Last updated 4 months ago
When you are suffering from an injury or illness, deciding where to seek care can sometimes be a difficult decision. While you may want to consult your primary care physician for advice, it can be difficult to get an appointment quickly.
Urgent care facilities and emergency rooms serve to provide care on a walk-in basis without the need for an appointment so patients can be seen if they need their symptoms resolved quickly. The question is: which facility should you seek care from?
An emergency room (ER) is dedicated to the treatment of serious, life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Stroke or heart attack victims and those with severe bleeding, major trauma, or serious head injuries should seek immediate care at an ER. These facilities are equipped with inpatient care and a full range of diagnostic services. You should choose the ER if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Sudden excruciating headache
- Loss of feeling on one side of the body
- Chest pain
- Severe bleeding
- Head trauma
- Loss of consciousness
- Sudden blurred vision or loss of vision
An urgent care facility treats less serious medical conditions that may still need care as soon as possible. Ear infections, simple burns or cuts, eye injuries, sprains and strains, colds, flu, and non-life-threatening allergic reactions are all conditions best treated at an urgent care center. These facilities are open after hours and have a wide array of diagnostic tools at their disposal.
Pentucket Medical ExpressCare is an urgent care facility available seven days a week to treat your medical needs when your primary care physician is unavailable. Whether it’s an ankle sprain or the flu, we are here to help the community in Andover, MA and surrounding areas. If you would like to learn more about our services, contact our staff at (978) 469-5660.
Last updated 4 months ago
Learning more about your own physiology is one of the best ways to practice proactive healthcare. If you would like to learn more about any of our recent topics, read through the following links and call Pentucket Medical ExpressCare at (978) 469-5660.
- Explore more helpful tips for keeping the cold and flu away at WebMD.com.
- A flu shot is the best way to keep from getting sick—learn more about the seasonal flu vaccine from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- This article from Flu.gov provides information about the symptoms of the flu and when to seek medical attention if the illness becomes serious.
- Read this article from The New York Times to learn about how zinc can help treat the common cold.
- A blood test is a common screening process that can give your physician a comprehensive picture of your overall health. Learn more about blood tests by reading this article from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Last updated 4 months ago
Influenza is an illness with no known cure, so learning the best ways to prevent contraction and spread of this virus is the key to avoiding a long illness.
In this video, you can learn some helpful ways to avoid contracting the flu virus while at work or school. Getting a flu shot and washing your hands regularly, along with other preventive measures, can go a long way in reducing your risk. Watch this full clip for more information.
If you do become sick despite your best efforts, be sure to stay home to keep the virus from spreading. If you have further questions about influenza and its symptoms or require treatment, contact Pentucket Medical ExpressCare at (978) 469-5660.
Last updated 4 months ago
Influenza and the cold are two illnesses with no known cure, so prevention is the only way to avoid spending days sick in bed and away from work. During cold and flu season, take a proactive approach to warding off illness. Read on to learn some helpful tips to keep you from getting sick and seeking urgent care.
Get a flu shot: The best way to fend off the flu virus is to get vaccinated. If you don’t like injections, ask the specialists at an urgent care center about the prescription nasal-spray vaccine that produces the same results as the shot.
Wash your hands: Both of these viruses are spread through direct contact and can live on most surfaces for hours or even weeks. To avoid being the next person to pick up the illness, wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitizer.
Sleep well: Getting good sleep helps your immune system function at its best.
Eat healthy: Foods full of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids will protect your body from illness by enhancing immune function and reducing inflammation.
Keep your hands away from your face: The cold or flu can only make you sick by entering through your eyes, nose, or mouth. Also avoid coughing or sneezing directly into your hands.
Drink plenty of water: Keeping your body hydrated is essential for the elimination of toxins and the proper function of your immune system.
Exercise regularly: Daily exercise—whether walking, running, cycling, or swimming—can go a long way in preventing illness. Moderate activity helps to increase your immune response by enhancing the ability of your white blood cells.
If you contract the cold or flu and need immediate care, Pentucket Medical ExpressCare can help. We are open seven days a week so you can receive care quickly. Call us today at (978) 469-5660 to learn more about our urgent care services.
Last updated 4 months ago
At some point in your life, you will probably need a blood test, or blood draw, to evaluate the functioning of your organs or to help in the diagnosis of a disease.
If you have a fear of needles or of having your blood drawn, being educated about the process may help to reduce your stress. Learn more about how blood is drawn in this video. Watch the clip below to hear an experienced firefighter describe the tools used to execute a blood test and detail some tips to help you relax during the procedure.
If you still have questions about this or any medical diagnostic procedure, contact the staff at Pentucket Medical ExpressCare at (978) 469-5660. Our medical staff is happy to help during any urgent care scenario.
