Most of us have had an infection in our lives, whether it’s a painful childhood ear infection or a bad bout of the flu. At Lincoln Urgent Care, we routinely treat a variety of infections at our clinics, and we’re identifying the most common ones so that you’re prepared when you or your child starts showing symptoms. With proper care, we’ll ensure that your road to recovery is as smooth as possible.

What causes infections?

Infectious diseases happen when tiny organisms enter your body and multiply, causing illness. In most cases, infections are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Most infectious diseases are acute, which means that symptoms appear suddenly and only last for a short time (a few days to a few weeks).

How do infections spread?

Some infections are contagious and spread from person to person, or through contact with infected animals or insects. However, others are contracted through contaminated food or water, or through contact with unsanitary surfaces.

How are infections treated?

How an infection is treated depends on the type of infection. Bacterial infections may require antibiotics, while viral infections are often treated simply with over-the-counter medications, rest, and hydration. If you’re unsure about the source of your illness, you should always visit your nearest urgent care center to receive proper diagnosis and treatment.

Common Infectious Diseases

Ear Infection

Ear infections occur when the narrow tubes between your ear and throat become swollen and clogged with fluid. Bacteria then infects the mucus buildup, causing pain, fever, trouble hearing, and fluid leaking from the ear. Ear infections are more common in children than adults. Though ear infections often resolve on their own with rest, antibiotics (oral or ear drops) may be needed to clear the infection completely.

Eye Infection (Conjunctivitis, Pink Eye)

The most common type of eye infection is called conjunctivitis, commonly known as Pink Eye. Pink Eye occurs when the transparent membrane of your eyeball becomes inflamed and swollen, causing your eye to appear pinkish. Symptoms may include redness in the eye, itchiness, discharge from the eye, tearing up, and sensitivity to light. Treatment may include artificial tears to keep your eye hydrated. As most cases of Pink Eye are viral, you shouldn’t use antibiotic eyedrops unless directed by a physician, as they won’t be effective.

Rarely, pink or red eyes can be a sign of serious illness. If you are experiencing severe pain or blurred vision, you should seek urgent care immediately.

Influenza

The flu is one of the most common infectious diseases, caused by the influenza virus. Symptoms include fever, cough, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and chills. While the flu may not seem like a big deal, in reality, it kills thousands of Americans every year. The best way to combat the flu is to get your annual flu shot, which lowers your risk of contracting and spreading the disease. Annual flu shots are available seasonally at any of our urgent care clinics, with no appointment needed.

Yeast Infection

Yeast infections are fungal in nature and caused by an excessive buildup of the natural yeast that grows on and in your body. While yeast infections can technically happen anywhere on the body, they most commonly occur in the vagina, causing itchiness, pain, burning, and discharge. Sex doesn’t cause vaginal yeast infections—they can happen even to someone who isn’t sexually active—but it can make them more likely. Treatment usually involves over-the-counter antifungal medications or, in more serious cases, an oral medication prescribed by a doctor.

Though men are less likely to get a yeast infection, it can happen, and you should seek care if you experience scaly skin or painful rashes on the penis. If this is your first time having a yeast infection, or if over-the-counter antifungals haven’t worked, you should visit urgent care as soon as possible for treatment.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A urinary tract infection is an infection in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, bladder, and urethra. Women are more likely to get UTIs than men, owing to their shorter urethras, which give bacteria easier entry into the urinary system. Symptoms include a burning feeling while peeing, the frequent urge to pee, pelvic pain, and bright red or pink urine (which may indicate the presence of blood). If you suspect you may have a UTI, walk into one of our urgent care clinics, where our doctors can assess you and prescribe oral antibiotics. 

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

An STD is an infection transmitted through sexual activity, including oral, vaginal, or anal sex. They pass from person to person through contact with bodily fluids like blood, semen, saliva, or vaginal secretions. Both men and women can contract and spread STDs. The symptoms of STDs vary depending on the type of infection, but may include sores or bumps on the genitals, mouth, or rectum; painful or burning urination; swollen lymph nodes; fever; or unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding. However, some STDs show no symptoms, and an infected person may not know they have it.

While it may feel embarrassing to seek help for an STD, we see them in our clinics on a regular basis. Our staff is here to help, not to judge, and when you come to our clinics, you’ll get the treatment you deserve.

Seek Help for Common Infections at Lincoln Urgent Care

Infectious diseases are common and can feel like they’re derailing your health. However, high-quality care can help ensure that you feel better faster. At our urgent care clinics, we provide compassionate care and proven treatments, and we accept a variety of health insurers. We also offer fair, affordable pricing for those who may be uninsured, so everyone can access healthcare when they need it most. Call us today or walk into one of our clinics in Lincoln, Granite Bay, or Roseville, California for immediate assessment and treatment.

Lincoln Urgent Care: (916) 258-2751

Granite Bay Urgent Care: (916) 570-7265

Lincoln Urgent Care Roseville: (916) 727-6846