Got the Flu? Should You Go to the ER or Come to HCE?
This year, the influenza virus has run rampant throughout the country. Most states in the South— including Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma— have suffered from a high density of outbreaks of the virus. Typically, the strain of influenza encountered at the beginning of the flu season is influenza A. This year, however, more cases of influenza B have been reported. Influenza B is more likely to affect children and young adults, so it is important to make sure they get the flu shot to provide them with the best protection available to other strains of the flu virus. The CDC estimates that this year this strain has already taken the lives of around 2,100 people due to the virus itself or from related complications. While the outbreak has been uncharacteristically severe, this strain of the flu has shown high susceptibility to anti-viral medications!
With so many cases of the flu being reported, emergency rooms across the United States are being flooded with patients seeking treatment for their illness.
But is the emergency room the best place to go to seek care for the flu?
While ERs are equipped to treat patients with the flu, it is better suited to aid those who are suffering from more serious complications. Those suffering from normal flu or flu-like symptoms should seek care at their nearest urgent care facility, such as HealthCARE Express.
The average flu symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Muscle and body aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Minor nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
HealthCARE Express can provide patients with more timely and affordable care to patients suffering from the flu than those crowded emergency rooms. Even without insurance, a visit to HealthCARE Express is more cost-effective than a visit to the emergency room. Without insurance, a visit to the ER can run patients a bill that can reach up to $1,000 or more. The average visit to HealthCARE Express for someone without insurance, on the other hand, costs around $120. With insurance, the cost drops even more depending on your insurance’s copay price!
So, save yourself time and money this year by visiting HealthCARE Express for the flu or for any flu-like symptoms. Click HERE to find your nearest HealthCARE Express clinic!
