Breath of Fresh Air: Essential Reminders for Providers During Respiratory Viral Illness Season - Refreshed with new information

Date: June 20, 2025

Attention: All Providers

Background information: 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 season.

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.
Summer 2025 Best Practice Recommendations: Wellness, Immunizations, and Influenza Season Preparation. To view this presentation, click here.Presented by Audrey Voss, Clinical Practice Consultant on June 17, 2025 in TCHP's Provider Advisory Group meeting.

Key Takeaways

Vaccination is Vital

As appropriate, please encourage your patients to best protect themselves against respiratory viral illnesses by receiving any recommended vaccinations, such as but not limited to influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus.

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

Cold Fact Sheet (PDF)

Sudden onset of symptoms

High fever

Severe tiredness

Lower than normal appetite

Achy muscles

Chills

Headache

Flu Fact Sheet (PDF)

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.