If you have an infection, getting the proper treatment right away is crucial to ensuring you don’t experience serious complications or a more severe infection. The right treatment also ensures that your infection won’t come back!

If you suspect that you have been infected by a bacterial or viral infection, keep an eye on your symptoms and stop by to be evaluated by our team. In the meantime, our AFC Urgent Care Hixson team explains more about infections below.

Where Do Infections Come From?

Germs are all around us, and they all have the potential to make you sick. If you are exposed to a germ while you are out and about, you could become infected if the germ settles into your body and starts to multiply. Your symptoms appear as your body works hard to fight off the infection, so a runny nose, sore throat and cough are all common occurrences.

Infections can also be caused by a variety of different things, but two of the most common are from bacteria and viruses. At this time of year, bacterial infections like strep throat are common while viral infections like the common cold and influenza are everywhere.

Infection Spread Methods

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Contact with contaminated surfaces
• Long-term contact with infected people

What Can I Do for an Infection?

Bacterial and viral infections require different treatment, so if you start to feel sick, come see us. We can diagnose your illness quickly and can create a recovery plan for you so you can feel better faster.

Bacterial infections can be knocked out in a matter of days with a round of antibiotics! So if you are diagnosed with a bacterial case, there is hope on the horizon. For viral infections, the most reliable treatment is rest and time. Viral infections need to run their course in most situations, so rest, fluids and OTC medication to treat your symptoms will be recommended.

Common Signs of Infection

• Fever
• Chills or sweats
• Nasal congestion
• Sore throat

Are you feeling ill? Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Hixson for a diagnosis and treatment plan today.