The 2018 flu season is shaping up to be one the worst in nearly a decade and your practice is not immune. The CDC FluView report for the last week of January even states that a “cumulative rate of 51.4 laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations per 100,000 population” has been observed. We’re all feeling the pain but at QliqSOFT we would like to recommend some simple steps that may just help you prepare and protect your patient population.
Have you considered using our Broadcast Messaging feature to push reminders to your patients about the need to obtain their flu vaccine? Here are some examples of pre-formatted Quick Messages you could leverage to remind your patients to get vaccinated.
All Patients - MinimalIt’s nearly flu season and we would like to remind you to please contact our office to schedule your vaccinations. Please call 555-555-5555.All Patients - VerboseThis is a friendly reminder that flu season is nearly upon us, to schedule vaccinations for the entire family please call us today at 555-555-5555. Feel free to leave a message including your appointment time preferences, name, and date of birth and one of our scheduling experts will call you back to confirm an appointment date/time. High-Risk Patients - MinimalYou are not just another patient, and the flu is not just another cold. The flu can lead to very serious medical complications. Please call us at 555-555-5555 to schedule your vaccination today.High-Risk Patients- VerboseWe would like to remind you that flu season is fast approaching. Young children and older adults are most at risk but people with certain chronic health conditions may also be at an increased risk for flu. If you haven’t been vaccinated please call us to schedule today at 555-555-5555.Have Fun With It...
Knock, Knock.
Who’s there?
Flu.
Flu who?
Getting a Flu shot doesn’t guarantee you won’t get the flu but it does increase your odds of being able to say “Flu, who?” this season. Call us today to schedule vaccinations. 555-555-5555
Vaccination is only one step in preparing your patients for the challenges of flu season. Pre-Season reminders are great but don’t neglect them once things are in full swing. You’re busier now, we understand, that’s why we think these simple Quick Messages broadcasted in mid-flu-season will keep your patients informed and at peace knowing that your practice is looking out for them.Quick Message Recommendations for Patient Broadcast MessagingAll Patients - MinimalIf you think you may have the flu please call our offices immediately to schedule an evaluation - early detection may mean early treatment with antiviral medication. Please call 555-555-555 to schedule.All Patients - VerboseSigns of the flu may include any combination of the following: Fever, chills, headache, body / muscle ache, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, cough, fatigue, vomiting and/or diarrhea. If you think you may have the flu, call us today and let’s decide if antiviral treatment is right for you! 555-555-5555. Parents of Very Young Patients - VerboseChildren under 5 may be at higher risk for flu-related complications according to the CDC. Don’t doubt yourself, if your child seems sick - schedule an appointment today. Early detection opens up early treatment options. Call us at 555-555-5555School Aged Patients- VerboseThat desk, the pencil, the water fountain down the hall - They all contain surfaces where the flu virus can spread. Remember to always cover your cough, avoid people who are ill, be mindful of contamination, and wash your hands frequently. If you think you may have the flu please have a parent/guardian schedule an evaluation today at 555-555-5555Have Fun With ItThe typical flu lasts from 7 to 14 DAYS. Maybe it’s time to wash those hands again? Please schedule an appointment immediately if you are sick, early treatment may shorten the duration of the flu. Call us at 555-555-5555.
Unless it’s contraindicated for you serious consideration should be given to getting your flu vaccine and because early treatment can shorten the duration and severity of the flu, early detection is critical. Know your symptoms:
With the flu and the common cold sharing so many of these same symptoms, it’s important to understand the subtle differences in the typical onset of symptoms between the two illnesses, as best shown in this visual aid by the CDC:Communication really is key to avoiding this increasingly present danger. Talk to your family about these key flu prevention tactics:
Keep yourself informed by connecting with your clinicians on QliqSOFT and stay in the loop by following industry experts like the CDC to learn more about viral progression in your state, testing trends, antiviral medication options and more!
Communicating about the flu is a form of flu prevention because when we all join in on the conversation we not only raise awareness, we raise hopes. There are ways to prevent, treat, and overcome the flu - let’s have more dialogue and do it securely with HIPAA-Compliant Secure Texting from QliqSOFT. #FluSeason #QliqFlu #PopulationHealth #Flu2018