Right Care, Right Time, Right Place: Aspirus Health Offers Guidance for Respiratory Illness Season

“If too many people who do not have medical emergencies go to the emergency department, it slows down care for everybody.”

WAUSAU, Wis. – As the “most wonderful time of the year” arrives, it also ushers in the busy season for respiratory illnesses like colds, flu, and COVID-19. With more patients seeking care during this time, Aspirus Health is providing important guidance to help individuals navigate their care options, ensuring timely treatment and reducing wait times.

Know When to Stay Home: For mild symptoms such as a runny nose or low fever, self-care at home is often sufficient. Aspirus Family Medicine Physician Dr. Alex Trecartin advises, “If you’re experiencing respiratory symptoms and you’re unsure whether you should seek in-person care, you can call our nurse triage line, which can help direct you to the best venue for your care.” The Aspirus Nurse Contact Center is available 24/7 at 715.843.1236 with no charge.

Start with Primary Care: Aspirus recommends that patients first contact their primary care office when non-emergency care is needed. If your regular provider is unavailable, other providers in the clinic may be able to offer timely care.

Walk-In and Urgent Care: For worsening symptoms, such as a persistent cough or high fever, Aspirus walk-in and urgent care clinics are a good option. These clinics provide fast, in-person care for conditions that don’t require emergency treatment but still need attention.

Virtual Care Options: Aspirus offers convenient e-visits through MyAspirus for conditions like pink eye, sinus problems, rashes, and recurring urinary tract infections. “An e-visit is an asynchronous visit where a patient answers some questions at home, submits those for review by a licensed healthcare provider, who then gets back to them with a response—either to treat their condition or recommend that they be seen in person,” explains Dr. Trecartin.

When to Seek Emergency Care: Aspirus reminds patients that emergency departments are for serious, life-threatening conditions, such as chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, or serious injuries. “If too many people who do not have medical emergencies go to the emergency department, it slows down care for everybody,” says Dr. Trecartin.

As respiratory illnesses continue to rise, planning for care can help ensure timely attention while reducing wait times for others in need of urgent care. For more information on care options, visit aspirus.org/right-care.