Stay Healthy This Winter with 24/7 Virtual Care

The cooler months are here, and so is the season of sniffles, sneezes, and sore throats. With cooler temperatures, shorter days, and more people staying together indoors, our immune systems can become more vulnerable to seasonal illnesses, such as colds, sinus infections, and minor respiratory issues. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, flu-related emergency department visits can account for over 5% of all ER visits during peak season, while urgent care clinics report visit volumes increasing by more than 20% from the beginning of fall to early spring as respiratory illnesses spike nationwide.

But staying healthy doesn’t have to mean waiting in long lines at urgent care or rearranging your schedule for a doctor’s appointment. At MemorialCare, we make it easy to prioritize your health with 24/7 Virtual Care options, including 24/7 QuickCare Visits and 24/7 Virtual Urgent Care—so you can feel your best all season long, without leaving home. And because care is available to anyone in California, you don’t need to be a MemorialCare patient to access these convenient virtual care services.

Convenience Meets Quality

At MemorialCare, we believe that quality care should be accessible. Our virtual care providers are licensed, experienced, and trained to deliver compassionate, effective treatment. You’ll receive the same level of attention and professionalism as you would in a traditional office visit—without the wait times or travel.

Benefits of using MemorialCare’s virtual services include:

• 24/7 availability: No need to wait for office hours.
• No appointment needed: Get care on demand.
• Secure and private: Your health information is protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.

Why Winter Is a Critical Time for Your Health

The cooler months mark the beginning of cold and flu season, and with more time spent indoors, germs spread more easily. Families often gather inside to escape unpleasant weather, and without proper precautions, this close contact heightens the risk of transmitting cold and flu viruses. As temperatures drop and indoor time increases, a range of seasonal illnesses become more common — affecting children, adults and seniors differently. Understanding these conditions can help families stay proactive and protected throughout the winter months.

Common winter illnesses include:

• Sinus infections: Cold weather often bring seasonal allergies, which can lead to sinus infections. Adults and seniors are especially prone to severe congestion and pressure as cooler weather and age-related changes affect sinus drainage and immunity.
• Colds and sore throats: As temperatures drop and we spend more time indoors, viruses thrive. Children are particularly vulnerable during winter school months, while seniors may face longer recovery times and complications from what starts as a simple sore throat.
• Minor respiratory issues: Conditions like bronchitis or mild asthma flare-ups tend to worsen in the winter due to dry, cool air and increased indoor exposure. These are most concerning for seniors and adults with chronic conditions like asthma or COPD, as even mild symptoms can escalate quickly.
• Seasonal allergies: Ragweed and mold spores peak in the winter, aggravating symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion. Children and adults with existing allergy sensitivities are most affected, though seniors may also experience flare-ups, especially if they have respiratory conditions.
• Influenza (flu): The flu virus spreads easily in schools, workplaces, and communal settings. Seniors, young children, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for complications.
• Ear infections: Often following colds or sinus infections, ear infections are common in children during the winter. Cooler weather and increased indoor exposure to germs contribute to their frequency.
• Strep throat: This bacterial infection tends to spike in winter, especially among school-aged children. It causes severe sore throat, fever, and fatigue, and requires prompt treatment to prevent complications.
• Stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis): Though not related to influenza, stomach flu is another common colder month illness. It spreads rapidly in close-contact environments and causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Hand, foot, and mouth disease: This contagious viral illness primarily affects young children and is common in the colder months. It causes fever, mouth sores, and a rash on hands and feet.
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): RSV is a major concern in the winter, especially for infants, toddlers, and older adults. It can cause cold-like symptoms but may lead to serious respiratory complications in vulnerable populations.

Although these illnesses are common during the cooler months, they don’t have to disrupt your life. Early attention and proper care can make a significant difference—especially for children, older adults, and those managing chronic conditions. Today, advances in virtual care mean you can receive expert guidance, diagnosis, and even treatment from the comfort of your home. This approach offers convenience, peace of mind, and helps reduce unnecessary exposure during a busy season.

Healthcare at Your Fingertips

With “Get Care Now,” Californians can access a range of virtual care options – no MemorialCare affiliation required – and your patient privacy is protected. Free services include a 24/7 symptom checker and AI-powered chat, or access to a live 24/7 call center for guidance from care associates. Care is provided by MemorialCare Medical Group clinicians, including nurse practitioners, physician assistants and medical doctors.

24/7 QuickCare Visits

24/7 QuickCare Visits are ideal for non-emergency symptoms that need attention but don’t require a trip to the ER. Patients can submit symptoms online to receive a treatment plan via email in less than an hour, for $20. Common conditions treated include:

• Cold, flu, & sinus infections
• Eye & skin conditions
• Stomach issues
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Common health conditions

24/7 Virtual Urgent Care

For more complex but still non-life-threatening issues, 24/7 Virtual Urgent Care offers access to experienced providers who can evaluate your condition and recommend next steps, for a co-pay or $75 without insurance. You can connect with a provider via a secure video visit from the comfort of your home—no driving, waiting rooms, or exposure to other illnesses. This is especially helpful for families juggling busy schedules and for seniors who may have mobility challenges or prefer to avoid crowded healthcare settings. It’s perfect for:

• Cold, flu & sinus infections
• Allergies
• Stomach issues
• Ear infections
• Medication & symptom questions

Call Us 24/7 - (855) 978-2456

Need help figuring out your next step? Memorial Care’s 24/7 phone support is available at no cost to help guide you. Whether you have general questions, need help finding a doctor, booking an appointment, or connecting with billing, our team is available around the clock to make sure you get the care and answers you need—quickly and easily.

24/7 Ask a Nurse - (855) 978-2456

MemorialCare patients can speak directly with a registered nurse, at no cost, to assess symptoms and help determine the best course of action. This service is ideal for discussing immediate health concerns, developing care plans, and easing uncertainty—especially helpful for families and individuals managing chronic conditions or sudden symptoms.

Online Chat 24/7

Prefer to chat online? MemorialCare’s virtual assistant is available 24/7 at no cost to help you check symptoms, ask general questions, find providers or locations, and book appointments. You can even connect with a live representative for real-time support—all without picking up the phone.

In-Person Urgent Care

For urgent, non-emergency needs that require an in-person visit, MemorialCare offers convenient urgent care locations with flexible hours (varies by location). This option is ideal when hands-on evaluation or treatment is needed, such as for injuries or procedures that can’t be addressed virtually. Common conditions treated include:

• Abdominal pain
• Wound care
• Minor injuries & fractures
• Vaccinations
• Asthma

Don’t wait until symptoms worsen. Visit memorialcare.org/get-care-now to learn more and connect with a provider today.

About the Author

Jennifer Nguyen is the virtual health product manager at MemorialCare, where she also oversees the 24/7 Virtual Urgent Care program. With 13 years at MemorialCare, she began her career in ambulatory care at MemorialCare Medical Foundation, advancing from FOA Team Lead to Practice Manager. These frontline roles gave her firsthand insight into the patient experience and inspired her to pursue system-wide improvements. In June 2021, she joined the Virtual Health team, focusing on innovation, access, and digital solutions that benefit providers, staff, and patients.

Most recently, Jennifer led efforts to expand access to behavioral health services across MemorialCare Health System and the community, addressing a critical shortage in mental health services. This work is especially meaningful to her, having seen loved ones face behavioral health challenges. Hearing how these resources have positively impacted patients’ lives has been one of the most rewarding parts of her career.