Are You Prepared? Experts Warn This Flu Season Could Hit 1 in 5 Coloradans—Telehealth is Your Lifeline!

As the flu season intensifies in Colorado, health experts are reminding the public about the option of telehealth services, which can provide critical care without the need for in-person visits. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has reported that, as of January 3, 2023, nearly 800 people have been hospitalized due to influenza—a number that significantly surpasses previous records for weekly admissions during this time of year.

Amid this surge, college student Kendall Bayshore found herself dealing with a common winter ailment that escalated quickly. "My throat was getting sore and more sore than normal," she recounted. After discovering she had strep throat and feeling too unwell to leave her dorm room, her mother advised her to schedule a telehealth appointment. "I only had to get out of bed to go pick up the prescription," she said, reflecting on how telehealth allowed her to have a doctor’s appointment from the comfort of her own bed.

According to Gerard Frunzi, the regional director of Telemedicine at CommonSpirit Health, telehealth encompasses remote healthcare services that can often be conducted over video conferencing, though they don’t have to be. This service allows patients to receive referrals, medical advice, and prescriptions without needing to visit a healthcare facility. "Typically, a patient can see a provider in a matter of minutes," Frunzi explained.

Dr. Brendan Clark, the Intensive Care Unit medical director at St. Anthony Hospital, emphasized that telehealth is particularly beneficial for non-critical conditions. "If it’s not critical, it may be safer in some cases to see your doctor virtually," he said. This method not only protects patients from exposing others to illness but also helps alleviate the burden on busy emergency rooms, allowing them to focus on more serious cases.

While telehealth can provide significant convenience and even cost savings—some insurance packages offer lower copays for telehealth visits compared to in-person appointments—health experts still stress the importance of seeking urgent care when necessary. "Of course, it depends on your insurance," Frunzi noted. "However, emergency room visits tend to have significant out-of-pocket costs." For those with insurance that covers telehealth visits at rates comparable to primary care, it can be an economical option.

As Coloradans navigate this challenging flu season, health professionals recommend taking preventative measures. Wearing high-quality masks, like N95 or KN95, cleaning the air in homes, practicing good hand hygiene, and seeking treatment early can all contribute to controlling the spread of illness.

In the face of rising hospitalizations, telehealth services offer a viable alternative for many patients, as exemplified by Bayshore’s experience. "Using telehealth is just like a normal doctor's appointment, just in my own bed," she said. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, options like telehealth may become even more vital in ensuring patients receive timely and appropriate care without contributing to the strains on emergency services.