Whether it’s a summer cookout or a Fourth of July celebration, the excitement can quickly take a turn if someone in your family begins feeling queasy. The stomach flu can hit out of nowhere, leaving you or your loved ones battling nausea, cramps, and overall discomfort. It’s never fun, but there’s good news: Hendrick Urgent Care offers expert urgent care for stomach flu in Brownwood and Abilene, TX. But what exactly is the stomach flu, and how can urgent care help you get back on your feet? Let’s break it down.
What Is the Stomach Flu?
The stomach flu, also known as viral gastroenteritis, is a common infection that inflames the stomach lining and intestines. It’s often caused by viruses like norovirus or rotavirus, but bacteria or parasites from contaminated food or water can also play a role. Unlike the seasonal flu, the stomach flu does not affect the respiratory system.
Common Symptoms of the Stomach Flu
Symptoms of the stomach flu usually develop quickly and may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Low-grade fever
- Fatigue or weakness
While uncomfortable, the stomach flu is typically short-lived, lasting one to three days in most cases. However, persistent or severe symptoms may require medical attention.
How Hendrick Urgent Care Can Help With the Stomach Flu
If you’re wondering if you can visit an urgent care for the stomach flu, the answer is yes. Our team at Hendrick Urgent Care provides compassionate, effective care for patients three and older experiencing stomach flu symptoms. Patients in Brownwood and Abilene, TX, can walk into our clinics for quick relief.
What to Expect During Your Visit
We’ll evaluate your symptoms at Hendrick Urgent Care to ensure the best treatment. Here’s how we can help:
- Rehydration Support: We may provide fluids orally or intravenously if you’re dealing with dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea.
- Symptom Management: We can recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications to alleviate nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Rule Out Serious Conditions: If symptoms suggest something more serious, like food poisoning or a different gastrointestinal issue, we may perform further testing and refer you to a specialist if necessary.
Our goal? To get you back on your feet as quickly and comfortably as possible.
When to Go to the Emergency Room Instead
If your stomach flu symptoms are severe, it’s important to know when to seek help at an emergency room instead of an urgent care clinic. You should head to the ER or call 9-1-1 if you’re experiencing:
- Persistent high fever
- Dehydration symptoms (dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness, extreme thirst, confusion, or dry skin)
- Bloody vomit or stool
- Intense abdominal pain that doesn’t subside.
- Chest pain or neck stiffness
- Blurred vision
These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition that requires immediate and advanced medical intervention. Trust your instincts — if something feels seriously wrong, the ER is the safest place to quickly get the care you need.
Tips to Prevent Foodborne Illnesses This Summer
Many cases of stomach flu are linked to foodborne illnesses, especially during warm-weather activities like barbecues and picnics. The good news is, you can take steps to protect yourself and your family.
Key Tips for Safer Summer Meals
- Practice Safe Food Handling: Wash your hands, utensils, and cutting boards thoroughly before and after handling raw meat, seafood, or poultry.
- Cook Food Thoroughly: Use a food thermometer to ensure meats are cooked to safe internal temperatures. For example, ground meat and sausage should reach 160°F, while poultry should reach 165°F.
- Avoid Cross-Contamination: Keep raw meats separate from ready-to-eat foods, such as salads or fruits.
- Keep Hot Foods Hot and Cold Foods Cold: Use insulated coolers for cold items and food warmers for hot dishes to maintain safe temperatures for longer periods.
- Wash Fresh Produce: Rinse fruits and vegetables under running water before cutting or consuming.
By following these simple precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illness and enjoy your summer celebrations worry-free.
Walk Into Hendrick Urgent Care for Stomach Flu Relief
If you or a loved one is struggling with stomach bug symptoms, there’s no need to wait it out at home. Hendrick Urgent Care, proudly serving Brownwood and Abilene, TX, offers fast and effective care with no appointment needed. Whether it’s IV fluids to rehydrate or medications to relieve uncomfortable symptoms, our team is here to make you feel better as quickly as possible.
Want to get in and out even faster? Take advantage of our online check-in feature at your closest clinic to reduce your wait time. When you need urgent care for the stomach flu, we’re here to get you back to enjoying every moment with your family. Visit Hendrick Urgent Care today!