Autumn is almost here. This means we’re on the edge of cold and flu season. However, this cold and flu season may be a little tricky thanks to COVID-19. (Oh, how tired I am of typing that!) The thing is, during cold and flu season, in a normal year, people tend to cough, have fever and sometimes get short of breath. While flu and other normal, run-of-the mill viral infections may be less widespread due to masks and social-distancing, it’s still hard to predict.
I am concerned that we’ll have “rolling lockdowns,” as businesses, schools and even municipalities have people with symptoms similar to, but not necessarily caused by, COVID and try to limit the spread of whatever it is. Therefore, preparation is everything.
My advice is to think ahead. Physicians’ offices may be closed or have limited hours. Emergency departments, of course, will probably be full. It is possible that like last year, elective procedures will be cancelled or scheduled far in advance.
What should one do? I would suggest several things. Get those immunizations. Influenza, pneumonia if indicated, as well as the normal stuff for the kids. (Don’t forget the college students; the meningitis vaccine is very important!) Do this as soon as these things are offered, because there could be a rush if we go through cyclic shutdowns.
Planning a colonoscopy? Need a follow-up CT scan for something? Concerned about a lump or a rash? Need a dental procedure? If it’s financially possible, do it soon. An unfortunate reality of the pandemic is that people have neglected routine care and surveillance for chronic diseases, and have had worsening conditions or death, which might have been preventable.
Be diligent about staying healthy. Take medications as prescribed. Arrange for future refills on those medications and set it all up online through hospital or physician “portals,” or through the mail. Go ahead and arrange to be part of a tele-health service through your physician, or sign up for one if your physician isn’t doing that. It can really help with simple questions or problems and may keep you out of crowded, cough-filled waiting rooms.
Last but not least, it’s a good time to get in shape. One of the groups most adversely affected by COVID-19 is those who are obese. It’s a good time to drink water, cut back calories and carefully exercise. Not only can this help with obesity, but sometimes weight loss actually improves chronic diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes.
I wish I knew what the rest of the year would hold. At this point, I’ve stopped trying to predict. The best thing we can do is trust God, care for one another, look ahead and get ready as much as possible. And watch out for dragons and aliens. I mean, this year, who knows?