As the warmth of summer beckons us to enjoy outdoor activities, it’s important to remember that prolonged sun exposure can have harmful effects on our skin. Sun poisoning is a common condition caused by overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.

In this guide from Urgentology Care, we’ll explore the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for sun poisoning, as well as prevention tips and how to recognize severe cases.

Symptoms of Sun Poisoning

The symptoms of sun poisoning can vary depending on the severity of the burn but commonly include:

• Redness and swelling of the skin
• Pain or tenderness
• Itching and tingling
• Blisters
• Peeling skin
• Nausea and headache
• Fatigue and dizziness

In severe cases, sun poisoning can also cause fever, chills, and dehydration and may require medical attention.

Causes of Sun Poisoning

Sun poisoning is caused by overexposure to the sun’s UV rays. Factors that can increase the risk of developing sun poisoning include:

• Spending prolonged periods of time in direct sunlight without protection, especially during peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm).
• Not using sunscreen or using sunscreen with a low SPF (sun protection factor).
• Having fair skin that is more susceptible to sunburn.
• Taking medications that increase sensitivity to UV rays, such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and acne medications.
• Engaging in outdoor activities like swimming or hiking without proper sun protection.
• Living in or traveling to high-altitude areas where UV radiation is stronger.

Treatment & Prevention of Sun Poisoning

If you suspect that you have sun poisoning, it’s important to take immediate action to alleviate the symptoms and prevent further damage to your skin. Here are a few ways to avoid and treat sun poisoning:

1. Get out of the sun: Move to a shaded area or go indoors to avoid further exposure to the sun’s rays.
2. Cool compresses: Apply cool, damp compresses or take cool showers to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.
3. Moisturize: Apply aloe vera or moisturizer with calming ingredients like chamomile or calendula to help hydrate the skin.
4. Over-the-counter pain relievers: Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help reduce pain and discomfort.
5. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to replenish fluids lost due to sun exposure and prevent dehydration.
6. Avoid tight clothing: Avoid wearing tight clothing over sunburned skin as it can cause further irritation.
7. Use sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (at least 30) generously all over your exposed skin, including your face, neck, and ears. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.
8. Wear sunglasses: Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes from harmful UV radiation.

Recognizing Severe Cases

While most cases of sunburn can be treated at home with self-care measures, it’s important to recognize when a case of sun poisoning may be severe. Seek medical help if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Severe pain and blistering
• Swelling of the face, lips, or eyelids
• High fever and chills
• Nausea, vomiting, and headache
• Signs of dehydration such as dizziness, confusion, or decreased urination

These symptoms may indicate a more severe form of sun poisoning that requires immediate medical attention. Delaying treatment can lead to serious complications such as sunstroke, heat exhaustion, or even long-term damage to the skin.

Summertime Urgent Care Services

If you or a loved one find yourself sick or injured this summer, pay the Urgentology Care team a visit. Our services are here to keep the whole family safe and healthy this season. Contact us today to learn more!

It’s the middle of the night, and something doesn’t feel right. Could it be last night’s dinner not agreeing with you? Or is it something more?

Certain illnesses, like the stomach flu and food poisoning, often have very similar symptoms, making it difficult to self-diagnose. Let’s take a closer look at these two stomach-troubling issues.

What is Food Poisoning?

Food poisoning is a sickness that’s caused by eating food that’s contaminated with bacteria, parasites, or toxins. The symptoms of food poisoning can start anywhere from minutes to days after you eat the bad food.

The most common symptoms of food poisoning are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Fever
• Headache

These symptoms can last from a few hours to several days. In severe cases, food poisoning can lead to hospitalization.

Preventing Food Poisoning

The best way to prevent food poisoning is by practicing food safety. This means cooking your food properly, storing it safely, and avoiding cross-contamination.

Here are some tips for preventing food poisoning:

• Cook meats thoroughly and use a meat thermometer to check that they’ve reached a safe internal temperature.
• Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
• Wash your hands thoroughly, especially when handling raw meat.
• Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat separate from other food.
• Wash fruits and vegetables before you eat them.

What is the Stomach Flu?

The stomach flu, also called viral gastroenteritis, is an infection of the stomach and intestines caused by a virus. Common viruses that cause the stomach flu include Norovirus, Rotavirus, Adenovirus, and Astrovirus.

The most common symptoms of the stomach flu are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps

These symptoms can last for one to three days. In severe cases, the stomach flu can lead to dehydration. Unlike food poisoning, stomach flu is contagious.

Preventing the Stomach Flu

The best way to prevent stomach flu is by practicing good hygiene and sanitation. This means washing your hands often, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and cleaning surfaces that may be contaminated.

Here are some tips for preventing stomach flu:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after going to the bathroom, changing diapers, or handling food.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home from work, school, and daycare.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated.

Treating Food Poisoning and Stomach Flu

The best way to treat food poisoning and stomach flu is by letting your body rest and recuperate. Drink plenty of fluids, get plenty of rest, and avoid dairy, caffeine, and alcohol.

Our team can help you manage your symptoms through an IV to replenish fluids and antibiotics for those with serious bacterial infections.

The Urgentology Care team is here to keep the whole family feeling happy and healthy. Visit or contact us today.
 

Pediatric Food Allergy Tips

As your child heads back to school and is surrounded by other students and meals that aren’t prepared at home, it’s essential to keep an eye out for any food sensitivities they may have so you can get ahead of them and avoid an allergic reaction.

Here’s what you need to know:

Pediatric Food Allergy Statistics

Food allergies may be more common than you think, making it important to monitor your child’s symptoms and reactions to food triggers.

Learn the important statistics on pediatric food allergies below:

• According to Food Allergy Research & Education, 5.6 million children under age 18 have food allergies — that’s one in 13 children or roughly two in every classroom.
• Children with a food allergy are two to four times as likely to have other allergic conditions, such as asthma or eczema.
• Every three minutes, a food allergy reaction sends someone to the emergency room.
• According to the CDC, the prevalence of food allergy in children increased by 50 percent between 1997 and 2011.
• Ninety percent of food allergies occur to the same eight foods: peanuts, eggs, cow’s milk, tree nuts, soy, shellfish, fish, and wheat. Fish, shellfish, tree nuts, and peanuts are typically the most severe.
• About 40 percent of children with food allergies are allergic to more than one food item.
• Allergies to milk, egg, wheat, and soy often resolve in childhood.
• Allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish are generally lifelong.

Managing Your Child’s Food Allergies

Many patients experience allergic reactions that progress over time, which makes tracking your child’s symptoms while they eat essential. Trouble breathing, widespread hives, and stomach pain are signs your little one should see their doctor for allergy testing.

If your child does have a food allergy, your allergist will prescribe an EpiPen for them to bring to school in the event of an emergency.

Sharing Meals at School

Even if your child has had a very minor reaction in the past, this is something to note to your child’s doctor and teachers. This way, if a student is bringing a dish to your child’s classroom, their parents will know to avoid ingredients that could trigger an allergy attack. Most teachers will ask parents to note exactly what’s in the dishes they’ve prepared, so you know what’s safe and what to avoid eating.

Allergy Treatment in Arlington

If your child is suffering from allergies, please come in and see us at Urgentology Care. Our compassionate and knowledgeable medical team will evaluate and treat your allergy symptoms right away. Please note, if they are experiencing any symptoms of anaphylaxis, call 911 immediately and administer their EpiPen straight away.

For more information about our allergy care services in Arlington, call us today at (817) 799-7273.

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

Reducing Your Risks of COVID-19 Exposure

Your risk of catching COVID-19 or any other viral infection increases in crowded cities or communities, increasing the risk of spreading the disease to your loved ones. As cases surge across the U.S., it’s important for Texans to keep up with preventative measures to reduce their chances of contracting COVID-19.

Healthy Habits to Protect the Entire Family

When possible, it’s best to keep at least 6 feet of distance between you and others when out in public. Also, follow your county’s guidelines for school closures, travel alerts, and public ordinances. There are several other ways you can keep your family healthy, safe, and stop the spread of COVID-19 and any other virus, including:

• Avoiding touching your face, especially your mouth and eyes.
• Wearing a face covering over your mouth and nose.
• Washing your hands frequently with hot water and soap.
• Covering your sneezes and coughs when out in public.
• Cleaning high-touch surfaces frequently, such as counters, doorknobs, and faucets.
• Receive your COVID-19 vaccination when available in your area.

Distinguishing COVID-19 From the Seasonal Flu

Flu season lasts from November through March in the U.S., with cases typically peaking around February. As COVID-19 cases continue to spike here in Texas at the same time, it’s essential to recognize the differences between these illnesses 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

COVID-19 Testing Options atUrgentology Care

If you do feel sick, our staff has testing options available every day of the week. Learn more about the COVID-19 tests we offer:

Rapid Antigen Tests

For quick testing, the rapid antigen test is appropriate for those thought to be 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 if someone recently tested positive for COVID-19 exposure but is not currently sick. If a patient 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.

Employer COVID-19 Testing at Urgentology Care

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 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.

COVID-19 and Flu Treatment in Urgentology Care

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

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.

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

Is December Too Late to Get a Flu Shot?

According to the CDC, most seasonal flu cases in the United States occur between December and February. While experts recommend patients get their flu vaccine earlier in the season, learn the benefits of receiving your shot even during the height of flu season.

Protecting Your Family Through the Season

The ideal time to receive your flu shot is by the end of October so that the vaccine has time to work through your system before flu season peaks. However, flu season typically lasts until mid to late March, which means you can still protect yourself and your family through the spring if you get your flu shot now.

Why It’s Even More Important to Get Your Shot This Year

Getting a flu vaccine during the 2020-2021 flu season is more important than ever — even if you’re receiving your shot in December. With COVID-19 resurging in Texas, many communities will be hit with the seasonal flu and coronavirus at once. Receiving your flu shot helps reduce your risks of becoming sick due to the flu and can help differentiate your flu-like symptoms.

Who Should Get a Shot?

More than 200,000 people are hospitalized each year because of the flu, and annual flu-related deaths range from 3,000 to 49,000 people in the United States.

The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older should receive a flu shot once a year. Additionally, some individuals who are at higher risk for severe flu symptoms include:

• Individuals with chronic conditions, like asthma and diabetes.
• Individuals with heart disease.
• Adults over the age of 65.
• Pregnant women.
• Individuals who have HIV or AIDS.

Patients in these risk groups need to receive their flu shots and maintain proper social distancing guidelines to reduce their chances of contracting a respiratory virus.

Flu Shots in Arlington

Whether it’s December or February, it’s not too late to get your flu shot. Your influenza vaccine is one of the top ways to protect your health this winter amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This season, receive your shot for a $20 cash payment or free with insurance at Urgentology Care. Stop by Urgentology Care for fast and convenient flu shot appointments.

Ways to Have a Healthy Winter

Though we have a milder winter than most other states, winter in Texas can have plenty of effects on our health. From colder weather and less sunlight to flu season (and this year, COVID-19 still lingering), taking care of yourself is more important now than ever.

Use these tips to help your family have a healthier winter:

Beat the Winter Blues

It’s no secret that once we trade the warm summer sun for gloomier colder days, many people tend to feel down. Additionally, many people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is a form of seasonal depression during the winter.

With stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines in place, many more people may feel these harsh effects during the winter months. Those who experience SAD may find themselves restless, lethargic, and unmotivated. Finding ways to improve your spirits is not only essential for your mental health, but for your physical health as well.

Here are a few ways to help elevate your mood and practice self-care:

• Winterize your exercise by walking or doing yoga indoors.
• Find a hobby, such as reading or painting.

Include Extra Vitamins in Your Diet

Our production of vitamin D tends to drop during winter, as we don’t spend as much time outdoors. Try adding more vitamin D, vitamin C, and vitamin A to your diet to support a healthy immune system and give your body the nutrients it needs.

Some foods to add to your shopping list may include:

• Clementines
• Sweet potatoes
• Bananas
• Winter squash
• Fatty fish such as tuna
• Egg yolks

Drinking Plenty of Water

While you’re on the page of eating a healthy diet, make sure that you’re also drinking enough water. Drinking enough water helps support proper digestion, brain function, weight loss, and can also keep migraines at bay. The general rule of thumb is that each person should drink 8 eight-ounce glasses of water daily.

Take Care of Your Skin

Colder air and low humidity levels can lead to dry, itchy, and irritated skin. Especially for those with allergies or eczema, time spent indoors this winter can wreak havoc on your skin. If you’re suffering from an eczema flare-up, stop into our clinic for help.

To keep your skin healthy, be sure to drink plenty of water, limit how long you spend in the shower, and use a moisturizer daily. You may want to also consider purchasing a humidifier to add more moisture to the air inside your home. This can not only help your skin but can help alleviate your indoor allergies as well!

Keep the Germs Away

While flu season typically takes a toll on our community between October and March, this year we run the risk of also contracting COVID-19 during the same period. That’s why protecting your family is even more important this season.

Reducing Your Risks

Your risk of catching the flu increases in crowded cities or communities, and this increases the risk of spreading the disease to the people closest to you.

When possible, it’s best to keep at least 6 feet of distance between you and others when out in public. Also, follow your county’s guidelines on mask-wearing procedures and travel alerts. There are a number of other ways you can keep your family safe and stop the spread of the flu or any other virus, including COVID-19:

• Washing your hands.
• Covering your sneezes and coughs.
• Cleaning common surfaces frequently.
• Avoiding touching your face.

Getting Your Flu Vaccine

Getting a flu vaccine during the 2020-2021 flu season is more important than ever. The CDC recommends that your first defense against the influenza virus is receiving your annual vaccine as early as possible.

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older should receive a flu shot once a year. Flu shots are especially important for young children, pregnant women, and adults age 65 and older.

The earlier you get your vaccination before flu season starts, the better. Even if you’ve already put it off for several weeks or months, you can benefit from getting the flu shot as late as February. Stop by Urgentology Care for fast and convenient flu shot appointments.

Caring For Your Family this Flu Season

At Urgentology Care, we dedicate ourselves to offering the best medical care for you and your entire family. Stop in today for your flu shot to reduce your risks of becoming sick this winter. Additionally, contact us for more information about our COVID-19 testing and treatment options.

How to Protect Yourself From the Flu This Fall

The influenza virus is a very contagious and serious disease that can lead patients to become hospitalized and, at times, can lead to death. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important now than ever to do everything you possibly can to reduce your risks of contracting the flu or any other virus and to help stop the spread.

Get Your Seasonal Flu Shot Early

Getting a flu vaccine during the 2020-2021 flu season is more important than ever. The CDC recommends that your first defense against the influenza virus is receiving your annual vaccine as early as possible.

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older should receive a flu shot once a year. Flu shots are especially important for young children, pregnant women, and adults age 65 and older.

The earlier you get your vaccination before flu season starts, the better. Of course, if you’ve put it off for several weeks or months, you can still benefit from having it even if it’s already February. Stop by Urgentology Care for fast and convenient flu shot appointments.

Take Everyday Actions to Stop the Spread

There are a number of ways you can keep your family safe and stop the spread of the flu or any other virus, including:

• Washing your hands
• Covering your sneezes and coughs
• Cleaning common surfaces frequently
• Avoiding touching your face

Use Anti-Viral Medications

If you do contract the flu, anti-viral medications can be used to control your condition by making your symptoms milder. However, it is important to note that these medications are not designed to treat or prevent COVID-19.

Maintain Physical Distance

Your risk for catching the flu increases in crowded cities or communities, and this increases the risk of spreading the disease to the people closest to you.

When possible, it’s best to keep at least 6 feet of distance between you and others when out in public. Also, follow your county’s guidelines on mask-wearing procedures and travel alerts.

At Urgentology Care, we provide flu shots in Arlington for adults and children by appointment. Call (817) 799-7273 or contact us online.