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Question: Why is onsite medication dispensing important?
Answer:Medication dispensing is a critical component of patient care, as it ensures that patients receive the right medications in the correct doses and understand how to use them properly.
Continue ReadingOnsite medication dispensing helps you get your medication as fast as possible while eliminating wait times and an additional trip to a pharmacy. More importantly, onsite medication dispensing improves patient care as your doctor will be able to explain the proper dosage, side effects and any other details about your medications.
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Question: What is medication dispensing?
Answer:Medication dispensing is the process of providing patients with prescribed medications. It involves giving patients the specific drugs, doses and instructions needed for their treatment. Medication dispensing can occur in various health care settings, including hospitals, pharmacies, doctors’ offices and urgent care centers like Centra Care.
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Question: How long will I test positive for the flu?
Answer:The amount of time you’ll test positive for the flu depends on several factors, including the type of flu test being used, the timing of the test relative to when you started having symptoms and your individual immune response.
Continue ReadingIf you're concerned about being contagious or need to know when you can return to work or school, consulting with a health care provider is a good idea. They’ll guide you based on your symptoms, the type of test you've taken and your overall health status.
Remember that if you're feeling unwell or have flu-like symptoms, you should take precautions like staying home, hand-washing or wearing a mask to prevent the spread of illness to others.
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Question: How long does a flu test take?
Answer:Our rapid flu tests are designed to provide results relatively quickly, usually within 15 minutes.
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Question: How is a flu test performed?
Answer:Flu tests at our urgent care clinics are performed using a nasal swab. This is one of the most common methods for flu testing. A health care provider will insert a thin, flexible swab into your nostril and gently guide it into the back of your nose. The swab collects a sample of mucus and cells from the nasal passage and the back of the throat. This sample is then tested to see if it contains the flu virus.
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Question: Am I contagious after getting a flu shot?
Answer:No, you are not contagious to others after receiving a flu shot. The flu vaccine is made from inactivated or weakened virus particles. These weakened virus particles cannot cause the flu, and they cannot replicate or cause infection in your body, which means they can’t make you contagious to others.
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Question: How much does a flu shot cost?
Answer:At our AdventHealth Centra Care urgent care centers, it’s important to us that everyone can afford protection from the flu. That’s why our flu shots are only $30, and no insurance is necessary.
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Question: I’m pregnant. Should I still get a flu shot?
Answer:Yes. Getting a flu shot during pregnancy is generally recommended and considered safe for both the pregnant person and the developing baby. Pregnant people are at an increased risk of severe illness and complications if they get sick, making it even more important to protect themselves and their babies by getting vaccinated.
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Question: Why do I need to get a flu shot every year?
Answer:The virus that causes influenza is always adapting, with new strains emerging annually. The flu vaccine is updated every year to target the specific strains expected to be in high circulation that upcoming season.
Immunity from previous flu shots or illnesses wanes over time, so annual vaccination ensures the best protection. A yearly shot also reduces the risk of severe illness if you do get sick.
Plus, when we all do our part and get an annual flu shot, we contribute to our community’s immunity, protecting vulnerable individuals.
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Question: When should I get a flu shot?
Answer:The short answer is that the best time is when you can get one. But the ideal timing is typically early fall, before the end of October. This allows your body to develop immunity before the flu season is in full roar, which tends to peak from December through February. However, getting a flu shot later in the season can still be beneficial, as flu activity can trickle into the spring.
Recommendations may vary based on your location, your overall health or other factors. It's always a good idea to consult with your primary provider to determine the best timing for your flu shot based on your circumstances.