rewrite this title A Flu Season Guide to Smart Health Care Decisions and Healthy Habits

We have seen a surge in respiratory illnesses like influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. This surge has many seeking care, but deciding between virtual visits, primary care appointments, urgent care, or an emergency department can be overwhelming when you’re feeling unwell.

We spoke with Cassandra Annunziata, PA with Dignity Health Medical Group – Sequoia, about her recommendations for making smart health care decisions and healthy habits during flu season.

When should you see a doctor for respiratory illness?For respiratory illnesses, it’s advisable to seek care at an urgent care facility like Dignity Health Half Moon Bay Pilot Urgent Care. If your symptoms are worsening, don’t improve after a week of home care, or include high fever, severe cough, or difficulty breathing, don’t delay seeking immediate medical attention.

The Dignity Health Half Moon Bay Pilot Urgent Care is able to treat a wide range of medical issues, including cold, flu, and other respiratory illnesses as well as infections, sprains, cuts, burns, and rashes, and allergies both in-person and virtually. It’s best to think of urgent care as the place to go when you need same-day treatment for medical issues that can’t wait, but aren’t life threatening or severe.

This 6-month pilot urgent care treats all community members, regardless of their insurance, including those who are uninsured. However, if you experience a life-threatening injury or need immediate attention for medical issues like shortness of breath, chest pain, or broken bones, you should call 9-1-1 or go directly to the nearest emergency department.

How to keep your family safe this flu seasonTo stay healthy this season, there are preventative measures you can take. Prioritizing both the flu and updated COVID-19 vaccines are your best line of defense. Beyond vaccination, simple actions can go a long way: avoid close contact with sick individuals, stay home if you’re unwell, cover coughs and sneezes, practice diligent hand hygiene, and wear a mask in crowded settings.

The DHMG – Sequoia Urgent Care Clinic is located at 799 Main St., Suite D, in Half Moon Bay and open Wednesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 – 7:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, and in-person and virtual appointments can be scheduled by calling (650) 726-1200.

Cassandra Annunziata is a part of Dignity Health Medical Group – Sequoia, which is currently accepting new patients. Learn more at dhmf.org/Sequoia.