admin, Author at On Call Medical Clinic

Pneumonia Get Help Quickly

pneumonia

Pneumonia is something you do not want to take lightly. The faster you get treatment, the faster you will get over pneumonia. This is especially true for the very young, for people older than 65, and for anyone with other long-lasting (chronic) health problems, such as asthma.

You should see a doctor or emergency services immediately if you have the following

Have chest pain that is crushing or squeezing, is increasing in intensity, or occurs with any other symptoms of a heart attack.
Have such bad trouble breathing that you are worried you will not have the strength or ability to keep breathing.
Cough up large amounts of blood.
Feel that you may faint when you sit up or stand.
A cough that produces blood-tinged or rust-colored mucus from the lungs.
A fever with shaking chills.
Difficult, shallow, fast breathing with shortness of breath or wheezing.

You should call a doctor if your cough produces the following

Frequently brings up yellow or green mucus from the lungs and lasts longer than 2 days. Do not confuse mucus from your lungs with mucus running down the back of your throat from your nasal passages (postnasal drip).
Occurs with a fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher and brings up yellow or green mucus from the lungs (not postnasal drainage).
Causes you to vomit a lot.
Continues longer than 4 weeks.

We at On Call Medical Clinic are here when the above symptoms are a concern. We are available 7 days a week. We have our own on-site laboratory facilities to help quickly diagnose your illness. Our team of trained medical professionals are prepared to help you and your family members.

Please visit our website at www.oncallclinic.com to view all the medical services we offer as well as skin care services. If you are having any symptoms above and your primary care doctor is not available please do not hesitate to call us at 228 818-5155.

Flu Shot Should I Get One?

flu shot

Many people question whether they should get a flu shot or not. Many will have an excuse why they shouldn’t have the flu shot.

Well let’s clear up those excuses

I don’t want the shot because it will give me the Flu

This is not true. The flu shot or nasal spray cannot give you the flu. It takes a couple of weeks for the body to be protected from influenzas after receiving the vaccination. So, there is a possibility that you could contract the flu in that timeframe.

It doesn’t really make a difference if I get the flu shot or not.

Again, this is not true. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that vaccinations prevented 79,000 flu hospitalizations and 6.6 million flu-associated illnesses during the influenza season. Complications from the flu can be serious and result in hospitalization, and even death, for some patients. The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated.

I am not a candidate for the flu vaccine

With rare exceptions, everyone 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine. Pregnant women, those younger than 5 or older than 65 and people with certain chronic medical conditions are at higher risk for flu-related complications.

I don’t need the flu shot because I never get sick

Even if you don’t get sick — or only experience mild illness when you are sick — others might not be as lucky. Infants, the elderly and people with multiple medical conditions or weakened immune systems may not be able to fight off Influenza as well as you do.

Getting vaccinated not only protects you, but also helps protect others who may not be able to fight off illness as well as you.

I heard the vaccine has side effects

Side effects of flu vaccination are generally mild. If you get the flu shot, you might feel achy or have redness or soreness where the shot was given. If you get the nasal spray vaccine, you could get a stuffy nose or throat irritation.

Talk with your doctor to find out which type of vaccine is right for you and make sure to let him or her know if you get any of these symptoms. Often, we can recommend supportive measures to help you through these.

But most potential side effects of the vaccine are nothing, compared to how bad you’d feel if you had to suffer through the actual flu.

We at On Call Medical Clinic hope that this information helped clear up your concerns about having a flu shot this season. If you are not feeling well or had a minor injury and your primary care doctor is not available please remember we are here 7 days a week to help. We have laboratory and x-ray capability at our office, so we can quickly diagnosis your medical issue. Please visit our website at www.oncallclinic.com to learn more about all the medical services we offer. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call us at 228 818-5155 7 days a week.

Hurricane Season

hurricane season

Hurricane Season is not over? In fact, August through October lately have been the worst months for hurricanes. This means that now is a good time to start preparing for this last stretch of months with potential hazardous storm systems coming your way. What precautions should you take?

Stock up on emergency supplies.

Do not wait for the hurricane warning to be blaring across your television before you rush to the store for emergency supplies. Often useful items like generators, bottled water, and batteries fly off the shelf before a big storm. Beat the rush and have these products at home already so you can focus on fortifying your house instead of running to the crowded store. Good things to have on hand are flash lights, batteries, camp lights, water, and nonperishable food. A first aid kit is a must. A battery-powered radio would be another smart purchase since when power is lost, emergency information is broadcasted over the radio.

Fill up the pantry with non-perishables.

It is important to make sure you can still eat without needing to use an oven. A portable butane burner or a grill could be used to boil water. Dried fruit and vegetables are also good buys to make sure you are having an appropriate nutrition intake. Canned food is also a cost-effective way to stay full when you can’t cook. Emergency food has made great advances in the recent years. Check out these freeze-dried entrees: just add hot water, and in just a few minutes they become tasty home cooked meals. Most of these freeze-dried foods can last up to 25 years!

Prepare your house

Head to the store and grab enough plywood and nails for all your windows if your home doesn’t have storm shutters. When the strong hurricane winds come, they will help protect your home from some costly damage. Also, fill your bathtubs with water in the event of water being cut off.

Know the plan.

Become familiar with all evacuation routes if you are seaside. Also, evaluate your flood risk using this FEMA portal. If your area is calling for an evacuation, be smart. Do not risk staying in town hoping to ride out a storm if the local authorities are announcing a state of emergency. It is better to go through the inconvenience in traffic than to be trapped at home amid flood waters.

If you have any minor illnesses or accidents that you need immediate care for whether before or after the storm, please remember we at On Call Medical Clinic are here 7 days a week to help. Please call us at 228 818-5115, one of our medical experts is ready to take your call. You may also visit our website at www.oncallclinic.com to review all the services we offer. covered today.

Heat-Related Illnesses During These Hot Summer Months

heat-related illnesses

We all love to get out and work in the yard, start a building project outdoors, or just relax in the sun during the summer months. We however forget to always prepare ourselves for the sun’s rays and heat. Hyperthermia, (heat-related illness) is common when we overdue it. We at On Call Medical Clinic want to make you aware of what the illnesses can be from becoming overheated as well as the symptoms to be on the lookout for.

Hyperthermia is overheating of the body. This occurs as a result of heat exposure. Here are heat-related illnesses.

Heat Stroke
Heat Exhaustion
Heat Cramp
Heat Syncope (fainting)
Heat Rash

Heat Stroke is the most severe of all heat-related illnesses and this requires immediate medical attention.

The elderly, infants and young children, the obese, outdoor workers, and those with chronic medical conditions are at increased risk.

Signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses vary based on the condition, but they include the following

An elevated body temperature
Headaches
Nausea
Weakness
Dizziness
Fainting
Muscle Cramps
Seizures
Confusion
Coma

Treatment includes moving the individual out of a hot environment. Implementing cooling measures, rest, and rehydration. .

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 7,415 deaths due to heat-related illnesses in the USA from 1999 to 2010, which is an average of 618 deaths per year. So become overheated is not something to take lightly.

The key to preventing heat-related illnesses is proper planning and preparation. Taking in increased amounts of fluids, wearing appropriate clothing and sunscreens are always helpful.

If you have any of the above heat-related symptoms, we at On Call Medical Clinic are here 7 days a week to help. Please call us at 228 818-5115, one of our medical staff is ready to answer your call and set up an appointment. You are also welcome to visit our website at www.oncallclinic.com to review all the medical services we offer.

Common Illnesses from a Mosquito Bite

mosquito bite

The hot damp summer has been a breeding ground for mosquitoes along the Gulf Coast. Mosquito bites can be a concern to you and your family. We at On Call Medical Clinic would like to share the most common illnesses associated with a mosquito bite for your information.

West Nile Virus

Most people who get West Nile virus don’t have any symptoms. About 1 in 5 will have a fever and other flu-like symptoms. Feeling worn out could take months to go away completely. A few people get a more serious infection that causes brain swelling, or meningitis. There’s a very small chance you could die.

People in 48 of the 50 U.S. states, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and West and Central Asia have had West Nile.

Encephalitis

Mosquitoes can pass on viruses that cause inflammation around your brain and spinal cord. (The brain swelling with a serious West Nile infection is a kind of encephalitis.)

What type you could get depends on where you are:

LaCrosse — the 13 states east of the Mississippi River
St. Louis — throughout the U.S., especially Florida and Gulf of Mexico states
Eastern Equine — Atlantic, Gulf Coast, and Great Lakes states; the Caribbean; Central and South America
Western Equine — states west of the Mississippi River, areas of Canada and Mexico
Japanese — Asia and the Western Pacific

Zika Virus

First found in Africa in the 1940s, this virus has spread to South and Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.

Most people don’t know they have Zika. The symptoms are mild and usually run their course in less than a week. You may have a fever, joint or muscle pain, pinkeye, or a rash.

The virus has been linked to more serious problems: cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome and a birth defect called microcephaly.

If you have been bitten by mosquitoes and are feeling any of the symptoms mentioned above, we at On Call Medical Clinic are here 7 days a week to help. We have a complete on premise laboratory, which helps us quickly diagnosis your illness. Please call us at 228 818-5115, one of our medical staff is ready to answer your call and set up an appointment. You are also welcome to visit our website at www.oncallclinic.com to review all the medical services we offer.

Summer Illnesses to Watch Out For

summer illnesses

For most people, the warm Summer months means fun in the Sun. From trips to the beach, to lazy days by the pool, to hiking in the woods, and finally to grilling out in the evenings. But this fun can come to an abrupt halt due to a common summer illnesses.

Here are 5 common Summer Illnesses you need to watch out for:

Bug Bites – Insects like mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, and spiders become more active during the hot summer months. Bites from these insects can cause illnesses and infections. Mosquitoes transmit viruses such as West Nile and the Zika virus as well as yellow fever. Ticks can transmit diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Recreational Water Illnesses- There are different types of bacteria that can be transmitted through water used for recreational purposes such as hot tubs, swimming pools, and lakes. These bacteria can cause infections. Some of the most common diseases transmitted through water are Giardia, Crypto, Norovirus, and E. Coli. Swimmers ear is caused by water trapped in the ear canal that grows bacteria, making this a painful situation.
Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac- When hiking, camping in the woods, or just working in your yard, your chances increase that you will coming in contact with one of these. People who are allergic to these poisonous plants experience a red, itchy, and uncomfortable rash.
Food Poisoning- The warm summer temperatures are a perfect environment for bacteria to grow and live on your foods. You need to be careful not to let your outdoor prepared foods have any less protection that the meals you cook indoors have. For example, keeping them refrigerated if needed prior to eating. Also, insure that you wash your hands as you would when preparing food in your kitchen.
Heat- related illnesses. Heat related illnesses occur when your body loses the ability to cool itself off typically due to prolonged exposure to hot temperatures.

We at On Call Medical Clinic are glad to share this information with you. We are here 7 days a week if summer illnesses occur and you need immediate help. Our trained medical staff is ready to help get you relief quickly so that you can continue to enjoy your Summer Fun.

Please call us at 228 818-5155 if we can help. Also, visit our website at www.oncallclinic.com to review all the services we offer.

Summer Heat – Should We Worry About It?

summer heat

We all like to get out and enjoy the Summer and do all kinds of fun summer daily activities like swimming, boating, fishing, going to a waterpark, and just sitting around sun bathing. But sometimes we can overdo it and not realize we have been over exposed to the summer heat.

What should you be aware of that may be signs of overexposure to the Summer Heat?

Here are 8 signs that you have overexposure to the heat.

Heavy Sweating-though if heat stroke sets in, the body can no longer compensate and stop sweating
Pale Skin
Muscle Cramps
Felling Tired and Weak
Altered Mental Status (confusion or disorientation)
Headaches
Becoming Semi-Conscious or Passing Out
Nausea or Vomiting

If you recognize heat-induced illness, the first thing you need to do is call 911.If you can without help or with someone get quickly out of the sun and into a cool area. An air-conditioned area is ideal.

Next apply water to help cool off. Also, apply ice to the neck and armpits. Remove any heavy clothing.

And finally immerse the body in cool water, either in a swimming pool or a bathtub.

Temperatures in the 90s and higher are dangerous. They become more dangerous the higher they go and the longer they last. When enjoying a great summer day be aware of the summer heat and be cautious.

We at On Call Medical Clinic like you look forward to the Summer. We hope that this information was helpful. If you feel like any of these warning signs are present for you are someone with you, feel free to call us. We are open 7 days a week and our trained medical staff is ready and prepared to help when heat overexposure occurs.

Please call us at 228 818-5155 if we can help. Also, please visit our website at www.oncallclinic.com to learn about all our medical services. We have onsite excellent laboratory and diagnostic equipment to quickly uncover what your condition may be.

Summer Skin Care

summer skin care

As you prepare to show more skin, be prepared to face the sun’s strong rays with Top Summer Skin Care Tips.

First keep your skin Hydrated

Up your regimen’s level of hydration with intensive masques, perfect for use one to two times a week. Boosters are a great fit, working best when layered underneath a moisturizer. Toners are a refreshing moisturizer prep, working to even out skin porosity. Tip: Refresh with a revitalizing toner spritz at your desk, in the car, at the gym, or anywhere.

Drink Plenty of Water

You should drink at least eight 8-ounce glass of plain filtered every day. This will help you to maintain a critical moisture balance of the body and skin, and assist in detoxification. If you like caffeinated beverages, then you will need to triple the amount of water you drink.

Exfoliate for Cleaner, Smoother Skin

Exfoliation removes dead, dulling skin debris to prevent congestion and improve hydration from toners and moisturizers.

You should perform this in the morning prior to toners, moisturizers, SPF, and make-up.

Sunscreen

Apply sunscreen often, it is not enough to just apply once. As for how much to apply often, a teaspoon for the face and as much as would fill a shot glass are gauges to use.

Repair and Treat Sun Damage

UV light causes photoaging in the form of brown spots, coarse skin and wrinkles. When sunlight comes in contact with your skin a cascade of damages result. You should bombard your skin with age-fighting ingredients to hopefully undo any damages from the sunlight, and to further protect your skin from the aging effects of UV light.

We at On Call Medical Clinic like you look forward to the Summer. We hope that this information was helpful to you. We not only can help when you get severe sun burning, but we also have a great skin care facility to help keep your skin looking young. We are here 7 days a week to help.

Please call us at 228 818-5155 if we can help with your sunburn or if you have any summer skin care questions. Also, please visit our website at www.oncallclinic.com to learn about all our medical and skin care services.

Sunburn

sunburn

Well it’s summer time and time to have fun in the great outdoors. But this fun can turn on you if your skin is not well protected from the sun’s strong rays and you become sunburn.

Remember care should begin prior to you getting a sunburn. Prevention is the most important step to avoid short-term consequences of sun exposure and long term risks for skin damage and skin cancer.

Immediate self-care is aimed at stopping the UV radiation from the sun.

Get out of the sun
Cover exposed skin
Use sun protection factor of 30 or higher and apply frequently when out in the sun

If, however you get sunburned, relief of the discomfort becomes important. Here are several things that may help

Medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen help decrease pain and inflammation especially when started early.
For mild sunburn burn, cool compresses with equal parts of milk and water can help. Cold compresses with Burrow’s solution can also be used. For this product, dissolve 1 packet in 1 pint of water. Soak gauge or a soft clean cloth with it. gently wring out the cloth and apply to the sunburned area for 15 to 20 minutes. Refresh the cloth and solution every 2 to 3 hours.
You can use Aloe Vera gel to soothe irritated skin.
Cool baths may be helpful. Avoid bath salts, oils, and perfumes
You should stay out of the sun while you are burnt.
Hydration is also very important.

If medical attention is necessary you may need stronger pain medication, antibiotics, or silver sulfadiazine, which should all be prescribed by a doctor.

If you suffer any of the following from your sunburn you need to obtain immediate emergency care.

Severe pain
Severe blistering
Headaches
Confusion
Nausea or vomiting
Fainting or dizziness

We at On Call Medical Clinic like you look forward to the Summer. We hope that this information was helpful to you. If your sunburn needs medical attention, we are here 7 days a week to help. Our facility has all the diagnostic and laboratory equipment necessary to help us quickly determine how to help.

Please call us at 228 818-5155 if we can help. Also, please visit our website at www.oncallclinic.com to learn about all the medical services we offer.

Fever, When Should I Worry?

fever

Fevers can be a very scary thing for parents, particularly for first-time moms and dads. Every child will eventually experience one, no matter how careful you are.

It is important for parents to know what to do when this happens.

So, what is it? We define a fever as a temperature over 100.4 F (38.0 C). Normal body temperature is 98.6 F (37 C). Everyone’s body temperature varies throughout the day and can differ by age, activity level and other factors. Don’t be alarmed if your child’s temperature varies. The magic number for fever is 100.4 F.

When should you not worry about your child’s fever.

If it is less than 5 days and your child is behaving relatively normally. You should not be concerned with the fever as long as the child is remaining playful and eating and drinking normally.
If the temperature is not higher than 102.5 F and your child is 3 months to 3 years old. If older, the fever can be up to 103.0 F. You should not be concerned in these situations. These temperatures can be common and not necessarily worrisome.
Low grade fevers can be normal if your infant or child was recently immunized. These fevers should last normally less than 48 hours.

When should you call a doctor

If you have an infant younger than 3 months old, the fever may be your infant’s only response to a serious illness.
If your child’s fever is higher than 104 F.
If your child’s fever does not come down after giving them medication.
If your child is not acting like themselves. Your child may be becoming dehydrated when a) your baby is not wetting at least 4 diapers per day or b) your child is not urinating every 8 to 12 hours
If your child who has recently been immunized keeps one for more than 48 hours
Always, if you are not comfortable with your child’s temperature or illness, it is best to call the doctor or his nurse practitioner to discuss your concerns.

We at On Call Medical Clinic hope this information was helpful. We are here 7 days a week if you child has a fever and you need some immediate help or someone to talk to about your concerns. Our staff is always ready to help and our facility has all the diagnostic and laboratory equipment necessary to help determine the reason behind the fever. Please call us at 228 818-8155. Also please visit our website at www.oncallclinic.com to learn more about us and all the medical services we offer.