bREATHE EASY

WAYS TO STAY PROTECTED THIS RESPIRATORY SEASON

St. Vincent Regional Hospital

As the crisp air of winter sets in, it brings along more than just cozy holiday sweaters and hot cocoa—it signals the start of respiratory season. With increased cases of colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses, it’s crucial to take steps to protect yourself and your family.

"As we enter the respiratory season, we’re expecting an uptick in viruses like the flu, RSV and COVID-19," said Dr. Samuel Ward family medicine provider at Intermountain Health. "We’re advising patients to stay proactive about their health—keeping up with vaccinations, practicing good hand hygiene, and staying home when feeling unwell.”

With gatherings around the holidays, it’s also a good idea to open windows or use air purifiers if you’re indoors with others. Small steps like these can go a long way in helping everyone stay healthier through the winter months.

Vaccinations: Your Best Defense

Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to safeguard your health during respiratory season. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are specifically designed to reduce the severity of these illnesses and prevent serious complications. While vaccines can’t guarantee you won’t get sick, they significantly reduce the likelihood of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

Each year, flu strains evolve, which is why the flu vaccine is updated annually. Similarly, updated COVID-19 vaccines are available to provide protection against newer variants, ensuring your immunity stays strong.

“These easy steps are not only important for you but those that may be immunocompromised in the community, shared Ward. “Staying up to date on your vaccines is also a way of decreasing virus transmission to those you love; be it a spouse, grandchild, close friend, or really anyone you encounter this winter.”

Virtual Visits: Convenient Care at Your Fingertips

Despite your best efforts to stay healthy, respiratory season may still bring sniffles, coughs, or fevers. Fortunately, virtual provider visits offer a convenient and effective way to access care without leaving the comfort of your home.

"You don't always need to leave home to get the care you need," said Ward. "Virtual visits are a convenient option for many common illnesses. Whether it's checking in on a cough, fever or other symptoms, our providers at Intermountain Health offer quick and easy consults without travel or waiting room time."

Virtual visits allow you to consult with a healthcare provider about your symptoms, receive a diagnosis, and get treatment recommendations—all through a secure video or phone platform. For common respiratory illnesses like the flu or mild COVID-19 symptoms, virtual visits can save you time and reduce exposure to others in a waiting room.

For those managing chronic conditions, living in rural areas or with limited mobility, virtual care ensures continuity of healthcare without the need for travel. Providers can also use virtual visits to monitor your recovery or adjust medications, ensuring you receive comprehensive care.

This respiratory season, staying proactive can make all the difference. With vaccinations and the option of virtual visits, you have powerful tools to protect your health and the health of those around you. Schedule your vaccinations and explore virtual care options today to ensure a safer, healthier season for everyone.

More from the Experts at St. Vincent Regional Hospital

About St. Vincent Regional Hospital

Founded on our mission of compassionate care 125 years ago, St. Vincent Regional Hospital, part of Intermountain Health, has grown into one of Montana’s largest comprehensive hospitals, serving the healthcare needs of over 400,000 people in our four-state area. Continuing to respond to the needs of our community, we have been recognized as an innovator in trauma, heart, neurological and cancer care. At St. Vincent and Intermountain Health, our 12 primary care clinics, and specialty clinics in and around the Billings area, our goal is to help you live the healthiest lives possible. This also includes caring for the region's youngest patients. We opened the region's first Pediatric Intensive Care Unit staffed 24/7 by Pediatric Intensivists and the only Pediatric Surgery program serving eastern Montana, northern Wyoming, and the western Dakotas.