The treatments for the Flu and COVID-19

, , ,

Understanding the Differences Between COVID-19 and the Flu
Julia Murphy Callahan, APRN, FNP, ExperCARE Hinesville

Here’s why it matters
Different Treatments: The treatments for the flu and COVID-19 differ. Antiviral medications like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) are available for the flu, while COVID-19 may require specific treatments like monoclonal antibodies or antiviral medications like remdesivir in more severe cases. Early diagnosis ensures timely initiation of the appropriate treatment.

Isolation and Contact Tracing: Early diagnosis allows for quick isolation of the infected individual and contact tracing to prevent further spread of the virus. This is crucial in controlling the spread of COVID-19.

Peace of Mind: Knowing whether you have the flu or COVID-19 can provide peace of mind and reduce anxiety about your health and potential exposure to others.

Choosing Urgent Care Over the ER: During flu season, healthcare facilities can become crowded, increasing the risk of exposure to illnesses. Here’s why you might consider visiting an urgent care facility like Expercare instead of a heavily populated ER:

Lower Wait Times: Urgent care centers typically have shorter wait times than emergency rooms, allowing you to receive care more quickly.

Reduced Exposure: Urgent care centers are often less crowded than ERs, which can help minimize your risk of exposure to infectious diseases.

Expertise: Expercare’s experienced staff are well-trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses, including the flu and COVID-19, providing you with the care you need.

Community Focus: As a community urgent care provider, Expercare has a vested interest in the well-being of the local community. They can offer insights into the prevalence of flu and COVID-19 in the area, helping you stay informed.

Conclusion:
Navigating flu season in South Georgia requires a keen understanding of the differences between COVID-19 and the flu. Quick and accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment and reducing the risk of transmission. Expercare, with its experienced staff and community focus, can provide you with the care you need while minimizing exposure.

Whether you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms or are concerned about COVID-19, seeking care at an urgent care facility like Expercare is a smart choice during these uncertain times.

Stay informed, stay safe, and prioritize your health and the health of your community this flu season.

OUR SERVICES

When it comes to medical care, routine or urgent, you want the comfort of a familiar face, a warm smile and the convenience of being seen the same day, after hours, or weekends. ExperCARE is locally owned and operated and employs the very best team in the industry. Our commitment to you is something we take to heart, ensuring we provide the very best experience for you and your loved ones.  The synergy of expertise, compassion, and convenience are why our customers continue to recommend and return for their healthcare and peace of mind. We welcome the opportunity to exceed your expectations while providing access to the very best healthcare experience in the region when you need it.

Urgent Medical Care Services  ı  Routine Care  ı  COVID-19 Testing & Treatment  ı  Labs, X-rays, Diagnostics  ı  Occupational Medicine  ı  On-Site Services  ı  Immigration Services

6 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

ExperCARE offers comprehensive care across its locations, including Richmond Hill, Pooler, Statesboro, Hinesville. two locations in Savanah, one at Savannah on Mall Blvd and the other in the Savannah Historic District Downtown. A new office is also opening soon in Rincon. Each location ensures consistent, high-quality healthcare services.

Each location is within a 25-minute drive of an ExperCARE facility, reflecting the our commitment to providing convenient and quality care.

5 Frequently Asked Questions About the Flu

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

As flu and respiratory season approaches, we’re answering the top 5 Frequently Asked Questions we get most!

  1. What are the symptoms of the flu?

The flu commonly presents with symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and headache. Some individuals may also experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional. ExperCARE is open 7 days a week with extended hours and can help determine the best course of action for you. You never need an appointment, but can book ahead for your convenience.

  1. How long does the flu last?

The duration of flu symptoms can vary from person to person. In general, the flu can last anywhere from a few days to two weeks. It is crucial to rest, stay hydrated, and follow your doctor’s recommendations for a speedy recovery.

  1. How is the flu spread?

The flu is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also be contracted by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. Practicing good hand hygiene, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals can help prevent the spread of the flu.

  1. Who is at risk of complications from the flu?

Certain individuals are at higher risk of developing complications from the flu, including young children, the elderly, pregnant women, individuals with weakened immune systems, and those with underlying health conditions. It is important for individuals in these groups to take extra precautions, such as getting an annual flu vaccine, to help protect against the virus.

  1. How can I prevent the flu?

The best way to prevent the flu is by getting an annual flu vaccine. Additionally, practicing good hygiene habits, such as frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and disinfecting commonly-touched surfaces, can help reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the flu.

Note: It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and information about the flu. ExperCARE is here for you. Walk-in 7 days a week or schedule an appointment today and meet with one of our ExperCARE providers.

For more information about the flu, visit the CDC website.

5 ExperTIPS to Help You Stay Healthy This Flu Season

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

As Flu season approaches, remember ExperCARE is here for you! ExperCARE is sharing 5 ExperTIPS to help you stay healthy this Flu season. We provide compassionate care for all ages. Walk-in to one of our convenient Georgia locations today, or schedule an appointment at your convenience here.

Influenza (Flu) season is during the fall and winter, with peak levels from December through February. Here are five ExperTIPS to help limit your risk of catching the Flu:

  1. Know flu symptoms. It is important to know Flu symptoms so you can distance yourself from individuals who are exhibiting them. Common symptoms include fever or chills, coughing, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. See the complete list of symptoms on the CDC
  2. Know how the flu spreads. The flu spreads person-to-person by droplets made when people who have the flu cough, sneeze, and talk. These droplets are inhaled or land in the nose and mouth of people who are in close proximity to the sick individual.
  3. Limit touching your face. You can also catch the flu by touching an object that has the flu on it and then touching your nose, mouth, and eyes. Make sure to regularly clean all surfaces in your home and at work, especially when you know someone is sick.
  4. Wash your hands frequently. To avoid inhaling and ingesting the flu, wash your hands frequently. Make sure you also wash your hands before eating.
  5. Get a flu vaccine. Getting a flu shot can help reduce your risk of catching the flu. According to the CDC, the flu vaccine can limit your chances of getting the flu between 40%-60%. If you do happen to still get sick, having the vaccine can reduce the severity of your symptoms. Having the vaccine can also reduce the risk for people around you such as infants, elderly, and people with chronic health conditions.

For more information about the flu, visit the CDC website.

At ExperCARE, get a flu test and allow us to help treat your flu symptoms. Walk-in or schedule an appointment today.

ExperCARE’s Top 6 Tips on How to Prevent Back to School Germs!

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

How to Prevent Back to School Germs

As the back to school season approaches, it’s important to take steps to prevent the spread of germs in the classroom and at home. With so many children coming together in one space, the risk of illness spreading is high. However, by practicing good hygiene habits and taking preventative measures, you can help keep yourself and your family healthy.

1. Wash Your Hands

One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs is by washing your hands frequently. Encourage your child to wash their hands throughout the day, especially before eating and after using the restroom. Use warm water and soap, and lather for at least 20 seconds before rinsing.

2. Use Hand Sanitizer

In addition to washing your hands, hand sanitizer can be an effective way to kill germs. Keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your child’s backpack for use when hand washing is not possible.

3. Teach Good Cough and Sneezing Etiquette

Coughing and sneezing are common ways for germs to spread. Teach your child to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If a tissue is not available, encourage them to cough or sneeze into the crook of their elbow instead of their hands.

4. Keep Hands Away from Face

It’s easy for germs to enter the body through the eyes, nose or mouth. Encourage your child to keep their hands away from their face unless they have just washed their hands.

5. Disinfect Surfaces

Germs can live on surfaces for several hours, so it’s important to disinfect items as they go to and from school. Use an all-purpose cleaner or disinfectant wipes to keep these surfaces like backpacks and lunchboxes clean.

6. Stay Home When Sick

If your child is feeling sick, it’s important to keep them home from school to prevent the spread of germs. Make sure your child knows the importance of staying home when they are not feeling well and encourage rest and proper hydration.

ExperCARE is here to serve you when someone does bring home an icky, back-to-school germ! We are open 7 days a week, extended hours, accept insurance, and you never need an appointment. Visit one of our convenient locations today.

ExperCARE Donates Thousands of Hand Sanitizers to Area Churches for Holiday Services

, , , , , , ,

ExperCARE is proud to have recently donated over 3,000 bottles of hand sanitizer to area churches ahead of their holiday services.

They say their primary concern is their patient’s health and wellbeing. “2020 has been a year of challenge and change for every business, family and person,” said ExperCARE CEO and founder Catherine Grant. “ExperCARE is grateful for the patients who choose us as their first choice for on demand healthcare. We want everyone to do their part to keep safe during the holidays and we’re happy to help in this small way.”

In an effort to spread holiday cheer and promote hand hygiene, ExperCARE is thankful for the opportunity to deliver hand-held hand sanitizers to 25 different churches in the Savannah and Richmond Hill area.

‘Tis the Season to be Healthy

, , , , , , , , , ,

5 tips to keep you healthy during the holidays

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! During the holiday season, we cherish time with our family and friends, eat lots of yummy food, and get some time to unwind and relax. It is certainly merry and bright, but sometimes it isn’t quite so jolly for our waistline or our health in general. ExperCARE has compiled a few reminders to help keep you healthy and safe over the holidays!

 

  • Eat mindfully

 

We all want to dig into Mom’s homemade mashed potatoes and Grandma’s famous apple pie! And we certainly should. But the holidays are all about moderation and balance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests limiting your portion sizes and foods high in fat, salt, and sugar. Try to substitute that not so healthy food for a fruit or veggie. Also don’t forget to give your tummy time to digest before going back for seconds!

 

  • Wash your hands 

 

Germs, germs, and more germs! We are traveling, snuggling  up together, and out of our regular routine all during flu season. Be sure to keep your hands clean to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. This is your friendly reminder to wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (if not, use your elbow but not your hands). This helps keep yourself and those around you healthy.

 

  • Get your flu shot

 

Unfortunately, flu season is in full swing this time of year… But don’t let the bug dampen your holiday cheer. Plan to get your flu shot before the Christmas chaos begins. No one wants to spend their Christmas at ExperCARE or on the couch with a fever. Vaccinations help prevent diseases and save lives. The CDC suggests everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year. ExperCARE has the flu vaccine at both locations.

 

  • Stay active by changing up your holiday workout

 

‘Tis the season to pack our social calendars with Christmas activities and parties, eating and drinking festive foods, shopping until we drop, and spending time with family and friends. If you notice the schedule isn’t necessarily centered around daily exercise. But in order to stay motivated, you should set goals for yourself and be sure to add a few workouts onto your holiday checklist. The best idea is to reinvent what you would usually do. Plan to split you activity into smaller, more manageable workouts. Don’t stress over making it to the gym for an hour everyday. Instead, have your family go out for a 30 minute walk, use a workout app on your phone for 15 minutes, or play outdoor games with your family. 

 

  • Relax, manage stress 

 

As much as the holidays are about fitting everything into your schedule, they are also about taking time for yourself. Don’t let the holiday rush stress you out or take a toll on your mental or physical health. Do at least one thing everyday that makes YOU happy, whether it’s meditation, reading a good book, or watching a Christmas movie. 

Last but not least, ENJOY the most wonderful time of the year! ExperCARE wishes you and yours a cheerful, restful, and healthy holiday season! 

Preparing for the Unpredictable Flu: The Time is Now

, , , , , , , , , ,

A sudden sense of symptoms that no one wants to feel: fever, aches, chills, and fatigue. These are all defining symptoms of the dreaded flu. Seasonal influenza is just around the corner, which means the time to prepare is now, especially since it’s expected to be a highly active flu season.

“Flu is unpredictable but we can predict that it will arrive,” says Dr. Bill Schaffner, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID). So ready or not here it comes. 

We are already seeing early flu-related activity right here in our region, and because of this health officials are warning of a more severe flu season than normal. While the flu is common, that is no reason to brush it off. The flu can be a very serious disease, especially for the very young, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 80,000 Americans died and 960,000 were hospitalized because of the flu during the 2017-2018 flu season. 

So how can you prepare? This time of year, flu vaccines are highly recommended. So if you are one who considers getting a flu shot, the CDC recommends that you get it now. Early vaccination is always better as it allows your body time to respond internally and create an army of flu-fighters. If you are on the fence about getting the flu shot, this is your year to do it. 2019 will be a highly active season. 

If you are wondering why you should get the vaccination this season, just remember the CDC says it will cut your chances of getting the flu in half. Even more importantly, it reduces your child’s risk of getting the disease that much more. According to the CDC, the flu shot reduces children’s risk of flu-related pediatric intensive care unit admission by 74 percent. It is often said that a flu shot can give you the flu, this is in fact a myth. The flu vaccine contains inactive germs, which means it’s impossible to actually give you the disease from the shot. If you feel a little under the weather after your flu shot, that is good news- your body’s immune system is building its army against the flu. You may feel sore or stiffness in your shoulder, but that is just a short term side effect of the shot. 

Did you know? Even if you do get the flu after getting the flu shot, health officials say it is proven that you will have less severe symptoms, a shorter illness, and you are also less likely to have complications. 

The flu shot is easy. ExperCARE has the flu vaccine at both of its locations: Savannah and Richmond Hill. We make it convenient for you! No appointments are needed, as walk-ins are always welcome. We are open when you are able to come and get your vaccination: 7 days a week with extended hours on weekdays and, of course, weekend hours. 

The flu shot protects millions of Americans from the widespread flu outbreak each year. 

 

5 Ways to Keep Your Child Healthy During Back to School

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

5 Tips from ExperCARE

Ready or not… here it comes! A fun, hot summer has come to a close and it’s time for back to school. Back to school means early mornings, a daily routine, hours of classes, and a chance for kids to learn, grow, and become more independent. But school can also translate to a place of sneezing, sniffles, and sharing more than just your child’s summer memories. Here are five tips to help keep the back to school transition as healthy and germ-free as possible! 

  1. Get Plenty of Sleep: Sleep is even more important than you think. Setting a bedtime routine and a consistent sleep schedule helps improve your child’s physical and emotional health, and also plays an important role in how they perform in school. Children aged 6-13 are supposed to get 9-11 hours of sleep. But why? Between school, friends, chores, sports, after school activities, and homework… Their bodies and brains need a break. 
  2. Maintain a Healthy Diet & Drink Plenty of Fluids: A strong immune system helps ward off those illnesses floating around the school hallways. Breakfast, as you know, is the most important meal of the day… especially for our kids. A balanced breakfast jump starts their day and gives them the brain power and capability to maintain steady energy from the time they leavethe house in the morning to the time they get home. If you’re able, pack a healthy lunch for your child. Make it fun, colorful, and delicious so that they’ll enjoy the meal. After they hop off the school bus, prepare a nutritious after-school snack for them like fruits, veggies, string cheese, or protein.  Allow them to grocery shop with you, so they can help pick out these healthy snacks and lunches… It’ll make it more fun! It’s also important to have your child drink lots of water. Hydration is critical for proper immune system function. Drink early (starting first thing in the morning) and drink enough (according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a child of about 88 pounds should drink 5 ounces of cold water every 20 minutes). Don’t forget about hydrating before and after outdoor activities and sports.
  3. Be Up-to-date on Your Vaccinations: It can seem overwhelming as a parent, but vaccines are some of the safest and most effective medicines we have. The CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend a vaccination schedule that covers about 14 different diseases. Vaccinations not only protect your child from deadly diseases, but they also keep other children safe.
  4. Stay Active: Physical activity helps prevent and reduce health problems for our children. When kids are active, their bodies can do the things they want them to do. Teaching them these healthy, active habits at an early age helps lead to a lifetime of enjoying physical activity, especially as schedules get busier, demands are heightened at school, and sports become more competitive. Active lifestyles translate to a healthy weight, better sleep, stronger muscles and bones, and a more positive perspective on life.
  5. Wash Your Hands Regularly :It’s such a no brainer, and seems obvious, but often times is forgotten. Encourage your kids to get in the habit of washing their hands after coughing, sneezing, petting animals, eating food, using the bathroom, and just regularly. Every time your child touches someone or something they risk spreading germs. 

And of course, if your child comes down with the back to school bug (or runs a fever), keep them home and away from school to protect that bug from spreading. 

The 5 Easiest Ways to Avoid Contagious Colds, Flus and Bugs

, , , ,

There are many things you can do to help keep the germs that cause colds, flus and other bugs at bay. Here are 5 of the easiest and most effective.

Read more

What’s the Difference Between Colds vs Flus?

,

A little information can help you get on the road to feeling better.

Read more

Walk-ins welcome.
No appointments necessary.
In-Network with most major insurances.

© 2024 ExperCare Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine

RESOURCES

Check-In Now
Patient Info
For Employers
Staff Log-In
Privacy Policy
ADA Accessibility

LOCATIONS

RICHMOND HILL

RINCON NOW OPEN

SAV MALL BLVD

SAV DOWNTOWN

HINESVILLE

STATESBORO

POOLER

NORTHPORT

TUSCALOOSA

DEMOPOLIS

FAYETTE

NORTHRIVER

Stay On The Pulse

Subscribe to the Pulse Newsletter to stay up to date on news from the medical world and ExperCARE.

Subscribe Now