Walk In When You Need Us
This is the time of year for stomach bugs, colds and flu, but don’t worry… we have you covered all year-round. When you or your child is feeling under the weather, make an appointment or just walk in to any of our South Strand Internists & Urgent Care and Strand Urgent Care locations.
If you suspect the flu, come in to see us right away. Identifying the flu virus early not only helps prevent it from spreading, but allows for treatment that can reduce the severity of symptoms and possibly shorten the duration of the illness. For flu medicine to work, you must get the medicine fast: within the first 2 days of flu symptoms.
What exactly is the flu?
The flu is a specific and serious respiratory “disease” though some mistakenly think of it as just a severe cold. Not only can the flu and its complications cost you time away from work, in severe cases, flu may result in hospitalization and may even lead to death.
What are the signs of the flu?
Every person is different, so signs, symptoms and the impact of the flu aren’t the same for everyone, but typically you start feeling sick rather suddenly from the flu. You might develop:
- fever
- fatigue
- headache
- achy muscles
- sore throat
- dry cough
- runny or stuffy nose
Stomach symptoms, more common in children than adults, can include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room
If you have an injury or illness such as a sprained ankle or an ear infection, you may end up waiting for hours in the emergency room and paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for your care. In most situations, you can save time and money by going to an Urgent Care facility like South Strand Internists & Urgent Care or Strand Urgent Care instead of an emergency room. However, if you’re ever in doubt and cannot call ahead to ask, it’s better to be safe and go to the closest ER. Learn more about symptoms that can help you determine where to go.
