Health News & Tips

Flu season is arriving fast, and this year’s outlook is more serious than usual. A new, fast-spreading strain — Influenza A(H3N2) subclade K — is driving large outbreaks in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Japan. Early CDC data shows the same pattern beginning in the U.S., with rising positive tests, more hospitalizations, and this H3N2 subtype appearing in more than 62 percent of recent samples.

Because this strain has changed significantly since the current vaccine was developed, experts expect higher infection rates. Seasons driven by H3N2 are historically associated with more severe illness, especially for older adults and people with underlying conditions.

At Brea Urgent Care, we want you to stay informed and prepared.

Your Two Best Protections: Vaccination and Early Treatment

Even with this new variant circulating, two proven tools offer strong protection: getting vaccinated and starting antiviral treatment quickly if you get sick.

1. Your Flu Shot Is Still Essential

The vaccine may not prevent every mild infection from this H3N2 subclade, but it remains the most important step you can take to avoid severe illness.

What the flu shot still offers:

• Strong protection against H1N1 and Influenza B.
  
• Moderate protection (about 30 to 40 percent in adults) against H3N2-related hospitalizations.
  
• Enhanced immune response for adults 65 and older with High-Dose and Adjuvanted vaccines.
  

2. The 48-Hour Treatment Window

Because this variant spreads quickly, early testing and treatment matter more than ever.

• Antiviral medications like Tamiflu are fully effective against the new H3N2 subclade K strain.
  
• Treatment must start within 48 hours of symptom onset for the best results.
  
• High-risk individuals — seniors, pregnant women, young children, and those with chronic conditions — should seek care immediately if symptoms begin.
  

If you start feeling ill, visit Brea Urgent Care right away so you can be evaluated as early as possible.

Flu, COVID-19, or RSV? How to Tell the Difference

With multiple viruses circulating, symptoms can overlap. Flu usually appears suddenly and intensely, while colds tend to be milder and gradual.

Symptom	Flu (H3N2)	Common Cold	COVID-19 or RSV
Onset	Sudden, severe	Gradual	Sudden or gradual
Fever	High, chills	Rare	Common
Body Aches	Strong, pronounced	Mild	Common
Cough	Dry, chesty	Mild	Common
Runny Nose	Common	Common	Common

Because symptoms alone are not reliable, diagnostic testing is the best way to confirm the cause and guide treatment, especially for patients at higher risk.

Diagnostic Testing and Early Evaluation

At Brea Urgent Care, providers use available diagnostic tools to help determine the cause of your symptoms as quickly as possible. Testing options may include rapid flu and COVID-19 testing, as well as additional lab-based testing when clinically appropriate.

Because symptoms often overlap between flu, COVID-19, and RSV, testing helps guide the right treatment plan, especially for patients at higher risk of complications.

For patients who may benefit from antiviral treatment, timing remains critical. When flu is suspected, early evaluation allows providers to determine the best next steps within the important 48-hour treatment window.

When to Visit Urgent Care vs. the ER

Most people can recover at home with rest and fluids. But for high-risk individuals or those with concerning symptoms, immediate medical attention is necessary.

Visit Brea Urgent Care if you experience:

• Flu symptoms in a high-risk individual
  
• Symptoms that worsen after a few days instead of improving
  
• Fever or cough that improves and then sharply returns
  
• Persistent cough or wheezing
  
• Severe sore throat or trouble swallowing
  

Seek emergency care immediately for:

• Difficulty breathing or persistent shortness of breath
  
• Severe chest pain or pressure
  
• Confusion or inability to wake up
  
• Bluish lips or face
  
• Signs of severe dehydration (no urine for 8 hours, no tears when crying)
  

Stay Protected This Season

This flu season requires extra attention and quick action. Brea Urgent Care is here to help with:

• Evaluation and rapid testing for flu and other respiratory illnesses
  
• Guidance on next steps for vaccination, testing, and treatment
  
• Antiviral treatment when started within the 48-hour window when clinically appropriate
  

Walk in or check in online if you develop flu symptoms and need prompt evaluation.

Top 3 Priority Questions (Core Customization)

1. Do you currently offer on-site flu testing? If yes, which types?
   Options to clarify:
   
   • Rapid flu only
   • Rapid flu + COVID
   • Flu, COVID, and RSV
   • Send-out lab only
     
2. This directly governs how specific we can be in the testing section.
   
3. Do your providers evaluate and prescribe antivirals for flu when clinically appropriate?
   Yes, on-site or via e-prescribing
   Yes, with referral to pharmacy
   No, we refer to PCP or ER
   
   This controls how strong the “early treatment” language can be.
   
4. Do you offer flu vaccinations on-site this season?
   
   • Yes, standard-dose
     1. Intramuscular
     2. Nasal spray
        
   • Yes, high-dose for seniors
     
   • No, we refer externally
     
5. This determines whether vaccination is framed as:
   
   • A service offered
     
   • A referral recommendation
     
   • Or general guidance only
     

Secondary Refinement Questions (Nice to Have)

4. Do you want this blog positioned more as:
   
   • “Community flu awareness”
     
   • “Come in for testing if you’re sick”
     
   • “High-risk patient education”
     
   • Or a balanced mix?
     
5. Do you have any age limits for patients?
   Some urgent cares do not see very young children.
   
6. Do you accept walk-ins for respiratory illness, or require online check-in?
   
7. Do you want a light call-to-action to telehealth (if offered), or in-person only?

Winter driving conditions make roads dangerous, leading to more frequent car accidents. Even a minor collision can cause hidden injuries that aren’t immediately noticeable due to shock and adrenaline.

It is always important to seek medical attention right away after a car accident, even if you feel fine initially, as some injuries may not develop symptoms until hours or even days later. Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial for diagnosing injuries, optimizing your prognosis, and creating medical records that document a connection between the accident and your injuries. For non-life-threatening injuries, Brea Urgent Care is here to provide the prompt, expert care you need without the long wait times of an emergency room.

Understanding Common Types of Minor Car Accident Injuries

Minor injuries from a car accident can often be effectively treated at an urgent care clinic. Here are some common examples of non-life-threatening injuries we treat:

• Whiplash: This neck injury occurs from a sudden back-and-forth movement, common in rear-end collisions. Symptoms can include neck pain, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion. Urgent care can assess and provide initial treatment for whiplash.
• Bruising and Minor Cuts (Contusions and Lacerations): Bruises are soft tissue injuries that cause discoloration and swelling, while minor cuts may occur from debris or impact. Urgent care is equipped to clean, dress wounds, and provide stitches for lacerations if necessary.
• Sprains and Strains (Soft Tissue Injuries): These involve damage to ligaments or muscles/tendons, often affecting the back, shoulders, or limbs. Urgent care can diagnose the extent of the injury, which may include X-rays, and recommend a treatment plan, such as splints or braces, and pain relievers.
• Mild Concussions: For bumps or mild concussions without severe symptoms, vomiting, or loss of consciousness, urgent care can evaluate and monitor you.
• Minor Burns from Air Bags: While air bags can – and do – prevent many serious injuries many people don’t realize that they come with a risk of burns.  When a crash occurs, sensors in the vehicle trigger the air bag to inflate almost instantly – usually in less than 1/20th of a second. To do this, a small explosive charge ignites a chemical reaction that inflates the bag with incredible speed and force. This reaction generates a lot of heat; temperatures inside the air bag can briefly reach several hundred degrees Fahrenheit. If the airbag comes into contact with exposed skin, you may experience minor burns.

At Brea Urgent Care, we have the expertise and onsite diagnostic tools, such as X-rays, to accurately assess your injuries and get you started on a path to recovery.

When to Visit Urgent Care vs. the Emergency Room

Knowing where to go for care is crucial after an accident.

Choose Urgent Care for:

• Mild pain, stiffness, or tenderness (suggesting minor whiplash)
• Minor cuts or bruises
• Pain, swelling, or difficulty moving a limb where a fracture is suspected but there is no visible deformity or bone breaking the skin
• Mild symptoms of a concussion, such as headache or dizziness, without loss of consciousness or repeated vomiting
• Any pain or discomfort that develops hours or days after the incident

Call 911 or Visit the Emergency Room Immediately for:

• Severe or uncontrolled bleeding
• A bone that is visibly out of place or piercing through the skin
• Signs of severe head trauma, such as loss of consciousness, seizures, or difficulty breathing
• Severe abdominal pain, which could indicate internal injuries

Your health and safety are our top priority. If you are unsure about the severity of your injuries, it is always best to seek immediate medical attention.

Get Back on the Road to Recovery

Even minor injuries from a winter car accident should not be ignored. Seeking prompt treatment is vital for proper diagnosis and can prevent complications down the road. Brea Urgent Care is dedicated to providing fast, professional treatment for the non-life-threatening injuries that follow a car accident. Our team can assess your condition, manage your pain, and recommend any necessary follow-up care or specialist referrals.

Don’t let a winter car accident sideline your holiday season. Walk in or check in online today at Brea Urgent Care for expert, compassionate care.

---

Important Disclaimer Regarding Insurance and Claims: If you are seeking treatment for injuries sustained in a car accident, it is your responsibility to follow the legal and insurance requirements in your state. Medical records created during your visit will document your injuries and treatment. This documentation is crucial for any potential personal injury or auto insurance claim. We strongly advise you to notify your auto insurance company immediately and consult with them or a legal professional for specific guidance on your coverage and how to file a claim. Timely reporting of the accident and your injuries to your insurer can be critical to your ability to recover damages.

As temperatures fall and winter draws near, outdoor activities carry risks beyond simple slips or falls. Prolonged cold exposure presents two significant dangers: frostbite and hypothermia, both needing immediate attention and swift action to avert lasting damage.

At Brea Urgent Care, we want to ensure you and your family know how to stay safe this season, recognize the signs of these cold weather injuries, and understand when it’s time to seek medical care.

Understanding Cold Weather Dangers

Cold weather injuries occur when your body is exposed to cold for too long and loses heat faster than it can produce it.

Frostbite

Frostbite is a cold-related injury that occurs when your skin and underlying tissues actually freeze. It most commonly affects extremities like fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks, and the chin.

Signs of Frostbite

Frostbite symptoms progress in stages, from mild to severe:

• Early stage (Frostnip): Skin may feel cold, firm, numb, tingly, or painful. The skin may look red or pale. Frostnip typically does not cause permanent damage.
• Mild to Moderate Frostbite: The skin may start to feel warm, which is a sign of serious tissue involvement. The affected area may sting, burn, swell, and look white, blue, or blotchy. Blisters may form 12 to 36 hours after rewarming.
• Deep/Severe Frostbite: The skin will feel hard, waxy, and completely numb. The affected area may turn white or blue-gray. The tissue may turn black and hard as it dies (gangrene).

Immediate First Aid for Frostbite:

• Move to a warm place indoors.
• Gently remove any wet clothing or jewelry from the affected area.
• Warm the area gently by soaking it in warm (not hot) water, around 100∘ to 105∘F (37∘ to 40.5∘C), for about 30 minutes. You can also use body heat (like an armpit) to warm the area.
• DO NOT rub the affected area, as this can cause further tissue damage.
• DO NOT use direct dry heat sources like a fire, radiator, or heat lamp.
• DO NOT walk on frostbitten feet or toes if possible.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen if the rewarming is painful.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing your core body temperature to fall dangerously low—below 95∘F (35∘C).

Signs of Hypothermia

• Mild Hypothermia: Shivering (often intense and uncontrollable), fatigue, and confusion or slurred speech. Skin may be pale, cold, and dry.
• Moderate to Severe Hypothermia: Shivering may stop, which is a sign that the condition is worsening. Symptoms include a slow heart rate, slow or shallow breathing, exhaustion, drowsiness, clumsiness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

Immediate First Aid for Hypothermia:

• Call 9-1-1 immediately, as severe hypothermia is life-threatening.
• Move the person to a warm, dry place.
• Gently remove all wet clothing.
• Dry the person and wrap them in dry blankets or put on dry clothing, focusing on warming the core (chest, neck, head, and groin) first.
• If the person is awake and can swallow, offer sips of a warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated liquid like broth or warm water.
• DO NOT warm the person too quickly, such as by using a hot bath or rubbing the extremities.

When to Visit Urgent Care or the ER

Knowing where to seek care is crucial. While all cold-related injuries require medical evaluation, the severity determines the best course of action.

Visit the Emergency Room (ER) Immediately for:

• Any signs of moderate to severe hypothermia, such as a lack of shivering, slurred speech, confusion, loss of consciousness, slow breathing, or a weak pulse.
• Deep frostbite symptoms, including large blisters, severe pain after rewarming, or skin that is hard, numb, or turning black.
• Severe injuries from a fall on ice, like a compound fracture (bone visible through the skin) or severe head trauma.

Visit Brea Urgent Care for:

• Frostnip or Mild Frostbite: For the earliest stage where the skin is red, painful, or tingly but quickly regains feeling after initial warming. Our providers can assess the area to ensure no permanent damage has occurred.
• Mild Cold Symptoms: If you’re concerned about mild cold exposure, aches, or minor related symptoms that are not progressing to severe frostbite or hypothermia.

At Brea Urgent Care, we can provide quick evaluation, wound care for mild cases of frostbite, and determine if you require a higher level of care.

Prevention is Key

The best way to manage cold weather dangers is to avoid them entirely.

• Dress in Layers: Wear several loose layers of clothing, including an inner layer that wicks moisture away and a waterproof/windproof outer layer.
• Cover Extremities: Wear a hat, scarf to cover your face, mittens (which are warmer than gloves), and thick, waterproof boots to protect your ears, hands, and feet.
• Stay Dry: Change out of wet clothes, gloves, hats, or socks immediately.
• Limit Outdoor Time: Be aware of the wind chill factor and limit time outside, especially during peak cold and windy conditions.
• Stay Hydrated & Avoid Alcohol/Caffeine: Drink plenty of warm fluids like water or broth, and avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, as they can cause you to lose body heat faster.

Don’t let the cold weather catch you unprepared. If you or a loved one experiences symptoms of frostbite or hypothermia and you need fast, expert medical attention, Brea Urgent Care is here to help.

Walk in or check in online today to get the care you need to stay healthy this winter!

From your home to your job site to the playing field, accidents are always a possibility. While not every incident can be prevented, proactive safety measures are key to protecting yourself and others. Discover practical advice from Brea Urgent Care for preventing injuries across all aspects of your life.

Staying Safe at Home

Your home should feel like the safest place, but it’s also where many common injuries occur. Slips, falls, and cuts are especially frequent. Here are a few steps you can take to avoid some of the most common mishaps at home:

• Keep walkways clear: Pick up clutter, tuck away cords, and secure rugs to prevent tripping hazards.
• Improve lighting: Good lighting in stairwells, hallways, and entryways helps reduce falls.
• Use ladders safely: Avoid standing on chairs or unstable surfaces. Always have a stable base when reaching high shelves.
• Practice kitchen safety: Use cutting boards, keep knives sharp, and handle hot pans carefully to reduce cuts and burns.
• Protect kids at home: Use safety gates near stairs, secure heavy furniture to the wall, and keep sharp objects, cleaning supplies, and medications out of reach of children.
• Know when to call poison control: If a child or adult ingests a potentially harmful substance, call poison control immediately at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.

Simple habits like these not only prevent accidents but also create a safer environment for kids, older adults, and guests.

Reducing Risks at Work

Workplace injuries, ranging from minor strains to serious accidents, vary based on the job. Regardless of whether you work at a desk or on a construction site, prioritizing safety is crucial. Implement the following measures to help prevent injuries in the workplace:

• Pay attention to ergonomics: Adjust your chair, desk, and screen height to protect your back, neck, and wrists. Check with your employer to see if they offer ergonomic assessments.
• Lift properly: Bend at your knees, not your waist, and ask for help with heavy loads. Know your limits and ask for help if you are unable to lift safely.
• Wear protective gear: Safety glasses, gloves, and helmets protect against common job site hazards. Your employer should offer guidance on appropriate personal protective equipment, if it’s needed.
• Report hazards promptly: Spills, broken equipment, or unsafe conditions should be addressed right away to prevent injuries.
• Report injuries to management: On-the-job injuries usually need to be reported to management for workers’ compensation purposes, even if they seem minor at first.

By taking a proactive approach, you can protect both yourself and your coworkers from avoidable injuries.

Playing It Safe During Recreation

Sports, outdoor activities, and hobbies are great for health and fun – but they also come with risks. Some of the most common injuries can be avoided with these straightforward measures:

• Warm up and stretch: Prepare your muscles before physical activity to prevent strains and sprains.
• Stay hydrated and rested: Fatigue and dehydration can increase the chance of accidents.
• Use proper equipment: Helmets, pads, and well-fitting shoes can prevent many sports-related injuries.
• Listen to your body: If you feel pain, stop and rest. Pushing through an injury can make it worse.
• Supervise children: Make sure kids wear the right safety gear for sports, swimming, or biking, and always keep a close eye on them during playtime near water or playground equipment.

Taking safety seriously doesn’t mean cutting back on fun – it simply helps ensure you’ll be able to keep enjoying your favorite activities long-term.

When to Seek Care at Brea Urgent Care

Even with the best prevention, accidents can still happen. Visit Brea Urgent Care if you experience:

• A cut that does not stop bleeding with basic at-home first aid, or any cut that you suspect may need stitches to heal properly
• Symptoms of a sprain, strain, or suspected fracture, including swelling, inability to move the affected joint or limb, visible deformity, or severe pain
• A head injury with dizziness, nausea, or confusion
• A burn that is larger than a couple of inches or located on the face, hands, or joints

Go to the emergency room instead of urgent care if you experience:

• Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Heavy bleeding that won’t stop
• Loss of consciousness or severe head trauma
• Broken bones that are visibly deformed

Visit Brea Urgent Care for Expert Injury Care

Prompt treatment can help you recover faster and avoid complications. Stay proactive about injury prevention – but know that if an accident does occur, Brea Urgent Care is here to help. Walk in or check in online today for quick, expert care.

As students head back to school, they’re excited for new classes, friends, and activities. However, being in close proximity to others can also lead to the rapid spread of common childhood and adolescent illnesses. At Brea Urgent Care, we understand the challenges of this season, often marked by sneezes, sniffles, and itching. This guide covers common back-to-school ailments like strep throat, pink eye, and lice, along with recommendations for when urgent care is necessary.

Strep Throat: More Than Just a Sore Throat

That scratchy, painful throat might be more than just a simple irritation. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that is highly contagious and common among school-aged children and teens.

Key Symptoms of Strep Throat:

• A sudden and severe sore throat
• Pain when swallowing
• Fever, often with a sudden onset 
• Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
• Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Headache, stomach pain, and sometimes nausea or vomiting, especially in younger children

When to Visit Brea Urgent Care for Strep Throat: If you suspect your child has strep throat, it’s important to seek a proper diagnosis. A rapid strep test can be performed at our clinic, with results available within minutes. If the test is positive, our providers can prescribe antibiotics to help your child feel better faster, prevent the spread of the infection, and reduce the risk of more serious complications like rheumatic fever.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis): The Red-Flag of a Contagious Infection

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is an inflammation or infection of the outer membrane of the eyeball and the inner eyelid. It’s notoriously contagious and can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or allergies.

Telltale Signs of Pink Eye:

• Redness in one or both eyes.
• Itchiness or a gritty feeling in the eye.
• A discharge that can form a crust overnight, sometimes making it difficult to open the eyes in the morning.
• Excessive tearing.
• Sensitivity to light.

When to Bring Your Child to Brea Urgent Care for Pink Eye: While some mild cases of viral pink eye may resolve on their own, it’s wise to have it checked out, especially if the symptoms are severe or if your child’s school has a policy regarding pink eye. At Brea Urgent Care, we can determine the cause of the pink eye. If it’s bacterial, we can prescribe antibiotic eye drops to speed up recovery and help your child get back to school sooner. If it’s related to allergies, we can recommend appropriate allergy medication.

Head Lice: An Unwelcome Classroom Visitor

The thought of head lice is enough to make any parent’s head itch. These tiny insects live on the scalp and are spread through close head-to-head contact, making schools a common place for them to be transmitted.

Common Symptoms of Head Lice:

• An itchy scalp, which is the most common symptom.
• A tickling feeling of something moving in the hair.
• Sores on the head caused by scratching.
• Difficulty sleeping, as lice are often more active in the dark.
• Visible nits (lice eggs) on the hair shafts, which look like tiny white or yellowish-brown specks and are difficult to remove.

When to Seek Help for Head Lice at Brea Urgent Care: While many cases of head lice can be managed with over-the-counter treatments, sometimes these are not effective. If you’re unsure if your child has lice, or if at-home treatments have failed, our team at Brea Urgent Care can help. We can confirm a diagnosis and recommend the most effective prescription treatments to get rid of the lice and nits for good. It’s especially important to see a healthcare provider if the scalp appears infected from scratching.

Brea Urgent Care is Here When You Need Us

Don’t let back-to-school illnesses disrupt your family’s routine. For prompt and reliable care for these common conditions and more, visit Brea Urgent Care. We’re here to provide the fast and effective treatment your child needs to get back to learning and having fun.