November is the time to be thankful, a time to remember and to embrace those who enrich our lives.
Wish you a very happy Thanksgiving!
Flu season is once again in full swing and as before, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that individuals aged six months or older get the much-needed flu shot as soon as possible.
You’re only one flu shot away from protecting yourself and others against the flu. If you are looking for a facility that offers a flu shot in Palm Beach County, you can go to the nearest Urgent Care of the Palm Beaches (UCPB) clinic. Flu shots are also available in all of our three locations:
Despite the health campaign for an annual flu shot, however, less than half of Americans still refuse to get vaccinated due to fears arising from common misconceptions about flu vaccination.
Doctors and experts in UCPB walk-in clinic, Palm Springs have put together the following facts you need to know to debunk these misconceptions.
Truth: Flu shots won't make you sick but it will prevent you from developing the flu. According to Harvard Health, flu shots contain an inactivated virus so it cannot transmit infection. Likewise, the CDC clarifies that some flu injections have the flu virus' single gene. This means that it is not enough to cause an infection but it is just the right amount for the body to develop an immune response against the flu virus.
Truth: It is highly recommended that flu shots be administered between September or October. However, health workers will not discourage you from getting the vaccine even if it's in the middle of January since there are still some more months remaining for flu season. You'll still be able to benefit from the protection of the vaccine.
Truth: The influenza virus mutates and changes how it impacts the human body every year. Even if you've had the vaccine before, it's still a good idea to get a flu shot again for the next flu season to protect yourself from the most recent strain.
If you’re a healthy person, you might still be a carrier of the virus without you knowing it or experiencing any symptoms. If you get the shots yearly, you can help prevent a potential outbreak.
Truth: Getting a flu shot in Palm Beach County means you'll have a 40 to 60 percent chance of avoiding the illness, as per the CDC. But while it's not a 100 percent protection, people who've been given the flu vaccine will experience less intense effects of the virus, such as low-grade fever, mild headache, and muscle pain.
For some people, especially those with really low immunity, the lack of flu shot increases their risk of hospitalization, flu complications like organ failure, and even death.
Do you have further questions about the flu? Or would you like to take action to protect yourself and your family? Contact Urgent Care of the Palm Beaches Walk-in Clinic in Palm Springs today. You can also schedule your immunization online. For inquiries, contact us.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
Have you been experiencing a productive cough for three months or longer? Do you seem breathless all the time? Do you get tired easily? You might want to visit our specialists in Urgent Care, Forest Hill as you could be suffering from a chronic lung disease called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
COPD is a long-term and progressive lung condition affecting 16 million adults in the United States. Although smoking has been known as a major risk factor for COPD, recent reports have revealed that 25% of patients with COPD are non-smokers and have acquired the disease through exposure to dust, fumes, vapors, and second-hand smoke.
COPD that has three forms: chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and non-reversible asthma.
1. Chronic Bronchitis
The bronchial tubes are the passageway through which air travels to and from the lungs. In patients with chronic bronchitis, the bronchial tubes become swollen and irritated, narrowing the passageways. This leads to coughing and shortness of breath, as the body attempts to force air into and out of the lungs. Coughing also stimulates phlegm production.
2. Emphysema
The lungs have small air sacs where gas exchange takes place and these are called alveoli. In patients with emphysema, the walls of the alveoli are damaged. This leads to poor oxygen absorption. The lungs also lose their elasticity as the damaged air sacs form into a large, single air sac. This results in difficulty of exhaling air and shortness of breath.
3. Refractory Asthma
Refractory, or non-reversible, asthma is not like the regular bronchial asthma as it doesn’t respond to conventional anti-asthma medications. Patients often experience persistent symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing caused by the narrowing of the air passages.
The clinical presentation of COPD differs in every patient, as the disease is an umbrella of three conditions. Although adults develop a cough and shortness of breath from time to time, you should still consult our doctors in Forest Hill urgent care if you experience the following symptoms:
If you think you might be suffering from COPD, or know someone who does, don’t hesitate to drop by Urgent Care of the Palm Beaches clinic in Forest Hill. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are the initial steps to managing this long-term, progressive lung condition.
If you have further questions about COPD, our doctors at Forest Hill Urgent Care Walk-in Clinic are always happy to help. You may also Contact Us or schedule an appointment.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
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