According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 300,000 people are affected by Lyme disease every year, but the statistics could be higher because a lot of cases remain undetected and undiagnosed. Judging by these estimates, it is safe to say that Lyme disease is quite prevalent in the United States.
In fact, it is the most common vector-borne disease in the country. Some celebrities have also spoken about their battle with the disease, leading to more awareness.
Lyme disease can affect anyone at any age. Those who love the outdoors are more at risk of exposure to ticks that bring the disease. Knowing this, it’s natural to feel somewhat worried.
If you are looking for ways to keep yourself and your family safe from this disease, you’re in luck. At Urgent Care of the Palm Beaches, we believe that prevention is better than treatment.
As the first step to prevention is learning as much as you can about the disease, we’ll discuss what you should know about it. Read on to know the cause and symptoms associated with Lyme disease, as well as some prevention tips. We’ll also share how you can tell whether it’s time to seek medical services for your symptoms.
Also known as borreliosis, Lyme disease is a tick-borne bacterial infection. So far, it is known to be transmitted by three types of ticks: taiga ticks, black-legged ticks, and castor bean ticks. These ticks carry the bacteria, which they transfer and spread to the animals and humans they bite.
The bacterium called Borrelia causes Lyme disease. It lives inside the blood-sucking ticks that can infect humans by biting our skin. The bacteria may then attack the human body's immune system and cause complications in the nervous system, joints, skin, and eyes.
The signs and symptoms of Lyme disease vary depending on the stage of the disease. However, some of these symptoms may overlap with each other.
Right after you get bitten by a tick that carries borrelia bacteria, you may notice a small, red bump similar to that of a mosquito bite. Take note that not all red bumps are from ticks. Even if you are bitten by a tick, it does not necessarily mean you’ll get Lyme disease.
However, if you got infected, you may experience the following within a month:
A patient may experience additional symptoms as Lyme disease progresses. The following symptoms may show weeks or months after infection:
Lyme disease can also trigger other symptoms and conditions several weeks after infection, such as:
If you think you may have been bitten by a tick and the following applies to you, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a doctor near you:
The signs and symptoms of Lyme disease can disappear. However, the absence of symptoms does not mean the disease is also gone. This is why it is recommended that you seek medical attention immediately if you experience any symptoms associated with Lyme disease.
Lyme disease treatment is more effective when measures are started early. When left untreated, the disease can spread and affect other parts of the body. As a result, it can cause joint, muscle, neurological, and other health problems.
Unfortunately, there is no vaccine that works against Lyme disease at the present time. While the number of cases might be a cause for concern, we have compiled the following ways of preventing Lyme disease. Use this as your guide.
It was initially believed that Lyme disease is only prevalent in the Midwest and Northeast. However, Quest Diagnostics published a report in 2018 to confirm that Lyme disease is present in 50 states in the U.S.
Ticks are not just found in animals like dogs, or horses. These parasites may also thrive in damp, green, and wooded areas like a garden, an outdoor camping site, or the beach grass by the ocean. A person might be gardening, or playing on the sandy beach without realizing that he has been bitten by ticks.
Insect repellents can work on ticks quite well so if you have to spend a good amount of time outdoors, be sure to apply this product to your skin as protection. Go over the list of bug repellent chemicals from the Environment Working Group if you're wary of using toxic repellents. You can also make your own repellent by using essential oils like eucalyptus, tea tree, and clove.
Choose the right kinds of clothing, such as long pants, socks, and long-sleeve shirts if you know you’re going to be in an area with potential tick infestation. Use hair ties, or a hat to prevent ticks from landing on your head. As much as possible, wear closed shoes, instead of sandals, if you’re going to a wooded area, or to places with plenty of shrubs, bushes or trees.
If you've spent a good amount of time outdoors, be sure to properly and thoroughly clean yourself well as soon as you get home. Because some ticks can be tiny - they can hide under the breasts, in the groin area, in your hair, by the armpits, in the crevices of your body, or behind the knee. Be sure to wash and soap these areas in your body well and take showers often, especially during the summer when tick infestation is prevalent.
There have been people exposed to the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, but they've never had any problems, or medical incidents. Doctors believe that having a strong immune system can be the best preventive measure against the condition.
Boosting a person's immunity involves a few simple things:
Ticks can attach to the skin without being noticed. They can also hitch a ride with pets, clothing and accessories, then attach to your skin later. As such, you should thoroughly check everything that you took with you outdoors for ticks, including yourself. Remove any ticks you find. Then, wash and dry clothes on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill ticks that you may have missed. Using hot water to wash the clothes is recommended, too.
Furthermore, you should also take a shower within two hours after coming indoors. You should also do a full-body check. Examine in and around the ears and hair, as well as under the arms, inside the belly button, back of the knees, between the legs, and around the waist.
Although there are many Lyme disease cases every year, only a small number of tick bites actually lead to Lyme disease. Furthermore, you can avoid getting infected if the tick is attached to your skin for less than 36 hours.
Now, if you find a tick attached to your skin, you need to remove it immediately. However, you have to do it properly and safely. Follow these steps:
Moreover, if you accidentally left the mouth of the tick on the skin, try to remove it using the tweezer. However, if you cannot remove it, leave the skin be and let it heal.
Additionally, do not try to kill a tick by crushing it. You can simply drown it in alcohol, wrap it tightly in a sealed plastic or tape, or flush it down the toilet.
Do you have further questions about Lyme Disease? Or would you like to schedule a consultation? Indeed, knowing that you can get Lyme disease especially if you are often outdoors can be worrying.
Fortunately, by knowing how to protect yourself and your loved ones, you can keep Lyme disease at bay. However, if you experience any symptoms, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. You can contact or visit any of our three locations for immediate medical care:
We also offer telemedicine urgent care in Florida so you can get an initial consultation safely from your home. Furthermore, if you are wondering whether your symptoms are caused by Lyme disease or COVID-19, we can rule out the latter through rapid COVID-19 testing.
Contact our Urgent Care today and we will assist you! For more info and 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.
Summer is a time for fun and relaxation, but it doesn’t come without its unique risks. Summer can be a busy time for hospitals and clinics, as both children and adults are more active outdoors which can lead to more injuries.
Injuries range from burns to fractures from sports to pool side accidents. By taking some precautions, you can avoid many of these injuries. But sometimes they are unavailable. If you or a loved one is injured, be sure to take them to be evaluated.
Urgent care centers are often sufficient to treat most injuries, so long as there is no severe trauma. For minor injuries, they can even offer telemedicine urgent care in Florida. COVID-19 testing in Palm Beach is also available if any signs or symptoms emerge whether you reside in Florida or are visiting for the summer.
So what are some common summer health hazards seen in Florida Urgent Care Clinics? We will discuss and provide some education so you can keep your family safe and having fun this summer.
Extreme heat is a common occurrence in Florida. Over time it can cause heat cramps and lead to heat stroke if not taken seriously. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to excessive heat.
You can help minimize heat exposure by wearing light, loose clothing. Try to run errands early in the morning or later at night to avoid peak hours of heat. Also, avoid exercise during the hottest point of the day. Of course, drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain hydration.
If you notice any signs of heatstroke, which can include nausea, cramps, or pale, moist skin, then seek an area where you can cool off and hydrate well. Seek medical attention if necessary, especially if there are any behavior changes, rapid heart rate, or a fever.
Mowing accidents are prevalent every summer. One of the best ways to avoid injury is to keep your lawnmower in good working order. Before examining your mower for malfunctions, always make sure your lawnmower is shut off. Never use your hands to clear debris from the blades.
If you have a riding lawn mower, it’s advised to go up and down slopes rather than side to side to avoid tipping over. Of course, in the interest of their own safety, keep children, especially young children, away from lawnmowers.
Shark attacks are rare, but they do occur. There are some safety tips you can follow in the water.
4. Drowning
According to the CDC, drowning is the third leading cause of death from unintentional injury worldwide. Many of the drowning victims are children, but adults are as well, often even if considered strong swimmers.
So how can you keep the family safe? Always watch children closely when they are around water. It is wise to consider putting a high fence around pools, so neighborhood children don’t find their way into your backyard pool. If you are boating, everyone should wear a life vest. It’s important to understand that anyone can be a victim of drowning, so always take precautions.
With strong sun rays comes the risk of severe sunburns. Despite all efforts and education on wearing sunscreen, sunburns are still a common injury. If bad enough, a sunburn can even cause permanent skin injury.
So make sure you apply sunscreen before you go out in the skin. Make sure to apply to areas often missed, such as the top of the ears and the nape of the neck. The sunscreen should have an SPF of 50 and often reapply, even up to every hour, especially if swimming or sweating frequently.
Despite all precautions, you may still find you need the help of urgent care at some point during the summer. Urgent Care of The Palm Beaches has several convenient locations to serve you whenever you need care:
All locations also offer rapid COVID testing if you or a loved one shows any signs or symptoms of COVID-19.
We hope you have a safe, fun, and healthy summer!
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.
In December 2020, the United States started rolling out COVID-19 vaccinations to its citizens. Now, more people become fully vaccinated and as a result, more states — including Florida — have begun to reopen.
Indeed, people are beginning to picture finally going back to normal and this includes being able to go out without face masks on. However, experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are in agreement that we need to continue wearing face masks a bit longer, especially in public places and settings.
It’s natural that some people will wonder why we still need to wear a face mask even after getting the COVID-19 vaccine -- isn’t the vaccine supposed to provide protection against the virus? If you are also asking this very question, you’re in luck. In this post, your trusted provider of urgent care in Forest Hill shares the top five reasons why you should continue wearing a mask after COVID-19 vaccination.
The fact is you won’t be automatically immune to COVID-19 right after you get vaccinated. Let’s take for example the Pfizer vaccine. According to experts, it generally takes around one to two weeks after the second dose before the vaccine kicks in. This is also the reason why it’s very important to get that second dose, even though you can already get a partial immune response after the first dose.
The vaccines we have right now are effective in protecting against serious COVID-19 illness. However, you might have noticed that they only offer around 95% protection. There is no way to tell who will be those 5% who will not respond to the vaccine as expected. As such, people who are vaccinated still need to protect themselves and others from getting infected as we don’t know who are still at risk.
COVID-19 vaccines show great promise in keeping people from falling seriously ill. However, studies are still being done to determine whether the vaccines also prevent virus transmission. There is a possibility that a vaccinated individual may still be infected but not experience symptoms. Experts are yet to find out if such individuals can potentially spread the virus to others. The continuous wearing of face masks help make sure that you don’t get the virus and spread it to others even after vaccination.
Some people cannot get the COVID-19 vaccine due to possible allergic reactions. Pregnant women and individuals aged 16 and below cannot be vaccinated as well. Meanwhile, there are immunocompromised individuals with comorbidities and chronic illnesses who may still get seriously ill even after getting the vaccine.
It should be our collective responsibility to help protect them by minimizing the spread of the virus. We can do this through the continuous wearing of face masks and observing physical distancing.
Yes, more people are now getting fully vaccinated against COVID-19. However, there are still many who are waiting to be vaccinated. According to experts, 50% to 80% of the population must be vaccinated to gain herd immunity. Based on the current availability rate of vaccine doses, it may take until the end of 2021 before we achieve this. So, while we are still waiting for the majority of the population to get vaccinated, we need to keep on wearing face masks.
Everyone must keep in mind that the vaccine is not an automatic kill switch for the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is an important step in reducing the spread of the virus and hopefully, eliminating illness and deaths. Furthermore, it will be most effective if we continue to follow minimum health protocols including wearing face masks, frequent hand washing, maintaining safe physical distance, and avoiding large gatherings.
If you want to learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations, check out these COVID-19 vaccine FAQs.
Whether you recently got your vaccine or not and you experience symptoms related to COVID-19, don’t hesitate to get tested. We offer rapid COVID testing that can help you and your doctor rule out COVID so that you can get the right diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, for any medical concerns, we have convenient locations you can visit any time:
We also offer telemedicine urgent care in Florida so you can get high-quality medical assistance from the comforts of your home. Contact us now to learn more or schedule an appointment for hassle-free consultations and medical services.
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.
No one wants to worry about an injury or illness while on vacation, but sometimes an accident may happen! It can be anxiety-provoking when you are not sure where you can receive the medical care you need.
Since you are likely not near your home clinic, urgent care is often the ideal choice for care. Many offer telehealth urgent care in Florida, so you don't have to leave your friends or family.
To minimize stress in case of an emergency, there are a few steps you can take both before and during your vacation.
It may not be on your to-do list, but it is a good idea to look up where the closest urgent care is located based on where you are staying. Also, you can reach out to your insurance company to see if they have any suggestions and to guarantee coverage.
If you would like to be proactive and know the plan for vacation activities, you can look up their medical care on-site. This includes amusement parks and other sight-seeiing activities. Many can provide care for minor injuries or help you find the best urgent care option if the injury is more serious.
As mentioned, your health insurance carrier can provide you information on where you can go for care and what is covered under your insurance policy.
Not only do you want to bring the cards with you, but take a photograph just in case they get misplaced while you are on vacation. You can even put the carrier's phone number into your phone, so it is in your contact list if needed.
You can also write down everyone's medications, allergies, and previous medical conditions on a small index card. That way, you have all the information on hand in case of an emergency.
If someone is experiencing a serious illness suddenly, always call 911 so you can bring them to the nearest hospital for care.
Next, evaluate the seriousness of the illness. Sometimes you can treat the condition without needing to see the provider. Packing a first aid kit with over-the-counter medications, bandages, and ice and heat packs can end up saving a trip to the pharmacy.
If providing treatment at home is not improving, visiting urgent care in palm beach gardens is an option. It is also a great option if you are worried about dehydration, minor sunburns, or fevers that do not seem to improve. If you are not sure if you should go to an ER or an urgent care, you can always call for guidance.
Worried about COVID-19?
If you suspect COVID-19, you can receive COVID-19 testing in Palm Beach.
For a serious injury, call 911 or bring your loved one to the nearest hospital for treatment. More minor injuries may be able to be handled at home.
For those in-between injuries where you are not sure of the right level of care, urgent care is a wonderful option. They can evaluate or treat many conditions, including:
Preparation for medical emergencies may not be something we think of when preparing for vacation. But if you take a little bit of time to do some of the options, we suggested it may save you from added stress if the unexpected happens.
We have several location options for Urgent Care if you are vacationing in the Palm Beach area:
Know that we are here to care for you whether you live in the area or are on vacation. Contact us if needed or have any questions.
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.
More than a year after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, hope is now finally in sight. More people are now getting vaccinated against the disease. If you have been vaccinated, you might be wondering if you already have enough antibodies to protect you especially now that the country is starting to open and go back to normal.
Here’s the good news: you can now get COVID-19 testing at all of our 3 locations specifically to check for COVID immunity. This test is recommended for individuals who recently got the COVID-19 vaccine and/or had been infected in the past.
In this post, your trusted Urgent Care of The Palm Beaches provider gives you a closer look at COVID-19 spike protein antibody testing and how it can help determine if your body has developed immunity against the virus.
To better understand how an antibody test works, you have to first look at how antibodies are developed. Antibodies are proteins that the body’s immune system creates after a person is infected or vaccinated against a virus or disease. They usually develop 1 to 3 weeks after a person gets infected. As such, “protein spike” refers to the spike of antibody proteins in the blood. Antibody tests are designed to detect this spike and identify whether there is a significant amount of antibodies in the individual’s blood.
In the case of COVID-19 antibody testing, it determines if a person has had a previous COVID infection and/or if they have developed antibodies as a result of vaccination. As a result, the individual and their healthcare provider can deduce if they’re immune to COVID-19 and if they can no longer spread the virus.
In general, those who want and need to know if they previously contracted COVID-19 and/or if they have sufficient protection against the virus after getting the vaccine can seek antibody. Specifically, COVID-19 spike protein tests are recommended for the following individuals:
COVID-19 antibody testing is often available through health care providers and laboratories. It’s best to undergo a consultation before having the test done. Your urgent care doctor can evaluate your medical history in relation to any symptoms you may have or had. This way, they will be in a better capacity to recommend COVID-19 antibody testing for you. Furthermore, a consultation is important because this test is not recommended for individuals who are currently unwell.
After the consultation, the doctor or testing center will provide preparation instructions. If the consultation was performed through telemedicine urgent care in Florida, they will tell you where to go for the testing.
To conduct a spike protein COVID-19 immunity test, the healthcare professional will take a blood sample either through the finger prick method or by drawing blood from your vein. Then, the sample will be tested in a laboratory. Results are usually ready within 24 to 48 hours.
If your COVID-19 antibody test comes out positive, it means that antibodies are detected in your blood. This indicates that you likely had COVID-19 in the past even if you didn’t experience symptoms. Remember that a person can contract the virus and remain asymptomatic.
Furthermore, a positive COVID-19 antibody test may also mean that your immune system has already produced sufficient antibodies after getting the vaccine, enough to be detected by the spike protein test.
On the contrary, a negative COVID-19 antibody test result indicates that you do not have antibodies. This means that you may not have had COVID-19 in the past. However, it takes some time for antibodies to develop, so it’s still possible that you may have had the disease only recently. You must also keep this in mind if you just got the vaccine fairly recently. It’s possible that your body is still in the process of developing the antibodies.
Urgent Care of the Palm Beaches is glad to offer COVID-19 spike protein antibody testing in all of our locations. We encourage you to schedule an appointment and consult with one of our doctors who can give you the go signal to undergo COVID-19 immunity testing. You will be asked to visit any of our locations nearest you:
Thanks to advancements in medical science and technology, our health experts, with the help of authorities and citizens, are now able to slowly but surely control COVID-19.
However, we remind everyone that even if you tested positive for a COVID-19 immunity or antibody test, there is no absolute guarantee that you will not get infected again. As studies are still being done, experts are yet to know until when an immunity to COVID-19 lasts. To be safe, everyone needs to continue observing health safety protocols, which includes wearing a mask.
Furthermore, if you or anyone in your family shows symptoms or have been in contact with a COVID patient recently, we recommend getting rapid COVID testing in Palm Beach or PCR covid testing in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and Palm Springs.
To learn more about our services and schedule a visit, contact us. You may also schedule a virtual visit or telemedicine appointment for your safety and convenience.
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.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 that have lasted longer than four weeks, then you may have post-acute COVID-10 syndrome. Right now, there is little research into the syndrome. Some physicians think it is due to a lack of antibody response that causes symptoms to linger or remerge within weeks of having COVID-19.
It is important to note that while post-acute COVID-19 has symptoms lasting longer than four weeks, chronic COVID-19 has symptoms lasting longer than 12 weeks. Both are seen at our Urgent care in West Palm Beach.
This article will discuss what you need to know if you think you have post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, including when to seek help and treatment options available.
There are a few medical facts to be aware of when it comes to Post-acute COVID-19 Syndrome:
The syndrome seems to impact multiple body symptoms and may occur after a mild illness of COVID-19. Fatigue and breathlessness are often seen in those who present to urgent care and hospitals. Worst-case scenario, those with severe organ impact do require ICU hospitalization.
Symptoms vary from mild to severe and are similar to COVID-19. Most common are cough, low grade fever, chest pain, headaches, muscle pains, gastrointestinal symptoms, or mental health conditions. Skin rashes may also be present in some patients.
If respiratory, cardiovascular, or neurological implications are concerned, additional testing may be ordered, such as blood work, CT scans, X-Rays, or MRIs.
Treatment will depend on whether organ symptoms are affected or what underlying conditions may be present in that specific patient, such as diabetes, heart disease, COPD, or cancer.
Sometimes patients are hesitant to reach out to treatment due to how they feel or haven’t seen a doctor in several years. Telemedicine urgent care in Florida is a fantastic alternative now where patients don’t even have to leave home to see a provider.
As mentioned, if the patient is free from underlying health issues, they may be treated at home with plenty of rest, monitoring vital signs, good nutrition, and over-the-counter medications to treat symptoms, including fevers.
If they already have a chronic disease, they may need to be hospitalized to have IV fluids to stay hydrated, monitor and treat their chronic condition, and treat COVID symptoms, including fever.
Never hesitate to get a rapid COVID test if you suspect you have COVID-19, even if you have been symptomatic for weeks.
If you are in Florida, then look no further than Urgent Care of the Palm Beaches. We are proud to offer COVID testing in Palm Beach. We also have several locations to serve you:
Contact us or visit our walk-in clinic today if you have a medical need! We are proud to partner with you to keep you happy, safe, and healthy!
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.
It has been more than a year since the coronavirus first emerged in 2019 and was declared a pandemic. After months of physical and social distancing, with lockdowns and travel bans in between, we now have hope: COVID-19 vaccines. However, like many others, you probably have several questions about these vaccines. As your trusted provider of urgent care in Palm Springs, we give answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines.
The primary purpose of vaccinations is to keep you from getting the virus and becoming seriously ill due to it. The COVID-19 vaccine also ensures that you don’t spread the virus to other people. Furthermore, when enough people are vaccinated, it will be hard for the virus to find another person to infect. Ultimately, it will keep the virus from replicating and spreading, until it is hopefully eradicated.
US President Joe Biden has recently directed all states to drop eligibility rules for COVID-19 vaccines and to publicly open up shots to all American adults who want to get vaccinated by May 1, 2021. We can expect that new specific guidelines will be released regarding this. To make sure what applies to you, you can check with your local health department or your trusted physician.
Currently, the supply of the COVID-19 vaccine is still limited. This is the reason why there were guidelines regarding which groups get it first (i.e. medical and healthcare workers, senior citizens, etc.). However, we can expect a boost in COVID-19 supplies following President Biden’s directive. For now, the best way to know when the vaccine will be available to you is to stay in touch with your doctor and watch out for local updates.
Yes. The latest research shows that the COVID-19 vaccines currently available have a great safety profile. The COVID-19 vaccines granted emergency use in the US, in particular, have undergone large clinical trials to ensure their safety.
It is normal to experience some side effects after getting vaccinated for any disease or virus. COVID-19 vaccines are no exception. However, you should keep in mind that these side effects are normal and they indicate that your body is in the process of building up protection. Those who experience side effects may feel the symptoms in a few hours to a few days. Meanwhile, some people who got their COVID-19 vaccine did not experience any side effects.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists the following common side effects of COVID-19 vaccine:
If you experience any of the side effects or symptoms above after getting vaccinated for COVID-19, don’t hesitate to consult us for urgent care in Palm Beach Gardens. Our physician can prescribe over-the-counter medications to relieve your symptoms if needed. We will also give you tips on how you can manage your symptoms. Furthermore, it’s important to consult a doctor if your symptoms or side effects worry you and if they don’t seem to get better.
No, the COVID-19 vaccine will not make you sicker if you got it while you are infected with the virus but did not know at the time. However, the vaccine might be less effective if you have any symptoms of any virus, not just COVID-19. Furthermore, it’s best to get vaccinated while your body is in optimal condition.
To make sure that you don’t have COVID-19 before a vaccination schedule (COVID-19 or others), consider going in for a test first. We offer rapid COVID testing in Palm Beach for your peace of mind.
Experts say that it’s too early to determine how long the COVID-19 vaccine will protect people. In general, however, people who have received the vaccine have been protected for at least four months or since they received the vaccine. Ultimately, we hope for community immunity, which will continuously reduce transmission and infection.
It is a common misconception that you can get COVID from the vaccine. However, even though vaccines essentially contain the COVID-19 virus, they do not contain any live virus. As such, they do not cause an infection.
Yes. Even if you already had COVID-19 and survived, it is possible that you’ll get it again, although the chances are slim. Furthermore, because this virus is still new, research is ongoing as to how severe symptoms will be for patients who get infected again and how infectious they will be. As such, it is in everyone’s best interest that you get the vaccine as long as you are qualified for it.
Most people are qualified to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Below are the known exceptions so far:
If you want to learn more about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines, do not hesitate to contact us here at Urgent Care of the Palm Beaches. You may also contact or set an appointment at any of our locations:
Furthermore, while waiting for your vaccine shot, make sure to always wear your mask and practice health protocols such as physical distancing. If you feel any symptoms, whether related to COVID-19 or not, you can also rely on our telemedicine for urgent care in South Florida. We offer COVID-19 testing in Palm Beach, so reliable testing is within your reach.
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 provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
Have you noticed vision changes as you have gotten older? You are not alone! As a matter of fact, the leading cause of blindness in the United States is closely related to old age. But there is also some good news: Early detection and treatment can help minimize the impact on your sight.
In this article, we hope to provide education and awareness of common eye causes of blindness.
Many patients who think of causes of blindness may wonder about glaucoma. Glaucoma is not one disorder but a group of diseases. The result is damage to the optic nerve, which results in vision loss.
There are two different types of Glaucoma: open-angle and closed-angle. Open-angle is slow to progress, while closed angle is sudden and painful. Patients often seek treatment due to the pain, which helps early intervention.
With effective diagnosis and treatment, patients can manage their pain while minimizing the risk of blindness.
Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide. A cataract is a clouding of the eye lens that can occur at any age. The following can contribute to the development of cataracts:
The way cataracts affect the eyes can vary, including complete or partial, and hard or soft. Cataracts are treatable, but patients face barriers, including lack of awareness and cost. The condition can be treated through surgical and non-surgical interventions depending upon the progression.
Age-Related macular degeneration (AMD) is the number one cause of impairment in reading and close vision over 65. It can significantly impact daily tasks such as work and driving. The condition affects sharp and central vision.
There are two forms: wet and dry. Wet AMD is when abnormal blood vessels begin to grow in the eye, leading to blood and fluid leakage. The fluid and scarring can lead to damage and vision loss. Initially, it may present as straight lines appearing as wavy.
Dry AMD is where the macula thins over time. Gradually central vision becomes blurry. It progresses slowly and is more common than wet AMD. Drusen is an early sign of Dry AMD.
Urgent medical care is often sought for injuries to the eyes, such as cuts or impact injuries. But urgent care can also assist with diagnosing, treating, and referral for other eye concerns. Whether you are without primary care or there has been a sudden vision change, our providers can help determine what is impacting your eyesight.
Currently, we serve patients at the following locations:
We are dedicated to providing passionate and professional care to our patients. Safety is a priority, and we currently offer telemedicine urgent care in Florida for many conditions, including:
Contact us for an appointment today!
Respiratory distress can quite literally take your breath away. It is a condition that can occur regardless of if you have a history of lung disease. More recently it has gained a lot of attention as it is one of the most severe outcomes of COVID-19.
Essentially, respiratory distress is caused by fluid leaking from the lungs' small blood vessels into the tiny air sacs responsible for oxygenating our blood. Viruses, injuries, or inhalants can all cause these blood vessels to break, which will result in respiratory distress.
In addition to COVID-19, other ailments that cause respiratory distress include sepsis (the most common cause), pneumonia, inhalation of pollutants, head or chest injuries, or burns.
People who are experiencing respiratory distress can go to their nearest urgent care. However, depending on the severity of their symptoms, they may need hospitalization.
Now more than ever, it is important for everyone to be aware of the signs of respiratory distress. Shortness of breath is a strong indicator, but there are other symptoms, including:
Sepsis is the most common cause of respiratory distress. One of the most common symptoms of sepsis is a fever in adults. Whenever a patient has a high fever, especially if it is not relieved by medication or is accompanied by respiratory symptoms, a provider should be seen.
Rapid COVID-19 testing in Palm Beach has helped protect many who may be at risk for respiratory distress. Protecting the vulnerable through testing, social distancing, and wearing masks will continue to be vital.
So who is most at risk for respiratory distress?
If you already have a severe medical condition or have an infection, you are at risk for severe respiratory distress. Chronic alcoholism and smoking or otherwise compromised lungs can also be a risk factor.
If suffering from respiratory distress, the patient must receive supplemental oxygen. Often the patient needs to be put on a ventilator to assist in breathing while they recover.
Also, IV fluids are given carefully with medications to treat the underlying cause of the distress. Steroids, pain medication, gastric medication, and sedation interventions are also administered to keep the patient safe and on the path to healing.
Respiratory distress is a symptom of another condition. If you are ill or injured, always seek medical attention as soon as possible if having respiratory involvement.
We have several options to help patients, including COVD-19 testing in Palm Beach. Seek assistance at the following locations:
For common conditions that can easily be treated from home, we offer telemedicine urgent care in Florida.
Questions about COVID-19 or respiratory distress? Feel free to contact our clinic. We are more than willing to answer any questions you have in a partnership to keep you well!
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.
COVID-19 has posed unique challenges for families who want to come together for the holidays. Many wish to follow distancing guidelines to stay healthy and safe.
Travel advisories are currently in place, as well as quarantine guidelines if families do choose to travel. Some people are choosing not to see family or friends outside of their immediate home this season.
How can you still celebrate with friends and family if you cannot travel or visit with those outside of the home? We offer a few suggestions that may keep you healthy and provide a joyous holiday season.
Not only has the CDC offered suggestions for decreasing COVID-19 surges, but health professionals have additional safety tips for the holidays and winter. Winter is often a time of risk for health and safety due to inclement weather, influenza, and more time indoors, potentially spreading illness.
Here are some suggestions from health professionals to keep your family healthy safe during this time and beyond:
Right now, it is important to limit social gatherings as much as possible. It is recommended to restrict gatherings outside of the home. Suppose families do choose to come together. It is best to keep it small and for a short time. A great alternative is virtual gatherings.
Remember, virtual gatherings keep those who are at high risk safe. You can still see, hear, and enjoy time with the family while keeping everyone healthy. Many have found they can play games, sing songs, even watch movies during virtual gatherings. You can still have fun while being creative!
If you do travel, either by air or car, wear a mask. Remember to wash hands and practice social distancing from others. Please do not travel if you are sick or at high risk, and always seek COVID-19 testing if you show symptoms of the virus. We offer COVID-19 testing at our following sites:
Health professionals also are recommending vaccinating against influenza before travel or the holidays. Remember, it can take up to 2 weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop.
Also, be careful regarding inclement weather. Take precautions regarding snow and ice, not only when driving, but when walking in winter weather if you travel to a colder climate. Be aware that falls can cause multiple injuries, including:
Seek help at Urgent Care of the Palm Beaches if you have a fall and need treatment.
There are a few additional suggestions for activities that may help keep you safe while having fun:
Understand your holidays may look different this year, but it is all to keep everyone safe. If everyone does their part, we can continue to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
You may need medical attention this season, and one option is Telemedicine for Urgent Care. Colds, cases of flu, rashes, women's health issues, men's health, and prescription refills may be addressed via telemedicine. Telemedicine can keep you safe this season by allowing you to stay home.
If you do need to be seen by a health professional for illness or injury at the clinic, we offer urgent care services at our following locations:
Our priority is always to keep our patients safe. We are committed to reducing the risk of COVID-19 at our facilities and in the community. We will address your concerns while taking all precautions to keep you and your family safe this holiday season.
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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