What is Mono?

Mono is the illness that is caused by infection from the Epstein-Barr virus. It is quite common, and though anyone can get it, symptoms are most prevalent in teens and young adults. Children who get infected with Epstein-Barr display symptoms that usually go unnoticed, and most adults have been exposed to Epstein-Barr at some point, and have developed an immunity.

Though most people only experience mono once in their lifetime, the virus will always be present in your blood once you are exposed. At times, the virus can become active, and though you will not likely have symptoms, it is possible to spread the virus to others during these times.

What are the Symptoms of Mono?

If a teen or young adult has been exposed to mono, he or she will likely experience swollen lymph nodes and tonsils, high fever, and a painful sore throat. The most dramatic symptom of mono, however, is the intense fatigue and weakness that goes along with the illness, and can go on for weeks or even months, sometimes making daily tasks challenging.

Mono can also cause swelling of the spleen, which is located in the upper left quadrant of the belly.

How is Mono Diagnosed?

The medical professional will most likely ask questions to help in the diagnosis of mono. In some cases, a blood test may be performed so that mono can be confirmed, and other, similar illnesses ruled out.

How is Mono Treated?

Unfortunately, because mono is caused by a virus, there is no antibiotic or magic pill that can make the symptoms go away. The best treatment is to focus on self-care:

Bed rest: Bed rest will be important because the fatigue of mono is overwhelming to most people. You should avoid sports or strenuous activities for a while since you don’t want to do damage to your enlarged spleen. It’s also not uncommon for those with mono to end up missing a lot of school or work.

Treat the symptoms: The fever and sore throat associated with mono can be treated with over-the-counter medications. Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen may be taken to calm fevers and ease the pain associated with the sore throat. Salt-water gargles or throat lozenges might also help.

Drink lots of fluids: As with any illness, it is always better to stay hydrated, even when you don’t feel like drinking anything.

Give your body time: Sadly, it will likely take weeks to feel better. While experiencing symptoms, listen to your body and do not do more than you are able. Pushing yourself will prolong things and make you feel even more tired. Take the time you need to recover fully.

Most of the time, mono will go away on its own. Complications are rare, and most people will only have to experience it once in a lifetime, which, for those who have gone through it, is more than enough!

If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of mono, head to a Quick Care Med Walk-Ins & Urgent Clinics location to get an accurate diagnosis, and more information on how to get through the difficulties of the illness. Quick Care Med Walk-In Clinic & Urgent locations in Ocala, Citrus ,Aluchua, and Levy counties are open evenings and weekends to serve you.

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It happens to all of us at some point – there’s a little slip, and you’re bleeding. It can be difficult to know whether you need stitches, or whether the cut can heal on its own.

Most wounds should be closed within 6 to 8 hours after they occur. Clean any wound as soon as it occurs to cut down on the risk of infection, and try to stop the bleeding by applying constant pressure, and elevating it. If you plan to seek medical attention for the wound, do not use antiseptic cleaners until after the provider has had a chance to examine the wound.
Many people think they must go to the emergency room if they believe stitches are necessary. That is not the case. A Quick Care Med provider can get you fixed up quicker, (in most cases), and at a much lower cost than in the ER.

Guidelines for Seeking Medical Treatment for a Cut or Wound

If any of the following conditions are present, it is best to have a Quick Care Med provider, or other medical professional, assess your injury and determine the next steps:
• A wound is more than .25 inches deep, or .75 inches long
• You continue to bleed heavily even after you have tried to stop the bleeding
• The wound is gaping open or has jagged edges
• You have received a deep bite (from an animal or human)
• Wounds that appear to go down to the lower layers of skin, fat, muscle, or bone
• Any significant cut or scrape on the face (for cosmetic reasons)
• Wounds that were caused by something rusty, dirty, or potentially contaminated

(Source: WebMD)

Wounds that May Not Require Medical Treatment

It is always best to use your judgment when determining whether or not to seek medical treatment. However, it is less likely that you will need stitches if any of the following conditions exist:
• Your wound is less than .25 inches deep or .75 inches long
• The cut is from a clean object, like a kitchen knife
• The edges of the wound stay together while you move normally
• You have stopped the bleeding on a smaller cut or scrape
• The wound is from a puncture – these wounds are usually deeper and harder to clean, so stitches could actually seal bacteria into the wound and create a higher risk of infection
If you choose to treat the wound at home, the most important thing is to make sure the wound is cleaned properly. Use clean water ONLY to clean the wound. Soap, peroxide or alcohol is not necessary and can cause irritation. If foreign objects, such as gravel or glass, are present in the wound, clean tweezers with alcohol to sterilize, and use them to pick out the pieces.
• Once the wound is clean, and bleeding has stopped, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment – to fight off infection and keep the wound moist
• Cover the area with a clean bandage or gauze. Change daily or when wet or dirty
• Once the wound has developed a scab, leave the scab in place and uncover the wound. Exposure to air will help the wound heal faster

Signs of Infection

Whether or not you received stitches, the possibility exists that a wound could become infected. If any of the following occur, seek medical assistance right away:
• Green or yellow pus or discharge is coming from the wound
• Warmth on or around the wound
• Redness spreading out from the wound
If there is any doubt about whether you should seek medical attention, it is always preferable to be safe and have your wound checked.

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When you are feeling terrible, your first thought is usually “How do I get better?” Whether what you’re feeling is a common cold, or the flu, seems like a formality. However, it could be an important distinction, especially if you are one of the millions of Americans at risk for complications.

Both the common cold and the flu are viral infections that can spread quickly, especially through close contact. Because both are viral, antibiotics will not be effective and will not be prescribed. However, a Quick Care Med provider may be able to help you by treating the symptoms, and by ensuring there is nothing more serious going on.

Common Cold Symptoms

A cold can make you feel miserable. The good news is that should only last a few days to a week. If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you probably have a cold:
• The initial symptom for most people is a sore throat. This usually only lasts for the first day or two
• A stuffy, runny nose usually follows, along with nasal congestion
• Mild body aches and/or fatigue are common
• Adults will rarely have a fever. A low-grade fever may be present in children
• A cough may develop 3 to 5 days into the cold

You do not need to see a medical professional for a cold unless it persists for more than a week. At that point, if symptoms are not improving, or are getting worse, you may have developed a bacterial infection, and you should seek medical attention.

Symptoms of the Flu

The flu is a more serious viral infection that can progress to other illnesses, like pneumonia, especially if you are in one of the at-risk categories – the very young, the very old, and anyone who has a weakened immune system. The flu should be closely monitored in at-risk patients, or anyone who is getting worse over time. Symptoms of the flu include:
• The illness comes on suddenly
• Moderate to severe body aches and fatigue
• Fever, especially above 100 degrees Fahrenheit
• Exhaustion, especially during the first few days
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Headache
• Diarrhea and vomiting (mainly in children)

If you visit a Quick Care Med provider within the first two days of the beginning of flu symptoms, the provider may be able to prescribe antiviral medication, which has been shown to have an impact on the severity of symptoms, and can also shorten the number of days you are sick with the flu. Those most at risk for complications should begin the antivirals whether or not they are within the two-day symptom period.
If you start to experience shortness of breath, or if your fever returns after being gone for a few days, see a provider right away as this could point to pneumonia.

Home Care for Cold and Flu

The following home care might help to relieve symptoms during your recovery:
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers, like Acetaminophen, or Ibuprofen, for body aches and pains
• Gargle with warm salt water to relieve sore throat or earaches
• Drink lots of fluids, and REST
• Use a nasal rinse or saline drops
• Use a mentholated topical ointment to help with breathing
• Employ a vaporizer or humidifier
• Over-the-counter cold and cough medicines are not recommended for young children, but can be used to manage the symptoms of adults

Your Quick Care Med providers can perform tests to determine which treatments need to be administered, and how to get you back on your feet in no time!

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Ear infections occur when the middle ear becomes inflamed and fluid is trapped behind the ear drum. An ear infection often occurs alongside a cold, the flu, or some other type of respiratory illness, but it is possible to get an ear infection without any of these other issues present.

The ear is connected to the upper respiratory system by a pathway known as the Eustachian Tube. Because of this connection, when harmful germs grow in the nose or sinus cavity, they can travel up that tube to the middle ear. It is also common for the Eustachian Tube to become swollen or blocked, which will trap fluid in the ear where it will become stagnant and grow bacteria.

Symptoms of an Ear Infection in Infants and Children

Infants and young children cannot tell us they are having ear troubles, so watch for these symptoms:
• Irritability, and overall restlessness
• Excessive crying, especially when lying down
• Tugging or pulling the ear
• Fever
• Ear drainage
• Lack of appetite

Symptoms of an Ear Infection in Adults:

While less common, adults can also get ear infections. Watch for these signs:
• A sharp, stabbing pain, or a constant, dull pain, in the ear
• Hearing like you are under water
• Feeling like the ear is full
• Nausea
• Drainage from the ear

When to Seek Medical Advice

It is always better to seek professional medical advice when suffering from an ear infection. However, some ear infections will go away without treatment. If you experience any of the following symptoms, Quick Med Care is here to help:
• Any potential ear infection in an infant or child should be evaluated. More serious infections, or even hearing loss, can occur when ear infections are not treated
• If body temperature rises above 100.4
• Hearing seems to be affected
• Your child develops a stiff neck or becomes lethargic

Treatment Options

Only a qualified medical professional can determine whether or not there is an ear infection, and what has caused it.
Some ear infections are caused by a virus, and will just require waiting the virus out.
Those ear infections thought to be caused by bacteria will be treated with antibiotics.

Ways to Relieve Symptoms at Home

Ear infections can be very painful. To feel better quicker, try these tips:
• Lie on a heating pad, set on the lowest setting, or apply a warm compress
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers, like Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen. Follow dosing directions carefully for children
• Gargling with salt water can help clear the Eustachian Tubes
• Keep the air around you clean. Smokers with ear infections should refrain from smoking as much as possible, and children with ear infections should be kept away from second-hand smoke

As always, visit your nearest Quick Care Med location – we’re there when you need us!

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