Using patient engagement tools during the flu season is essential to preventing the illness. Patients must be informed about the precautions they need to take to protect themselves from catching the flu, like getting their flu shot. Prevention is even more critical than ever this year, as there are overlapping symptoms between COVID-19 and the seasonal flu.
Flu vaccination is the most reliable and effective way to guard against it. Given that the current pandemic situation is projected to continue well into 2021, it is imperative to increase flu vaccinated individuals. This vaccination will reduce the risk of acquiring seasonal illnesses. That way, healthcare systems can continue accommodating COVID-19 patience and other emergency cases. Fortunately, digital health tools can support providers and their patients in providing better healthcare during the flu season. These provisions can be carried out in three ways:
1. Spreading Awareness
Many public health issues rely on widespread awareness to resolve it. When patients are fully conscious of all the risks of contracting the flu, they understand the importance of vaccinations and how it helps protect them and their loved ones. Given the unpredictability of flu seasons, which typically begin as early as October, medical professionals must disseminate information through medical news articles. They must also start screening high-risk people, such as the elderly, for flu vaccinations.
To make this possible, healthcare providers use the latest digital technology to reduce transmission rates in their area. Technology that enables remote patient monitoring (RPM) and bolsters self-management tools is crucial in remotely monitoring patients at home with flu-like symptoms. Such a setup will also prevent additional contact with vulnerable patients in waiting rooms.
Thanks to these developments in technology, providers can remotely arrange a personalized care routine through a smartphone app to equip patients with a better understanding of managing and monitoring their specific symptoms. That way, they’ll recover in the safety of their home and be alert for any signs of being COVID-19 positive.
2. Clarifying Misinformation
An incredibly accessible Internet means that there’s a lot of unfiltered information that appears in many people’s social media feeds. Misinformation confuses patients. This confusion is especially true for those that want to determine if they are sick with pneumonia, the common cold, or the seasonal flu during winter. However, given the ongoing global health crisis, they now have to worry about fighting off COVID-19.
The healthcare industry must anticipate patients’ anxiety to reach skyrocketing levels at this time, as there is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding COVID-19. Numerous misconceptions are floating around, and patients may act according to the wrong information they received, which can be dangerous.
Medical professionals can combat this by relying on credible public health organizations’ educational resources, which will help clarify rampant misinformation. By sharing the latest information on prevention, symptoms, and treatment, patients will be equipped with the right tools and knowledge to defend themselves from the flu. An effective way to do this is to use a systemwide video or text broadcast, which will debunk any harmful myths.
3. Informing Those At Risk
Although all individuals are susceptible to getting the flu, the healthcare industry must pay extra attention to at-risk populations. Certain groups of people, like older patients, pregnant women, and those with long-term health conditions, are vulnerable to experiencing severe flu complications.
Once professionals have identified those at risk, they can now use innovative digital health solutions that immediately and accurately communicate the necessary information. Vulnerable populations now know to take the proper precautions to protect themselves from the flu.
These solutions can also allow care teams to adjust treatment plans as necessary. For instance, if an at-risk patient is experiencing symptoms, the technology can alert the team to adapt the care plan. Such precautions prevent the infection from spreading among staff, patients, and visitors.
Conclusion
If you wish to provide better healthcare for as many people as possible, it is crucial to prepare for flu season in the most comprehensive way possible. Given the coinciding pandemic that continues to sweep the globe, fighting off the flu will be a more complex challenge. With these three tips, the digital health industry can protect both the healthy and the vulnerable from the flu.
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