Influenza and Flu Immunizations
According to CDC guidelines, an annual flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older, with rare exceptions, because it is an effective way to decrease flu illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths. This is especially critical during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the overall burden of respiratory illnesses.
The Flu is a highly contagious disease that can be a highly contagious respiratory disease that can keep you or your family out of work, school, or regular day-to-day routines for up to two weeks. It quickly spreads throughout indoor environments.
Flu Symptoms
Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
- Fever above 102°F or feeling feverish/chills
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Chest pains
- fatigue (tiredness)
- Trouble urinating
- vomiting and diarrhea (most common in children than adults)
Who is at risk of the Flu?
The flu can be serious for everyone, including healthy people. However here are some people and health conditions that can make someone more at risk of catching Influenza:
- Adults 65 years and older
- Pregnant Women
- Young Children
- Asthma
- Heart Disease & Stroke
- Diabetes
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- HIV/AIDS
- Cancer
- Children with Neurologic Conditions
Please note that unaccompanied minors under the age of 18 will need a signed pre-authorization before treatment. Download “Authorization to Treat a Minor” Form
Take preventable measures this season and make an appointment at our office when your family is ready for their annual flu shot.
COVID-19 Testing at Brea Urgent Care
We are performing COVID-19 testing (including swab PCR & Antibody testing), but please call ahead: (714) 494-2828. Our providers will meet you outside at your car to perform a safe evaluation and a COVID-19 test if indicated.
PCR Molecular Test
The nasal swab test looks for evidence of an active viral infection. If you are currently experiencing upper respiratory symptoms consistent with those of COVID-19 (cough, fever, body aches, fatigue, recent loss of taste), or have been in contact with someone who tested positive for the virus, visit our Brea clinic today! We can perform a simple swab PCR test, which detects genetic material of the virus.
COVID-19 Antibody Test
Antibody blood tests, also called serologic tests, check for the presence of antibodies to coronavirus in the blood. It can be used to detect a past infection. IgM and IgG are immunoglobulins produced by the immune system to protect against COVID-19. The level of IgM antibody begins to rise 1 week after the initial infection, while the rise in IgG usually appears after 14 days. Elevated IgG levels can last for 6 months or even several years. By testing for the presence of these antibodies, we are able to determine if a patient was previously infected by the coronavirus. The test does not diagnose an active infection or identify who is protected from reinfection.
Take advantage of Telemedicine
You can also receive expert medical care and advice from the comfort of your home with our new Telemedicine service. Call us during business hours at 714-494-2828 to schedule a virtual visit. You’ll be face to face with a provider in no time.
Understanding COVID-19
COVID-19 is a new virus strain that has only spread in people since December 2019. It belongs to the same family of virus as the common cold, SARS and MERS. However, it seems to be more contagious than these related coronaviruses. According to current evidence, COVID-19 virus primarily spreads through airborne respiratory droplets, close contact, and contaminated surfaces.
Reported cases of COVID-19 range from mild illness to severe pneumonia that requires hospitalization. Older adults and immunosuppressed persons are at higher risk of complications. Some carriers experience no symptoms at all.
There is not a treatment for COVID-19, other than supportive care. Medical teams and researchers around the globe are working tirelessly to develop a vaccine and treatments. However, a vaccine likely won’t be available for another year. Until then, we will need to utilize wide-spread testing, quarantines, and social distancing to minimize the number of people who contract the disease.
COVID-19 Symptoms
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell