Urgent Care for Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a common lung infection where the air sacs in the lungs become inflamed. Anyone can get pneumonia, but those who have health conditions and are older can be 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.
Located in Clearwater, Florida, we’re open seven days a week, Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 8 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, from 9 am to 6 pm. We’re always accepting new patients, and no appointments are necessary.
What Causes Pneumonia?
The most common causes of pneumonia come from bacteria and viruses that enter our bodies through the air we breathe. Less common are certain fungi that can also cause pneumonia.
Streptococcus pneumoniae causes the most common type of bacterial pneumonia. On the other hand, viral pneumonia is typically caused by:
- Influenza A and B
- RSV
- Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causesCOVID-19
- Rhinoviruses, parainfluenza viruses, and adenoviruses, which can also causepinkeye
What are the Symptoms of Pneumonia?
Symptoms can range from moderate to severe, depending on your age and health and the type 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 Do You Diagnose Pneumonia?
If pneumonia is suspected, we will perform tests like bloodwork or a chest x-ray to look at your lungs. We will also check your vital signs, listen to your lung sounds, and talk with you about the symptoms you are experiencing.
How’s It Treated?
If you have bacterial pneumonia, we will most likely prescribe antibiotics. It’s important to continue taking the antibiotics until the prescription is gone, even if you start feeling better after a few days. If you finish the antibiotics, you may not kill all bacteria, and 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, and don’t overexert yourself until you feel better.
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 Pneumonia?
You can take the following precautions to prevent catching pneumonia:
- Find out about available vaccines to prevent viral pneumonia
- Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hand regularly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your nose and mouth to prevent the transfer of germs
- Don’t smoke to boost your lungs’ natural defense against respiratory illness
- 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!
Our center is 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.
Open 7 days a week. No appointment needed. Online Registration.
Hours: Monday - Friday 8 AM to 8 PM, Saturday - Sunday 9 AM to 6 PM
*Urgent care is not a substitute for emergency care. Always head to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if you experience very serious or life-threatening problems. ReadWhat is Urgent Carefor more information.
