BROOKFIELD, Conn., Jan. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Flu season
began early in Connecticut,
Massachusetts and New York,
with already 1,200 laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu reported
to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health since the start of
October, compared with the 300 cases reported last year at this
time. Connecticut has seen 1,015
laboratory-confirmed cases since August and New York state saw nearly 4,000
laboratory-confirmed influenza reports just last week.
Besides receiving a flu shot, what can locals do to protect
themselves from the virus?
"The best way to avoid getting sick is to wash your hands with
soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently,
especially after shaking hands or touching surfaces that might be
contaminated," said Dr. Jeannie
Kenkare, PhysicianOne Urgent Care co-founder
and chief medical officer. "Don't touch your face without
first washing your hands, since we know that the flu virus can
enter your body through transfer from surfaces to your hands and
into your body through your nose and mouth. And don't share food
and drinks, as you'll be sure to share the germs from contaminated
cups and utensils that way."
Influenza usually causes a number of unpleasant symptoms,
including cough, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, fever, chills,
headaches, body aches and fatigue.
"If you think you might have the flu and are in a high-risk
group, including young children, people over 65 and those with
certain medical conditions, or are feeling very sick, it's
important to seek medical care early, since the most effective time
period to treat with antivirals is within the first two days," said
Dr. Brian Cruz, PhysicianOne Urgent
Care Massachusetts medical director. "Antiviral drugs – which are
not used for every patient – can help to make the illness less
severe, prevent serious complications and shorten the duration
of illness."
"It can't be overstated: Early medical evaluation is critical.
If you suspect you have the flu, walk in to any PhysicianOne Urgent
Care any day of the week or weekend," said Dr. Kenkare.
PhysicianOne Urgent Care, an affiliate of Yale New Haven Health,
has hours that extend beyond the normal primary care provider hours
and has, on average, significantly shorter wait times than the
emergency room, allowing patients to be seen – and begin treatment,
if appropriate – sooner.
About PhysicianOne Urgent Care
PhysicianOne Urgent Care provides quality, easily-accessible,
walk-in medical care for non-life-threatening illnesses and
injuries. All 17 locations throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut and
New York are open 365 days per
year - 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5
p.m. weekends and holidays. Experienced providers are on-site
at all times. X-ray and lab services are available on-site.
Insurance is accepted; self-pay options are also available. Parking
is available at all locations.
Founded in 2008, PhysicianOne Urgent Care was the first in
the market to be accredited and certified by the Urgent Care
Association of America. In Connecticut and New
York, PhysicianOne Urgent Care is proud to be an affiliate
of Yale New Haven Health.
For more information, including a list of services,
locations, insurances accepted, career opportunities, to view wait
times and more, please
visit www.PhysicianOneUrgentCare.com.
Contact
Andrea Tager
Director of Marketing
atager@p1uc.com
View original content with
multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/early-flu-testing-is-critical-with-widespread-flu-in-connecticut-and-massachusetts-300582309.html
SOURCE PhysicianOne Urgent Care