Infections
Infections can affect your internal organs or your skin. They can be acquired through viral transfer, bites, fungi or bacteria, and require prompt medical care to ensure they don't worsen and cause additional complications.
Care for infections and viruses
Infections have many different causes, including bacteria and viruses. Our compassionate specialists work on treating your infection with high-quality services.
If you have bronchitis or need to soothe a rash, we provide timely and efficient services at CareNow® urgent care centers. Based on your specific symptoms, we build the best treatment plan for you.
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Treatments and services for infections
Our staff are prepared to treat many different infections, from bronchitis to ringworm. After taking a look at your symptoms and medical history, a personalized plan will be created specifically for you.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an infection of the bronchial tubes that carry air to your lungs. It causes these airways to swell and produce mucus. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. If you are trying to recover from a cold, but a frequent mucus-producing cough persists, this could be a sign of bronchitis.
Treatments for bronchitis
A healthcare provider can diagnose bronchitis. A chest X-ray may be used to rule out pneumonia. However, antibiotics will not treat viral bronchitis.
Most acute bronchitis symptoms will improve on their own with the help of at-home remedies, such as drinking fluids, using a humidifier, resting, taking over-the-counter pain medicine as directed and avoiding irritants, such as smoke or pollution.
You may believe the cough will run its course, which it might; however, if the fever and coughing are persistent or you have shortness of breath, don't hesitate to contact a provider immediately. If your bronchitis is preventing you from sleeping, accompanied by a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher or producing blood or discolored mucus, you should also seek medical attention immediately.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox, or varicella, causes a blister-like rash, itching and fever. While it's usually mild, chickenpox can cause dangerous complications in babies, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. The best prevention is the chickenpox vaccine.
Treatments for chickenpox
The chickenpox virus can't be cured medically, but you can relieve symptoms. Try over-the-counter lotions or oatmeal baths for itching. Acetaminophen treats fever and pain. Do NOT use aspirin, which can cause serious complications. Scratching blisters can cause infection. Keep your fingernails short and clean and wear loose clothing.
Seek medical care if you are experiencing any of the following conditions:
- Confusion, dizziness or difficulty walking
- Coughing or difficulty breathing
- Frequent vomiting or abdominal pain
- High fever or fever that lasts more than four days
- Infected skin or open sores
- Rashes near your eyes
If you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system, consult with a provider if you have any symptoms.
Chickenpox prevention
A vaccination against chickenpox can prevent you from getting the varicella virus. Though it is not always 100 percent effective, the symptoms will be milder if a vaccinated person develops the illness. Seek medical attention if you experience unusual complications from chickenpox.
Fifth disease
Fifth disease is a viral infection that mostly affects children, but adults can get it, too. The most obvious symptom is a red rash on the face that looks like a slapped cheek. Though fifth disease is less common among adults, it can cause joint pain and may develop into something more serious in pregnant women or people with weakened immune systems.
Fifth disease is caused by a virus, so it has to run its course. It usually lasts one to three weeks. No medications will shorten the illness. You can use over-the-counter treatments for fever, itching and joint pain.
Fungal infections
Fungal infections, or mycosis, are caused by fungi, which are common in the environment. Most fungi are not dangerous, but a small portion can be harmful to your health. In some cases, fungal infections can begin in the lungs since some fungi reproduce through airborne spores.
Anyone can get fungal infections, although some people are more prone to them than others. Fungal infections are more likely if you already have a weakened immune system or are taking antibiotics. In rare circumstances, fungi can cause serious conditions, such as fungal meningitis or a bloodstream infection. In these rare cases, you will need to go to the emergency room (ER) immediately.
Treatments for fungal infections
Fungal infections are most often spread through contact or airborne spores. Some fungal infections, like athlete's foot, are caused by dampness as well as contact. Occasionally, fungal infections need to be tested to help determine treatment. For some infections, over-the-counter antifungal powders, creams or ointments can help control them.
In general, you can help avoid fungal infections by:
- Applying anti-fungal cream
- Avoiding shared footwear
- Avoiding walking barefoot in public places
- Keeping feet dry and cool
- Keeping hands clean
- Keeping toenails short
- Staying inside during dust storms
- Wearing cotton clothing, especially underwear and socks
Fungal infections are prone to reoccur after the first incident. While some can be treated with over-the-counter products, a healthcare provider will be able to recommend the right antifungal medication and make sure your infection isn't something more serious.
Hand, foot and mouth disease
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a viral infection. It's most common in babies and children younger than five, but adults and older children can get it, too. It causes a rash on your hands, feet and other body parts and can also cause painful sores inside your mouth. Hand, foot and mouth disease is not the same as foot and mouth disease — also called hoof and mouth — which affects animals.
Easing symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease
There is no specific medical treatment for hand, foot and mouth disease. The infection will typically clear up with no treatment within 10 days. Over-the-counter or prescription treatments can be used to ease symptoms. Lotions and ointments can help with rashes and blisters while pain medication, except aspirin, can help with fever and discomfort.
For mouth blisters, these tips are recommended:
- Avoid citrus and fruit drinks
- Avoid spicy, salty or acidic foods
- Drink cold liquids (not carbonated)
- Suck on frozen popsicles
Children who can't swallow because of mouth sores may struggle with dehydration. Contact a healthcare provider if your child is not drinking enough or if their overall symptoms don't improve. Hand, foot and mouth disease can cause serious complications with pregnancy. Pregnant women who suspect they have been exposed should consult a healthcare provider immediately.
Laryngitis (inflamed voice box)
Laryngitis most often begins with a viral infection that causes an inflammation of your voice box, also known as the larynx. It usually lasts for a week, with symptoms worsening in the first few days. Hoarseness can last longer than a week because the voice box needs more time to heal.
Treatments for laryngitis
In most cases of laryngitis, only home treatment is needed. Home remedies include:
- Breathing in moist air by using a humidifier or vaporizer
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Resting your voice
- Using throat lozenges or other cough suppressants
Make sure to avoid smoking, including secondhand smoke, to help speed up your recovery. If you have chronic laryngitis or your laryngitis is caused by acid reflux or smoking, your healthcare provider may recommend other treatment options, including prescription medication.
Mononucleosis (mono)
Mononucleosis, or mono, is a viral infection that usually affects teens and young adults. Most adults are already immune. Mono can make you feel extremely tired, weak and feverish. It's generally not serious but can cause complications for people with a weakened immune system.
Mono was nicknamed "the kissing disease" because it can spread through kissing. The virus can also spread through coughing, sneezing or any contact with saliva. Symptoms don't show up right away, so you can spread the virus without realizing it.
Treatments for mono
The best treatment for mono is rest and drinking fluids. An over-the-counter painkiller may be suggested. Antibiotics won't help because mono is caused by a virus. There are also no vaccines for mono. If you get mono, the virus will stay in your system, but you probably won't have symptoms more than once.
Respiratory infections
Respiratory infections often begin with a viral infection in your nose, windpipe or lungs. If left untreated, infection can spread to the entire respiratory system.
Viruses spread easily from one person to another. They can be passed through sneezing, contact and sometimes inhalation and anyone can get a respiratory infection. Children, older adults and people with weak immune systems are especially at risk.
Infections are categorized into upper respiratory infections and lower respiratory infections. The most common lower respiratory infections are pneumonia and bronchitis, which can be viral or bacterial. Upper respiratory infections include the common cold, sinusitis, croup, pharyngitis and epiglottitis.
Treatments for respiratory infections
While you can generally treat common colds at home, other infections may need antibiotics. Lower respiratory infections like pneumonia and bronchitis are very serious. Antibiotics shouldn't be used to treat a common cold. You can take over-the-counter decongestant medicine and pain relievers to help relieve aches and pains.
You can generally treat common cold symptoms at home with rest, drinking lots of fluids, taking vitamin C, using vapor rub or a humidifier, consuming probiotics and taking warm baths with Epsom salt. Regularly disinfect hands, toys, doorknobs and other commonly used things to help you avoid viruses that cause respiratory infections.
Ringworm
Ringworm, also called tinea corporis, is a common skin infection caused by a fungus, not a worm. Ringworm most often creates a red, itchy rash shaped like a ring. It spreads easily and is very contagious. Ringworm is also known as athlete's foot on the feet and jock itch on the groin. Ringworm may affect the skin, scalp, feet, hands, groin, beard or nails.
Treatments for ringworm
In mild cases, over-the-counter antifungal creams and ointments can treat skin infections. If these treatments don't get rid of ringworm, a prescription-strength antifungal cream may help.
If you have ringworm on the scalp, seek care right away for a prescription antifungal medicine. You will also need a prescription medicine to treat ringworm under your nails. You can lower your risk of infection with a few simple changes:
- Avoid clothing that irritates the infection
- Clean and dry your skin often
- Do not share personal items, such as combs or clothing
- Wash bedding and clothing every day
- Wash your hands after playing with pets
Shingles
Shingles is a viral infection that shows up in almost one of every three people. Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles because the virus that causes chickenpox stays in your body and can reactivate later in life. It's most common in older adults. Unlike chickenpox, it is possible to get shingles more than once.
Shingles is a painful skin rash on one side of the body or face. The rash forms blisters that often look like stripes. A typical case lasts between two and four weeks.
You can't pass singles to someone else. However, if you have open blisters, you can pass the virus that causes shingles to someone who has never had chickenpox. That person could then develop chickenpox and would be at risk for shingles later in life.
Healing from shingles
There is no cure for shingles, but you may get prescribed an antiviral medicine to help you heal faster. Cool compresses on your skin may provide some pain relief. Healthcare providers may also recommend medications to treat pain.
A shingles vaccine is recommended for anyone age 60 or older. The vaccine is not 100 percent effective, but it can greatly lower your chances of getting shingles in the future. Shingles should be treated as soon as possible to prevent long-term damage.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, occurs when sinus tissue becomes inflamed or swollen. A cold, allergies, nasal polyps or a deviated septum can lead to sinusitis. Approximately 37 million Americans experience sinus infection symptoms at least once a year.
In children, some of the most common factors that result in sinusitis are allergies, exposure to other children with the illness and smoke in the environment. Adults most commonly develop the condition from infections and smoking.
Treatments for sinus infections
Since most sinus infections are viral, treatment will be focused on symptom relief. The doctor will determine when antibiotics are appropriate. In some instances, your doctor may recommend you visit an ear, nose and throat doctor, also known as an ENT. An ENT can perform a nasal endoscopy that allows insight into your sinuses.
West Nile virus
West Nile virus is most often transmitted from mosquitoes to humans. It's important to protect yourself against the virus by wearing mosquito repellent with DEET, repairing window screens and draining standing water, which serves as a breeding ground for mosquitos.
Treatments for West Nile virus
A vaccine does not exist for West Nile virus and neither does anti-viral medication or a set treatment method. In the more common, milder cases, symptoms pass on their own. For severe cases, people are often admitted to the hospital where they receive treatment that includes pain medication, intravenous fluids, breathing assistance and nursing care.