If you are Texas Children’s Health Plan Member, we have tips that can help you deal with the severe weather. Learn more
Si eres miembro de Texas Children’s Health Plan, tenemos consejos que pueden ayudarte a lidiar con el clima severo. Aprende Más
Breath of Fresh Air: Essential Reminders for Providers During Respiratory Viral Illness Season
Date: October 30, 2024
Attention: All Providers
Background information: The respiratory viral illness season has begun, and infections like influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 are circulating in our communities.
This communication aims to equip you with comprehensive and up-to-date provider resources to support your practices during this critical time.
Provider Resources
- HEDIS Toolkit on Respiratory Conditions and Antibiotic Stewardship: Offers valuable insights and guidelines.
- Respiratory Viral Illness Season Resource Kit: Comprehensive materials for patient education.
- At the Texas Children’s Health Plan (TCHP) Provider Advisory Group Meeting in September 2024, Audrey Voss, Clinical Practice Consultant, presented important educational material regarding Respiratory Viral Illness Season: What You Need to Know to Educate and Protect Your Patients. To view this presentation, click here.
Key Takeaways
- Vaccination is Vital
As appropriate, please encourage your patients to best protect themselves against respiratory viral illnesses by receiving vaccinations for influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and COVID-19 infections.
Information about the flu season and vaccination can be found in the 2024-2025 Flu Season: Encourage Members to Protect Themselves Provider Alert - RSV Information
Crucial information about RSV season and vaccination can be found in the 2024-2025 RSV Season and Synagis Prior Authorization Provider Alert- Reiterate to patients that antibiotic medication does not effectively treat viral illnesses. Reassure patients about their plan of care for respiratory viral illnesses.
- Right Care, Right Place, and Right Time
Educate patients on when and where to seek medical care. Help them recognize true emergencies that require immediate attention versus non-emergency situations. - Patient Resources
Please review and share this helpful link to Stay healthy this Cold and Flu Season! with your patients: https://www.texaschildrenshealthplan.org/flu- Additionally, see a flu information flyer that can be shared with patients.
Symptom Differentiation
| It's a Cold | It's the Flu | It's RSV |
Slow onset of symptoms No or mild fever Mild tiredness Normal appetite Muscles are not achy No chills No headache | Sudden onset of symptoms High fever Severe tiredness Lower than normal appetite Achy muscles Chills Headache | Uncontrolled cough Runny nose Decrease in appetite Sneezing Fever Wheezing |
Thank you for your commitment to caring for and protecting our TCHP members. Your efforts make a significant difference!
If you have any questions, please email Provider Relations at: providerrelations@texaschildrens.org.
For access to all provider alerts,log into:
www.texaschildrenshealthplan.org/provideralerts.