Neuropathy and Cold & Flu Season: Staying Safe with Telehealth
With cold and flu season in full swing, taking extra precautions is essential—especially if you have neuropathy. Neuropathy patients often face unique health challenges, as weakened immune responses, chronic inflammation, or other underlying conditions can make them more vulnerable to seasonal illnesses. However, there’s good news! At Blue Ridge Acupuncture & Integrative Health, we now offer telehealth services to help you manage your symptoms and stay healthy without leaving home.
Here’s why telehealth is a smart option for neuropathy patients during this season and how it can help you avoid the hassle of urgent care.
Why Neuropathy Patients Are More Vulnerable During Cold & Flu Season
Neuropathy, or nerve damage, can often compromise your body’s normal defenses. People with diabetes, autoimmune conditions, or nerve disorders may face greater risk during cold and flu season. For neuropathy patients, symptoms of seasonal illness can have more intense impacts, potentially worsening neuropathy symptoms like pain, numbness, or tingling.
References:
- A study published in Diabetes Care reports that people with diabetic neuropathy are more susceptible to infections due to weakened immune responses, putting them at higher risk during flu seasonJournal of Inflammation Research* highlights that neuropathy patients often experience heightened inflammatory responses, which can be aggravated by seasonal illnesses.
How Telehealth Can Help Neuropathy Patients During Cold & Flu Season
- Avoid Exposure to Germs Visiting a crowded urgent care or hospital waiting room exposes you to other sick individuals, which can increase your risk of catching the flu or a cold. With telehealth, you can speak to a healthcare provider from home, avoiding unnecessary exposure.
- Address Symptoms Early Telehealth allows you to catch illness early. If you start to feel off, it’s easy to schedule a telehealth appointment, where our team can assess your symptoms and recommend steps to manage them before they worsen. For neuropathy patients, acting early can prevent worsening neuropathy pain or inflammation caused by illness.
- Monitor Neuropathy Symptoms Proactively If your neuropathy flares up in response to illness or you have questions about how seasonal colds or flu might impact your condition, telehealth gives you a convenient, direct line to a provider. We can help you adjust your care plan or offer advice on how to manage symptoms.
- Stay on Top of Preventive Care Many neuropathy patients benefit from regular check-ins to monitor their condition and adjust care as needed. Telehealth makes it easy to stay consistent with your care, even if you’re feeling under the weather. Your provider can offer tips on maintaining immune health, managing inflammation, and preventing symptoms from flaring.
Tips for Neuropathy Patients During Cold & Flu Season
In addition to utilizing telehealth, here are a few ways neuropathy patients can stay well this season:
- Boost Your Immune Health: Eating nutrient-rich foods, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep all support a stronger immune response. Supplements like vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc may also help, but speak with your provider before adding new supplements.
- Stay Active: Gentle, regular movement supports blood circulation, which can benefit nerve health. Even during colder months, try to maintain some level of physical activity.
- Protect Against Cold: For neuropathy patients, cold temperatures can sometimes aggravate symptoms. Keep hands and feet warm, and avoid prolonged exposure to cold weather when possible.
Book a Telehealth A with Us Today
If you’re a neuropathy patient preparing for cold and flu season, consider a telehealth check-in. Our team at Blue Ridge Acupuncture & Integrative Health is here to help you stay healthy, manage symptoms, and support your wellness from the comfort of your home.
Contact us today to book your telehealth appointment and keep yourself safe this season. By taking advantage of virtual care, you can avoid the risks of waiting rooms and stay on top of your neuropathy care plan with ease.
Stay Healthy, Stay Connected, and Take Control of Your Health!
References
- “Susceptibility to Infections in Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy,” Diabetes Care
- “Inflammation and Immune Response in Neuropathy,” Journal of Inflammation Research
- “Supporting Immune Health for Patients with Chronic Conditions,” American Journal of Medicine
- “The Role of Physical Activity in Managing Neuropathic Pain,” Pain Medicine
