Summer colds are like common colds that happen during the summer. But why do they feel worse? To break it down, even though colds are virus-based, some viruses that cause colds are more prone to warmer weather; hence, making them summer colds.

As the climate shifts, so does the viral landscape. This shift introduces enteroviruses into the mix. They’re a group of viruses that usually cause mild infectious illnesses similar to that of the common cold, and often cause these infections during the summer and fall seasons. 

The various strains and versions of enteroviruses cause multiple symptoms, some of which are uncommon for summer colds, such as sudden fever, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. 

Common Symptoms of Summer Colds

• Pressure in the sinuses or head

• Runny nose

• Sneezing

• Coughing

• Congestion

• Body and muscle aches

• Sore throat

• Low energy 

Alleviating Symptoms

Although there aren’t any cures for colds, there are ways to alleviate the symptoms: 

• Drink plenty of fluids, mostly water. Stay away from drinks that can cause dehydration, like coffee or energy drinks. 

• Rest, rest, and more rest. Getting lots of rest is very important. Allowing yourself to rest during this time allows the body to heal and recuperate faster. 

• Cough medicine/pain relievers/fever reducers

• Decongestants 

• Humidifier to help with coughing and to reduce air dryness 

Please note that antibiotics do not treat colds. This is because antibiotics only treat bacterial infections, not viral ones, like colds. 

Ways To Prevent Summer Colds

There may not be a cure for colds, yet you can still prevent yourself from catching one by:

• Frequently wash your hands

• Get plenty of sleep to strengthen your immune system

• Eat well-balanced meals

• Remain well-hydrated 

• As much as possible, avoid contact with those who are sick

Conclusion

All in all, colds are not fun in any season. If you do catch a summer cold, know that there are ways to alleviate the symptoms. 

Summer colds typically last a few days up to a week. But if you develop more concerning symptoms, take the time to speak to your healthcare provider, drop by one of our 10 locations, or click here to schedule a Telemedicine appointment.

The post Summer Colds: Why Are They So Bad? appeared first on Quick Med Care.

“We had consolidated our resources to help provide care for our communities in the best way possible, with better access to supplies and testing. We’re now taking steps to return back to normal, starting with our Crystal River location,” said Charley Marie Balbuena, Operations Manager for Quick Care Med.

Your Health is Our Priority

COVID-19 is not ‘over’ and it’s important to us that we are able to provide you with easy and safe access to healthcare and to testing.

We’re taking the necessary precautions by strictly adhering to CDC Guidelines^[1] and ensuring that you are seen in a germ-free environment at all of our locations. Here are a few measures that we are taking to ensure your safety:

• Daily checks on public health guidance and new legislation

• Regularly disinfecting the waiting room throughout the day, and examination rooms after each visit

• Offering choice of check-in from the office lobby or from the comfort of your car – just give us a call when you arrive and one of our representatives will come out to your car to get you registered

Different Ways to be Seen: Office Visits and Telemedicine

We offer the flexibility of being seen by one of our providers via your digital device, like your phone or tablet.

Click here to schedule a Telemedicine appointment online 
Click here to learn more about how Telemedicine visits work

It’s our mission to provide you with the medical care you need, in a way you’re most comfortable.

We have locations across central Florida, including Crystal River, of course. Please click here for your neighborhood Quick Care Med’s contact information and hours of operation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call at (844) 797-8425, Option 2, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.

^{1 CDC Guidelines}

The post Crystal River Quick Care Med Reopened! appeared first on Quick Med Care.

We’re happy to announce that our Williston location will reopen this Wednesday and remain open: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.

We’d like to take a moment recognize our neighbors as your support is integral to us moving forward as a resource in our communities. From the bottom of our hearts to you and your family: Thank you. 

Take a look at the following for updates regarding our hours of operation. Click here for a complete list of locations with addresses and hours of operation:

Williston (reopening on the 22nd): Monday to Friday, 9-5

Inverness, Beverly Hills, Chiefland, Homosassa: Sunday to Saturday, 9-5

Dunnellon, Ocala SR200: Monday to Saturday, 9-5

Silver Springs: Monday to Friday, 9-5

The post Williston Quick Care Med to Reopen Wednesday, April 22nd appeared first on Quick Med Care.

The Influenza virus, otherwise known as the flu, is highly contagious and infects the nose, throat and lungs of its sufferers. Symptoms range from mild to severe and can last for up to two (incredibly) painful weeks. You can be infectious the day before you exhibit symptoms, up to 7 days after your symptoms appear. Children and those with compromised immune systems can remain contagious for an even longer period of time. Obviously, quarantining to avoid spreading the flu virus can be tricky business.

Symptoms

The flu presents itself in a number of different ways, and comes on abruptly; unlike cold symptoms, which appear gradually (2 to 3 days) and slowly go away. Surprisingly, vomiting and diarrhea is not a typical flu symptom, and mostly affects children and only 10% of flu sufferers. If your primary symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea, then you’re probably battling gastroenteritis or a stomach virus, not the flu. Common flu symptoms include:

• Intense fatigue that’s marked by extreme weakness

• Body aches / chills and fever

• Chest discomfort / cough – dry or with phlegm

• Sore throat

• Runny nose or congestion

• Headache

• Vomiting and diarrhea

  Treatment

Antibiotics are for infections caused by bacteria, so they’re ineffective for the treatment of viruses, like the flu. You can request an antiviral from your provider if you have a chronic condition or suppressed immunity. These drugs work best if you take them within 48 hours of exhibiting symptoms. Although general, the following treatments can help ease your symptoms:

• Rest

• Drink plenty of fluids

• Treat aches and pains with over-the-counter pain reliever

• Take a cough suppressant or throat lozenge

• Sit in a steam bath / use a humidifier to ease congestion

• Use saline nasal spray to open nasal passages

When to Seek Urgent Care

Most likely, you will get over the flu without having to see a provider; however, there are instances where it’s in your best interest to seek urgent care:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Chest pain or abdominal pain

• Sudden dizziness

• Confusion

• Severe or persistent vomiting

• Flu-like symptoms that appear to get better, but then return with a fever and worse cough

• Swelling in the mouth or throat

Quick Care Med has 10 locations, across 4 counties in central Florida. We’re open extended hours and weekends to serve you. Consider us your affordable and time-saving alternative to the ER. Click here to find the closest location to you.

The post The Flu: What to do? appeared first on Quick Med Care.