Experts are speculating that the 2018 asthma and allergy season may be the worst the U.S. has ever seen. Due to several factors—weather and temperature fluctuations, unprecedented pollen counts, and climate change—an increasing number of people are experiencing allergy symptoms, along with exacerbated asthma symptoms. Even people who previously did not suffer from seasonal allergies are experiencing the dreaded runny noses and itchy, watery eyes.
As an urgent care physician, it’s likely that your center will have an influx of seasonal allergy and asthma patients looking for relief. Some people with seasonal symptoms may think they have a cold but, in reality, have allergies. Healthcare consumers with asthma may also be seeking reprieve inside your doors—if asthma control medicine is not being adhered to, chances are their symptoms will worsen and they’ll need support from your urgent care team.
Since consumers highly value patient-focused care, it’s important for your urgent care center to identify and respond to their needs in a way that fits their lifestyle. This means integrating both physician advice and digital tools into a care plan to help them manage their asthma or allergies, reduce symptoms, and get back to their life.
Below, you’ll find an infographic you can email to your patients, print and hang in your waiting room, and give to patients who want relief from their seasonal allergy suffering.
The 2018 Solv Guide to Managing Seasonal Allergies
- Check pollen counts — Pollen is one of the most common allergens. It’s usually strongest from mid-May through July. Visit pollen.com to find out the pollen count for your city. If it’s high, keep your windows closed, stay indoors when possible, and take allergy medication if you experience symptoms.
- Check local air quality reports — Outdoor air quality plays a big role in aggravating allergies and asthma. Visit airnow.org to check the air quality for your area. When air quality is poor, do your best to limit time spent outside.
- Know the difference between a cold and allergies — Cold and allergy symptoms can be similar. Knowing which you have can help you get the correct treatment. Allergies don’t cause fever but colds do, so that’s a good way to tell the difference.
- Use control medication — If you have a prescription for asthma control medicine, it’s important to use it the way your doctor tells you to. Using control medication can prevent asthma attacks and help you stay healthy.
- Book a same-day urgent care appointment with Solv — Head over to Solv and book an urgent care appointment if your allergy or asthma symptoms go beyond what you can handle on your own.
