Flu is Widespread in California This Season: LifeLong Medical Care's Immediate/Urgent Care Centers Can Help

BERKELEY, CA, December 22, 2017 (Newswire.com) - ​​The flu is already widespread in California this season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People at high risk of complications or who have trouble breathing should get a medical check-up for possible treatment with anti-viral drugs, recommends a LifeLong Medical Care doctor.

“The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year. But those at high risk or who get severe symptoms such as trouble breathing, should get seen right away," says Eric Henley, MD, Chief Medical Officer for LifeLong Medical Care.

"The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year. But those at high risk or who get severe symptoms such as trouble breathing, should get seen right away."

Eric Henley, MD, Chief Medical Officer, LifeLong Medical Care

People at high risk for flu complications include those over age 65, young children, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.

LifeLong Medical Care has two Immediate/Urgent Care Centers – in Berkeley and in San Pablo – that can provide care without an appointment for people who need medical attention.

"Treatment with antiviral drugs can prevent people at high risk from developing serious complications and shorten the duration of flu symptoms by one to two days. The drugs work best if started within the first 48 hours of the illness,” adds Dr. Henley.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

People who have the flu often have:

•   Fever or feeling feverish/chills

•   Cough

•   Sore throat

•   Runny or stuffy nose

•   Muscle or body aches

•   Headaches

•   Fatigue (very tired)

Pay particular attention to babies who get the flu. In addition to the signs above, the CDC recommends parents get medical help immediately if a baby is showing any of these signs:

•   Unable to eat

•   Trouble breathing

•   No tears when crying

•   Significantly fewer wet diapers than normal

To visit or for more information:

LifeLong Immediate/Urgent Care – Berkeley is open 6 days a week, Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm. Holiday hours: 9 am to 5 pm. 2001 Dwight Way (located on the first floor of Herrick Campus, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center), Berkeley. Phone: (510) 204-7979.

NOTE: LifeLong Immediate/Urgent Care Center Berkeley is OPEN from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

LifeLong Immediate/Urgent Care – San Pablo is open 7 days a week, Monday – Friday: 10 am – 8 pm, Saturday & Sunday: 9 am – 5 pm. 2023 Vale Road (across the street from former Doctor’s Medical Center), San Pablo. Phone: (510) 231-9800.

NOTE: LifeLong Immediate/Urgent Care Center San Pablo will be CLOSED on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

About LifeLong Medical Care: Established 41 years ago, LifeLong Medical Care is an innovative, non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center serving Alameda, Contra Costa, and Marin Counties with 15 health centers, three dental centers, an adult day health center, four school-based health centers, a supportive housing program, and immediate/urgent care services. For more information visit: www.lifelongmedical.org.

Source: LifeLong Medical Care