COVID testing in Baytown

COVID-19 Vaccines: Everything You Need to Know

As we all know, Covid-19 vaccine programs are already in an advanced stage with millions of people around the world having already been vaccinated. In the United States alone, where the vaccination program started in December 2020, over 170 million people have received at least one dose.

Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has authorized and recommended the use of the following vaccines: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson / Janssen.

Together with the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO), we encourage everyone to get the first vaccine available to them. All brands are safe, effective, and offer excellent protection against severe complications of COVID-19.

How do COVID vaccines work?

After recovering from a disease, you can get a certain amount of immunity against it. This is called natural immunity. However, experts do not know how long one’s natural immunity against COVID-19 would last. The risk itself far outweighs the benefits of developing natural immunity against it.

Vaccines, in general, help the body develop immunity against a disease. In the case of COVID-19 vaccines, a fully vaccinated person can become immune to the virus without having to get infected. This is called artificial immunity.

There are different types of vaccines and they all offer strong protection against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. However, antibodies against the virus are not created overnight.

After you get the shot, your body spends the coming weeks producing white blood cells. These include T-lymphocytes, which attack the infected cells in the body, and B-lymphocytes, which produce antibodies to attack the virus. So, if you get infected in the future, your body’s white blood cells can now remember how to fight the virus.

Why is getting vaccinated very important?

Following health protocols such as physical distancing, hand washing, and wearing masks are effective but not sustainable. Prolonged isolation has negative psychological effects and schools and businesses can’t stay closed forever or the economy will suffer. In order to stop the COVID-19 pandemic that has claimed millions of lives, everyone should get vaccinated and practice health protocols at the same time.

For everything to go back to normal, for everyone to enjoy the outdoors and each other’s company, for society to return to how it used to be, everyone should boost their immunity against the virus. This can be achieved through vaccination.

What are the benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine?

Here are the benefits you can enjoy from getting vaccinated against COVID:

  • Vaccines can keep you from spreading the virus.
  • Vaccines can prevent you from becoming critically ill if ever you get infected.
  • Vaccines do not only protect you but the people around you as well, especially those who are vulnerable and at risk for developing COVID-19 complications.
  • You can do activities without wearing masks and practicing physical distancing once you are fully vaccinated.

What COVID vaccines are available in the US?

The following brands of vaccines are currently authorized, recommended, and available in the US:

  • Pfizer-BioNTech
  • Moderna
  • Johnson & Johnson / Janssen
Vaccine brandMinimum age to receive the vaccineNumber of dosesYou are fully vaccinated after
Pfizer-BioNTech12 years old2 doses, 21 days apart2 weeks after the second dose
Moderna18 years old2 doses, 28 days apart2 weeks after the second dose
Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen18 years old1 dose2 weeks after the first dose

Answers to common questions about COVID-19 vaccines

To clear misconceptions about the vaccine, here are the answers to frequently asked questions:

Are COVID vaccines safe?

Yes. All the vaccines underwent the required clinical trials and were proven safe and effective before they were approved and authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the WHO.

Will I get sick with COVID if I get vaccinated?

No. The vaccines will not give you COVID-19 because they do not contain live SARS-CoV-2 virus.

What are some common side effects of COVID vaccines?

You are going to experience some side effects after you receive the vaccine. These are normal reactions of your body to the vaccine as it starts to build protection against COVID. Although these may affect your ability to perform daily activities, they generally last only for a few days.

The common side effects include:

  • Pain, swelling, and redness in the arm that received the shot
  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Nausea

You may increase your fluid intake and get some rest to ease your discomfort. You can also consult our doctors at UrgentCareMds to know what over-the-counter medicines can help you manage the side effects.

Can I still get COVID after being fully vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated individuals are not 100% immune to COVID-19, so they can still get infected. No vaccine can offer 100% protection, no matter what disease they are used for. However, you are protected from becoming critical and developing severe complications.

Can a vaccinated person give COVID to someone who’s unvaccinated?

There is a slim chance of this happening, but it may happen to those who belong to the vulnerable population. People with poor immune systems, those with chronic health conditions, and the elderly may not have the best response to the vaccines. Studies are still being conducted to monitor the effects of the vaccine on these patients.

Are COVID-19 vaccines safe for pregnant women?

Yes. The CDC encourages pregnant and breastfeeding women to receive the vaccine, especially because they are at an increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 complications than non-pregnant women.

How do I know if I’m fully vaccinated?

This depends on the vaccine:

  • Pfizer-BioNTech – 2 weeks after the second dose
  • Moderna – 2 weeks after the second dose
  • Janssen – 2 weeks after a single dose

Until you are fully vaccinated, you still need to follow minimum health standards for COVID-19.

Learn more about COVID-19 Testing in Baytown TX

At UrgentCareMDs, we understand the need of the community for safe and accessible medical care. In order to serve our patients better, we now offer PCR covid test in the following locations:

If you have any of the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to a known COVID case, simply walk-in to get tested. No appointment is needed at this time.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with our doctors in Baytown or Crosby  contact us.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

Flu, Fever, and Colds

Fever

Fever refers to elevated body temperature. Normal oral measurement is 98.6 F (37 C) or the normal rectal temperature is 99 F (37.2 C). Your normal temperature may actually be 1 F (0.6 C) or more above or below the average of 98.6 F. Fever is not considered medically significant until body temperature is above 100.4 F (38 C). Fever serves as one of the body’s natural defenses against bacteria and viruses. It is a non-specific symptom and can happen in both infectious and non-infectious diseases.

Fevers of 104 F (40 C) or higher demand immediate home treatment and subsequent medical attention, as they can result in body organ damage. It can also cause seizures in children and less commonly in adults. Go to nearest appropriate medical facility if you or your child has a high temperature. It’s best to take age appropriate dose of either acetaminophen or ibuprofen or contact your doctor ASAP if you are not sure what to do. YOUR DOCTOR IS YOUR BEST SOURCE OF MEDICAL INFORMATION. Untreated high temperature can cause side effects and could be a sign of serious underlying disease.

DONT’s

  • Never give aspirin to children or adolescents
  • Never immerse anyone with fever in ICE water
  • Tepid water baths (85 F 30) are OK
  • Wet towel is preferred
  • Never sponge an adult or child with alcohol, as this is dangerous
  • Don’t ignore a restless child with high fever, as kids are susceptible to febrile seizures

Common cold

The common cold, also known as a viral upper respiratory tract infection, is a self-limited contagious illness that can be caused by a number of different types of viruses. More than 200 different types of viruses are known to cause the common cold. In fact, children in preschool and elementary school can have three to 12 colds per year while adolescents and adults typically have two to four colds per year. The common cold is the most frequently occurring illness in the world, and it is a leading cause of doctor visits and missed days from school and work.

Common cold vs. Influenza

Common cold is frequently confused with influenza. The influenza virus causes influenza, while the common cold generally is not. While some of the symptoms of the common cold and influenza may be similar, patients with the common cold typically have a milder illness. Patients with influenza are usually sicker and have a more abrupt onset of illness with fever, chills, headache, body aches, dry cough, and extreme weakness. There is lab testing available at your doctor’s office to differentiate between common cold and influenza when the indication exists.

H1N1

The following is the best resource for up-to-date information and education related to flu for Texans. It’s really a comprehensive website for flu related questions specific to our area.
www.dshs.state.tx.us/txflu/splash/index.html

This CDC article about “H1N1 and You” answers the most commonly asked questions and is an excellent source of information.
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm

Urgent Care MDs: Here for all Your Medical Needs

At Urgent Care MDs we are always here to help. We treat a variety of emergencies, illnesses, and injuries. We are often the first point of contact when you have a health concern. We pride ourselves in accurately diagnosing and treating our patients.

For medical consultations, you can visit:

We are also offering covid testing at all our urgent care locations. Our experienced staff is ready to treat any acute illness or medical need that is not life-threatening.

Contact us today for any inquiries and to set an appointment. No matter your health needs,  we are here to provide the best care for you: our patients!

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

Treating Asthma

Dealing with Asthma

Asthma

Asthma is a disease that affects your lungs. It is one of the most common long-term diseases of children, but adults can have asthma too. The symptoms of asthma are wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and nighttime or early morning coughing. If someone in your family has asthma, you are also more likely to have it. You can control your asthma by knowing the warning signs of an attack, staying away from things that trigger an attack and following the advice of your doctor or other medical professional.

The following are some of the known triggers of asthma:

  • Tobacco Smoke
  • Dust Mites
  • Outdoor Air Pollution
  • Cockroach Allergen
  • Pets
  • Pollens
  • Mold
  • Strenuous physical exercise
  • Some medicines
  • High humidity or freezing temperatures
  • Smoke from burning wood, grass, or other vegetation
  • Some foods and additives
  • Severe emotional conditions

HAVE AN ASTHMA ACTION PLAN!

Important points to remember

  • Don’t wait to seek help if you think you are experiencing an acute asthma flare up that has not responded to your hand held rescue inhaler (albuterol).
  • Take your maintenance Asthma medicine even when you feel JUST FINE.

GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM IF:

  • Asthma attack is more severe than usual
  • No relief after appropriate rescue inhaler
  • Blue nail beds are noted
  • Child seem to be using Belly muscles too much (abdominal breathing)
  • Lower ribs seem to retract inward (rib retraction)
  • Any adult asthmatic having symptoms severe enough to keep him/her speaking in full sentences
  • Somnolence, confusion or any altered mental status in a patient experiencing asthma exacerbation is the sign of impending respiratory failure. Call 911 immediately if this happens.

Urgent Care MDs: Here for all Your Medical Needs

At Urgent Care MDs we are always here to help. We treat a variety of emergencies, illnesses, and injuries. We are often the first point of contact when you have a health concern. We pride ourselves in accurately diagnosing and treating our patients.

For medical consultations, you can visit:

We are also offering covid testing at all our urgent care locations. Our experienced staff is ready to treat any acute illness or medical need that is not life-threatening.

Contact us today for any inquiries and to set an appointment. No matter your health needs,  we are here to provide the best care for you: our patients!

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

Coping with COPD

Coping with COPD

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. COPD is a long-term lung disease usually caused by smoking. However, there are some other diseases that can cause COPD, even if the patient never smoked.
COPD includes a few lung diseases: the most common are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Many people with COPD have both of these diseases.

Symptoms

  • Shortness of breath
  • Increased mucus and coughing

Some people with COPD say it feels like they’re breathing through a straw.

What does COPD do to my lungs?

COPD slowly damages your airways, the breathing tubes that go in and out of your lungs. People with COPD have swollen and partly blocked airways. They can also have damage in the air sacs at the tips of their airways.

COPD makes it hard to breathe because:

  • The airways and air sacs in your lungs lose their shape and stretchiness
  • The walls between many of the air sacs are destroyed
  • The walls of the airways become thick and swollen
  • Cells in the airways make more mucus than usual, which blocks the airways

Many people with COPD have emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Causes

Smoking cigarettes is the main cause of COPD in 80 – 90 % of cases. Other things that can cause COPD are:

  • A rare genetic disorder known as ALPHA 1 ANTI TRYPSINE DEFICENCY
  • Second hand smoke
  • Air pollution (dust or chemicals)
  • Having repeated lung infections as a child

Anyone who smokes, or who smoked in the past, can get COPD. People with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, exposure to second-hand smoke or pollution, or many childhood chest infections, can also get it.

People usually notice COPD symptoms when they’re in their 40s, 50s or 60s. Often people think their COPD symptoms – feeling short of breath, wheezing or coughing – are a normal part of getting older.

Warning Signs Of Acute Flare-up

  • Worsening or shortness of breath and wheezing despite adequate medications
  • Increased phlegm production
  • Change in color of phlegm and fever might point towards development of pneumonia

What should you do in case of Flare-up of COPD

For mild cough or mild wheezing related to COPD, stay in air conditioning when it’s very humid outside. Also avoid very cold air. Extreme temperature and high humidity cause a lot of flare-ups. Avoid dust, smoke and other triggers. Call your doctor; he/she may prescribe you a short course of steroids to decrease the inflammation in your lungs, and maybe a short course of antibiotics, depending upon your specific medical issues

WHEN TO SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE

  • When you experience shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, which does not respond to the usual medications that your doctor has prescribed and you feel that your symptoms are actually getting worse.
  • Unable to speak in full sentences
  • Cynosis (blue discoloration) of finger tips, lips etc
  • Confusion or lethargy

Urgent Care MDs: Here for all Your Medical Needs

At Urgent Care MDs we are always here to help. We treat a variety of emergencies, illnesses, and injuries. We are often the first point of contact when you have a health concern, including dehydration. We pride ourselves in accurately diagnosing and treating our patients.

For medical consultations, you can visit:

We are also offering covid testing at all our urgent care locations. Our experienced staff is ready to treat any acute illness or medical need that is not life-threatening.

Contact us today for any inquiries and to set an appointment. No matter your health needs,  we are here to provide the best care for you: our patients!

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