How to Keep Your Family Healthy During Respiratory Virus Season
- Kristina Reynolds
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
Arizona is currently facing a surge in respiratory viruses, including Influenza A (especially the H3N2 strain), RSV, and COVID-19. These viruses spread quickly, especially among children, who are more vulnerable to infections and related complications like conjunctivitis. Protecting your family during this season requires awareness, prevention, and access to timely care. This post offers practical advice to help you keep your loved ones healthy and avoid unnecessary urgent care or emergency room visits.
Understanding the Current Respiratory Virus Situation in Arizona
Respiratory viruses tend to peak during colder months, but Arizona’s dry climate and indoor gatherings can accelerate their spread. This season, Influenza A H3N2, RSV, and COVID-19 are circulating widely. Each virus has unique symptoms but often overlaps, including:
Fever and chills
Cough and sore throat
Nasal congestion and runny nose
Fatigue and body aches
Eye redness or conjunctivitis in some cases
Children are especially at risk because their immune systems are still developing, and they often have close contact with peers at school or daycare. Recognizing symptoms early and seeking care promptly can prevent complications.
How to Prevent Respiratory Virus Infections at Home
Keeping your family safe starts with simple, effective habits:
1. Practice Good Hand Hygiene
Encourage everyone to wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap isn’t available.
2. Clean and Disinfect Surfaces
Viruses can survive on surfaces for hours. Regularly clean high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, and toys with disinfectant.
3. Improve Indoor Air Quality
Use air purifiers and humidifiers to reduce airborne viruses and keep mucous membranes moist. Arizona’s dry air can irritate respiratory tracts, making infections more likely.
4. Encourage Respiratory Etiquette
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow, then wash hands immediately.
5. Limit Exposure to Sick Individuals
Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness. Keep children home from school or daycare if they are sick. Stay home from work if you are sick.
Recognizing When to Seek Medical Care
Mild respiratory infections can often be managed at home, but some signs require professional evaluation:
Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
Persistent high fever lasting more than 3 days
Severe fatigue or inability to eat/drink
Signs of dehydration such as dry mouth or reduced urination
Worsening symptoms after initial improvement
Pro Health Functional Medicine offers same-day sick appointments to help families avoid urgent care or emergency room visits. Telehealth options provide convenient access to care from home. If you are a Concierge Medicine member, office visits and telehealth appointments come with no co-payment, making it easier to get timely care.
How Pro Health Functional Medicine Supports Families During Virus Season
Pro Health Functional Medicine combines integrative approaches with conventional care to support your family’s health. Here’s how they help during respiratory virus season:
Same-day sick visits to diagnose and treat infections promptly
Telehealth appointments for convenient care without leaving home
Concierge Medicine membership that includes unlimited office and telehealth visits with no co-pay
Immune-boosting IV therapy available at a 50% discount for Concierge members, administered in a relaxing environment
These services reduce the need for urgent care or ER visits, saving time and stress while ensuring your family receives expert care.
Tips to Boost Your Family’s Immune System
A strong immune system helps fight off infections and recover faster. Consider these strategies:
Balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
Adequate hydration to keep mucous membranes moist and support immune function
Regular physical activity to improve circulation and overall health
Sufficient sleep to allow the body to repair and strengthen defenses
Stress management through mindfulness, relaxation, or hobbies
For additional support, immune-boosting IV therapy offered at Pro Health Functional Medicine can provide vitamins and nutrients directly to your system, especially helpful during high-risk seasons.
Managing Symptoms at Home Safely
If your family members develop mild symptoms, these steps can help ease discomfort:
Use a humidifier to soothe irritated airways
Encourage rest and fluids
Use over-the-counter fever reducers as directed
Keep the child’s environment clean and comfortable
Monitor symptoms closely and seek care if they worsen
Avoid giving aspirin to children and consult your healthcare provider before using any new medications.
Preparing Your Home for Respiratory Virus Season
Preparation can reduce stress and improve outcomes if someone gets sick:
Keep a thermometer, fever reducers, and hydration supplies handy
Have tissues, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes accessible
Create a comfortable isolation space for sick family members
Know your healthcare provider’s contact information and office hours
Consider joining a Concierge Medicine program for easier access to care
Final Thoughts on Keeping Your Family Healthy
Respiratory virus season presents challenges, but with the right precautions and access to care, you can protect your family. Prioritize prevention through hygiene and healthy habits. If illness strikes, seek timely care from trusted providers like Pro Health Functional Medicine to avoid emergency visits and support recovery.
Taking these steps helps your family stay strong through the season and beyond. Reach out to your healthcare provider early, and consider options like telehealth and Concierge Medicine for convenient, comprehensive care.
To schedule an appointment with Pro Health Fucntional Medcince contact 480.306.4372 or visit us online here.
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