SPOKANE, Wash. – Amid rising illness rates, local healthcare providers are advising residents on when to seek medical care.
Dr. Amy Anderson, a family physician at Rockwood Multicare Quail Run Family Medicine, emphasized the importance of using available healthcare resources. “We have excellent triage nurses who can really help direct what the right place for you to seek care may be,” she said.
Dr. Anderson noted that primary care is often the first line of defense for mild illnesses. She explained, “A primary care visit could be for someone who’s mildly ill, had a cough or sinus infection.”
For more urgent situations, Dr. Anderson recommended urgent care centers, which offer extended hours and the ability to conduct tests for flu, COVID, and more. “Urgent cares can do IV fluid hydration,” she said.
Emergency rooms are reserved for severe cases. Dr. Anderson advised, “If you have chest pain, shortness of breath, you can’t breathe, symptoms of stroke…those are appropriate reasons to be in the emergency room.”
Dr. Anderson also highlighted the importance of having resources like flu and COVID tests at home. “Having some of those tests on hand before you’re sick can be really helpful,” she said.
Vaccination remains a key preventative measure. Dr. Anderson stated, “Vaccines are important. Flu, COVID, RSV…those things are all important at preventing illness.”
Residents are encouraged to reach out to their healthcare providers rather than toughing it out. “Don’t ever feel bad about seeking care,” Dr. Anderson urged.
