Any time the immune system faces a threat, there’s the risk of infection. Infections most frequently occur in and around wounds, in the skin, and along the respiratory and digestive tracts. Although sometimes dismissed as minor health conditions, infections can become serious quickly and may even become life-threatening.
Signs and Symptoms
One of the most common symptoms of infection is a fever. A temperature above 101 degrees Fahrenheit is considered a fever severe enough for medical attention. Fevers also produce other signs, such as reduced appetite, chills, lethargy, and aches. If you are experiencing signs of a fever, even at a lower temperature, coupled with other symptoms of skin, urinary, respiratory, or digestive tract infections, you should seek treatment at a Medco ER & Urgent facility in Plano or Frisco.
Wound Infections
Recent cuts or surgical wounds are at higher risk of infection because it exposes the tissue under the skin to germs and bacteria that can grow and prevent the wound from properly healing. Skin and wound infections might appear swollen or irritated and feel warm to the touch, firm, or painful. An infected may also produce pus or discharge, a yellow crust on top, or foul odor. If you have a red streak that runs from your wound toward your heart, it is very important that you seek medical help immediately as your infected wound may have become life-threatening.
Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infections most often happen due to hospital visits, personal hygiene issues, or sexual activity. The signs of a urinary tract infection are relatively easy to spot and include pain or burning while urinating, changes in urination frequency, and changes to the smell of urine. Although easily treated, urinary infections do pose the risk of causing kidney infections and even kidney failure. This is why while there are over the counter medications and treatments to soothe the symptoms of a urinary tract infection, it’s important to see a doctor that can prescribe you the proper antibiotics to treat the infection.
Respiratory Tract Infections
Most often, respiratory tract infections occur as a complication to colds, sinus issues, or other illnesses. Respiratory infections are usually accompanied by coughing, phlegm, a runny nose, discolored mucus, scratchy or sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, congestion, and sneezing. While there is a wide range of respiratory tract infections with varying symptoms, some infections, such as Strep, can be very contagious. If you think that you may have a respiratory infection, it’s important to be treated promptly to prevent the development or a more severe condition and to prevent the spread of the infection to the public.
Gastroenteritis
Commonly referred to as stomach flu, Gastroenteritis is an infection of the digestive tract that can be caused by ingesting contaminated food or contacted with someone else who is infected. Symptoms of Gastroenteritis are watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever. It’s important to see a doctor if you are unable to keep liquids down for 24 hours, you have been vomiting for more than two days, you showing signs of dehydration, you have blood in your vomit or bowel movements, or you have a fever above 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you think you’re experiencing any of these conditions, contact a Medco ER & Urgent Care near you in Plano or Frisco so that we can help you avoid more serious complications. If symptoms worsen, including higher fever, unconsciousness, or severe pain, know that at all of our locations, we have minimal wait times and have staff standing by to help you immediately, 24/7. We are here to provide you and your family with the fastest professional care for any condition at any time.