MD Now Offers a Convenient and Affordable Alternative for Florida’s Epidemic Flu Season
West Palm Beach, Fla. (PRWEB) January 25, 2015 -- South Florida’s leading urgent care provider, MD Now Urgent Care, is prepared for what may be one of the worst flu seasons in years. Doctors have seen a steep, 30%-40% rise in flu cases in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties, with the peak of the season still weeks away. Already, complications due to influenza have claimed the lives of 15 children nationwide, including one in Florida.
Dr. Richard Besser, former acting director of the CDC and currently ABC’s Chief Medical Editor, warns that, “while this year’s strain of the virus is especially severe,” the flu “can always be deadly for children, the elderly and anyone with a compromised immune system.”
This year’s dominant strain of influenza, H3N2, was unanticipated. As a result, the current flu vaccine has not been particularly effective in preventing its spread. For those with mild to moderate flu symptoms, MD Now offers a convenient, cost-effective and high quality alternative to primary care physicians and emergency rooms.
“Unless a patient’s symptoms are serious or life-threatening, MD Now can provide appropriate care without an appointment or the long wait time,” explains Peter Lamelas, M.D., CEO and Medical Director of MD Now Urgent Care. “Even more important, our focus on the less critical cases frees up emergency personnel for patients experiencing life-threatening complications.”
If you aren’t yet infected, Dr. Lamelas recommends getting a flu shot before influenza strikes. “Even though this season’s vaccine isn’t totally effective, patients can still benefit.”
Dr. Nancy Snyderman, NBC News Chief Medical Editor, concurs. “Even though this year’s vaccine won’t protect you completely, it can minimize symptoms if you do get the flu.”
Specializing in both flu prevention and treatment, MD Now offers flu shots at all South Florida locations for the convenience of its patients. Walk-ins are welcome any day of the week between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., including holidays.
If it’s too late for the vaccine, Dr. Lamelas recommends early treatment with a prescription anti-viral medication within 72 hours of symptoms. “Even if the flu can’t be entirely prevented, taking the right precautions can shorten the duration and severity of the symptoms—ultimately keeping a mild case from becoming serious enough to send a patient to the emergency room.”
About MD Now Urgent Care Centers
MD Now® Urgent Care Walk-In Medical Centers is the leading provider of fast and affordable urgent care to adults and children in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties. Our state-of-the-art, walk-in medical centers are open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to deliver an affordable and convenient alternative to long emergency room wait times and the limited hours of family physicians. No appointment is necessary and major insurance plans are accepted. In addition to providing a comprehensive range of urgent care services to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries, our multiple locations offer digital x-rays, EKG, ultrasounds, lab testing, physicals, immunizations, vaccines, physical therapy, occupational medicine, travel medicine and selected primary care services. Discover medical care that treats you to the care you need now at MD Now. Call: 888-MDNow-911, online: http://www.MDNow.com.
Peter Lamelas, MD, MBA, FACEP, MD Now Urgent Care Walk In Medical Centers, http://www.MyMDNow.com, (561) 420-8555, [email protected]
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