It is a question on the mind of many as fall is on the horizon. How do I know if I have the flu or if it is COVID-19? How can I best protect myself? Can an urgent care center in Palm Springs help?
Both COVID-19 and Influenza are respiratory viruses. Both illnesses are highly contagious, but different viruses cause them.
According to the CDC, COVID-19 is caused by a severe strain of the coronavirus family (SARS-CoV-2). Influenza is caused by infection with influenza viruses.
Symptoms between the two illnesses are similar, so it may be difficult to tell the difference if you are ill. Though testing is the determining factor, there are some differences between the two viruses.
Both influenza and COVID-19 can cause one or more of the following symptoms. It is essential to keep in mind symptoms can range. You may have many or even none at all:
With both illnesses, you can spread the virus a day before you have any symptoms.
If you have influenza, you likely will have many of the above symptoms listed. Illness can range from mild to severe.
COVID-19 symptoms also range, but it will usually take longer before you show signs of illness. With influenza, symptoms are typically felt within one to four days of exposure.
COVID-19 is common not to have symptoms for five days or more. It is important to know that some people will have symptoms as early as two days, and some not for up to 14 days after being infected.
Another common determining factor is a loss of taste and sense of smell. Sensory loss is not a common symptom of influenza but is seen in patients with COVID-19.
Additionally, COVID-19 is contagious for an extended period. The amount of time can expose others who have COVID-19 is still under investigation, but likely about ten days from when signs and symptoms appeared.
It is best to implement best practice advice provided by the CDC and medical professionals to protect yourself against both viruses. Practices include:
Our urgent care offers in-person and virtual urgent care in South Florida. Locations for service include:
The influenza vaccine, influenza testing, and COVID-19 testing are available at all locations. I Please reach out today with any questions or virtual care needs or for COVID-19 testing in Palm Beach.
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.
As a highly addictive and toxic substance, alcohol brings many effects that impact your body's health. Experts in Palm Springs urgent care warn that the consumption of too much alcohol may cause damage to the organs or raise your risk for diseases like cancer and gastrointestinal problems. In some people, drinking alcohol may also lead to an allergic reaction and while this is rare, it could still have a fatal outcome.
Sometimes, the symptoms of alcohol intolerance may seem like an allergic reaction. You could feel your face becoming red or flushed or you develop hives and feel your nose getting stuffy. Your blood pressure may also drop and your heart may palpitate. You may also develop a headache after a binge and some stomach discomforts.
These symptoms are reactions to the components or ingredients of the alcohol but these are not the results of an alcohol allergy. A genuine alcohol allergy occurs when your immune system has been compromised. Thus, you may feel the following:
All of these are symptoms of anaphylaxis due to the presence of ethanol in alcohol. If you have an alcohol allergy, even just a small amount can cause anaphylaxis. If you have alcohol intolerance, experiencing digestive discomforts and symptoms are pretty common. Visit our walk in clinic in Palm Springs if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above. Our doctors will identify the cause and suggest the most effective treatment options.
Beverages containing alcohol are mixed with different ingredients, preservatives, and chemicals that your body might be having a hard time breaking down.
Some alcohol has fining agents like egg, milk or fish protein, as well as sulfite additives or preservatives that can trigger reactions in 10 percent of people with asthma, according to a study published in Gastroenterology and Hepatology from Bed to Bench.
Your risk for alcohol allergy increases if you have other food allergies, asthma, or a disease called Hodgkin's lymphoma.
The only way to prevent an alcohol allergy is abstinence from drinking. Consequently, you also need to be careful when eating food cooked with alcohol as one or two spoonfuls may be enough to cause a fatal reaction.
The presence of alcohol in other substances may not always be obvious. For instance, fermented fruits may naturally have alcohol. Some medications, especially cough syrups, may also contain alcohol.
If necessary, treat an alcohol allergy like you would any type of allergies. This means that you might have to carry an epinephrine auto injector in case of alcohol exposure or wear a medical identification bracelet for emergency situations.
If you think you have an alcohol allergy, consult with a doctor at Urgent Care Forest Hill to get the necessary tests, such as a blood test or a prick test. The latter will be a quicker process to determine your body's reaction to an ingredient in an alcoholic drink as tiny bumps on your skin will usually appear. Schedule an appointment now or Contact Us for more information.
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 the first part of this article, we gave you tips on how to choose the best blood pressure apparatus as well as how to prepare yourself for taking your blood pressure at home. In the second part of this article, we continue with the steps on how to take your own BP and interpreting the readings.
Taking your blood pressure, just like any medical procedure, has proper steps. To avoid incorrect readings, follow these steps instructed by our doctors at Palm Beach Gardens urgent care:
1.Sit in a comfortable chair in a quiet spot in your house. Your back should be straight and your arms should have an even surface for support, with both of your feet flat on the floor as well.
2. Make sure that you're well-rested and relaxed before measuring. It might be helpful to empty your bladder, as studies have shown it could affect your blood pressure as well.
3. Go over your blood pressure monitor manual, as there should be an illustration of how your arms and elbows must be positioned on the armrest in relation to your heart's level. Roll up your sleeves before placing the cuff on your arm. Loosen your hand and your palm should be facing upwards.
4. Once the cuff is fitted securely around your arm, simply press the power button on your digital monitor to turn it on. You should see a zero number on the display screen, which means that the device is ready to measure.
5. Press "Start" on the automatic blood pressure monitor, then sit back and relax as the device quietly takes a reading. After a few seconds, the monitor should have one long beep before the numbers pop up on the display screen.
6. If your blood pressure monitor did not get an accurate reading, you might hear a double beep, or a display screen indicator for error. Don't rush into taking another measurement. Instead, wait a few more minutes for the cuff to deflate and relax on your seat before doing it all over again.
The number that appears on the left side of your home monitor display screen is the systolic pressure - the force that pushes the blood into the arterial walls each time your heart pumps. The number that appears on the right side is the diastolic pressure, which indicates the blood pressure in between heartbeats.
Here’s what your blood pressure reading means, according to the American Heart Association.
Note that if your BP falls under the last category, you must consult our doctors at Urgent Care Palm Beach Gardens immediately to get the medical intervention you need.
Following a diagnosis or a hospital stay, it’s recommended that you take your blood pressure measurements daily. Once in the morning before you start your activities and then in the evening when you’re about to call it a night.
Take two or three readings at a time within one to two minutes apart so that your doctors can have more data to compare. Do this for at least two weeks or until your next doctor’s appointment and don’t forget to bring your home BP monitor when you see your doctor for your checkup.
If you have further questions about blood pressure monitoring, our doctors at Urgent Care of the Palm Beaches 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.
Fractures, commonly called broken bones, are the result of an abnormal disruption of the continuity or integrity of the bones. These occur due to a trauma from a motor accident, sports injury, assault or fall.
Aside from the 4 most common fractures we discussed in our other article, urgent care medical professionals also deal with various cases of long bone fractures. The incidence rate of these is actually quite high.
In the U.S. alone, 21 long bone fractures per 1000 people happen annually and they’re more common among men than women between the ages 16 to 50. Among the seniors, long bone fractures are more common in women than men due to bone diseases like osteoporosis.
As more and more ladies play professional sports, the number of sports-related long bone fractures among women younger than 65 also increases.
There are six types of long bone structures in the body:
The humerus, radius, femur, and tibia have thick and hollow tubes that support body weight and absorb force. Among them, the most susceptible to fracture is the tibia.
Long bone fractures can extend to the joint, depending on the mechanism of injury. The break can occur in any of the following areas:
The epiphysis has extra-hard cartilage and cortical bone. The diaphysis or shaft has a hard shell filled with soft but sponge-like tissues and a yellow marrow that nurses a person’s stem cells. The metaphysis absorbs and helps transfer the weight or load to the shaft.
Our doctors usually classify long bone fractures depending on the site, direction, and characteristics of the break. It might be extra-articular,existing solely on the long bone area, or intra-articular, where the damage extends to the joints.
The breakage can be oblique (angulated), spiral (rotated), or transverse (simple). It might also be a close or open fracture – bone is sticking out of the skin.
The fracture might also be:
If you suspect a long bone fracture, administer the first aid treatments that we have discussed in this article and bring the patient immediately to the nearest Urgent Care facility near you.
When a patient is seeking urgent care for a possible long bone fracture, the medical professional will want to learn more about the patient’s medical history and the circumstances leading to the complaint or injury. They will also check for symptoms such as the following:
However, while the presence of these symptoms suggests a fracture, an X-ray examination will help doctors arrive at a definitive diagnosis.
The most common reason why an otherwise healthy bone would break is blunt force trauma due to an accident such as a vehicular accident or a bad fall. As you might expect, someone with weakened bones as a result of an underlying condition is more susceptible to fractures.
A bone injury caused by an underlying problem is referred to as a pathologic fracture. Genetic bone disorders, osteoporosis, arthritis, and cancer are the most common causes behind pathologic bone fractures.
As mentioned above, the body has six sets of long bones. While every bone in the body can break or be fractured, the tibia or shin bone is most susceptible to injury and fracture. This is most likely because of their prominent position.
There are three main treatment options for fixing a broken bone. The physician who will provide the patient may recommend or require any of these after a thorough evaluation of the patient’s condition.
In this procedure, the affected limb or body part is encased in a cast, which is basically a shell made from fiberglass or plaster. The cast holds and keeps the anatomical structures stable until the broken bone heals.
This involves a surgery to fix the broken bone, then internal fixation devices such as metal rods, plates, or screws are used to keep the bone and its parts in place. Internal fixation devices are placed under the skin. This procedure is recommended for fractures where the use of a cast is not viable.
This involves a surgery to fix the broken bone, then external fixation devices are used to support and hold the bone in the correct position while it heals. External fixation devices are placed outside the skin. This procedure is recommended for fractures where the use of a cast and open reduction with internal fixation are not viable.
Most fractures heal within six to eight weeks. However, healing duration greatly varies from patient to patient and from bone to bone. The complexity of the injury also matters. In general, hand and wrist fractures may heal faster, within four to six weeks. Meanwhile, a tibia fracture may take 20 weeks or longer to heal.
Most fractures require emergency treatment. Regardless of the simplicity or complexity of the fracture or injury, patients should not delay consultation and treatment.
The sooner you see a doctor after an accident such as a fall, the better. Accurate and prompt diagnosis and treatment are the keys to restoring alignment, movement, and health of a broken bone.
Furthermore, a fracture needs immediate medical treatment to prevent complications that might further delay the healing process, such as severe blood loss and infection.
We will perform a thorough physical assessment and X-ray procedure to assess you properly at our Urgent Care Clinics:
Our medical staff will provide the best treatment and facilitate your healing process. For your convenience, we are open seven days a week, with no appointment necessary!
Visit our website for more information about the medical services we provide, including COVID-19 testing and telehealth urgent care in Florida.
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.
Loss of consciousness happens when a person suddenly becomes unresponsive to the surroundings and appears to be asleep. It may last only a few seconds, minutes or sometimes a long period of time. The person may not respond to stimuli, might stop breathing, or their pulse might even be indefinite.
Situations as such call for immediate care and attention. Providing first aid or getting medical help from your urgent care in Palm Springs is the best way to successful recovery.
Loss of consciousness is one of the conditions that can be cured in urgent care centers. To give you more information in regards to this, urgent care in Palm Springs will discuss its causes, signs and symptoms, and how you can perform first aid if this happens.
Loss of consciousness occurs due to an ailment, injury or complication brought by long-term drug or alcohol use.
The common causes are:
When a sudden change happens in the body it may cause a temporary loss of consciousness or fainting. The common causes include:
At any given moment there are visible signs and symptoms a person may lose their consciousness and it indicates the following:
If you encounter a person who has lost their consciousness, urgent care in Palm Springs advises you to take these helpful, yet easy, steps:
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.
Urgent care centers are now growing in the medical care industry, especially in the US. These centers aim to provide services to people with medical conditions that require proper and immediate medical attention.
Urgent care helps fix several issues and problems that in the past were on the shoulders of emergency rooms. Urgent care has created a huge impact
1. Time saving
In emergency rooms you need to wait for hours before you can get assisted, urgent care waiting time is much shorter. As a matter of fact, the Urgent Care Association of America reported that more than 80% of patients only need to wait for less than 15 minutes before they get seen.
Some urgent care clinics are also open for extended hours to assist
2. Lower medical costs
Most urgent care centers offer affordable services. They provide a bill with no additional charges from other companies or from their clinic itself. They also accept health insurance, which helps lower your medical costs because usually the co-payment is lower compared to that of the ER. You are basically well covered using urgent care services and it can definitely cut a huge amount off from your medical bill.
Studies show that 12-27% of emergency room visits could instead take place in urgent care clinics, which would save the US approximately $4.4 billion annually.
3.Quality care
Urgent care clinics provide high quality care to all patients. They have well experienced doctors who specialize in treating all kinds of conditions that require immediate care. About 94% of centers have a full-time medical specialist on duty at all times. This is a guarantee that when you visit an urgent care clinic you will surely receive quality care and treatment that is typically associated with primary health centers.
Urgent care in Palm Springs provides high quality care and services to meet patients’ immediate medical needs. If you are tired of long queues and enormous medical costs, visiting an urgent care clinic is the best option for you.
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.
Nausea and the feeling of wanting to vomit are among the most unpleasant sensations our body serves up. You’re not sure how far from the bathroom you should be; all you know is that it hurts. What could it be? Why are you experiencing abdominal pain? There are many chronic and acute causes of stomach pain, in fact. Here are a few acute ones.
Pain which is sharp and located in the lower right side of your abdomen is usually one of two things: bad gas or appendicitis. The first one passes fairly quickly with a bit of pressing but appendicitis pain may feel as though it’s getting worse. The National Institutes of Health reports that appendicitis, i.e. inflammation of the appendix, is the most common cause of abdominal pain resulting in surgery. If you are between 10 and 30 years old and a male, you’re more prone to it, but appendicitis can strike at any age. That’s why, if you notice this pain or you suspect you might have appendicitis, you should visit our urgent care center Palm Springs immediately. Untreated appendicitis can result in extremely dangerous complications, including a burst appendix and subsequent sepsis.
Viral gastroenteritis – or what we usually think of as the stomach flu – is definitely no treat. With symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and body aches, you not only need to be near a bathroom, you need to have time to rest. There are a number of viruses which give rise to slightly different symptoms but are all classified as causing viral gastroenteritis. Most of them are spread in situations where there are lots of people in one place – think school – or where you have less than sanitary conditions near your food. To prevent it, ensure that you and those around you are washing your hands frequently and properly, using clean water to cook and avoiding undercooked foods. Unfortunately, there’s not much that doctors can do to treat this malaise, given its viral nature. However, if you have had diarrhea for three days or more, there is blood in your diarrhea or you are experiencing dehydration, it’s best to come to our urgent care center Palm Springs to restore your fluid balance and get back on the road to recovery.
Viral gastroenteritis and food poisoning have strikingly similar symptoms: nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea and vomiting, among them. The treatment plan is roughly the same, too: Stay near a bathroom and keep drinking fluids until the pain and symptoms subside. Unless you’ve had 3 or more days of diarrhea, a high fever, symptoms of dehydration or blood in your urine, you shouldn’t waste your time at the doctor. However, if you have had any of these symptoms, visit our urgent care center Palm Springs immediately for treatment.
Acid reflux and indigestion are often sparked by similar problems: overeating or the consumption of specific foods, although the source of pain is different. In acid reflux, your lower esophageal sphincter (LES) begins to function improperly or doesn’t close tight enough. This allows digestive stomach acid to escape from the stomach up to your esophagus, which gives the burning sensation of heartburn. Indigestion can have many underlying causes, although it is often associated with ulcers and gastritis.
In both cases, over-the-counter treatments are acceptable as a first line of defense; however, if you use antacids for more than 2 weeks (in the case of acid reflux) or you have bloody vomit or trouble swallowing (in the case of indigestion), it is necessary to seek help immediately from urgent care Palm Springs.
If you have unexplained stomach pain which doesn’t seem to be going away after a few days, or your symptoms are severe, Urgent Care of the Palm Beaches is here to help. We have three locations and are open 7 days a week so that we are there when you need us and for a more affordable visit than the ER.
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