of Flu Season in America
very year millions of Americans get sick with the flu. This year many experts are hopeful we will have a milder flu season like other countries, including Australia, have had, but nothing is certain.
Last year was a particularly tough season. According to the CDC, this past flu season, we had:
- 38 million flu-related illnesses
- 18 million medical visits
- An estimated 405,000 hospitalizations
- 22,000 deaths
Last year, the most affected age groups were children under the age of 4 and adults aged 18-49. But the flu can impact everyone’s lives regardless of age, so we all need to take precautions.[/vc_column_text][us_image_slider ids=”26819,26818,26820,26821″ fullscreen=”1″ autoplay=”1″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]
Flu Season in the Age of COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, continues to spread indiscriminately through our communities.
Viral respiratory illnesses like the common cold, the flu, and COVID-19, although caused by different viruses, can have similar symptoms. So how can you be sure if you have the flu?
The following chart can help you determine the type of illness you may have. However, refrain from auto diagnosing. When you feel sick, you should always speak to a medical professional about your symptoms.
And if your symptoms are severe, don’t hesitate to come to Altus Baytown ER. Remember, we are now an in-network facility for Aetna, Cigna, and BCBS, and we also accept Medicare patients.
Symptom Comparison Chart
[/vc_column_text][us_separator][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Symptoms[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Covid-19
Symptoms Can Range from Mild to Severe[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Common Cold
Gradual Onset of Symptoms[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]The Flu
Abrupt Onset of Symptoms
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][us_separator][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Fever[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Common[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Rare[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Common[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][us_separator][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Cough[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Common[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Common[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Common[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][us_separator][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Sore Throat[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Common[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Common[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Common[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][us_separator][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Shortness of Breath[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Sometimes (with mild/moderate infection)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]No[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]No[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][us_separator][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Fatigue[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Sometimes [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Sometimes [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]
Common[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][us_separator][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]New Loss of Smell or Taste[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Common[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Common[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]
Common[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][us_separator][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Aches and Pains[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Sometimes[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Sometimes[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]
Common[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][us_separator][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Headaches[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Sometimes[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Common[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Sometimes[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][us_separator][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Sneezing[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]No[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Common[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Sometimes[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][us_separator][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Diarrhea[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]Rare[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]No[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]
Sometimes (especially in children)
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Together We Can Help Prevent the Flu
Altus Baytown ER is proud to support the CDC’s #FightFlu campaign to help stop the influenza virus spread.
There is no cure for the flu, and nobody can guarantee you won’t get sick this year, but these simple steps can help lower your risk.
Get Vaccinated!
Getting a yearly flu vaccine is vital to protect ourselves against flu viruses. Vaccination is especially important this year, so make sure to get yourself and your family vaccinated as soon as possible.
The CDC recommends everyone 6-months or older get an annual flu vaccine. Together we can protect ourselves, our families, and our neighbors.
Maintain Physical Distance
Many respiratory viruses spread through tiny droplets expelled when an infected person speaks, sneezes, or coughs. By staying a safe distance away (at least 6-feet) from people who do not live with you, you can reduce your risk of infection.
Wear a Mask When Out in Public
Face coverings help prevent droplets from becoming airborne, and this can help stop the spread of viruses.
If You do Get Sick, Ask Your Doctor About Antiviral Medications
If you happen to get sick with the flu, speak to your doctor. Describe your symptoms and ask if antiviral medications are suitable for you.
This type of medication can help relieve symptoms and shorten the time you are sick[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”26822″ size=”full”][vc_column_text]
When Should You Go to The ER?
If you experience any of the following severe symptoms, please visit our ER:
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or severe abdominal pain
- Confusion
- Sudden dizziness
- Vomiting that won’t stop
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Altus Baytown ER is Now In-Network!
At Altus Baytown ER, we offer all the benefits of a hospital ER, including in-network rates for members of Aetna, Cigna, BCBS, and Medicare patients, but with added conveniences such as more personalized care and guaranteed shorter wait times.
Our facility is conveniently located and offers ample parking. We are open 24-hours every day of the year and follow strict sanitizing protocols to ensure our patients’ safety.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]