Acute Illness Treatment
Covid-19
Severe Covid-19 disease cannot be treated at your local urgent care facility. We can perform a diagnostic rapid antigen or PCR testing to determine if you are infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. We can offer patients a rapid antigen test which is usually performed on patients who are symptomatic. The PCR test is usually performed on patients who are asymptomatic and results usually take longer. Our medical providers will evaluate your need for the test including exposure, symptoms, travel, or return to school or work. Most patients will have mild symptoms where they can recover at home with fluids, rest, and OTC medication for fever or body aches, as recommended. If you begin to develop life threatening conditions such as shortness of breath or cyanosis (bluing of lips and skin) go to your local emergency room immediately.
Flu
The seasonal influenza virus can also be tested at our onsite laboratory. If you are infected with the influenza virus one of our practitioners may prescribe you an antiviral medication which can be picked up at your local pharmacy. Rest, fluids, and OTC medication is also recommended to control the uncomfortable feeling of fever and body aches. If you are an adult and your fever is above 103ºF consider seeking immediate medical attention. If your child has a fever of 104 ºF or 102 ºF for multiple days or if your child is less than 6 weeks of age, a hospital emergency room is your safest choice.
Strep
Strep throat is caused by a Streptococcus bacterium, antibiotics is the main sources of treatment for a patient with strep throat. Your urgent care provider will prescribe someone who tests positive for beta-hemolytic streptococcus an antibiotic which they can pick up at their local pharmacy. If your antibiotic is taken within 48 hours of illness onset, you can prevent the spread of strep to others and lessen the duration of your illness. OTC pain relivers and fever reducers may also be taken. Speak to your health care provider about the appropriate medications to take along with an antibiotic. This helps reduce the risk of adverse drug interactions.
UTI
If you believe you have a urinary tract infection, our healthcare professionals will collect a urine sample from you. Your urine sample will be subjected to a bacterial culture. Depending on what species of bacteria is infecting your urinary tract will dictate which antibiotic will be prescribed. There are several common antibiotics used to treat specific types of bacteria. A prescription tailored to your infection will be called in your pharmacy where it can be conveniently picked up on your time. All antibiotics must be taken even if your illness begins to subside, a worse recurring infection is possible if antibiotics are stopped too early. If you are experiencing recurring urinary tract infections, one of our practitioners may refer to you a specialist for further testing.
STDs
If you believe you are suffering from a sexually transmitted disease/infection one of our healthcare practitioners will perform a pelvic exam or physical to look for signs of infection, including genital rashes, warts, or discharge. Laboratory tests can confirm primary infections or coinfections with the use of a blood test, urine sample, or fluid sample. The blood sample can confirm HIV or syphilis. A urine sample can detect infection such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. If you have open genital sores where a fluid sample can be obtained it will be swabbed and can also be tested for a variety of sexually transmitted infections. Typical treatment options are antibiotics or antivirals, depending on whether you are infected with a bacterium or a virus. Some STIs caused by a virus can be suppressed but not cured.
RSV
If you believe you have RSV you may present to your doctor with the following signs: fever, cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, trouble breathing, wheezing, or trouble eating, drinking, or swallowing one of our providers will perform a nasal swab to be subjected to a rapid RSV diagnostic test. Blood tests may also be performed to analyze the number and type of your white blood cells at the time of infection. Chest x-rays may be used to check lung inflammation, and pulse ox will be performed to make sure your oxygen saturation is optimal. Medical attention includes supportive care such as fluids, rest, and OTC medication to reduce fevers. If symptoms become life-threatening go to your nearest emergency room for treatment.
Mononucleosis
Our healthcare professionals will perform a physical on any patient who believes they are suffering from the symptoms of mononucleosis or “mono” which it is typically called. Illness presents as extreme fatigue, sore throat, and fever. Practitioners also know to check for signs of swollen lymph nodes, swollen spleen/liver, and swollen tonsils. Antibiotics do not work against mono because it is caused by a virus and there is currently no antiviral used to treat mono. Self-care is encouraged to heal from your infection. This includes rest, a healthy diet, and plenty of fluids to keep you from getting dehydrated. You can also take an OTC pain and fever reducer for the treatment of a sore throat.
Asthma
Asthma presents as difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. If you present to our urgent care with the following symptoms respiratory infections and COPD will first be ruled out. You will be subjected to a lung function test, if you believe you are suffering from an asthma attack. A bronchodilator will be administered and if your lung function then improves it is likely that you are suffering from asthma. Asthma can be treated with several medications depending on the severity of your symptoms. The right medication depends on your age, asthma triggers, and symptoms. If allergies cause your asthma, immunotherapy may help your immune system not act so severely to certain allergens. Other asthma suffers usually use an inhaled steroid or an oral medication. If you are suffering from a severe allergic reaction head to your local emergency room. They can offer your intravenous steroids or a fast-acting bronchodilator. Our practitioners can help with the diagnosis and treatment of minor to moderate asthma symptoms.
Did you know...
that some schools insist on mandatory physical exams before the start of a new school year? This is especially true of students who participate in certain activities, such as sports or marching band. You may be required to provide proof of your child’s physical and submit a doctor’s statement of your child’s eligibility to participate in extracurricular activities.
