How to Recognize the Signs of an Allergy Attack

If you hear someone has a runny nose, sore throat, and itchy eyes, what condition would you assume they have? Viruses such as influenza and COVID-19, as well as an allergic reaction, often have similar symptoms — however, their treatment is very different. Keep reading to learn how to spot the signs of each condition, so your child receives the care they need.

Telling Allergies Apart from Illness

If your child presents themself with a runny nose, a sore throat, itchy eyes, or a cough, use these tips to differentiate between sickness and an allergy attack:

Do they have a fever?

Though symptoms are often called ‘hay fever,’ a child with allergies would most often not have a fever. However, if your child has a fever and displays signs of trouble breathing, these are common signs of the novel coronavirus, and you should consider having them tested.

How long have the symptoms lasted?

Most viruses or the common cold will typically last between 1-2 weeks, while allergy symptoms will most often last through the spring or come and go through the year.

What time of the year is it?

If your child develops a cough during the spring and presents symptoms (especially after being outdoors), they may have allergies. In the summer, fruits and vegetables can carry allergens that may set off an allergic reaction.

How old is your child?

Typically by the age of 6, most children begin to develop asthma. Outdoor allergies tend to present themselves between the ages of 4 and 6. If you believe your child has allergies, you can bring them to be tested and treated.

Does your child have nasal discharge?

If your child has clear discharge, they most likely have a runny nose as a result of coming in contact with an allergen. If the discharge is yellow or green, this is a sign of an infection, and your child should visit their doctor for treatment.

Pediatric Urgent Care Services in Arlington

Whether your child is feeling the effects of spring or has come down with a cold, our doctors at Urgentology Care specialize in pediatric care and will treat your child appropriately.

Contact our team at (817) 799-7273 today, or visit us online to learn more about our telemedicine services!

Everything You Need to Know to Stay Healthy This Flu Season

Autumn kicks off the start of the holiday season, but it also (unfortunately) brings the start of the flu season. Around 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population contracts the flu each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Additionally, around 100,000 Americans are hospitalized, and 36,000 die each year of complications from the flu. That being said, here’s everything you need to know to keep your family healthy this season.

The Influenza Virus

Commonly known to many as the flu, the influenza virus is an infectious disease with mild to severe symptoms. Three common types of influenza can infect humans: Type A, Type B, and Type C. Typically, flu season runs from October through March.

How You Can Contract the Flu

The influenza virus can be transmitted through the air in droplets when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or talks. Coming in direct contact with someone who has the flu, or an object that has germs on it (such as a telephone or door handle), is another surefire way to risk contracting the flu.

Common Flu Symptoms

The most common symptoms of influenza include:

• High fever

• Muscle pain

• Headache

• Coughing

• Sore throat

• Runny nose

• Fatigue

Typically, flu symptoms begin two days after an infected person contracts the virus, usually lasting about a week.

How Can I Prevent the Flu?

The best way to prevent the flu is by receiving a flu shot, annually, to protect yourself. When you receive a flu shot, your body builds antibodies to defend you against that particular strain. However, new strains of the flu are discovered every year, which is why patients are advised to continue getting a flu shot each year to protect against new strains.

In addition to the flu shot, here are some other ways to ward off the flu this season:

• Wash your hands frequently with hot, soapy water.

• Exercise to boost your immune system.

• Avoid touching your face in public or with unwashed hands.

• Eat a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and grains.

Should I Get the Flu Vaccine?

The flu vaccine is not 100% effective, but it is still your best defense against the flu.

The only time you should not get the flu shot is if you have had a bad reaction to it before, are currently ill, or have an egg allergy. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor.

Can I Get the Flu from the Shot?

It takes about two weeks to develop immunity after being vaccinated, and it’s possible to get the flu during this time. Others believe that the flu shot can make you sick, but this is another fallacy. The flu shot contains ‘inactivated’ strains of the virus, and cannot make you ill.

It’s possible to get sick from an influenza strain not included in the vaccine. In either case, the flu vaccine will lower the severity of your symptoms. The CDC reports the flu vaccine historically has reduced the risk of influenza by 40-60%. That adds up to millions of people every season who are protected by the flu vaccine.

How to Treat the Flu

For most people, the flu will resolve on its own in 2 to 10 days. The best recipe for treating the flu is plenty of rest and fluids. If you have a fever, you should stay home from work, school, or other activities until 24 hours your last temperature over 99°F.

It’s been assumed that the best way to treat the flu is with an antibiotic, but this is false. As the flu is a virus and not a bacterial infection, an antibiotic cannot treat the flu. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe you with antiviral medicine, but typically a fever reducer and pain reliever (i.e., ibuprofen) are recommended.

Many patients believe treating the flu is just like treating a stomach virus. However, the influenza virus can have serious complications. People at a higher risk of developing complications include:

• Children under 5, especially those under a year old

• Adults over 65

• Residents of long-term care facilities

• Pregnant women

• People with compromised/weak immune systems or chronic illnesses

While not common, patients with the flu have also developed secondary conditions such as pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s best to seek medical attention immediately:

• Dizziness

• Confusion

• Shortness of breath

• High fever and a rash

Get Your Annual Flu Shot at Urgentology Care

Protect your family from the flu this season by visiting our staff at Urgentology Care today for a flu shot. Your shot will be covered under in-network insurance or $35 with self-pay. Call (817) 799-7273 or contact us online to schedule vaccination(s) for yourself or your child.

If you do believe you’ve contracted the flu, trying to self-diagnose is never easy. We encourage you to get checked if you have any symptoms of a cold, flu, or strep throat. Our team at Urgentology Care will ensure you get an accurate diagnosis and the appropriate treatment for your illness. Stop in today for a walk-in appointment.

Fever, chills, sore throat — these are all signs of the flu. However, what if you experience nausea and vomiting? Most people typically assume that the flu (or influenza) and the stomach flu are the same thing and therefore can be treated the same way. In fact, they are quite different. Here’s what you should know:

Influenza

When your doctor diagnoses you with the flu, they mean that you have the influenza virus. The flu circulates through the fall, winter, and early spring months. The most common symptoms of the flu are:

• Fever

• Body aches

• Fatigue

• Congestion

• Cough and sore throat

The flu can be passed from person to person by coming in contact with someone who is ill. Through coughing, sneezing, or talking, people up to 6 feet away can pass along the virus to their family, friends, and peers. Depending on how severe your symptoms are, you may be able to continue your daily activities with the flu. When combined with pneumonia, the flu can prove deadly — this is one of the top causes of death in the United States.

Treating the Flu

Typically, flu symptoms will subside in 2 to 10 days and do not require emergency medical attention. In fact, no antibiotic can aid in recovering from the flu, as they do not work on viruses. If you seek medical attention within 48 hours of contracting the flu, antiviral medication may be effective in easing your symptoms.

If you do develop a secondary infection, or your symptoms worsen, you should seek medical attention. Otherwise, the best way to recover from the flu is to get plenty of rest, drink lots of water, and take pain relievers for any aching, in addition to keeping your fever down.

Stomach Virus

In contrast, the stomach virus is a much different illness than seasonal flu. The stomach virus is usually caused by the norovirus or rotavirus. Both of these are food-borne viruses. The most common symptoms of the stomach virus are:

• Stomach pain and cramping

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Occasionally fever

You can come in contact with the norovirus from another person that has been infected, or from pathogens in food directly.

Treating the Stomach Virus

Also known as gastroenteritis, the stomach virus should typically subside in 24 hours. Though it is possible for individuals suffering from the flu to experience nausea and vomiting, those symptoms are most common with the stomach virus. Food-borne pathogens from discrepancies in food preparation cause individuals to become ill up to 48 hours after their meal.

The best medicine for the stomach virus and the flu is plenty of rest and fluids. If you believe your symptoms are not improving, seek medical attention immediately. At Urgentology Care, we’re prepared to treat your condition every day of the week. Stop in for a walk-in appointment, or contact us today.

When flu season rolls around, we try everything in our power to prevent ourselves from getting sick. However, some of these rumored recommendations on how to stop it in its tracks can harm our health more than protect it — separate fact from fiction this season to stay healthy and flu-free.

Myth #1: The Flu Shot Will Give You The Flu

Many patients avoid getting the flu shot once they hear that the vaccine contains strains of the influenza virus. While this is true, the strains of influenza inside the shot are either inactivated (no longer infectious), or a substrate created to mimic the flu. Either way, the shot cannot give you influenza.

Myth #2: It’s Too Late to Get a Flu Shot

Typically, flu season enters its peak months between October and December. You should indeed get your flu shot sooner, rather than later, so you can stay protected through the entire season. In past years, the flu virus has hung around until late March.

Most insurance companies will cover your flu shot as a preventative service, and even if it isn’t, you can still get one at an affordable price.

Myth #3: Only Older People Need a Flu Shot

The flu doesn’t have an age limit, and it can be life-threatening for babies, older adults, and individuals with weaker immune systems or chronic illnesses.

Additionally, if you’ve gotten the flu shot in years past, they won’t necessarily protect you this year. New strains of the flu are discovered each year, which is why the CDC recommends every person over the age of 6 months should get a flu shot each year.

Myth #4: The Flu is Just as Serious as the Common Cold

The flu can present more severe symptoms and risks than an ordinary cold can. While you may experience symptoms associated with the common cold (such as a sore throat, runny nose, and cough), you are at a higher risk of falling seriously ill. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized each year due to influenza.

Myth #5: You Can Catch the Flu From Going Out in Cold Weather

Just as people assume the flu is no worse than a common cold, many don’t realize that the flu is a virus. Therefore, the only way to contract the flu is by being exposed to the influenza virus. A cold, drafty environment will not give you the flu unless you come in contact with a person inside that environment that has the flu!

Myth #6: You Can Treat the Flu With Antibiotics

As mentioned earlier, the flu is a virus, and therefore cannot be treated with antibiotics, which work against bacteria. In some cases, patients have to experience bacterial infections as a complication of the flu, but only in these cases would an antibiotic be prescribed.

The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu this year is by getting your flu shot. Stop by Urgentology Care today to receive your shot and stay protected against this year’s influenza virus. We offer free flu shots with in-network insurance or $35 with self-pay.

When your child becomes ill, it is natural as a parent to worry, even if it is just mild symptoms, as a parent, you think to take your child to see a doctor in Arlington just to be safe. You must remember to not let your imagination wander and think the worst when your child is ill, but to try and remain calm in order to help keep your child calm as well.

When your child is injured or ill, you typically have a few choices as to how to go about it. You can either schedule an appointment with your pediatrician, take them to an urgent care to see a doctor right away, or, if the symptoms are severe, take them to an emergency room. The trick here is knowing which of the three to go with based on your particular situation.

Many parents unnecessarily take their child to the emergency room as they over-worry. It is important to remember that when your child is ill, try and not fear the worst but rather attempt to objectively analyze their symptoms and gage whether or not a trip to the emergency room is necessary. So, the question is, how do you know when to go to the ER or not?

Take your child to the emergency room if:

• If your child of two months old or younger has a fever (100.4 degrees or higher)
• If your child has suffered from a head injury and has symptoms of a concussion (passed out, lost consciousness, dizzy, nauseous, stumbling, or acting odd)
• If your child may have a broken bone and there is visible swelling
• If your child has a seizure
• If your child is having difficulty breathing with heavy or quick breaths, or is gasping for a breath
• If your child is experiencing signs of dehydration, isn’t urinating (for more than 12 hours), is acting lethargic or confused, has dry lips, and seems weak or dizzy
• If your child has a large open gash or cut that needs stitches

Consider taking your child to an urgent care if:

• Your child is experiencing flu-like symptoms with a fever (runny or stuffy nose, lethargy, muscle aches, chills, headache, coughing, sore throat)
• If your child has a sore throat that starts on one side and spreads to the other, with or without white patches on the tonsils
• If your child is suffering symptoms of pink eye (conjunctivitis) which can include a red, swollen, itchy eye, with or without discharge
• If you think your child may have an ear infection and they are experiencing: pulling on the ear, ear pain, fever, drainage from the ear
• If your child is experiencing mild vomiting and diarrhea (without sharp pains in the abdomen or any blood in the stool)

It can be difficult knowing the right thing to do when your child is sick, but remember to try and stay calm and objectively analyze their symptoms. If your child is able to walk and talk and interact with you, it is unlikely that it is an emergency situation.

Urgentology is an innovative and friendly urgent care in Arlington and we welcome you and your family to come visit our expert medical team for non-emergency situations. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment ahead of time, contact us today. Walk ins are of course always welcome.

Important: If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Room. Information in this site is not intended to be used as a diagnosis for your symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, please seek medical attention or visit Urgentology Care.

The fall season is upon us, and besides the leaves changing colors, this unfortunately also means cold and flu season. Many of us will, unfortunately, come down with an upper respiratory infection this season, which can also be called the common cold. While adults are prone to upper respiratory infections, it is most common in children, as they are more susceptible.

The reason children are more susceptible to the common cold is typically for two reasons, one being that they are still building up their immune systems, and two being that they are often exposed to more germs than we are at places like school, parks, etc. Younger children who attend a day care center are most prone to getting colds as they are exposed to the germs that cause them. Children can endure from 6 to 8 colds a year, although after the age of six they tend to occur less often.

The causes of the common cold in children

A child catches a cold when a virus makes its way into their bodies and causes inflammation in the lining of the nasal passages and the throat. While there are more than 200 different types of cold viruses, the most common cold-causing virus is among the rhinoviruses.

Children can catch colds in one of two ways, through the air, or by direct contact. If they are around another child who is sick, and that child sneezes or coughs, their germs become air bound. If your child comes into contact with the air bound germs by breathing them in, the virus then clings to the inner membranes of the nasal passage. If your child touches someone who has a cold, it is easy for that cold to spread to them as children very often touch their faces, nose, mouth, and eyes. Children can even catch a cold by playing with toys that picked up the germs from another infected child.

The symptoms of the common cold in children

Your child will begin to experience symptoms of a cold from 1 to 3 days of coming into contact with the virus. Typically, symptoms last around a week but have the potential to last up to two weeks. It is important to differentiate your child’s symptoms from a cold or the flu, which is why you may want to consider taking your child to a nearby urgent care in North Arlington. While upper respiratory (common cold) symptoms can be different for each child they experience the following symptoms:

• A stuffed or runny nose
• Sneezing
• Sore or scratchy throat
• Coughing
• Muscle aches
• Headaches
• Watering eyes
• Congestion
• Fever (usually low-grade)
• Green or yellow mucus
• Chills
• Fatigue

Keep in mind the above are the general symptoms in older children, while the symptoms of a common cold in babies will be slightly different and often include:

• More crying and fussing than usual
• Difficulty sleeping
• Nasal congestion
  Mucus discharge from the nose
• Fever
• Occasionally vomiting or diarrhea

Treating the common cold in children

Although there is treatment for a cold, there is no exact “cure”. Normal, healthy children can usually recover from a cold virus on their own. The best thing you can do for your child if they are sick with a cold is to ensure that they get a lot of rest and drink a lot of fluids (i.e., water, electrolyte drinks, and soup). Ensure your child stays at home until their fever has been gone for at least 24 hours.

To lessen the symptoms of your child, you may want to try a saline nasal spray. You can also use a humidifier in your child’s room at night to help relieve their congestion. Before using any over-the-counter medicines, you should discuss it with a healthcare provider.

Taking your child to a healthcare provider

As children are growing, they are very prone to catching colds and other viruses as their bodies are naturally building up their immune systems. While the pediatrician can get quite busy, it can be difficult to get your child in to see their doctor every time they fall ill. Taking your child to an urgent care in Arlington is an excellent solution as they are more time efficient and open for much more flexible hours.

Here at Urgentology we are innovative and friendly urgent care that puts the health of you and your family as our first priority. While walk-ins are welcome, if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment ahead of time, please contact us today.

Important: If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Room. Information in this site is not intended to be used as a diagnosis for your symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, please seek medical attention or visit Urgentology Care.

Food poisoning is very stressful to the body and is often quite a debilitating illness. Foodborne illnesses come as a result of eating contaminated, toxic, or spoiled food. The condition is quite common as it affects millions of people – or 1 in 6 persons – in the United States every year. The symptoms of food poisoning can range from mild to severe, but most commonly include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The duration of a foodborne illness can range from a few hours up to a few days.

Symptoms of food poisoning aren’t easy to miss, although they can vary a bit depending on what the infection stemmed from. Depending on the source, it can take from as little as an hour for symptoms to occur, all the way up to almost an entire month (28 days). If you have a common case of food poisoning, you likely suffer from at least three of the following symptoms:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Headaches
• Weakness
• Light-headedness
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite

Certain cases of food poisoning are more severe than others and could even be potentially life-threatening without treatment. If you are experiencing any of these more severe symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately:

• Diarrhea and vomiting lasting for more than three days
• A fever that is higher than 101.5 degrees (Fahrenheit)
• Severe dehydration symptoms: noticeable decrease in urination, dry mouth, difficulty keeping fluids down
• Difficulty seeing
• Difficulty speaking
• Blood in urine

How long does food poisoning last?

Most cases of food poisoning only last for 1 to 2 days, however, sometimes you will only experience symptoms for a few hours. Symptoms will typically resolve on their own after a couple of days, however, if you are experiencing symptoms for longer than 3 days then you should go to see your doctor in Arlington.

Certain infections, such as Cyclospora infections, can cause one to exhibit diarrhea symptoms for a few weeks. In that case, you would need to see your doctor to assist in recovery and to ensure you do not become severely dehydrated, etc. This type of infection is one of the more common reasons that certain symptoms persist for extended periods of time.

What causes food poisoning?

The cause of food poisoning is linked to exposure to either certain bacteria, parasites, or viruses. Bacteria are the most common cause of food poisoning, parasites are less common, but they can be very dangerous, especially to those who suffer from weak immune systems. Viruses are another common cause of food poisoning and are responsible for over 19 million cases each year.

How do I know if it’s food poisoning or a stomach virus?

Food poisoning can cause symptoms similar to a stomach virus, which is why the two conditions can be difficult to tell apart. The biggest difference is that food poisoning symptoms hit much faster than those of a stomach virus. While stomach virus symptoms can take days to develop, food poisoning symptoms can appear within hours of eating a contaminated meal. A stomach virus is also more likely to cause a fever, headache, stomach pain, and vomiting than food poisoning. While stomach viruses take longer to develop, they usually only last 24 to 48 hours, while food poisoning will last longer.

How is food poisoning treated?

Food poisoning often can be treated from home and will usually go away on its own in a matter of 1 to 3 days. Visiting an urgent care in Arlington will likely be your best option as you will be able to get in the quickest that way.

The most important thing to do if you have food poisoning is to stay hydrated as you will lose a lot of needed hydration along with the symptoms of the condition. Buying water that has added electrolytes is your best option. You should avoid any drinks that have caffeine as they can increase dehydration and irritate your stomach.

If your condition doesn’t get better in 3 days or longer or if you are experiencing any of the more severe symptoms that are listed, then you should come see us here at Urgentology. Walk-ins are of course always welcome, but our center also accepts appointments for your convenience. Call us or come by today.

Important: If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Room. Information in this site is not intended to be used as a diagnosis for your symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, please seek medical attention or visit Urgentology Care.

Around this time of year, the chances of you falling ill are high with
the possibility of contracting the flu or a cold. However, while the likelihood
of getting sick from either of these illnesses is high, it might not always
be the case. The flu and cold often share a few similar symptoms with
other ailments such as food poisoning or a stomach virus, complicating the
diagnosis of the affliction. However, the differences between the two
are more than enough to properly identify which one you have.

What is Viral Gastroenteritis?

The technical term for the common stomach flu is viral gastroenteritis,
which is just an inflammation of the intestines and stomach caused by
a viral infection. This condition is caused by a virus. The most common
way to develop viral gastroenteritis, or the stomach flu, is by coming
into contact with an infected person or by consuming contaminated food or water.

Symptoms

Even though it is most commonly referred to as the stomach flu, it actually
has very little to do with influenza. The real flu attacks only your respiratory
system while gastroenteritis affects your intestines, causing you to experience
these symptoms:

• Watery diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea, vomiting, or both
• Muscle aches and headaches
• Low fever
• Dehydration

Symptoms will vary depending on the individual and the way it was contracted.
Symptoms can show in the first day or three days after you become infected,
ranging from mild to severe. However, symptoms typically do not last longer
than a day or two. You should go see a doctor if you:

• Have not kept liquids down for 24 hours
• Vomit for more than two days
• Vomit blood
• Are dehydrated
• Have a fever over 104 F (40 C)

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for viral gastroenteritis.
Antibiotics do not work against viruses and can lead to the development
of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria if they are overused. Drinking
plenty of fluids and getting plenty of rest at home until the virus leaves
your system is the best course of action for treating this condition.
In the case of severe dehydration, an IV will need to be administered
to provide you with fluids. Here are some at-home care tips:

• Drink plenty of clear fluids
• Do not consume drinks that contain milk, caffeine, or alcohol
• When appetite is regained, start with easily digestible foods

Viral gastroenteritis is a very uncomfortable and exhausting condition.
While there are no specific treatments available, home care is the best
course of action. However, if symptoms do persist or worsen, it is imperative
to seek medical help. If you wish to learn more about viral gastroenteritis,
contact the healthcare professionals at Urgentology Care.

Important: If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or
go to your nearest Emergency Room. Information in this site is not intended
to be used as a diagnosis for your symptoms. If you experience any of
these symptoms, please seek medical attention or visit Urgentology Care.

It’s safe to say that everyone has woken up in the morning with a sore throat at least once during their lifetime. But how do you know if it’s just a sore throat, or if it’s strep throat? Unfortunately, it is rather difficult to distinguish between the two on your own. There are numerous reasons for this, including the fact that the signs and symptoms of a sore throat are often the beginning of strep throat, which is caused by the strep bacteria.

What is the Difference Between a Sore Throat and Strep Throat?

Urgentology Care offers diagnosis and treatment for both a sore throat and strep throat. Below are a few of the major differences between the two:

• Both a sore throat and strep throat are very common, but strep throat is typically more serious.
• Strep throat is a contagious infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacterium and usually affects children between the ages of 5 and 15.
• Anyone is at risk of getting strep throat.
• A sore throat can be caused by numerous different environmental factors in addition to viral or bacterial infections.

Symptoms of Sore Throat

To understand the difference between a sore throat and strep throat, there are a few things to keep in mind. For starters, a sore throat usually comes along with pain, scratchiness, or irritation of the throat that is worse with swallowing. In most cases, a sore throat is caused by a viral infection like a cold or the flu and it usually resolves on its own over time. Some of the most common symptoms of a sore throat include:

• Pain in the throat that worsens with swallowing or talking
• Difficulty swallowing
• Scratchy or itchy sensation in the back of the throat
• Sore or swollen glands in the neck or jaw
• Swollen, red tonsils
• Hoarseness
• Earache

A sore throat can be joined by a fever, cough, runny nose, sneezing, body aches, headache, nausea, or vomiting. If you are experiencing these symptoms and they are not getting better, we encourage you to come into our Arlington urgent care center right away. Our team of doctors is dedicated to helping you get better, regardless of what your symptoms are. If your child has a sore throat and is showing the following severe signs, please bring them to Urgentology Care right away:

• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Unusual drooling

Symptoms of Strep Throat

Strep throat is caused by Group A bacteria which live in the nose and throat and can be easily spread to other people. While not everyone gets infected by the Group A bacteria, those that do develop the highly contagious strep throat may display the following symptoms:

• Sore throat that comes on out of nowhere
• Pain when swallowing
• Fever
• Red and swollen tonsils
• Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Headache
• Stomach pain
• Nausea or vomiting

For severe strep throat symptoms, we may offer IV treatment to provide for quick relief. We would target the bacteria faster with antibiotics and steroids if needed, especially for the patient population presenting with difficulty or painful swallowing, which is usually due to acute tonsillitis. Strep throat is diagnosed using a quick strep swab that allows us to look for indicator molecules that belong to Group A Streptococcus. If the test comes back positive, we will likely prescribe antibiotics that should get you feeling better within 48 hours.

We offer diagnosis and treatment for both sore throats and strep throat here at Urgentology Care. If you have any of the above symptoms, please come into our urgent care clinic right away.

Important: If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Room. Information in this site is not intended to be used as a diagnosis for your symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, please seek medical attention or visit Urgentology Care.

Cold and flu season is in full swing, but there are many other common infections

that can wreak havoc on both the young and old, regardless of what time

of year it is. For infants, children, adults over the age of 65, and those

with weakened immune systems, infections can be more than just an annoyance.

In fact, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) reports that

one-third of all deaths in seniors over 65 are from infectious diseases.

For the elderly, there are a handful of common infections that pose a threat

more than others:

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) – According to the AAFP,

  UTIs are the most common bacterial infection in older adults. UTIs may be caused

  by the use of catheters or diabetes, which are both common among this

  older population.

• Skin Infections – As we get older, it becomes much more difficult

  for the skin to heal itself. Because of this, skin infections are much

  worse – and more common – among seniors. Some of the most

  common skin infections include:

  • Viral infections like shingles
  • Bacterial infections such as cellulitis or folliculitis
  • Drug-resistant infections
• Pneumonia – The AAFP reports that more than 60 percent of all seniors

  visit the hospital because of pneumonia. There are numerous reasons why

  those over 65 are at a higher risk of developing pneumonia. This includes

  changes in lung capacity, exposure to disease, and the prevalence of conditions

  like diabetes and cardiopulmonary disease.

• Influenza – Everyone can get the flu (influenza), but it is particularly

  dangerous amongst seniors. In fact, influenza is the sixth-leading cause

  of death in America, and 90 percent of those who die from influenza are seniors.

• Gastrointestinal Infections – Seniors are at a much higher risk of

  developing gastrointestinal infections, such as gastritis and Clostridium

  difficile, which is a common infection that causes diarrhea.

How to Treat Common Infections

Infections happen, and it is important to understand the risk factors and

what to do about it. For the young, elderly, and those with weakened immune

systems, you should never ignore your symptoms. While many common illnesses

and infections will go away on their own, higher risk groups should seek

medical attention right away. Here at Urgentology Care, we always have

trained medical staff to evaluate and treat you. If you or a loved one

are feeling ill,

bring them into Urgentology Care in Arlington today for an assessment. Your health and wellness are our

top priority and we will do everything we can to ensure you receive the

treatment you need to get better. We offer a wide range of solutions aimed

at treating the common infections listed above, as well as others.

Important: If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or

go to your nearest Emergency Room. Information in this site is not intended

to be used as a diagnosis for your symptoms. If you experience any of

these symptoms, please seek medical attention or visit Urgentology Care.