At Doral Urgent Care, we understand that your child’s health is your top priority. Our compassionate team is here to offer expert pediatric care for a wide range of concerns. If you’re searching for a trusted Urgent Care Health Clinic or need an Urgent Care Doctor Near Me, don’t hesitate to visit us. Quick, friendly, and professional care is just minutes away!

What is Pediatric Urgent Care?

Pediatric urgent care centers specialize in treating children, offering care that’s faster and more accessible than an emergency room, but just as effective for mild to moderate medical issues. These clinics are staffed by healthcare professionals trained in pediatric medicine, ensuring your child gets age and size-appropriate treatment.

Unlike traditional urgent care facilities, pediatric clinics are customized to meet the unique needs of children, from smaller medical tools to kid-friendly environments that ease anxiety. Knowing when to opt for urgent care versus other options, such as a family doctor or ER, can help you efficiently address your child’s healthcare needs.

Common Illnesses Treated at an Urgent Care for Children

1. Respiratory Illnesses

Coughs, colds, and other upper respiratory infections are extremely common in children. Viral illnesses like the flu, croup, or RSV can often start suddenly, leaving parents worried and unsure about the next steps. Pediatric urgent care clinics can diagnose and provide supportive care for these conditions, ensuring complications are minimized.

• Ear and Throat Issues

Ear infections and sore throats are another frequent complaint among children. Swollen tonsils, strep throat, or middle ear infections cause significant discomfort, but these can be quickly diagnosed and treated with medications or lifestyle recommendations from an urgent care professional.

• Fever Management

Fevers in children can be alarming, particularly for infants and toddlers. Yet not every fever calls for an ER visit. Children’s urgent care facilities are equipped to evaluate fever causes, test for underlying infections, and offer guidance or treatment to help parents manage symptoms effectively.

• Skin Conditions

Rashes, insect bites, or allergic reactions can appear unexpectedly. Whether it’s hives, poison ivy, or an unexplained skin irritation, an urgent care clinic can assess the condition and provide immediate relief through topical treatments or antihistamines.

Addressing Common Childhood Injuries

Children are naturally curious and adventurous, which makes accidents inevitable. Pediatric urgent care centers can handle a variety of minor injuries, including:

• Cuts and Scrapes – Lacerations that require cleaning, stitches, or bandaging.
• Sprains and Strains – Non-severe joint or muscle injuries are evaluated and treated with advice for rest, ice, compression, or elevation.
• Minor Fractures – Clinics with X-ray services can diagnose and splint small bone fractures, with timely referrals to specialists if necessary.
• Burns – Mild to moderate burns from spills or household accidents can be treated with appropriate wound care.

When injuries occur, a nearby urgent care facility can provide immediate attention, preventing further complications and promoting faster recovery.

The Benefits of Pediatric Urgent Care

Urgent care centers fill a valuable space in the healthcare system for busy families. Pediatric-specific clinics offer several advantages, including:

• Short Wait Times – Unlike emergency rooms, which prioritize severe cases, urgent care clinics typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis, minimizing delays.
• Comprehensive Services – Many centers provide X-rays, lab testing, and on-site prescriptions, making it easy to address multiple symptoms in one visit.
• Convenient Hours – Pediatric urgent care clinics often have extended evening and weekend hours, ensuring your child receives care when their doctor’s office is closed.
• Reduced Stress for Parents – When every minute counts, having access to a trusted Urgent Care Doctor Near Me can be a lifesaver.

When to Go to Urgent Care vs. the ER

Urgent care is suitable for non-life-threatening situations, while the ER should be reserved for critical emergencies. Signs that require an ER visit include:

• Severe breathing problems or choking
• Unconsciousness or seizures
• Deep, uncontrolled bleeding
• Suspected poisoning

For all other concerns, especially mild to moderate illnesses or injuries, pediatric urgent care is often the most sensible choice.

Your Partner in Pediatric Care

Whether it’s managing a fever, treating a small injury, or simply addressing your concerns, knowing that you have a professional pediatric care team nearby can make all the difference. At Doral Urgent Care, our mission is to deliver high-quality care when you need it most.

Trust Doral Urgent Care for Your Child’s Health

Looking for support when your child isn’t feeling their best? At Doral Urgent Care, we specialize in providing compassionate, fast, and reliable pediatric care for a wide variety of illnesses and injuries. Our friendly team is here to ensure your child feels comfortable while receiving the expert care they deserve.

Don’t wait for long appointments or head straight to a busy ER when help is closer than you think. Visit our warm, family-centered Urgent Care Health Clinic today at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 for tailored care designed just for your little one. Call 1-718-367-2555 or head over to https://doraluc.org to learn more about how a trusted Urgent Care Near Me can support your family’s health needs. When it comes to your child’s well-being, you can count on us to be there every step of the way.

If you’re looking for high-quality, compassionate care, Doral Urgent Care is here to help. Our trusted team provides expert treatment for a wide range of non-life-threatening conditions. Find an Urgent Care Doctor in Brooklyn or visit our welcoming Urgent Care Clinic to experience professional care when you need it the most.

What to Bring to Your Urgent Care Visit

1. Your Medical History

Having a clear picture of your health background can make it easier for the medical team to understand any underlying conditions or risk factors contributing to your current symptoms. Key items include:

• A list of any chronic illnesses or prior hospitalizations.
• Medications you are currently taking, including dosages.
• Allergies to medications, foods, or other substances.

It’s helpful to bring all this information written down or stored on your phone for easy reference.

• Identification and Insurance Information

Make sure to have a valid photo ID and your health insurance card ready. Many urgent care clinics require these documents for registration and coverage verification. If you’re unsure whether your insurance is accepted, it’s always a good idea to call ahead and confirm.

• A Description of Your Symptoms

Clearly expressing your symptoms can help your provider make an accurate diagnosis. Take a moment beforehand to note details such as:

• Onset – When did your symptoms begin?
• Severity – How intense are your symptoms, on a scale of 1 to 10?
• Triggers – What seems to make your symptoms better or worse?
• Duration – Are the symptoms constant or do they come and go?

The more detailed you are, the easier it will be for the provider to assess your situation and determine the best course of action.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Urgent care is designed to provide efficient, effective care that bridges the gap between a regular doctor’s appointment and the emergency room. Here’s a step-by-step look at what typically happens during a visit:

• Check-In – When you arrive, you’ll typically fill out registration forms, provide your ID and insurance card, and briefly describe your primary complaint. This step helps the care team prepare before they see you.
• Triage – A nurse or medical assistant will take your vital signs—such as blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate—and ask questions about your symptoms. This allows them to prioritize care based on the severity of your condition.
• Consultation – You’ll meet with a healthcare provider who will review your history, assess your symptoms, and likely perform a physical examination. Depending on your condition, they may recommend diagnostic tests such as blood work or X-rays, which can often be completed on-site at the clinic.
• Treatment and Follow-Up – Once you’ve been diagnosed, your provider will explain your treatment plan, which could include medications, wound care, or further diagnostic testing. You’ll also receive instructions for at-home care and any follow-up steps, which may include scheduling a visit with your primary care provider or a specialist.

Tips for Communicating with Your Provider

Clear communication is essential for an effective urgent care visit. Here’s how to ensure you’re providing the most useful information:

• Be honest and thorough – Don’t downplay or exaggerate symptoms. Provide a complete and honest overview of what you’re experiencing.
• Ask questions – If you don’t understand part of your diagnosis or treatment plan, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. Your provider is there to help.
• Provide updates – If your symptoms change while at the clinic, inform the staff immediately.

By being proactive in communicating, you can help ensure the best possible care during your visit.

Prevention Tips to Reduce the Need for Urgent Care

While some health issues are unavoidable, others can be prevented with a little advance planning and attention to self-care. Here are a few tips to maintain your overall health:

• Stay vaccinated – Ensure you’re up-to-date on vaccines like the flu shot and COVID-19 boosters to protect yourself from common illnesses.
• Wash your hands frequently – Proper hygiene can reduce the spread of infections and viruses.
• Recognize when to seek care early – Addressing minor issues with your primary care provider can prevent them from turning into urgent concerns later.

Taking these precautions ensures you maintain your health and minimizes unnecessary trips to urgent care facilities.

Get Expert Care at Doral Urgent Care

When an urgent health concern arises, having a trusted clinic to turn to can make all the difference. At Doral Urgent Care, we’re dedicated to providing professional, patient-centered care to meet your needs.

Take the Stress Out of Urgent Care Visits

Our experienced team at Doral Urgent Care is here to help you feel better quickly and efficiently. From diagnosing illnesses to addressing minor injuries, we are fully equipped to handle a wide range of conditions. Searching for an Urgent Care Doctor Near Me or need immediate attention at a reputable Urgent Care Clinic? We take pride in delivering high-quality care that puts your health and peace of mind first.

Call us at 1-718-367-2555  or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 to check wait times or schedule an appointment. Whether it’s your first visit or a follow-up, we’re ready to provide the reliable care you need. Trust us to be your partner in wellness, wherever and whenever you need us. Don’t wait—take control of your health today.

If an injury or illness does occur, Doral Urgent Care is here for you with fast and reliable care. Whether you need treatment for a sprain, burn, or minor infection, our expert team is ready to provide immediate assistance. Visit us anytime for top-notch medical care aimed at helping you feel better as quickly as possible.

Tips to Avoid Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains are among the most frequent injuries treated at urgent care centers. These occur when ligaments, muscles, or tendons are stretched or torn, often during sports or everyday activities. Preventing these injuries starts with paying attention to your activities and your body.

• Warm Up Before Activities – Stretching and warming up increases blood flow to your muscles, making them more flexible and less prone to injury. Whether you’re heading to the gym or doing yard work, take five to ten minutes to prepare your body.
• Wear Proper Footwear – Shoes that offer adequate support can reduce your risk of ankle sprains. Avoid wearing high heels for extended periods, as they increase the likelihood of tripping or rolling your ankle.
• Strengthen Supporting Muscles – Exercises focused on balance and strength can help stabilize your joints and prevent injuries. Doing regular workouts that target your core and lower body can make a huge difference.
• Be Cautious About Your Environment – Take care of tripping hazards in your home, such as loose rugs or cluttered pathways. Outdoors, watch out for uneven ground or slippery surfaces that may lead to a fall.

Reduce the Risk of Burns

Burns can range from minor to severe, but many of them can be avoided with some simple precautions in the kitchen, at home, or outdoors.

• Practice Kitchen Safety – Always keep pot handles turned inward on the stove and take care when working with hot liquids. Use oven mitts and never leave cooking unattended.
• Be Mindful with Hot Objects – Irons, hair styling tools, and heating elements should never be left on and unattended. Make sure to keep them out of reach of children.
• Take Precautions When Grilling or Lighting Fires – If you enjoy outdoor cooking, ensure the grill or firepit is set on a stable surface and far from flammable materials. Always have water or a fire extinguisher nearby.

Preventing Common Infections

Illnesses like respiratory infections, stomach bugs, and skin infections bring many people to urgent care every year. Most infections spread through germs, but with some simple health habits, you can reduce your risk.

• Wash Your Hands Often – Effective handwashing is one of the easiest ways to prevent infections. Use soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, preparing food, or being in public places.
• Stay Hydrated and Rested – A healthy immune system depends on proper hydration and adequate sleep. Make sure you’re drinking water throughout the day and getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
• Don’t Ignore Small Cuts or Wounds – If you have a small cut or scrape, clean it immediately, apply an antibacterial ointment, and cover it with a bandage. This prevents bacteria from entering and causing an infection.
• Avoid Close Contact When Sick – Colds, the flu, and respiratory infections spread easily through coughing, sneezing, or touching shared surfaces. If you or someone close to you is sick, maintain distance and disinfect surfaces often.

When You Need Immediate Care

Despite the best precautions, accidents and illnesses can still happen. Knowing when to seek professional care is essential. Symptoms like severe pain, swelling, difficulty breathing, or a high fever shouldn’t be ignored. It’s important to get treated sooner rather than later to prevent complications.

At Doral Urgent Care, we provide fast, effective treatment for a wide range of non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses. Our dedicated team of medical professionals is equipped to handle everything from sprains to infections with minimal wait times and expert care. If your health or safety is compromised, don’t hesitate to visit us.

Trust Doral Urgent Care for Your Immediate Health Needs

Accidents and illnesses don’t have to disrupt your life. At Doral Urgent Care, we’re here to provide quick, compassionate care when you need it most. Our state-of-the-art facilities and highly trained staff ensure that every patient receives the personalized attention they deserve. We specialize in treating minor injuries and infections with the tools and expertise to get you back on track quickly and safely.

Take control of your health today. Whether it’s for a sudden injury, a persistent illness, or even preventive guidance, Doral Urgent Care is your trusted partner in health. Walk into one of our convenient locations, or contact us online at info@doraluc.org to learn more about our services. You can also call us at 1-718-367-2555. We look forward to being here for you when it counts the most.

At Doral Urgent Care, we’re committed to providing you with expert, timely care when you need it most. Our team not only addresses your immediate health concerns but also ensures you’re set up for a smooth recovery, including guidance on follow-up care. Contact us to experience compassionate healthcare designed with your needs in mind.

Why Follow-Up Care is Essential

Urgent care centers are designed to provide fast and effective treatment for non-life-threatening conditions. However, a single visit may not be enough to complete your recovery. Follow-up care helps ensure the treatment you received is working as intended and allows healthcare providers to monitor your progress. Here’s why it matters:

1. Ensuring Proper Recovery

After urgent care, follow-up appointments can confirm that injuries are healing or infections are clearing up as expected. For example, if you were treated for a sprain, your healthcare provider could evaluate your mobility and make adjustments to your recovery plan, such as recommending physical therapy.

• Addressing Complications

Sometimes, unexpected complications can surface after treatment. Follow-up care helps detect issues early, such as infections at wound sites or side effects from prescribed medications. Early intervention can prevent these complications from becoming more serious.

• Coordinating Long-Term Care

Many health concerns require ongoing management beyond what can be addressed in a single visit. Follow-up care with your primary care provider (PCP) ensures continuity in your treatment. For instance, if you were diagnosed with high blood pressure during an urgent care visit, your PCP can develop a long-term plan to manage it.

How Urgent Care and Primary Care Work Together

Urgent care and primary care are complementary when it comes to your health. While urgent care addresses immediate needs, primary care provides long-term health management and support. Effective communication between the two is key to seamless healthcare.

At Doral Urgent Care, records from your visit are easily shared with your primary care provider to ensure they stay updated. This allows your PCP to incorporate the care you received into your ongoing health plan.

Tips for Successful Follow-Up Care:

• Schedule Appointments Promptly: Don’t wait too long after your urgent care visit to see your PCP, especially if your condition requires monitoring.
• Provide Complete Information: Share details about your urgent care treatment, such as medications prescribed or tests performed, to help your PCP tailor your care plan.
• Keep a Recovery Journal: Note any new or persistent symptoms as you recover, so you can discuss them during your follow-up visit.

Making Follow-Up Care Convenient and Effective

Follow-up care doesn’t have to be a hassle. Many primary care providers now offer telemedicine appointments, making it easier to check in without leaving your home. Whether in person or virtual, follow-ups are quick yet vital to your recovery and long-term health.

Additionally, if you don’t already have a primary care provider, urgent care staff can often assist in connecting you with one. The goal is to ensure you have the support you need for continued care.

Doral Urgent Care is Here for You

Your health doesn’t stop after you leave our clinic, and neither does our commitment to your well-being. Doral Urgent Care partners with you to address your immediate medical needs while guiding you toward successful follow-up care for a full recovery. Our close coordination with primary care providers ensures that your treatment is uninterrupted and effective.

Don’t wait to take control of your health. Visit Doral Urgent Care for expert, compassionate care when it matters most. From diagnosing and treating sudden health concerns to supporting you through the recovery process, our team is ready to assist you every step of the way. . You can call us at 1-718-367-2555 or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212. You can also visit our website at https://doraluc.org.

Your recovery is our priority. Schedule your appointment with Doral Health & Wellness today and experience healthcare designed with your needs in mind. Whether it’s monitoring your progress or coordinating long-term care, we’re committed to helping you stay healthy and strong. Reach out today and see why our patients trust us for both immediate and ongoing care!

At Doral Urgent Care, we prioritize your health and well-being with timely and compassionate care. Whether you’re dealing with an unexpected minor illness or injury, our team is here to help you feel better quickly. Visit us today to experience expert care in a supportive environment designed with your needs in mind.

What is Urgent Care?

Urgent care centers are designed to bridge the gap between your primary care provider and the emergency room. They are the go-to option when you cannot wait for an appointment but don’t need the level of attention required for life-threatening situations like heart attacks or strokes. Most urgent care facilities offer extended hours, walk-in visits, and a wide range of services to address minor injuries and illnesses.

Understanding what conditions can be treated at urgent care can save you time, money, and stress. Below, we’ll walk you through some of the most common issues managed at these convenient clinics.

1. Minor Injuries

Accidents happen, and when they do, urgent care centers are often the ideal place to go. For instance, you can seek treatment for:

• Sprains and Strains – Twisting an ankle or pulling a muscle can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving. Urgent care providers can assess the injury, recommend rest, and even provide braces or supports if necessary.
• Cuts and Lacerations – If you’ve sustained a cut that’s deep or won’t stop bleeding, but doesn’t require emergency intervention, urgent care is the place to go. Many centers can clean wounds, apply stitches if needed, and provide care to prevent infection.
• Minor Burns – Small burns from hot surfaces or liquids can be painful and may require evaluation. Urgent care clinics offer treatment to relieve discomfort and promote healing.
• Simple Fractures – Some urgent care facilities have X-ray capabilities and can manage minor fractures, splinting or casting the area as needed.
• Common Illnesses

When you’re feeling under the weather, urgent care centers are ready to provide relief for several illnesses. Some of the most common conditions treated include:

• Flu and Cold Symptoms – Severe congestion, persistent coughing, and high fevers are perfect examples of when urgent care can help. Physicians can provide medications and tips to alleviate symptoms and help you recover faster.
• Sore Throats and Strep Throat – A scratchy or severely sore throat might need more than just home remedies. Urgent care centers can perform throat swabs to diagnose infections like strep throat and prescribe the appropriate antibiotics.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) – For symptoms like burning during urination or frequent trips to the bathroom, urgent care clinics offer tests and treatments to resolve the infection quickly.
• Sinus Infections – When sinus pressure and congestion persist or worsen, urgent care staff can prescribe medications to treat bacterial sinus infections.
• Skin Conditions

Skin problems like rashes, insect bites, and mild infections are also commonly handled at urgent care clinics. If you notice unexplained redness, itchiness, or swelling, a visit to urgent care can help identify the cause and provide soothing treatments.

• Asthma and Allergic Reactions

Mild asthma flare-ups or allergic reactions that don’t involve severe swelling or difficulty breathing can be treated at urgent care. Providers can prescribe inhalers or antihistamines to improve symptoms quickly.

Reasons to Choose Doral Health & Wellness

When unexpected injuries or illnesses disrupt your day, having reliable care you can turn to is invaluable. At Doral Urgent Care, our Urgent Care team is equipped to provide expert attention for all your urgent care needs. Whether it’s treating a sprained ankle, diagnosing an infection, or easing flu symptoms, we’re committed to helping you feel better as soon as possible.

Don’t delay care when you need it most. Schedule an appointment or visitDoral Urgent Care for trusted, compassionate care when you need it. You can call us at 1-718-367-2555 or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212. You can also visit our website at https://doraluc.org. Our modern facilities, experienced team, and patient-centered approach ensure you’ll receive high-quality treatment tailored to your health needs.

Take control of your health today. From walk-in visits to personalized follow-ups, Doral Health & Wellness is here to support you every step of the way. Trust us to be your partner in health, and experience the convenience and care you deserve. Reach out today to discover how we can help you feel your best!

What is herd immunity and how does it work?

Herd immunity is very important to gain protection from contagious diseases like smallpox, measles, mumps, polio, and COVID-19. Herd immunity can offer some levels of protection to people who are unvaccinated primarily because it reduces the chance of a disease spreading within the community. In other words, if most people are immune, herd immunity can protect the vulnerable portion of the population by reducing the risk of infection between an infected person and a vulnerable person. To develop herd immunity against a highly contagious disease, around 70% to 90% of a population needs to be immune. This is the way it is believed a population can develop herd immunity. However, depending on the severity of the infection, the herd immunity entry can be as low as 40%.

To develop herd immunity, there are two ways:

1. Vaccination:

This is the best way to develop herd immunity to break the chain of infection. The indirect protection of herd immunity is based on how many people are vaccinated within a community. In this way, it is possible to protect people who are not vaccinated such as newborns, pregnant women, or immunocompromised patients. However, the indirect protection achieved is based on vaccine-based herd immunity which varies from one geographic location to another depending on geographically variable factors like vaccine efficacy and coverage.

However, vaccine-based herd immunity also has some disadvantages like some vaccine’s efficacy is reduced over time and people who fail to get a booster dose may lose its benefits. Moreover, people who didn’t take all the vaccines may not be able to develop complete protection against vaccine-preventable diseases. If the population has a lower vaccination rate, the risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases is higher. One of the biggest reasons for this outbreak is the lack of herd immunity. Moreover, people who don’t believe in vaccination mostly live in the same community, dropping the percentage of vaccinated people in that community. If the percentage goes below the percentage required for developing herd immunity, exposure to infectious diseases can increase and lead to the rapid spread of the disease within the community.

2. Previous infection:

Another way to develop herd immunity is to get healed from infection. In this case, herd immunity can be achieved if a large portion of a population gets infected, recovers from a contagious disease, and develops antibodies against the disease-causing pathogen. For example, people who recovered from the deadly influenza pandemic in 1918 eventually became resistant to the H1N1 influenza A virus. However, this type of herd immunity can be risky if the antibodies fail to protect against a pathogen in the long term. For example, studies have found that people previously infected with common coronaviruses can get re-infected with the same viruses after some months or years. In the case of COVID-19, recent studies found that previous infections of novel coronavirus can only protect the person from another infection for only a limited time of 5 months.

How is herd immunity important for influenza prevention?

Herd immunity is important for influenza prevention because it can help protect many people around us. Many viruses cause the flu and the only way to prevent it is to get the flu shot. The flu shot is based on research on strains that will be most common in a given year. These shots can protect against 4 different viruses, prevent deaths, especially in children, and lower the rate of serious disease and hospitalizations. When the majority of people within a community get flu shots, then the risk of infection spreading to vulnerable people will be significantly reduced.

Why are flu shots necessary?

Vaccines have saved many lives over the years because they protect us from illnesses that cause serious complications. Additionally, when individuals get vaccinated, through herd immunity, the vaccines play a major role in protecting people who are unable to get any vaccines due to compromised immune systems or being too old/young. Getting a flu shot can offer protection that prevents outbreaks and keeps everyone safe. The ideal time to get a flu shot is from September through October. This time allows the vaccine to give the best protection during the length of flu season as it takes at least 2 weeks to develop antibodies in your body.

The vaccine protects you from getting the flu during flu season and protects everyone you come in contact with (from your grandma to your pregnant friend to the stranger sitting next to you on public transport) who is not vaccinated due to allergy. If enough people like you get the vaccine, it protects the entire population, especially people who can’t get the flu vaccine themselves (these groups of people include children who are younger than 6 months, people with life-threatening allergies to the flu vaccine, or any of its ingredients, and people who have a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare but serious autoimmune disorder).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you can spread the flu to others at a distance of up to 6 feet by sneezing, coughing, or just talking even before the symptoms show up. So, if you do contract the flu, it’s nearly impossible for you to prevent spreading it to someone else. This increases the risk of people who can’t get vaccinated getting infected with the flu; however, with the majority of the population vaccinated, the risk of getting the flu is much lower even without getting the vaccine themselves.

Most people who get the flu may not become critically ill and get better after a few days’ rest. Some people can develop serious complications which can lead to death. Young children, adults over 65 years, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing illnesses including asthma, diabetes, cancer, lung disease, and other medical conditions are more prone to getting the flu and becoming severely ill. For them, getting a flu infection means several weeks in the hospital. The CDC estimates that 310,000 people (about half the population of Wyoming) were hospitalized because of the flu during 2015-2016. In 2017, flu deaths topped 80,000.

If you find yourself thinking maybe you shouldn’t get the flu shot this year, remember it not only protects you but others as well. If you don’t want to do it for yourself, then do it for those whose lives matter to you.

Achieving herd immunity is crucial to prevent influenza or other serious illnesses that spread quickly and can put people’s lives at risk of severe complications or even death. Herd immunity can protect people who can’t get vaccinated due to several factors and even help to eliminate the condition from the community. That’s why the majority of people should get vaccinated to develop immunity for themselves and people who depend on it.

If you need help to get a flu shot, visit our Brooklyn clinic to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now!!! Doral Health and Wellness has several urgent care clinics around New York that can cater to your family’s medical needs. We also have the best medical providers, physicians and staff that are highly trained in their respective specialties. To know more about the locations of our urgent care clinics, you can visit us at Doral Health and Wellness. If you are looking for urgent care near you, you can visit Doral Health and Wellness Urgent Care. We provide urgent care for common illnesses and injuries. Additionally, we also provide comprehensive care for any related injuries and health problems. We also offer other services, such as vaccinations, immunizations, and blood testing. For more info, visit us or call +1-718-367-2555.

Types of Seizures and their symptoms

There are two types of Seizures:

1. Focal onset seizures: This type of seizure starts on one part of the brain. You don’t lose your consciousness in this type of seizure. But you can’t control your actions and thoughts while having a seizure. After the seizure is over you will not remember a thing. The symptoms of focal onset seizures are:

• Change in the sense of taste, smell, sight, hearing, or touch
• dizziness
• tingling and twitching of limbs
• staring blankly at nothing
• unresponsiveness
• performing repetitive movements

2. Generalized seizures: This type of seizure involves distinct parts of the brain all at once. You lose consciousness in this type of seizure. This type of seizure is dangerous because it makes you unaware of your surroundings and can lead to injuries. This type of seizure has a further 6 subtypes:

• Absence Seizure: This type of seizure is also called petit mal seizures. It can cause a loss of awareness, staring at nothing, and perform some repetitive movements like lip-smacking, blinking, or moving arms or legs continuously.
• Tonic Seizure: This seizure can cause sudden stiffness in the muscles of the arms, legs, and trunk.
• Atonic Seizure: This seizure can cause loss of muscle control. This seizure is called a drop seizure because a sudden loss of your muscle can make you fall immediately.
• Clonic Seizure: This type of seizure can cause repeated jerky movements of muscles of the face, neck, and arms.
• Myoclonic Seizure: This type of seizure can cause uncontrolled twitching of arms and legs.
• Tonic-clonic Seizure: This type of seizure is also called grand mal seizure. Its symptoms are:
  • stiffening of the body
  • Shaking
  • loss of bladder or bowel control
  • biting of tongue
  • loss of consciousness

What to do in case of Seizure?

Although not all seizures require emergency medical attention, remember you can’t stop a seizure once it starts. You should try to keep the person safe until the seizure stops on its own. Most of the seizures stop in a few minutes. First aid treatment varies according to the type of seizure:

If a person has a mild seizure:

• Keep yourself calm.
• Check if they have a medical bracelet.
• Make sure the person is out of the way of any sharp objects or things that might harm them.
• Stay with the person until his/her seizure is over and he/she is fully awake.
• Once awake, tell them what happened and offer any assistance they might need (for example- help them get home safely).

If a person has a tonic-clonic seizure (which can cause uncontrollable shaking or jerking):

• Help to ease them on the ground.
• Turn them gently on their side to make breathing easy and prevent a choking hazard.
• Clear away any hard/sharp objects to prevent injury.
• Put something soft under their head.
• If they wear eyeglasses, remove them.
• Loosen tight clothes, especially around the neck and chest (that may give them a tough time breathing).
• If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes call 911, or the local emergency number.

THINGS NOT TO DO

If someone is having a seizure, never:

• Hold them down.
• Try to stop the involuntary jerks/movements.
• Put anything in their mouth.
• Give them CPR or mouth-to-mouth breathing.
• Offer them food or water (until they feel fully alert).

Have any questions? Doral Health and Wellness has several urgent care clinics around New York that can cater to your family’s medical needs. We also have the best medical providers, physicians and staff that are highly trained in their respective specialties. To know more about the locations of our urgent care clinics, you can visit us at Doral Health and Wellness. If you are looking for urgent care near you, you can visit Doral Health and Wellness Urgent Care. We provide urgent care for common illnesses and injuries. Additionally, we also provide comprehensive care for any related injuries and health problems. We also offer other services, such as vaccinations, immunizations, and blood testing. For more info, visit us or call +1-718-367-2555.

Common epilepsy triggers

Some people with epilepsy may find patterns or environmental situations that trigger their seizures. Seizure triggers don’t cause epilepsy in every case but may trigger seizures in people who have epilepsy. While most people don’t have reliable seizures, they do find some triggers that make it easier to prevent a seizure. Possible seizure triggers include:

1. Missed medications:

Taking your anti-epileptic drugs regularly helps to maintain their level in a person’s body. If you miss a dose, this may increase the risk of seizures to be more intense or occurring more often. Not taking medications as prescribed may lead to status epilepticus, a prolonged seizure that is a medical emergency because it is life-threatening if the seizures don’t stop.

If you miss one dose you don’t need to panic because it is common for people to miss a dose ever so often. In most cases, nothing bad happens. The only thing you need to do is to take the medicine as soon as you remember it unless it’s almost time for the next dose. Ask the doctor what you should do then.

2. Sleep deprivation:

Some researchers found that seizures and sleep have a bidirectional relationship, which means seizures may cause a lack of sleep, and lack of sleep may trigger seizures. A 2020 study found that people with epilepsy have poor sleep quality or sleep during the day. It also showed that poor sleep quality leads to seizures. This might happen because changes occur in your brain’s electrical and hormonal activity when you sleep. When you don’t sleep enough this regulation doesn’t occur leading to seizures which affect your brain chemistry and lead to a lack of sleep and trap you in a vicious cycle. This may also occur due to some epilepsy medications that cause side effects like insomnia that keep you from falling or staying asleep. People with epilepsy are more prone to sleep apnea – a condition that impacts sleep. You need to get at least 7 to 9 hours per night.

3. Stress:

Stress is quite a common trigger for seizures, however, how they connect is still unknown. Everyone experiences stress differently and it occurs in many forms. A person could experience stress due to many factors that take a physical toll on the body and may cause lack of sleep, changes in eating habits, and alcohol or substance misuse, all of these can trigger seizures. It can also work as a double-edged sword because seizures can also make you stressed and lead to seizures.

That’s why you should visit a mental health professional if you are frequently stressed, to find ways to lower your stress levels. They’ll suggest some effective ways to relieve your stress, like deep breathing or relaxation techniques, whenever stress occurs.

4. Alcohol:

Consuming alcohol in small amounts doesn’t cause seizures. However, binge drinking even for a short period or more than 3 drinks can trigger seizures. Sometimes, even for people who don’t have epilepsy. Alcohol-related seizures are more common during withdrawal when alcohol is leaving the system, which occurs within 6 to 72 hours (about 6 days) after drinking. Additionally, alcohol also lowers the effect of seizure medications and disrupts sleep, which increases the risk of a seizure.

Remember it’s a good idea that you just drink alcohol in limits to avoid this or not drink at all.

5. Flashing lights:

Some individuals have photosensitive epilepsy, which means flashing lights or contrasting patterns can trigger a seizure. This type of epilepsy is rare, and only 3% of people experience this. Evidence suggests that this type is more common among females and younger people.

6. Nutritional deficiencies:

If a person has diabetes and experiences severe hypoglycemia, which may occur from skipping meals, leading to extremely low blood sugar levels which triggers a seizure. Sometimes, vitamin and mineral deficiencies may also trigger seizures because nutrients are important to ensure the brain chemicals work normally. Vitamin B6 deficiency may trigger seizures in babies but is less common in adults. Abnormal levels of minerals such as calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium can affect brain cell electrical activity and lead to seizures.

7. Illness and infection:

In some people, illness also triggers seizures due to the physical stress the illness puts on the body, lack of sleep, poor eating habits, certain medications, or dehydration. Viral infection often affects the central nervous system which triggers seizures. Occasionally, common illnesses such as sinus infections or colds also trigger seizures.

How to identify epilepsy triggers?

It can be difficult and may take some time for an individual to identify their personal seizure triggers. But if you keep a seizure diary to note the activities or situations that lead to seizures you may be able to identify the patterns over time, revealing possible seizure triggers. While attempting to identify possible triggers, a person should try to manage their condition and avoid those triggers or reduce their exposure. To identify epilepsy triggers, you can try these strategies:

• Whenever you have a seizure, note what time of day it happens, any special situations surrounding you, or how you feel. Note if any commonly reported triggers were present.
• Write all these things in your seizure diary. Do this consistently, for each seizure.
• If you notice a particular trigger happens consistently, then note it down. You should also note if the trigger happens, but a seizure doesn’t Keep track of this as well – this can help determine if this is a consistent trigger for you.
• If you have a form of reflex epilepsy, talk to your doctor about the trigger to understand epilepsy and triggers that help you build ways to avoid the triggers whenever possible or find ways to lessen their effect on you.

When to seek medical help?

You should seek immediate medical help if you notice any of the following:

• A seizure that lasts longer than 5 minutes.
• A person is not breathing or regaining consciousness after the seizure.
• A second seizure occurs right after the first.
• The person is pregnant.
• The person has diabetes.
• The person gets injured during the seizure.
• The person continues to have seizures even after taking seizure medication.

You should also see a doctor if you have any of the following:

• This is your first seizure.
• You have repeated seizures.
• You have seizures more often than normal.
• You’re not sure if you have had a seizure.
• You have a diagnosis of epilepsy but feel like your medicine is not working.

Identifying epilepsy triggers can be difficult because when you have the episode it is difficult to remember things. Triggers can also vary among individuals, but common triggers include illness, tiredness, alcohol, and missing medication. You can use the above-mentioned tips to find triggers and use them to prevent seizures from occurring.

If you need help with epilepsy triggers, visit our neurology clinic in Brooklyn to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now!!!!

Doral Health and Wellness has several urgent care clinics around New York that can cater to your family’s medical needs. We also have the best medical providers, physicians and staff that are highly trained in their respective specialties. To know more about the locations of our urgent care clinics, you can visit us at Doral Health and Wellness. If you are looking for urgent care near you, you can visit Doral Health and Wellness Urgent Care. We provide urgent care for common illnesses and injuries. Additionally, we also provide comprehensive care for any related injuries and health problems. We also offer other services, such as vaccinations, immunizations, and blood testing. For more info, visit us or call +1-718-367-2555.

Causes and triggers

Epilepsy has no definite cause in children. It causes uncontrolled electrical activity between different brain cells, which causes irregular and temporary changes in the messages sent between brain cells. This irregularity causes seizure symptoms in the child’s brain until it’s gone, and the right messages start to be sent to the brain cells.

The potential causes or triggers that cause epilepsy in children are:

• Head trauma or a brain injury.
• Developmental disorders such as autism.
• Genetic issues that run in families.
• Infectious diseases like meningitis and encephalitis.
• Abnormal way of brain formation in the womb due to maternal infections or poor nutrition during pregnancy or any other cause.
• Tumors or cysts in the brain
• High fevers in childhood that lead to seizures such as febrile seizures.
• Oxygen deficiency before or during birth.

Types

Epilepsy varies in children and adults, but seizures are divided into two main types, including:

1. Focal seizures:

This type of seizure involves one spot or one side of the brain. Before a focal seizure, a child experiences an aura that signals a seizure is coming. This aura works as warning signs like changes in hearing, vision, or smell or unusual feelings, such as fear, euphoria, or a sense of Deja vu. This type of seizure affects a child’s consciousness, responsiveness, and memory. Its symptoms may include changes in behavior, thinking, or movement.

As an individual doesn’t lose consciousness in this type of seizure (like generalized seizures) they can hear or understand things around them but are not able to respond to them. It may be caused by structural abnormality in the brain; however, MRI scans are not able to pick this up, which sometimes doctors may conclude that something is wrong with the neuron, brain cell, or connections in that area.

A child may have cortical dysplasia, which is a region of the brain that is not developed properly and causes brain cells to fail to form proper connections with each other. Focal seizures also occur due to head trauma, stroke, infection, or tumors. Focal seizure symptoms are typically related to the area or lobes of the brain where the seizures start.

2. Generalized seizures:

This type of seizure occurs on both sides of the brain and causes widespread excessive electrical discharge at the same time. Its symptoms may include blinking and staring, muscle tone loss, stiffening of limbs, and full-body jerking. Children often become sleepy and tired after a seizure. This effect is called the postictal state.

According to the Epilepsy Foundation, common types of generalized seizures in children are:

• Absence seizures: It is also known as petit mal seizures, and it causes a very brief loss of consciousness. Your child may stare, blink rapidly, or have a facial twitch. It mostly occurs in ages between 4 to 14 and usually lasts less than 10 seconds. Children with absence seizures do not cause a postictal state.
• Atonic seizure: This type of seizure causes a child to experience a loss of muscle tone that occurs suddenly. They may fall or their body goes limp and stops responding, which typically lasts less than 15 seconds. It is also known as drop seizures.
• Generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTC): This is also known as a grand mal seizure, which occurs in phases. Your child’s limbs will first contract, then straighten and then shake. The muscles will then contract and relax and lastly, the child gets tired and confused. It usually occurs in childhood and lasts 1 to 3 minutes.
• Myoclonic seizure: This type of seizure causes sudden muscle jerking which lasts for 1 to 2 seconds and may last for a short time. People with this seizure usually don’t lose consciousness.

The common types of epilepsy in children that common under these 2 types of seizures are:

1. Absence seizures/epilepsy:

This epilepsy causes short moments of confusion in children between 4 to 10 years of age. Up to 90% of children with this epilepsy get cured by the age of 12. During this epilepsy, your child may have a sudden cessation of movement, with staring and blinking, or a mild loss of body tone that makes them lean forward or backward slightly. Your child may not be able to respond to you during its episode. It occurs without an aura or warning.

2. Infantile spasms:

This is a severe type of epilepsy that occurs in infants when they fall asleep or wake up. It is also known as West syndrome and is very rare. It mostly occurs in children who are 3 to 12 months old. During the seizure episode, your child does a sudden jerking movement followed by stiffening. Sometimes a child with infantile spasms flings their arms out to bend forward. Its episodes last only for a few seconds but your baby may experience many seizures back-to-back with short breaks between them. It may occur due to a brain disorder or injury like birth trauma with oxygen deprivation, which is common in 60% of infants who have this condition and 40% of the cause is unknown. Sometimes children may also develop another epilepsy syndrome known as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

3. Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy:

This occurs during puberty between 12 to 18 years of age and causes different types of seizures, including myoclonic seizures, tonic-clonic seizures, and absence seizures. Its episodes get triggered by flashing lights or shortly after waking up. This is the most common generalized epilepsy syndrome, which continues into adulthood but becomes less severe and manageable with medication in up to 90% of cases.

4. Lennox-gastaut syndrome:

This is an uncommon form of epilepsy that causes a child’s muscles to stiffen up and relax suddenly. Your child may experience moments of nonawareness and confusion and are unable to respond to you during a seizure. It occurs between 3 to 5 years of age, but some people may experience it in adolescence. It may cause some different types of seizures like tonic, atonic, prolonged absences, and generalized convulsions. This is often difficult to treat and continues into adulthood.

5. Rolandic epilepsy:

Around 15% of children are diagnosed with this epilepsy; it occurs when you fall asleep or wake up. It causes uncontrolled movements, often to one side of your child’s body or also the child’s speech. It mostly affects 2 to 13-year-old children. Rarely, children may have seizures during wakefulness involving twitching of the face and tongue. These seizures stop when a child is 19 years old.

6. Landau-Kheffner syndrome:

It is a rare childhood disorder occurring in children 3 to 7 years old. It causes difficulties in language and verbal expression. Some children also have behavior problems as well. Around 70% of children with this epilepsy have obvious seizures usually focal, mainly during sleep.

7. Temporal lobe epilepsy:

This is the most common form of focal epilepsy, which affects 6 out of 10 of those focal epilepsy. Symptoms typically occur between 10 to 20 years of age but can develop at any time.

Diagnosis

To diagnose epilepsy in children, your doctor may ask about the child’s symptoms and health history. Sometimes doctors ask for a detailed description of the child’s symptoms by taking a video recording, if possible. Some forms of epilepsy are difficult to diagnose in infants and young children. Your doctor usually diagnoses epilepsy when more than one seizure occurs or when there are no other factors involved that cause a child’s seizure, such as:

• Recent fever or infection
• Head injury
• Congenital health conditions
• Preterm birth
• Recent medicines

For diagnosis, the doctor may perform these tests, including:

• Physical exam: During this exam, your doctor will check your child’s symptoms and investigate the complete medical history and biological family history.
• Neurological exam: During this exam, your doctor will evaluate your child’s brain and nervous system functions.
• Blood tests: Blood tests are used to check if there’s any underlying condition caused by a child’s symptoms.
• Imaging tests: This includes an MRI or CT scan to check brain activity.
• Electroencephalogram: This test is used to measure your child’s brain electrical activity.

Treatment

There are several treatment options used to treat epilepsy in children, including:

1. Medications:

Your doctor may prescribe antiepileptic drugs to manage their symptoms. While it may stop seizures from happening, it’s not a cure, and it doesn’t stop seizures once it’s begun. Many children may not need this medication for the rest of their lives. Parents whose children have been seizure-free for several years should talk with the doctor about lowering or coming off medication. However, don’t stop treatment without consulting with the doctor because seizures may come back or get worse. It may not control seizures in all children, in those

cases, other treatments are necessary.

2. Ketogenic diet:

In case medications are not sufficient, the doctor may recommend trying a ketogenic diet to manage their seizures. Make sure you work with a doctor and dietician when you put your child on a keto diet.

3. Neurostimulation:

If epilepsy doesn’t respond to drugs, the doctors may recommend neurostimulation. In this therapy, the doctor uses a device to send small electric currents to the nervous system. Currently, there are 3 types of neurostimulation for epilepsy treatment.

• Vagus nerve stimulation
• Responsive neurostimulation
• Deep brain stimulation

4. Surgery:

In some cases, specific children may need to go through surgery to remove a portion of the brain to prevent or lower seizures.

Epilepsy in children is different from adults; it can be severe or mild depending on the type of epilepsy your child has. However, with treatment, most children and adults can live better with epilepsy. Recent medical advancements make epilepsy more manageable than ever. It is essential to notice the symptoms earlier and seek medical help to manage the condition earlier to prevent complications and improve life quality.

Is your child showing epilepsy symptoms? Visit our clinic in Brooklyn to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now!!!!

Doral Health and Wellness has several urgent care clinics around New York that can cater to your family’s medical needs. We also have the best medical providers, physicians and staff that are highly trained in their respective specialties. To know more about the locations of our urgent care clinics, you can visit us at Doral Health and Wellness. If you are looking for urgent care near you, you can visit Doral Health and Wellness Urgent Care. We provide urgent care for common illnesses and injuries. Additionally, we also provide comprehensive care for any related injuries and health problems. We also offer other services, such as vaccinations, immunizations, and blood testing. For more info, visit us or call +1-718-367-2555.

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for up to 80% of cases of Dementia. Log on to www.doralhw.org for a consultation.

Definition

It is a progressive degenerative disease of your brain and nervous system that causes problems with memory and thinking, behavior and language. In Alzheimer’s disease, the brain cells degrade and die, causing a steady decline in memory and mental function.

As it worsens, Alzheimer’s may cause changes in mood or behavior, it gets harder to carry out daily activities (such as getting dressed or preparing meals), and an increased vulnerability to depression.

Causes

There are several factors that contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s. These are:

• Genetics: The risk is higher if a person has a family history of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Environmental factors: Some environmental triggers may trigger the onset of dementia at any age, including head trauma; air pollution; alcohol abuse; drug use; sleep disorders (insomnia); depression and stress; vitamin deficiencies (vitamin B12); high blood pressure; obesity

Risk factors

• Age: The risk of Alzheimer’s disease increases with age. The average age of onset is 70 years old, but it can occur in people as young as 40 years old and older than 90 years old.
• Family history: If you have a parent or sibling with Alzheimer’s disease, your risk of developing it is increased by up to three times compared to those who do not have family members with the disease.
• Gender: More women are affected by Alzheimer’s disease than men, although this may be due in part to underreporting among men.
• Race/ethnicity: African Americans have the highest incidence rate for Alzheimer’s disease than any other ethnic group worldwide; however, European Americans comprise 80% of all people diagnosed with AD.

Signs and Symptoms

Alzheimer’s disease can cause changes in behavior, including:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life
• Difficulty performing routine tasks at home and/or at work
• Confusion with time or places
• Mood swings and aggression
• Trouble completing familiar tasks

Watch for these signs:    

* Memory loss that disrupts daily life

*Difficulty performing routine activities

* Problems with abstract thinking, planning and problem solving

* Losing or forgetting things

*Getting lost in familiar places

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is made by a doctor based on your symptoms, medical history, and mental status examination. Brain imaging or blood tests may be done to make the diagnosis more certain.

However, it’s not always easy to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. It can often be confused with other conditions and sometimes it may take years before the correct diagnosis is made. In fact, many people may have another condition such as vascular dementia or depression that has similar symptoms but is treatable. It can sometimes take up to 10 years after symptoms start appearing before someone is correctly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease

Treatment and care

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life of the patient.

• Behavioral therapy focuses on reducing the effects of stressors on the person with Alzheimer’s, such as confusion or agitation. For example, a caregiver may remove distractions in the home environment (such as turning off a loud television), use a consistent set of instructions when giving commands or changing tasks, or provide more frequent breaks during routine activities (such as doing housework).
• In most cases, medications can help manage symptoms such as depression or anxiety.
• Other therapies include physical therapy exercises designed to maintain muscle strength and balance.

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, early diagnosis and proper care may help slow down its progression. Join us in our efforts to fight Alzheimer’s and make life better for you!

Doral Health and Wellness has several urgent care clinics around New York that can cater to your family’s medical needs. We also have the best medical providers, physicians and staff that are highly trained in their respective specialties. To know more about the locations of our urgent care clinics, you can visit us at Doral Health and Wellness. If you are looking for urgent care near you, you can visit Doral Health and Wellness Urgent Care. We provide urgent care for common illnesses and injuries. Additionally, we also provide comprehensive care for any related injuries and health problems. We also offer other services, such as vaccinations, immunizations, and blood testing. For more info, visit us or call +1-718-367-2555.