{Don’t Let the Flu Slow You Down: Stay Prepared with ChristianaCare|ChristianaCare: Don’t let the flu slow you down. Stay prepared.|ChristianaCare is here to help you stay prepared for the Flu.}

{October 2, 2025|October 2, 2025|October 2, 2025}

{Cold weather brings more than just cozy sweaters and hot drinks–it also marks the arrival of flu season.|The cold weather is not just about cozy sweaters or hot drinks. It also signals the start of flu season.|Flu season is also here with the cold weather.} {As flu season approaches, taking simple precautions such as proper handwashing, getting your flu shot and knowing when and how to seek medical attention can help keep you and your loved ones healthy.|Flu season is approaching, and simple precautions like proper handwashing and getting a flu shot, as well as knowing when to seek medical care can keep you and those around you healthy.|As the flu season approaches you can protect yourself and your family by taking simple precautions. These include proper handwashing techniques, getting vaccinated against flu and knowing when to seek out medical attention.}

{Get Quick Answers with ChristianaCare’s Cough and Cold Line|ChristianaCare Cough and Cold Line: Get quick answers|ChristianaCare Cough & Cold Line – Get Answers Quickly}

{ChristianaCare is once again enhancing access to care by relaunching its Cough and Cold Line, providing individuals with a quick, reliable way to seek assistance with a simple phone call.|ChristianaCare has relaunched its Cough and Cold Line to provide individuals with an easy, quick and reliable way to get help with just a phone call.|ChristianaCare will once again improve access to care with the relaunch of its Cough and Cold Line. This line provides individuals with a reliable, fast way to receive assistance by making a simple telephone call.} {Now available at 302-623-7400, the Cough and Cold Line provides a series of helpful prompts to assist callers in managing their symptoms effectively.|The Cough and Cold Line is now available at 302-623-7400. It provides callers with a series helpful prompts that will help them manage their symptoms.|Callers can now access the Cough and Cold Line at 302-623-7400. They will receive a series useful prompts for managing symptoms.} {It offers guidance on treating symptoms at home and provides the option to connect with ChristianaCare’s virtual primary care providers, ensuring timely care without delays.|The Cough and Cold Line offers advice on how to treat symptoms at home, as well as the option of connecting with ChristianaCare’s virtual primary healthcare providers. This ensures timely care without delay.|It provides information on how to manage symptoms at home. You can also connect with ChristianaCare virtual primary care providers for timely and effective care.}

{The ChristianaCare Cough and Cold Line offers assistance for adults 18 and older, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.|ChristianaCare Cough and Cold Line provides assistance to adults aged 18 and over, from Monday through Friday between 8 am and 4 pm.|ChristianaCare Cough and Cold Line is available to adults 18 and older from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.}

{Last year, ChristianaCare launched its Cough and Cold Line as respiratory illnesses surged in what was one of the worst cold and flu seasons in recent memory.|ChristianaCare launched the Cough and Cold Line last year as respiratory infections soared during one of worst flu and cold seasons in recent history.|ChristianaCare’s Cough and Cold Line was launched last year in response to the escalating respiratory illness during what was one worst cold and influenza seasons in recent years.} {In just seven weeks of operation, the line received more than 1,200 calls, highlighting the community’s need for accessible healthcare resources during cold and flu season.|The line received over 1,200 calls in just seven weeks, which highlighted the need for healthcare resources to be available during the cold and flu seasons.|In only seven weeks of operation the line had received more than 1200 calls. This highlighted the community’s urgent need for access to healthcare during cold and influenza season.}

{“We are excited to relaunch the Cough and Cold Line as part of our proactive approach to supporting our community with essential resources that promote health and awareness during the cold and flu season,” said Cynthia Griffin, chief nursing officer of Community Care at ChristianaCare and cough and cold line project lead.|Cynthia Griffin, Chief Nursing Officer of Community Care at ChristianaCare and project leader for the Cough and Cold Line said: “We’re excited to relaunch this line as part of our proactive strategy to support our community by providing essential resources to promote health and raise awareness during cold and flu seasons.”|Cynthia Griffin is the chief nursing officer for Community Care at ChristianaCare and the project lead of the Cough and Cold Line. She said, “We are thrilled to relaunch our Cough and Cold Line in our proactive approach of supporting our community and providing them with essential resources which promote health and awareness throughout the cold and influenza season.”}

{“Last year, we had to respond reactively to the high rates of respiratory illnesses that arose during flu season.|Last year, we were forced to react reactively to high rates of respiratory illness that occurred during the flu season.|”Last season, we had no choice but to respond reactively to the high rate of respiratory diseases that were prevalent during flu season.} {This year, however, we’re taking early action by providing our community with the tools and information they need to stay healthy throughout the cold and flu season.”|We are taking action early this year by providing the community with the information and tools they need to remain healthy during the cold and influenza season.|This year we are taking proactive measures by providing information and tools to our community so they can stay healthy through the flu and cold season.}

{Make a Plan to Get Your Flu Shot|Plan your Flu Shot|Plan Your Flu Shot}

{According to the Centers for Disease Control, the upcoming U.S. fall and winter respiratory disease season is expected to be similar to last year in terms of peak hospitalizations from COVID-19, influenza and RSV.|According to the Centers for Disease Control the U.S. respiratory disease season this fall and winter is expected to have similar hospitalizations to last year due to COVID-19 and influenza.|According to Centers for Disease Control, the U.S. fall/winter respiratory season will be similar to that of last year, in terms hospitalizations due to COVID-19 (influenza), RSV and influenza.}

{The flu (influenza virus) spreads easily, especially in the fall and winter.|Flu (influenza) is easily spread, especially during the winter and fall.|Flu (influenza viruses) is spread easily, particularly in the fall and winter.} {Getting a flu shot can protect you and your loved ones from contracting the virus.|A flu shot will protect you and those around you from the virus.|Getting the flu shot will help protect you, your family and friends from getting infected with the virus.} {A flu shot is especially important for children over age 6 months, people 65 and older, pregnant women and people with other chronic health conditions.|The flu shot is particularly important for people over 65, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses.|Flu shots are especially important for older adults, children aged over 6 months, pregnant women and anyone with chronic health problems.}

{“Healthy habits like handwashing, covering your cough, and getting your flu vaccine are our primary defenses to stay ahead this flu season,” said Priyanka Dixit-Patel, M.D., physician executive for Primary Care at ChristianaCare.|”Healthy habits such as handwashing, coughing while covered, and getting vaccinated against the flu are our main defenses in order to stay ahead of this flu season,” said Priyanka Dixit-Patel M.D. physician executive at ChristianaCare.|”Healthy habits, such as covering your cough and getting your influenza vaccine, are our primary defenses for staying ahead of the flu season,” said Priyanka Dixit-Patel MD, physician executive at ChristianaCare.} {“While these practices may seem minor, when practiced consistently, they significantly help protect both you and those around you.|While these practices might seem insignificant, when they are practiced consistently, it is important to protect you as well as those around you.|These practices, while seemingly insignificant, can be very beneficial to you and your family members when you practice them consistently.} {Being proactive and focused on prevention is the best medicine to help reduce the spread of illnesses during this time of year.”|To reduce the spread during this season of illness, being proactive and focused is key.|Prevention and being proactive are the best ways to reduce the spread of diseases during the holiday season.}

{Dr. Dixit-Patel also recommends that people consider getting a Covid-19 vaccine at the same time as their flu shot.|Dr. Dixit Patel recommends people also consider getting the Covid-19 vaccination at the same time they get their flu shot.|Dr. Dixit Patel suggests that people get a Covid-19 shot at the time of their flu vaccine.}

{“It’s important to consult your primary care provider to determine if a Covid booster is suitable for you,” Dr. Dixit-Patel said.|”It is important to consult with your primary care provider in order to determine whether a Covid boost is right for you,” said Dr. Dixit Patel.|Dr. Dixit Patel stated that it is crucial to consult your primary healthcare provider before deciding if you are a candidate for a Covid booster.} {“Your primary care provider can help you understand the available options and advise you on the best course of action tailored to your individual needs.|Your primary care provider will help you to understand your options and give you advice on what is best for you.|Your primary healthcare provider can guide you through the options available and provide advice tailored to your needs.}

{“Additionally, having at-home testing kits can provide valuable information to your provider when considering the most effective care plan for you.”|It is also important to have at-home test kits available for your doctor so that they can determine the best treatment plan for you.|”Also, home testing kits can be valuable to your healthcare provider in determining the most effective treatment plan for you.”}

{All ChristianaCare GoHealth Urgent Care facilities offer flu shots, along with quick and affordable treatment for cold and flu symptoms.|All ChristianaCare GoHealth Urgent Care locations offer flu shots and quick and affordable treatment of cold and flu symptoms.|All ChristianaCare GoHealth Urgent Care centers offer flu vaccines, as well as quick and affordable treatments for cold and influenza symptoms.} {Most facilities are open seven days a week until 8 p.m., and the Middletown and Dover locations are open until midnight.|The majority of facilities are open 7 days a week, until 8 pm. Middletown and Dover are open until midnight.|Most of the facilities are available seven days a weeks until 8pm, while Middletown and Dover remain open until 12am.}

{Follow These Tips to Stay Healthy During Cold and Flu Season|Keep Healthy with These Tips During Flu and Cold Season|Take these tips to stay healthy during the cold and flu season}

{* Lather up. Washing your hands with soap removes germs, making them less likely to infect your respiratory system when you touch your eyes, nose or mouth.|Lather your hands. By washing your hands, you remove germs and reduce the risk of them infecting your respiratory system if you touch your nose, eyes or mouth.|Lather. When you wash your hands, it removes germs that can infect the respiratory system.} {Rub your hands for at least 20 seconds, scrubbing all surfaces.|Rub your hands vigorously for 20 seconds. Scrub all surfaces.|Rub your hands on all surfaces for at least 20 second.} {If you don’t have access to soap and water, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.|If you do not have soap or water available, use a hand-sanitizer that contains at least 60% of alcohol.|If you can’t access soap and water, then use a hand cleaner that has at least 60% alcohol.}

{* Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.|Cover the mouth and nose. Cover the mouth and nasal when coughing or wheezing.| Cover both your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.} {If you think you have a respiratory infection, wear a mask to protect yourself and others.|Wear a mask if you suspect you may have a respiratory illness to protect you and others.|If you believe you are suffering from a respiratory infection you should wear a face mask to protect both yourself and other people.} {When worn by a person with an infection, masks reduce the spread of the virus to others.|Masks worn by an infected person can reduce the spread of virus to others.|When worn by someone with an infection, masks can help reduce the spread to others of the virus.} {Masks can also protect wearers from breathing in infectious particles from people around them.|Masks protect the wearer from inhaling infectious particles that are spread by others.|Masks also help protect users from breathing in particles of infectious bacteria from those around them.}

{* Avoid close contact. Keeping physical distance from others if you are sick — or even think you are sick — can protect them from getting sick, too.|* Keep your distance if you’re sick or think you might be sick.|* Do not make close physical contact with others when you are ill.}

{* Stay home when you are sick. You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:|* If you’re sick, stay home. You may return to normal activities after 24 hours.|When you are sick, it is best to stay at home.}

1. {Your symptoms are getting better overall, and|You are feeling better in general.|Your symptoms are improving overall.}

2. {You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).|You do not have a fever.|You don’t have a temperature (and you aren’t taking fever-reducing medications).}

{For the most up-to-date information (such as frequently asked questions and other resources) on the flu and flu shots this year, visit the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention’s flu webpage at CDC.gov/flu.| CDC.gov/flu has the latest information on flu and flu vaccines this year.| CDC.gov/flu is the best place to find the latest information about the flu and the flu shot this year.}

Staff Writer

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