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03/Feb/2023

Are you worried your child might have pneumonia due to RSV or other persisting viruses? And, where is the best place to bring them for treatment if they do?

You might ask, “if my child has pneumonia, can I take them to an urgent care center? Do they have capabilities for diagnosis and treatments for pneumonia?”

This article will give information about pneumonia, particularly in infants and toddlers who are more at risk. We’ll also discuss how urgent care centers can provide diagnosis and treatments for pneumonia.

What is pneumonia, and what are its symptoms?

The most common symptoms for children infected with these viruses are coughing, trouble breathing, and fever. Children with pneumonia also usually experience fast breathing, or their lower chest may move in or retract when they inhale instead of expanding (just as in a healthy person).

Related article: Does Your Child Have RSV? Here’s What You Need to Know

The most common symptoms for children infected with these viruses are coughing, trouble breathing, and fever. Children with pneumonia also usually experience fast breathing, or their lower chest may move in or retract when they inhale instead of expanding (just as in a healthy person).

Other signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include

  • chills
  • breathing with grunting or wheezing sounds
  • vomiting
  • chest or belly pain
  • being less active
  • loss of appetite (in older children) or inability to feed or drink (in infants and newborns)

Severe symptoms of pneumonia in infants may even include unconsciousness, hypothermia, and convulsions.

If you suspect your child has pneumonia, whether or not they also have RSV or other persisting viruses, bring them to a doctor immediately.

Can I bring my child, who has pneumonia, to an urgent care center?

Emergency rooms are typically the go-to facility for urgent medical situations, such as when a child has trouble breathing or persistent high fever.

However, urgent care centers are the perfect choice for medical matters that are not too complex or life-threatening, especially if you can’t get an appointment with your regular doctor. Urgent care is excellent for treating pneumonia, RSV, and the flu.

Related article: Should I Use Urgent Care or the ER?

If you’re from Lincoln, CA, or Granite Bay, CA, our urgent care center has facilities that provide a diagnosis (such as chest x-ray) and treatments for pneumonia. If you think your child has pneumonia, we encourage you to visit an urgent care center.

Common questions about pneumonia

Is pneumonia contagious?
Pneumonia, in general, is not contagious. However, the viruses and bacteria that cause it can spread to others through the following:

  • Breathing air that has droplets from the coughs and sneezes of someone infected
  • Touching a contaminated object and then touching the mouth or nose.

Who is at risk of getting pneumonia?
Most healthy children are less likely to develop pneumonia from RSV and other viruses. However, children who have the following are more at risk:

  • An immature or weakened immune system
  • Pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma
  • Exposure to indoor air pollution, such as smoke from cooking and cigarettes

Adults 65 years and older, those with existing medical conditions, and those who smoke are at a higher risk of getting infected.

What are the treatments for pneumonia, especially in infants and newborns?
If you think your child has pneumonia, visit your nearest urgent care center or hospital for a proper diagnosis, as treatment for pneumonia depends on what caused the infection.

Bacterial pneumonia is often treated with oral antibiotics; intravenous antibiotics (by vein) are typically given in infants and newborns. Viral pneumonia, however, requires other treatments. Depending on the severity, such as persisting fever or breathing problem, the infected child may need hospitalization. Treatments may include IV antibiotics and breathing treatments. In most severe cases, the child might be brought to an intensive care unit (ICU).

How long does pneumonia last?
With the proper treatment, children with bacterial pneumonia recover in 1–2 weeks, while viral pneumonia may take 4–6 weeks to go away completely.

How can pneumonia be prevented?
You can’t avoid getting infected with bacteria and viruses altogether, but you’re less likely to develop pneumonia from RSV and other viruses through vaccines.

Our urgent care centers provide routine vaccines and annual flu shots if you’re from Lincoln, CA, or Granite Bay, CA (and surrounding areas). Contact us to book an appointment.

You and your children can also help prevent pneumonia by avoiding people who are sick, washing your hands regularly, and cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces.


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03/Feb/2023

The winter brings an influx of unpleasant illnesses – cough, runny nose, congestion, fever, body aches, and more. If you’re feeling sick with some of these symptoms this season and questioning the next steps to take… you are not alone!

After years of being hyper-aware of Covid-19, experiencing even mild symptoms can feel scary and confusing. Markers of Covid, the Flu, and RSV can all overlap, leaving many unsure of what’s causing suffering, its severity, and most importantly, how to feel better faster.

In determining what your symptoms mean, it’s helpful to know how these three illnesses differ.

Covid, RSV, and the Flu: What’s the Difference?

Covid, RSV, and the Flu are each highly contagious respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses, and all of them have sent both adults and children to emergency rooms this winter. If you’re feeling sick, it’s possible to make an educated guess about which illness you may have. Of course, seeing a medical professional will provide the most informed answers.

When you start to feel sick, you can assess your symptoms in a few ways:

First, take note of which symptoms you experience, how suddenly they appear, and how quickly they worsen. Even with all three viruses sharing common symptoms, pay attention to these key factors.

Influenza or “The Flu”

  • The Flu comes on suddenly, sometimes only one day after exposure.
  • People often describe feeling the infection in their entire body like they’ve been “hit by a truck.”
  • High fevers up to 103 or 104 degrees.
  • Fatigue and achiness are common.
  • Vomiting and diarrhea may occur, most frequently in children.
  • Shortness of breath is not usually a symptom.
  • For more information, see our recent blog post on this season’s Flu.

Covid and RSV:

  • Symptoms take longer to develop, on average, 5-6 days.
  • Symptoms build gradually. You may have a runny nose one day, a cough the next, and a fever the following day.
  • Both illnesses could present mild fevers.
  • Shortness of breath and trouble breathing can occur in both.
  • Nausea and lack of appetite are present more often in RSV.
  • RSV provides an especially high risk to infants. Read our most recent post about RSV for information about infants and children.

You will notice that RSV and Covid share many common symptoms, and it can be hard to differentiate between them based on symptoms alone. To be sure, visit your local urgent care for Covid, RSV, or Flu testing.

Also, consider which illnesses are prevalent in your geographic area. For example, if the Flu is rampant in your county, but numbers are low in RSV and Covid, you may be more likely to have the Flu. Of course, diagnosing your illness by visiting a medical professional is the safest, most accurate option.

How We Can Help

If you’re experiencing symptoms associated with Covid, RSV, or the Flu, visit Lincoln Urgent Care or Granite Bay Urgent Care for testing and treatment options. You can schedule a Covid test online or call either facility for an appointment:

Lincoln Urgent Care (916) 258-2751

Granite Bay Urgent Care (916) 570-7265

It’s also a great time to get your annual Flu shot and vaccinations to keep you healthy this season.


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25/Nov/2022

KATERYNA KON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY // GETTY IMAGES

Do you have a child experiencing a runny nose or fever? At first glance, you might think it’s just the typical flu virus.

However, according to a news article, hospitals and urgent care centers in California are experiencing an influx of patients (mostly children) with respiratory illness caused by another virus: the respiratory syncytial virus or RSV.

Like the flu and COVID-19, RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes mild cold-like symptoms. In most cases, the virus doesn’t cause severe illnesses, but if you have an infant child, it can cause severe lung complications like bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

So, as a parent, what should you know about this virus?

What are the RSV signs and symptoms, especially in infants? Is RSV highly contagious? How can you prevent your children, especially if you have an infant, from getting infected? And if your children get an RSV infection, what are their treatment options?

This article will answer these questions and explain what you should know about RSV.

What is RSV, and what are its risks to infants?

RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes mild cold-like symptoms. In the United States, the virus generally emerges in the fall and peaks in the winter, coinciding with the flu season; it can also vary in different parts of the country.

According to CDC, almost all children will get an RSV infection after their second birthday, and most individuals infected with RSV recover in a week or two. But if you have an infant child infected with the virus, it can cause severe lung illnesses. In the United States, this virus is the most common cause of lung infections in babies younger than one year.

Others who are also at risk are:

  • Premature babies
  • Young children and adults with weakened immune systems and chronic diseases
  • Older adults with certain medical conditions

Is RSV highly contagious?

Yes – RSV is highly contagious. It spreads through virus droplets from coughing or sneezing, direct contact with someone infected, and touching one’s face after coming in contact with a contaminated object (like a doorknob or toys).

According to the CDC, people with RSV infection are contagious for three to eight days, but they may also spread the virus a day or two before showing symptoms. In addition, some infants and people with weakened immune systems can be contagious for as long as four weeks, even after they stop showing signs.
The virus can also survive many hours on hard surfaces but typically lives on soft surfaces for shorter amounts of time.

What are the RSV signs and symptoms, especially in infants?

RSV symptoms in infants typically start with a cold, which may be followed by bronchiolitis or pneumonia. In healthy children and adults, RSV infection may also cause similar cold symptoms, but they are usually mild.
These symptoms, which start to show within four to six days of infection, include:

  • Fever
  • Runny nose and congestion
  • Sore throat
  • Coughing (dry or wet)
  • Mild headache
  • Sneezing
  • Decrease in appetite or poor feeding in infants

It’s important to note that RSV symptoms do not always appear in infants. The only symptoms in your infant child may be irritability, decreased activity, wheezing, and breathing difficulties.

What should you do if your infant child has an RSV infection?

If you suspect your infant child has an RSV infection, visit your nearest urgent care centre.

Our urgent care centers can treat symptoms like cough, runny nose, or sore throat for those from Lincoln, CA or Granite Bay, CA. Services for respiratory problems such as asthma, breathing difficulty, and pneumonia are also available.

There is no specific treatment yet against the virus, but preventive vaccines are currently being developed. A drug called palivizumab is also available to prevent severe RSV illness in infants and children at high risk for severe diseases (CDC). However, while the drug can help prevent serious illnesses from RSV, it cannot prevent an infection or treat an existing one.

In most cases, the virus usually goes away on its own, and recovery takes about a week or two.
If your child shows mild symptoms, you can do the following for relief:

  • Give lots of fluids and frequent feedings.
  • Use nasal saline and a cool-mist humidifier to allow easier breathing.
  • Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen to children older than six months to help with slight fevers. Avoid giving aspirin, as well as cough and cold medications.

How can I prevent my children from getting an RSV infection?

While it’s impossible to avoid the virus entirely, there are ways you can try to protect your children from getting an RSV infection:

  • Avoid close contact with sick people.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and teach your children to make this a habit.
  • Clean surfaces in your home, especially those that are often touched by children.
  • Avoid touching your children’s faces with your unwashed hands
  • Get vaccinated – keep your children’s immunization updated and get your family’s annual flu shots.

Daycare centres and schools are typically contagious during RSV season, so you may want to limit the time your infant child spends in these places.

If you’re from Lincoln, CA or Granite Bay, CA, our urgent care centers provide flu shots and vaccinations to protect you and your family against viruses.


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25/Oct/2022

Have you recently had a minor accident and wondered if you’ve broken a bone? And if you have, what treatment would you need to heal your bone fracture?

This article will answer these questions and provide information on bone fracture treatment and care.

How Can I Tell if I Have a Bone Fracture?
Broken bones, or bone fractures, are injuries commonly resulting from accidents like falling or being hit by an object or stress from physical activities like running. Anyone is at risk of fracturing a bone, but those with osteoporosis, a medical condition where bones become weak, are more likely to experience this.

The most common signs of bone fracture are:

  • Pain
  • Swelling or tenderness
  • Deformity or bumps
  • Inability to move the injured part

However, if one of these signs is missing, you might easily dismiss the idea that you’ve broken a bone. Especially if you just got into a minor accident.

So, how can you tell if you have a bone fracture?

A medical diagnosis will confirm whether or not you are indeed suffering from a bone fracture, and your treatment will also depend on the result of your diagnosis.

You might think if it’s minor, you don’t need treatment. However, there’s a catch: untreated bone fractures can result in severe infections or long-term joint problems. So getting a bone fracture diagnosis and receiving the proper treatment is always best.

Where Should I Get Diagnosed for a Bone Fracture?
Most people might rush to the ER for a bone fracture diagnosis and treatment. However, depending on how severe your bone fracture is, your best bet is to visit an urgent care centre instead!

Related post: Should I Use Urgent Care or the ER?

Many conditions that aren’t critical and life-threatening but need urgent medical attention, such as a bone fracture, can be diagnosed and treated in an urgent care centre.

If you live in Lincoln, CA, or Granite Bay, CA, and you need to get a bone fracture diagnosis and treatment, you can visit our urgent care centre or contact us for more information.

When you visit our urgent care centre, our in-house x-ray technology will confirm if you have a bone fracture and show how damaged your bones are. In cases where more detailed imaging tests are needed, we will refer you for an MRI, CT Scan, or Bone Scan.

What bone fracture treatment would I need?
Let’s say you’ve been diagnosed with a bone fracture; what treatment would you need? It depends on the level of damage to your bones.

The most common treatment for a mild bone fracture is immobilization, which involves putting you in a splint or cast. A splint is worn for about three to five weeks, while a cast is likely longer, typically between six to eight weeks. In both cases, you’ll also need follow-up x-rays as part of your bone fracture care to ensure that your bones are healing properly.

If the bone fracture is more severe, the following treatments might be recommended:

  • Closed reduction is a non-surgical procedure used to realign displaced bones. After the procedure, patients are put in a splint or cast.
  • Bone fracture surgery. Surgery might be needed if the bone damage is more severe and a closed reduction isn’t enough. Different techniques are available, and a surgeon will determine the best option for their patients.

How do I care for my bone fracture after treatment, and when will it heal?
Depending on how severe your bone fracture is and how well you follow your doctor’s advice, healing time may take weeks to several months. You must do the recommended follow-up care if you want your bone fracture to heal as quickly as possible.

Ensure rest and limit the use of the injured body part. To speed up your bone fracture healing, you can also try:

  • Exercise. Exercising under a doctor’s supervision can improve blood flow to the injured part, help rebuild muscle around it, and speed up bone fracture healing. Make sure to speak to your doctor or practitioner first, as exercise may only be appropriate at certain stages of the healing process.
  • Take supplements. Protein, antioxidants, and particular vitamins and minerals help rebuild and heal the bones. Taking supplements may help speed up your bone fracture healing.
  • Avoid smoking. Studies show that smoking harms the healing of the tibia, the larger bone inside the lower leg. Although there is no evidence yet that smoking delays the healing of bones, it’s best to avoid smoking to speed up your bone fracture healing.

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you start to feel intense pain that doesn’t get away with pain relievers after your treatment.

If you live in Lincoln, CA, or Granite Bay, CA, visit our urgent care centre for your bone fracture treatment and follow-up care or contact us with questions and to learn more. Let us help you save time and money and treat you with excellent care.


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15/Sep/2022

With the rise of COVID-19 over the past few years, you may wonder if the influenza virus is still around and something to worry about. And if it is, how can we tell it apart from COVID-19?

You might be asking, “Is the flu still contagious? Should I still get a seasonal flu shot?”

In this article, we’ll answer these questions by giving you information on what you need to know about this year’s flu season and how you can prepare.

Influenza vs. coronavirus: what’s the difference?
According to the CDC, influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses but are caused by different viruses. Compared to the flu, COVID-19 spreads more quickly and can cause serious health complications. But both of these illnesses have the same symptoms and can potentially cause life-threatening illnesses, which is why it’s difficult to tell whether one person has the flu or COVID-19 just by looking at the signs.

Read related post: COVID-19’s Omicron Variant is Still Here: Here Are its Signs and Symptoms

If you’re experiencing symptoms like fever or shortness of breath, the best way to determine whether it’s the flu or something else is to take a test. Our urgent care centers in Lincoln, CA and Granite Bay, CA, offer COVID-19 testing.

What you need to know about the 2022-2023 flu season
Seasonal flu viruses are detected year-round in the United States but are most common during the fall and winter. Often, flu activities start to increase in October and peak between December and February.

According to CDC, here are a few things that are different for the 2022-2023 flu season:

  • The composition of flu vaccines has been updated.
  • For those 65 years and older, three flu vaccines are preferentially recommended. These are the Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, Flublok Quadrivalent recombinant flu vaccine and Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted flu vaccine.
  • Getting the seasonal flu shot around the same time as last year is still recommended. For most people who need only one dose for the season, it’s a good idea to get a seasonal flu shot in September or October. Vaccination in July and August is not recommended for most adults but can be considered for some groups. While it’s ideal to get your seasonal flu shot by the end of October, vaccination after October can still protect you during the peak of flu season.
  • The age indication for the cell culture-based inactivated flu vaccine, Flucelvax Quadrivalent (ccIIV4), changed from 2 years to 6 months and older.
  • Pre-filled Afluria Quadrivalent flu shots for children are not expected to be available this season. However, children can receive this vaccine from a multidose vial at the recommended dose.

If you’re from Lincoln, CA, or Granite Bay, CA, our urgent care centers provide the 2022-2023 formula of Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted flu vaccine for 65 years and older and the Flucelvax Quadrivalent for 6 months and older.

How to prepare for the flu season
Compared to COVID-19, the number of those infected with the flu virus in the United States in recent months is comparatively low based on CDC’s data. However, it doesn’t mean that you’re safe from it. After all, if you’re wondering, “is flu still contagious?” – the answer is: yes, it still is. Like COVID-19, the flu is a contagious illness; you can catch it from anyone you’re in contact with at home, school, work, or anywhere you go.

And if you catch it, it can lead to more severe health complications like pneumonia, other life-threatening illnesses, or even death. That’s why prevention is still important.

The CDC recommends three actions to take to protect yourself and your loved ones against the seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications.

  1. Get vaccinated every year. Everyone 6 months and older should get the seasonal flu shot yearly, with a few exceptions. Talk to your doctor or health care provider first if you are unsure whether you can get a vaccine. If you’re from Lincoln, CA or Granite Bay, CA, visit our urgent care centers to get your seasonal flu shot or get in touch with us for an appointment.
  2. Take action every day to help stop the spread of germs. These include good health habits like avoiding people who are sick, staying home if you feel ill, covering your mouth and nose when coughing, frequently washing your hands, and not touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. And keep yourself healthy by getting plenty of quality sleep, being physically active, managing stress, drinking lots of fluids, and eating a nutritious diet.
  3. Take flu antiviral viral drugs if your doctor prescribes them. Antiviral drugs may be a treatment option if you get sick with the flu. According to CDC, they can lessen symptoms and shorten your sick time by 1 or 2 days. They also can prevent serious flu complications, like pneumonia. Prompt treatment is recommended for people with the flu or suspected flu and those at higher risk of severe flu complications.

Where can I get my seasonal flu shot?
If you live near Lincoln, CA or Granite Bay, CA, visit our urgent care centers to get your seasonal flu shot. Book your flu shot appointment by getting in touch with us by phone or by email.


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25/Aug/2022

Have you ever experienced headaches, dizziness, or muscle cramps after being outside in the summer season? If so, you might have had heat exhaustion or heat stroke!

The good news? Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be prevented! This article will show you how and what to do if you or your loved ones experience heat exhaustion and heat stroke signs.

What are heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are common heat-related illnesses during the hot summer months. According to the CDC, heat exhaustion can happen with exposure to high temperatures with high humidity and occurs when our bodies lose excessive salt and water due to heavy sweating. Heat stroke occurs when heat exhaustion is not promptly treated, and our body can no longer control its temperature. It’s the most severe heat-related illness and can even be fatal.

Who’s at risk of heat exhaustion?

Anyone can experience heat exhaustion, and here’s why.

Naturally, our bodies can cool themselves during hot weather by sweating. However, there are instances when our body is less capable of cooling down properly, especially when we exercise strenuously or overwork our bodies in hot, humid weather.

As a result, we might experience heat cramps, another heat-related illness milder than heat exhaustion. When treated promptly (drinking fluids/sports drinks with electrolytes or resting in a cool area), we can prevent heat cramps from progressing to heat exhaustion.
However, some people are more at risk of heat exhaustion because their bodies cannot properly regulate their temperature naturally. These include:

  • People with obesity
  • Infants and children younger than four and adults older than 65
  • Those who take tranquilizers and antipsychotics, and medications for high blood pressure, heart problems, and allergies

Individuals working in hot environments, taking illegal drugs that increase core temperature (such as cocaine and amphetamines), or those exposed to sudden temperature changes and a high heat index of 91 degrees Fahrenheit (33 degrees Celsius) or higher, are also more at risk.

What are heat exhaustion and heat stroke signs and symptoms?

According to the CDC, the heat exhaustion signs and symptoms include:

  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness or weakness
  • Irritability
  • Thirst
  • Heavy sweating
  • Elevated body temperature
  • Decreased urine output
  • Cold, pale, and clammy skin
  • Fast, weak pulse
  • Muscle cramps
  • Fainting

Meanwhile, the signs and symptoms of heat stroke include:

  • Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech
  • Loss of consciousness (passing out or coma)
  • Hot, red, dry, or damp skin or profuse sweating
  • Seizures
  • Very high body temperature (103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher)
  • Fast, strong pulse

If not treated promptly, heat stroke can become fatal.

How can I prevent heat exhaustion?

Here are several ways to prevent heat cramps and exhaustion:

  • Stay hydrated by drinking lots of fluids.
  • Wear loose-fitting and lightweight clothes during summer.
  • If you’re not used to hot weather, limit your activities in the heat until your body is well adjusted.
  • Protect yourself against sunburn by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more.
  • Avoid leaving anyone in a parked car, even with the windows slightly open during warm or hot weather (whether or not the vehicle is under a shaded area).
  • Take extra caution if you’re at an increased risk of heat exhaustion or have a history of previous heat illness; try to avoid being in hot places, and if you notice any heat exhaustion signs, take immediate action.
  • Avoid strenuous activities such as exercises, sporting activities, or physical labor in hot weather. If this is unavoidable, try to do them during a cooler time of day.
  • Ensure there is medical aid available in case of emergency.

What are the treatments for heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

For those experiencing heat exhaustion signs, go to your nearest urgent care center for medical evaluation and treatment.

If you’re from Lincoln, CA, and Granite Bay, CA, our urgent care centers provide emergency services for treatments of heat exhaustion.

If you’re not able to go to a clinic, here are the treatments for heat exhaustion according to CDC:

  • Call 911 if medical care is not available
  • Have someone stay with you or your loved one until help arrives
  • Go to a cool area and drink lots of fluids
  • Remove unnecessary clothing, including shoes and socks
  • Use cold compresses or wash your head, face, and neck with cold water
  • Take frequent sips of cool water

If your heat exhaustion signs or symptoms worsen or do not improve within one hour, immediately contact your doctor or our urgent care centers in Lincoln, CA, or Granite Bay, CA.

If you are with someone showing heat exhaustion signs, seek immediate medical attention once they show symptoms of possible heat stroke.

In cases of heat stroke, here are the ways to treat someone showing signs and symptoms:

  • Call 911 immediately
  • Stay with them until emergency medical services arrive.
  • Take them to a shaded, cool area and remove outer clothing.
  • Cool them quickly with cold water or an ice bath (if possible), or by placing cold, wet cloths on the head, neck, armpits, and groin, or soaking a cloth with cool water.
  • Circulate the air around them to speed cooling.

As always, preventing yourself and your loved ones from being at risk of heat-related illnesses is still best, and in cases of emergency, follow the mentioned treatments for heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

If you’re from Lincoln, CA, or Granite Bay, CA, visit our urgent care centers whenever you or your loved ones experience heat exhaustion and heat stroke signs and symptoms.


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30/Jul/2022

Sore throat. Runny nose. Headache. Fever.

If you are experiencing any of these, you might ask yourself, “Are these flu symptoms or Omicron symptoms?”

Our answer is that it could be either.

And now you’re wondering, “If this is Omicron, is it more or less dangerous than the prior COVID-19 variants? Should I be more concerned?”

In this article, we are going to answer these questions.

What Do We Know About Omicron?

Since the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 in 2020, multiple COVID-19 variants have emerged. Variants are the results of mutations occurring naturally in viruses. Since viruses constantly mutate, new variants arise continuously. Some disappear, while others persist.

Compared to the earlier COVID-19 variants, Omicron continues to persist and is the dominant variant in the U.S. and even globally, according to the World Health Organization.

But how does it differ from the other variants? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Omicron is said to spread more easily. Those infected can spread the virus more quickly to others, regardless of vaccination status or even though they show no symptoms of Omicron.

So, should you worry more about this variant?

Omicron generally causes less severe disease than the prior variants, as preliminary data from the CDC suggests. However, some people may still experience severe illness, may need hospitalization, and could die from the infection. This is why taking the necessary steps to protect ourselves and others is still important.

If you are from Lincoln, CA, or Granite Bay, CA, and experiencing possible Omicron symptoms, our urgent care centers offer COVID-19 testing.

Signs and Symptoms of Omicron

The signs and symptoms of Omicron are similar to those of COVID-19, which are:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

These symptoms may appear between 2-14 days after exposure to someone infected. People infected with Omicron may experience a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. The severity depends on your vaccination status, age, history of prior infection, and the presence of other health issues. You are also likely to show symptoms of Omicron even if you have previously tested positive in the past.

What Should I Do If I Have the Symptoms of Omicron?

If you start to feel any symptoms of Omicron, isolate immediately and get tested. PCR testing in our urgent care centers can give results between 2-3 days. While waiting for your results, stay home and wear a well-fitted mask around others. You can also order free at-home test kits from covid.gov/tests, but you will have to wait 7-14 days for the test kits to arrive.

Don’t want to wait that long?

If you’re from Lincoln, CA, or Granite Bay, CA, you can visit our urgent care centers or book a COVID-19 Omicron testing. Our Rapid COVID-19 Antigen or PCR Test can give you results in as little as 30 minutes.

What Should I Do if I Tested Positive?

If you test positive, whether or not you show symptoms of Omicron, you must stay home for five days (vaccinated or not). You should also isolate yourself from others inside your home. If this is not possible, wear a well-fitted mask.

Symptoms of Omicron usually last a couple of weeks. But those who have long COVID-19 symptoms may experience health problems for four or more weeks after being infected, according to CDC.

For those with mild symptoms, our doctors recommend the following home treatments:

  • Use medications for fever and pains such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen;
  • Take a cough syrup and decongestant medicine to ease coughing or nasal congestion;
  • Drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy foods, and rest well.

According to CDC, you may end your isolation after five full days if:

  • you no longer have a fever for 24 hours (without taking fever-reducing medicine);
  • and your symptoms are improving.

If you did not have Omicron symptoms but tested positive, you may end isolation after five full days from the day of your test.

After your isolation, CDC recommends that you take the following precaution for another five days:

  • Wear a well-fitting mask when you are around others inside your home or in public.
  • Do not travel for the full 10 days after your symptoms or the date you tested positive if you had no symptoms.
  • Avoid being around people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19, such as elderlies or those with serious health problems.

What if My Symptoms Worsen?

While Omicron is said to be less likely to cause severe diseases such as pneumonia, some infected people may still be hospitalized or die from the infection. Call or visit our clinic immediately if you or your loved ones are experiencing severe symptoms of Omicron.

Our urgent care centers at Lincoln, CA, and Granite Bay, CA, provide various on-site medical services for acute illness and minor respiratory distress.

If this is your case and you get very sick from COVID-19 or have a weakened immune system, the CDC advises you to isolate yourself for at least 10 days. Make sure to consult your doctor before ending isolation.

How Can I Protect Myself From Omicron?

Preliminary evidence suggests that vaccines are less effective against the spread of Omicron. But vaccines still protect well against serious illnesses such as hospitalization.

For those fully vaccinated, symptoms of Omicron tend to be mild. On the other hand, unvaccinated people may experience quite severe symptoms.

It’s also essential to keep our immune system in check. Our urgent care centers at Lincoln, CA, and Granite Bay, CA, offer routine medical care services to ensure that you and your loved ones are in your best shape.


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15/Jun/2022

There are many diagnostic tools used by doctors and nurses in the medical field. Some, like the stethoscope, are familiar to most people. Others, like the CT scan or MRI, are less well known but no less important.

One of the most commonly used diagnostic tools is the x-ray. But why do we use x-ray imaging and x-ray technology? What makes them so important?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the history and importance of x-ray images in diagnosing medical conditions, and we’ll look at some of the ways they’re being used today to improve patient care.

History of the X-Ray

The history of x-rays dates back to 1895 when Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered x-rays while experimenting with electricity. He was able to produce an image of his wife’s hand using an x-ray beam and the discovery quickly made him famous.

X-rays soon became widely used in the medical field and they continue to play a critical role in medical diagnosis.

What are X-Rays and What Is Their Purpose?

Did you know – worldwide, there are an estimated 3.6 billion x-rays performed every year? (Who International)

X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation that can pass through most objects, including the human body. When x-rays hit human tissue, they produce an image that can be used to detect medical conditions.

They serve a unique purpose, as x-ray imaging is able to:

  • Non-invasively and painlessly help to diagnose disease and monitor therapy
  • Support medical and surgical treatment planning

Before performing x-rays, it’s necessary to consider the impact of radiation exposure, especially for pregnant patients. Typically, however, the result of the x-ray images outweighs the small radiation risk.

How are X-Rays Used to Diagnose and Treat Medical Conditions?

An X-ray procedure and x-ray equipment are used to diagnose and treat medical conditions, as they can:

  1. Diagnose broken bones – one of the most common uses for this type of medical imaging.
  2. Detect other medical conditions, such as tumors, internal bleeding, or cancer detection (such as breast cancer).
    On their own, x-rays can also provide health care providers with the appropriate information to make an accurate diagnosis. They are often also used alongside other diagnostic tools, such as CT scans and MRIs. The combination of medical imaging procedures allows doctors to get a complete overview before making a diagnosis.

X-Ray Services At Lincoln Urgent Care and Granite Bay Urgent Care

At Lincoln Urgent Care and Granite Bay Urgent Care, we offer are proud to offer x-ray services. Our fast, cost-effective x-ray solutions represent an excellent alternative to the traditional emergency room environment.

If you have any questions about an x-ray or if you would like to schedule an x-ray, please call our office to speak to a member of our staff. We would be happy to help you.


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Lincoln Urgent Care and Granite Bay Urgent Care are full-service urgent care centers with onsite x-ray and laboratory testing. Our team is dedicated to providing patients with affordable and timely care for their urgent care needs.

Lincoln Urgent Care
77 Lincoln Boulevard Suite 1
Lincoln, CA 95648
Phone: (916) 258-2751
Fax: (916) 258-7172

Granite Bay Urgent Care
5290 Douglas Blvd
Suite 102
Granite Bay, CA 95746
Phone: (916) 570-7265
Fax: (916) 200-2412