Focusing On Your Health in the New Year

Focusing On Your Health in the New Year

Preventing Disease in the New Year

The start of the New Year often sparks patients to make New Year goals to improve their health and lead a better lifestyle. And while focusing on losing weight or eating better can help you improve your health, it’s important to remember to protect yourself from common communicable or preventable diseases and conditions.

Here are some ways to protect and improve your health in the New Year.

Common Preventable Diseases

Many diseases can be prevented through improved hygiene and getting vaccinated. Knowing what vaccines you and your family should get is essential to your health. Some common preventable diseases with vaccines include:

  • Chickenpox (Varicella)
  • Diphtheria
  • Flu (Influenza)
  • COVID-19
  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
  • HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
  • Measles
  • Meningococcal
  • Mumps
  • Pneumococcal
  • Polio (Poliomyelitis)
  • Rotavirus
  • Rubella (German Measles)
  • Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
  • Tetanus (Lockjaw)
  • Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Remember to visit the CDC to learn more about each vaccine above, and visit Urgentology Care to stay up to date on your vaccines.

Poor Lifestyle Habits Lead to Disease

On the note of improving your diet and exercise in the New Year — it is true that a poor lifestyle can increase your risk of developing certain diseases.

Called lifestyle diseases, preventable chronic diseases can often progress due to poor habits such as a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and excessive drinking. These conditions include:

  • Obesity
  • Type 2
  • Diabetes
  • Mellitus
  • Hypertension
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Certain types of cancer such as lung cancer

Knowing Your Medical History

Another important aspect of improving your health is knowing your own medical history. If you’re aware of chronic diseases or conditions that are in your family history or have been noted previously by your doctor, you’ll have more information on how to adjust your habits and support your health.

Family Urgent Care Services in Arlington

No matter your health concern — our team at Urgentology Care is here to help. We will ensure you get an accurate diagnosis and the appropriate treatment for your illness. Stop in today for a walk-in appointment, or call to make an appointment. (817) 799-7273

Falling into Better Wellness

Falling into Better Wellness

Improving Your Health This Autumn

With the changing of the leaves comes a new opportunity to change how you take care of your health! Our health experts at Urgentology Care are here to offer some guidance on where to start:

Medication Safety

Prescriptions are vital to combat a wide range of illnesses and help you feel better, but they can do more harm than good if not used properly. First and foremost, you should always consult your doctor before starting or stopping any medication.

Here are some additional ways to ensure you’re taking your prescribed medication properly:

  • Keep track of your medications.
  • Stick with one pharmacy.
  • Be aware of side effects and adverse effects.
  • Store your medication properly.
  • Speak to your doctor if you have any questions.

Better Diet, Better Health

A healthy diet is vital to keep your body healthy — especially later in life. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that you include these food groups in your diet:

  • Lean protein such as fish or beans.
  • Fruits and vegetables.
  • Whole grain products such as cereal, bread, or rice.
  • Low-fat or fat-free dairy products such as milk, yogurt, or cheese.
  • Healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fish.

The Power of Regular Exercise

Studies have linked living a sedentary lifestyle to chronic diseases and short life expectancies — making it important to get up and move often. Here are some options to help you get moving:

  • Walking
  • Yoga
  • Bike riding
  • Hiking
  • Group exercise classes

A healthy diet also includes drinking plenty of water. For proper hydration, you should drink at least 64 ounces of water a day, but many studies show drinking half your body weight in water is ideal.

Change Your Lifestyle Habits

The two main culprits that are keeping you from better health? Smoking and alcohol consumption. These habits can increase your risks for disease and also lead to premature aging. If you haven’t quit smoking yet, take this as your sign to start your journey to quitting.

Alcohol can also interfere with certain medications, so it’s important to speak with your doctor before having a drink. If it’s safe for you to drink, remember to drink in moderation.

Know Your Risks

If you have a family history of conditions that can develop later in life, you should take your doctor’s recommendations to take preventive measures for your health. No matter your risks, you should continue to see your doctor regularly for recommended screenings.

See Your Doctor Regularly

For pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients alike — it’s important to see your doctor regularly.

Vaccinations & Annual Shots

Vaccines are one of the best ways you can protect yourself and your children from illness. There are multiple vaccinations you should have throughout your life, and it’s important to speak to your doctor to know which you need.

Some of the most common vaccinations we offer by appointment include:

Flu Shots

Flu season runs from October through March, but most cases in the United States tend to peak from December through February. It’s essential to get your flu shot early each year, but getting your vaccine later in the season can still protect you and your family.

COVID-19 Vaccinations

Just like the flu vaccine, the COVID-19 vaccine is not 100% effective, but it drastically reduces your chances of being infected and/or having serious symptoms if you do become sick.

In addition to lowering your risks, receiving your COVID-19 vaccine can help lower the risks of your family members, loved ones, and community — helping to significantly stop the spread.

Keep Your Mind Healthy

Your mental health has a direct impact on your overall health — making taking care of it just as important as eating a healthy diet. Stimulating your brain with word searches and puzzles or reducing stress through meditation or yoga are great ways to care for your mind.

Living a healthy lifestyle also plays an integral part in preventing conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

You When to Seek Treatment

While the signs of serious illness vary depending on your condition, it’s important to never delay medical care. Going to the doctor can help you diagnose your illness and help you find the right treatment — from allergies to COVID-19 and orthopedic issues.

In general, here are some common signs you should go to the doctor:

  • Persistent, high fever.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • You have chest or abdominal discomfort.
  • You see bright flashes across your vision.
  • You’re repetitively vomiting.
  • You’re in extreme or prolonged pain.

In addition, if you have an existing chronic illness, you should monitor your symptoms and visit your doctor if you experience any changes, pain, or discomfort.

Family Urgent Care Services in Arlington

At Urgentology Care, we dedicate ourselves to offering the best medical care for you and your entire family. From flu shots to treating a wide range of conditions, we’re here to help.

If you have any questions about our services, contact us today: (817) 799-7273

Prescription Safety Tips

Prescription Safety Tips

Quick Tips to Safely Store and Use Your Medication

Prescriptions are vital to combat a wide range of illnesses and help you feel better, but they can do more harm than good if not used properly. First and foremost, you should always consult your doctor before starting or stopping any medication.

Here are some additional ways to ensure you’re taking your prescribed medication properly:

Keep Track of Your Medications

You or your loved one should keep a running list of the medications you’re on, when they were prescribed, and what your dosage is. This helps keep track of changes in dosage and forms a medical history. You should also keep track of who prescribed them in the event that you go to a new doctor, or see an additional specialist who may need to know.

Stay With One Pharmacy

Not only does this make it easier for you to get all of your medications, but it also helps build a record with your pharmacist. They can help track your medications and look out for drug interactions.

When you do pick up a new prescription, make sure it has the correct drug name, your name, and dosage amount.

Be Aware of Side Effects and Adverse Effects

Some medications have common side effects such as drowsiness, upset stomach, or changes in mood. However, some side effects can be quite dangerous, such as blood clots. If you develop a new symptom after taking a new medicine, you should speak to your pharmacist and your doctor right away.

Store Your Medication Properly

Storing your medicine in a humid environment can actually hinder the effectiveness of the drug you’re taking. You should also store your prescriptions in a dry, cool place — unless your medication specifically says otherwise. Be sure to consult your doctor for specific instructions.

Your Neighborhood Urgent Care

If you have any questions about your prescription or are in need of medical care, contact our team at Urgentology Care today for assistance: (817) 799-7273

Supporting Your Health as You Age

Supporting Your Health as You Age

Aging Gracefully & Healthily

As we grow older, our bodies start to slow down, and we’re left vulnerable to developing many different conditions. In order to live gracefully as we age and enjoy a slower pace in life, it’s important to protect ourselves through preventive care.

Here are some ways you can protect your overall wellness as you age.

Eating Well & Exercising Often

When we grow older, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing and using vitamins and minerals, which means a healthy diet is even more essential later in life. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that you include these food groups in your diet:

  • Lean protein such as fish or beans.
  • Fruits and vegetables.
  • Whole grain products such as cereal, bread, or rice.
  • Low-fat or fat-free dairy products such as milk, yogurt, or cheese.
  • Healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fish.

Studies have linked living a sedentary lifestyle to chronic diseases and short life expectancies — making it important to get up and move often. Here are some options to help you get moving:

  • Walking
  • Yoga
  • Bike riding
  • Hiking
  • Group exercise classes

A healthy diet also includes drinking plenty of water. For proper hydration, you should drink at least 64 ounces of water a day, but many studies show drinking half your body weight in water is ideal.

Quit Smoking & Limit Alcohol

Smoking and alcohol consumption can increase your risks for disease and also lead to premature aging. If you haven’t quit smoking yet, take this as your sign to start your journey to quitting.

Alcohol can also interfere with certain medications, so it’s important to speak with your doctor before having a drink. If it’s safe for you to drink, remember to drink in moderation.

Know Your Own Risks

If you have a family history of conditions that can develop later in life, you should take your doctor’s recommendations to take preventive measures for your health. No matter your risks, you should continue to see your doctor regularly for recommended screenings.

Keeping Your Mind Healthy

Your mental health has a direct impact on your overall health — making taking care of it just as important as eating a healthy diet. Stimulating your brain with word searches and puzzles or reducing stress through meditation or yoga are great ways to care for your mind.

Living a healthy lifestyle also plays an integral part in preventing conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Family Urgent Care Services in Arlington

At Urgentology Care, we dedicate ourselves to offering the best medical care for you and your entire family. From flu shots to treating a wide range of conditions, we’re here to help.

If you have any questions about our services, contact us today: (817) 799-7273

Blooming Into Better Health

Blooming Into Better Health

4 Ways to Blossom into Better Health

Say goodbye to winter and hello to warm, bright weather here in Texas! While you enjoy all this season has to offer, remember to support your health with the following tips:

1. Move More

The CDC recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (around 20 minutes a day, or 30 minutes on 5 days) every week, and muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days a week.

As many of us have been bunkered down at home, spring offers an excellent opportunity to get outdoors and get some fresh air in one of the following ways:

  • Yoga
  • Running
  • Walking
  • Cycling
  • Hiking
  • Outdoor sports (baseball, tennis, soccer)

2. Adjust Your Diet

Spring and summer bring a plentiful amount of fresh fruits and vegetables into season, making it the perfect time to add them to your diet. As more Texans begin grilling in the warmer months, it’s also a perfect time to grill up some fresh protein like chicken and salmon.

While you’re thinking about adjusting your diet, it’s important to drink enough water, too. Substitute water for sugary or alcoholic drinks to reduce calories and improve your health — a good diet and a healthy water intake can help support your immune system and provide physical and mental benefits.

3. Stay Safe in the Sun

Spring can be a scorcher here in Texas! If you’ll be outdoors for a long period, be prepared with:

  • Long-sleeved shirts
  • Long pants
  • Wide-brimmed hat
  • Sunglasses
  • A broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15.

4. Treat Your Spring Allergies

Allergy season is upon us once again, which means fresh flowers, blooming trees, and allergy symptoms. Now more than ever, it’s important to reduce the chance of an allergy flare-up as much as you’re able to, so you can eliminate the possibility of other respiratory illnesses.

One major concern we’re seeing is that patients are experiencing allergy-related symptoms, but are unsure if it’s allergies or the coronavirus. While both share similar nasal and respiratory symptoms, they’re very different conditions.

Do I Have Allergies?

Allergies are one of the most common illnesses that plague people when the seasons change — especially in the spring. Patients with allergies often experience symptoms after direct exposure to an allergen (such as food, pollen, or dust). Allergies are an immune response to an allergen, which our body views as a threat.

Over time, allergy symptoms can become worse and present themselves very similarly to coronavirus. Patients with allergies typically don’t experience fever as patients with COVID-19 do.

However, patients with allergies typically experience:

  • Runny nose.
  • Sneezing, or stuffiness.
  • Itchy, watery, or red eyes.
  • Coughing and wheezing.
Allergy Shots

Allergies are an immune response, and this means the best treatment for them is immunotherapy. Allergy shots are one of the most widely-used treatments for allergies, as they don’t just reduce your symptoms — they train your immune system to have less of a reaction to an allergen over time.

You can think of allergy shots like a vaccine that triggers your body’s immune response to fight allergies naturally. By lowering your sensitivity to allergens, shots often lead to lasting relief from spring allergy symptoms even after you stop treatment.

At Urgentology Care, we offer allergy shots during in-person visits to the clinic. Shots are given to patients according to individual needs, meaning some patients may need shots once a week, others once a month. Our team will help find the treatment plan that works best for you.

Allergy Drops

Allergy drops are a form of sublingual immunotherapy, or immunotherapy that is given orally. Allergy drops can be given in the form of a prescribed tablet or drop taken at home. They do not require administration in the clinic, but you will need to visit our team to receive a script for this treatment so we can diagnose your allergies and form the right treatment plan.

As soon as we identify the source of your allergies, we’ll prepare an allergy extract in a drop form. Some patients take allergy drops only throughout the spring when their symptoms are at an all-time high, while others may feel they need them for relief year-round.

Read More: Common Allergy Symptoms: Ways to Prevent or Treat Them

Do I Have COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 strain of coronavirus or its variants. Patients who test positive for COVID-19 may either be asymptomatic (show no symptoms) or may experience a range of mild to severe symptoms within 14 days of exposure to novel coronavirus.

Patients with COVID-19 typically experience symptoms more closely related to the seasonal flu, including:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Getting Vaccinated

The Texas Department of State Health Services continues to expand the vaccine allocation for residents across the state. Both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines (two-dose vaccines) are available across Texas, and it’s essential to stay up to date to learn when you’re able to be vaccinated. Click here for the latest from Texas Health and Human Services.

When to Seek Treatment

Allergies, similarly to COVID-19, can be diagnosed with testing. After treatment, symptoms often reduce or go away completely. You can visit an urgent care for treatment to alleviate your symptoms and rule out any other serious conditions, such as the flu or COVID-19.

The following are emergency warning signs of COVID-19 that warrant immediate medical attention:

  • Trouble breathing.
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest.
  • New confusion.
  • Inability to stay awake.
  • Bluish lips or face.

Seek Relief for Your Symptoms at Urgentology Care

If you feel that you may be experiencing symptoms and are unsure if you have allergies or COVID-19, stop by our clinic for an assessment. We can test you for COVID-19 or allergies and provide a proper treatment plan.

Keep up to date with the latest news in COVID-19 testing and vaccination to be the first to know when vaccines are available at Urgentology Care.

To speak to one of our team members, contact us today at: (817) 799-7273

The Importance of Getting Vaccinated for COVID-19

The Importance of Getting Vaccinated for COVID-19

Stop the Spread By Getting Vaccinated Today

Just as the best way to prevent the flu is by receiving a flu shot, the best way for you to prevent yourself from contracting COVID-19 is by getting vaccinated. Though these conditions are similar in their symptoms, the result of contracting COVID-19 has been known to be more serious for many Americans.

In honor of World Immunization Week, here’s why it’s vital to receive the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available for you.

The Risks of COVID-19

According to Johns Hopkins, COVID-19 has killed more people in the U.S. than influenza has in the last five years. Also, COVID-19 has a higher severe disease and mortality rate than influenza in all age groups, except perhaps children under the age of 12. COVID-19 survivors report many more long-term effects of the infection than influenza survivors — and we don’t know the full scope of these effects yet.

Just like the flu vaccine, the COVID-19 vaccine is not 100% effective, but it drastically reduces your chances of being infected and/or having serious symptoms if you do become sick. In addition to lowering your risks, receiving your COVID-19 vaccine can help lower the risks of your family members, loved ones, and community — helping to significantly stop the spread.

Looking Ahead

As we navigate the pandemic, it’s unclear what the future holds as far as travel across the U.S. and internationally. It is likely that, similarly to other serious infections, there could be some restriction on travel for those not fully vaccinated.

Who Can Get the Vaccine?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted emergency use authorization. Data collected show that the known and potential harms of becoming infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outweigh the potential safety risks of the vaccines.

According to the CDC, anyone who has a severe allergy (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine ingredients should not receive this vaccine. The CDC says people with allergies to certain foods, insects, latex, and other common allergens can safely receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Texas Guidelines

The Texas Department of State Health Services continues to expand the vaccine allocation for residents across the state. Both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines (two-dose vaccines) are available across Texas, and it’s essential to stay up to date to learn when you’re able to be vaccinated. Click here for the latest from Texas Health and Human Services.

COVID-19 Vaccines Available at Urgentology Care

As we navigate through the COVID-19 crisis, our practice is committed to bringing the most up-to-date resources to our community, including the most advanced FDA-approved testing available. The Moderna vaccine is currently available at Urgentology Care.

To read more about our COVID-19 testing practices or to contact our team, click here.

Treating Your Spring Allergies

Treating Your Spring Allergies at Urgentology Care

Spring is just around the corner here in Texas, which means new flowers, blooming trees, and allergy symptoms. Now more than ever, it’s important to reduce the chance of an allergy flare-up as much as you’re able to so you can eliminate the possibility of other respiratory illnesses.

Here’s how our team at Urgentology Care can help.

Allergy Shots

Allergies are an immune response, and this means the best treatment for them is immunotherapy. Allergy shots are one of the most widely-used treatments for allergies, as they don’t just reduce your symptoms — they train your immune system to have less of a reaction to an allergen over time.

You can think of allergy shots like a vaccine that triggers your body’s immune response to fight allergies naturally. By lowering your sensitivity to allergens, shots often lead to lasting relief from spring allergy symptoms even after you stop treatment.

At Urgentology Care, we offer allergy shots during in-person visits to the clinic. Shots are given to patients according to individual need, meaning some patients may need shots once a week, others once a month. Our team will help find the treatment plan that works best for you.

Allergy Drops

Allergy drops are a form of sublingual immunotherapy, or immunotherapy that is given orally. Allergy drops can be given in the form of a prescribed tablet or drop taken at home. They do not require administration in the clinic, but you will need to visit our team to receive a script for this treatment so we can diagnose your allergies and form the right treatment plan.

As soon as we identify the source of your allergies, we’ll prepare an allergy extract in a drop form. Some patients take allergy drops only throughout the spring when their symptoms are at an all-time high, while others may feel they need them for relief year-round.

Seek Relief For Your Allergies at Our Arlington Clinic Today

If you’re frequently sneezing, itching, or coughing, you may be suffering from allergies or possible seasonal allergies. However, it’s best to not delay treatment and seek a diagnosis as soon as possible. At Urgentology Care, we can provide comprehensive testing and treatment options in Arlington.

Stop by our clinic today, or book an appointment online.

COVID-19 vs. Spring Allergies [Infographic]

COVID-19 vs. Spring Allergies [Infographic]

Allergies vs COVID-19 Infographic

Allergies or COVID-19: Diagnosing Your Symptoms

Allergy season is upon us once again, and we’re still confronting the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic here in Texas. One major concern we’re seeing is that patients are experiencing symptoms but are unsure if it’s allergies or the coronavirus.

While both share similar nasal and respiratory symptoms, they’re very different conditions. Keep reading to learn how to tell the difference, and how our team at Urgentology Care can help with both.

Do I Have Allergies?

Allergies are one of the most common illnesses that plague people when the seasons change — especially in the spring. Patients with allergies often experience symptoms after direct exposure to an allergen (such as food, pollen, or dust). Allergies are an immune response to an allergen, which our immune system views as a threat.

Over time, allergy symptoms can become worse and present themselves very similarly to coronavirus. Patients with allergies typically experience no fever as patients with COVID-19 do.

However, patients with allergies typically experience:

  • Runny nose.
  • Sneezing, or stuffiness.
  • Itchy, watery, or red eyes.
  • Coughing and wheezing.

Read More: Common Allergy Symptoms: Ways to Prevent or Treat Them

Do I Have COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 strain of coronavirus or its variants. Patients who test positive for COVID-19 may either be asymptomatic (show no symptoms) or may experience a range of mild to severe symptoms within 14 days of exposure to novel coronavirus.

Patients with COVID-19 typically experience symptoms more closely related to the seasonal flu, including:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

When to Seek Treatment

Allergies, similarly to COVID-19, can be diagnosed with testing. After treatment, symptoms often reduce or go away completely. Patients may be prescribed a daily allergy pill or may be recommended for further treatment such as allergy shots and drops.

You can visit an urgent care for treatment to alleviate your symptoms and rule out any other serious conditions, such as the flu or COVID-19.

The following are emergency warning signs of COVID-19 that warrant immediate medical attention:

  • Trouble breathing.
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest.
  • New confusion.
  • Inability to stay awake.
  • Bluish lips or face.

Seek Relief for Your Symptoms at Urgentology Care

If you feel that you may be experiencing symptoms and are unsure if you have allergies or COVID-19, stop by our clinic for an assessment. We can test you for COVID-19 or allergies and provide a proper treatment plan.

To speak to one of our team members, contact us today at: (817) 799-7273

Employer COVID-19 Testing Option at Urgentology Care

Employer COVID-19 Testing Option at Urgentology Care

Providing Your Team Peace of Mind

Healthcare workers, first responders, food service workers, and local businesses have all supported our community through the COVID-19 pandemic without the option to work from home. Now that more workforce members are being recalled, employers need to offer their staff access to easy testing options to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Urgentology Care is pleased to announce our employer COVID-19 testing program. Read on to learn how to provide you and your entire team with some peace of mind:

Onsite and Clinic Testing

To make testing easier for you and your employees, we offer onsite and in-clinic testing options. Our corporate COVID-19 testing is administered via contract, and upon signing up, we will discuss whether you want your employees to come into our clinic for testing or if you want us to come to you. While onsite testing reduces downtime, we’re happy to set up appointments at our clinic for your employees as well.

Learn more about the COVID-19 tests we offer:

Rapid Antigen Tests

For quick testing, the rapid antigen test is appropriate for employers to test if an employee is actively infected with COVID-19. This test is administered via a nasal or nose and throat (nasopharyngeal) swab, and tests come back within 15 minutes.

Molecular PCR Tests

The PCR test is considered the ‘gold standard’ of COVID-19 testing, as it’s the most accurate way to tell if a patient currently has the coronavirus. This test is administered via a nasopharyngeal swab, and results take 3-5+ days.

Antibody Tests

Our COVID-19 antibody test can tell an employer if their employee recently tested positive for COVID-19 but is not currently sick. If an employee was exposed, they will have coronavirus antibodies in their blood. To administer this test, we take a sample of blood. Results typically come back in 1-2 days.

Monitoring Symptoms

In addition to testing your employees, our team also recommends monitoring their symptoms daily by checking for flu/cold-like symptoms when the employee comes in for their shift. If an employee has a fever alongside other symptoms, they should be tested and sent home.

Employer COVID-19 Testing at Urgentology Care

As we navigate through the COVID-19 crisis, our practice is committed to bringing the most up-to-date resources to our community, including the most advanced FDA approved testing available.

To set up employee testing for your team, contact our clinic today: (817) 799-7273

Knowing Your Symptoms: COVID-19 vs. The Flu

Knowing Your Symptoms: COVID-19 vs. The Flu

How to Tell if You Have COVID-19 or the Seasonal Flu

As COVID-19 cases continue to spike here in Texas, flu season will coincide. The symptoms of both illnesses are similar, which is why it’s essential to recognize the differences and seek treatment and testing if you feel sick.

Symptoms of COVID-19

The coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Patients who contract COVID-19 either experience a range of moderate to severe symptoms or may appear to be asymptomatic (no signs of symptoms).

The most common signs of COVID-19 are similar to the flu and include:

  • Sore throat
  • Chills
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Muscle aches

Emergent Symptoms of COVID-19

Most of the symptoms of COVID-19 are best treated at home with plenty of fluids and rest. However, the following are signs you should seek emergency treatment as soon as possible:

  • Constant pain or pressure in your chest.
  • Trouble breathing.
  • Bluish lips or face.
  • New loss of taste or smell.

Patients considered high-risk are advised to remain at home and to avoid public hotspots. If you believe you are sick, don’t delay in getting tested and seeking treatment.

Symptoms of the Seasonal Flu

Influenza (the seasonal flu) is also a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus that can be mild to severe. Similarly to COVID-19, symptoms of the flu can vary in their severity, but some of the most common signs of the seasonal flu include:

  • Sore throat
  • Chills
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Vomiting

There’s Still Time to Get Vaccinated

In light of COVID-19 and the flu season occurring at once, taking all necessary precautions can help protect your family — including getting vaccinated.

Flu season runs from October through March, but most cases in the United States tend to peak from December through February. It’s essential to get your flu shot early each year, but getting your vaccine later in the season can still protect you and your family.

If you haven’t stopped by our clinic to receive your shot yet, stop in today or contact us to make an appointment.

COVID-19 and Flu Treatment in Urgentology Care

This season, receive your shot for a $20 cash payment or free with insurance at Urgentology Care. If you believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19 or are feeling ill, make an appointment at our clinic for testing and proper treatment.