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Learn where to go for care when you’re not feeling well and when to choose primary care, find out how patient-centered primary care at Spira Care might surprise you, and learn how to survive and thrive this cold and flu season!
When to Choose Primary Care for Your Family’s Healthcare Needs during Cold and Flu Season—and All Year Round
Primary Care
The best place to start when you need care
Your PCP knows you, your history, and can offer personalized advice and care.
Treatment of common, acute conditions and minor injuries
Urgent Care Clinic
When you can’t get in with primary care, but it isn’t an emergency
Extended hours, walk-in availability, often lengthy in-office wait to see a provider
Often more expensive than primary care
Emergency Department
If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. In case of a mental health emergency, call or text 988.
Make a plan for when unexpected illness or injuries occur.
Whether you seldom need medical care or you have a go-to primary care provider you see often, it can be challenging to decide where to go for care when the unexpected happens.
Is WHAT IF getting in your way?
Every year, Americans visit the Emergency Room more than 100 million times. About 30% of those visits don’t require emergency care1.
There are many reasons people go to the ER when primary care could meet their needs, and some of these are related to anxiety about what could happen either before, during, or after a primary care appointment2.
At Spira Care, primary care is simpler, more convenient, and more personal than you might expect.
Nine Care Center locations across the KC metro area
Onsite lab and X-ray at most Care Centers3
Onsite behavioral health support at all Care Centers
Compassionate, dedicated, multidisciplinary Care Teams to help with more of your healthcare needs under one roof
Care Guides to help you understand and coordinate your next steps and follow-ups
Same-day and next-day availability at most locations for if you get sick or experience a minor injury4
Triage nurses and an on-call provider to answer your questions and help you decide where to go for care based on your symptoms and health history
Learn more about what sets Spira Care apart and find a location that’s convenient for you!
If you experience a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. In case of a mental health emergency, call or text 988.
Evidence-based tips for surviving—and thriving—during cold and flu season
This cold and flu season, let’s thrive together.
When you get sick, it can be difficult to decide if your cold or flu symptoms require medical attention, so don’t wait until then to make a plan for when unexpected illnesses occur!
Your Spira Care Team is here to help you get the care you need when you need it!
We can triage your symptoms, help you decide when to choose primary care or another option for treatment, and recommend at-home care strategies for your symptoms.
If you aren’t sure where to go for non-emergency care, call Spira Care first!
Unsure if you or your loved one has a cold or the flu? Here are a few examples of how the two illnesses differ and what they have in common5:
Note: This is not an exhaustive list and is not intended for diagnostic purposes. The information on this page is offered for educational and informational purposes only and should not replace or supersede medical guidance from a licensed professional.
Common Cold
Runny nose
Sore throat
Cough
Low to moderate fever (less than 100.4 degrees)
Symptoms typically get worse for two to three days and usually resolve in seven to ten days.
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly using soap and water.
Frequently sanitize high-traffic surfaces in your home, like doorknobs and the kitchen countertop.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover coughs and sneezes.
Maintain an active, healthy diet lifestyle, including a varied diet and physical movement.
If you start to feel ill, stay at home and keep your distance from other people as much as possible. Rest and stay hydrated.
Keep your kids home from school if they develop symptoms to help reduce the spread.
Remember, call us first if you aren’t sure where to go for non-emergency care!
Don’t forget your flu vaccine! The CDC recommends an annual flu shot for people 6 months and older to help reduce the risk of contracting influenza and the severity of symptoms if you do get sick.
Get your annual flu shot at Spira Care starting no appointment needed! Walk into a Spira Care Center between 8am and 5pm Monday through Friday and get your flu shot at no additional cost to you7. Quick, simple, done!
Together, we can protect our family members and people in our community who are at a higher risk of getting seriously ill if they get the flu. Join us in taking some small, preventive measures that can add up! We are here to help when you need us.
This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical provider with any questions you have about the treatment or management of your health or any medical conditions. Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking care because of something you read here.
Routine labs and X-rays taken at a Spira Care Center are done based on a primary care need and ordered from a Spira Care provider only. Digital X-rays are available at all Spira Care locations except Lee’s Summit and Liberty. We do not accept or facilitate orders from outside providers.
Appointment availability varies based on demand and capacity at each Care Center location on any given day. Your health coverage through any of the Blue KC plans cannot be used for an on-the-job or work-related injury or illness.
Preventive services are covered at 100 percent. For costs and further details of the coverage, including exclusions, any reductions or limitations and the terms under which the policy may be continued in force, see your insurance producer or write Blue KC.
Let's Talk
Call 913-29-SPIRA (77472) to talk to a nurse or Care Guide.
913-29-SPIRA (77472)
