Pneumonia

Urgent Care for Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a common lung infection. Air sacs become inflamed inside the lungs. Anyone can get this disease. But, those who have health conditions and are older are at higher risk.

If you suspect you are suffering from pneumonia, visit Bayside Urgent Care right away. Our medical staff is expert at treating this and other non-life-threatening emergencies.

What Are The Causes?

The most common causes are bacteria and viruses that enter our bodies through the air we breathe. Certain fungi can also cause the disease, but that is less common.

The most prevalent type of bacterial pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae. On the other hand, viral pneumonia is typically caused by:

• Influenza A and B
• RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection)
• Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19
• Rhinoviruses, parainfluenza viruses, and adenoviruses, which can also cause pinkeye

What are the Symptoms?

Symptoms range from moderate to severe. The seriousness of the infection depends on your age, health, and the type of germ causing the infection. With pneumonia, you may have the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Chills
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Dry cough
• Chest congestion
• Pain in your chest when coughing or breathing

If you are experiencing these symptoms, contact Bayside Urgent Care Center.

How Is The Disease Diagnosed?

We will perform tests like bloodwork or a chest x-ray to look at your lungs. Additionally, we check your vital signs, listen to your lungs, and talk with you about the symptoms you are experiencing.

What Are The Treatments?

If you have bacterial pneumonia, we will most likely prescribe antibiotics. It’s important to continue taking the antibiotics until the prescription is gone. To clarify, even if you start feeling better after a few days, complete taking the full prescription of antibiotics. If you don’t take all of the prescription, you may not kill all of the bacteria. The infection could return.

If you are suffering from viral pneumonia, antibiotics will not work. Instead, we may recommend medications like Tamiflu or others to keep flu viruses from spreading.

Besides medication, some additional ways to manage your symptoms are:

• Take aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or NSAIDs), or acetaminophen to lower fever.
• Drink plenty of fluids to help loosen secretions and help bring phlegm up.
• Drink warm beverages, use a dehumidifier, and take steamy baths or showers to open up your airways and ease breathing.
• Avoid cigarette smoke.
• Get lots of rest to give your body a chance to recover. That is to say, don’t overexert yourself until you are feeling stronger.

We may recommend not taking cough medicine because coughing is one of the main ways your body brings up phlegm and helps to get rid of the infection.

How Can I Prevent The Disease?

You can take the following precautions to prevent infection:

• Find out about available vaccines to prevent viral pneumonia.
• Practice good hygiene by washing your hands regularly with soap and water. Additionally, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is recommended.
• Avoid touching your nose and mouth to prevent the transfer of germs.
• Don’t smoke.
• Get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly to keep your immune system strong.

Does Bayside Urgent Care Center Accept Insurance?

Yes, we accept several major insurance carriers, including Medicare. If you are underinsured, uninsured, or prefer to pay out-of-pocket, we accept payment at the time of service. We also offer flexible and affordable payment plans.

Come in Anytime, We Can Help You!

We are located in Clearwater, Florida, conveniently located to Largo, Dunedin, Belleair, and Indian Rocks Beach. If you are having symptoms and suspect pneumonia, come in or call.

*Urgent care is not a substitute for emergency care. Always head to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if you are experiencing very serious or life-threatening problems.

Bayside Urgent Care is your alternative to the high costs and long waits at hospital emergency rooms. We believe that excellent healthcare should be affordable, and it’s our goal to never rush patients.

We are conveniently located in Clearwater, Florida. The center is only a short drive from nearby Clearwater Beach, Largo, Belleair, Dunedin, Countryside, Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, and Indian Rocks Beach.