If you are suffering from a minor illness, such as a cold, flu, sinus infection, skin rash, or minor injury, you may be wondering where to seek treatment. It is helpful to have an established relationship with a general practitioner who is familiar with your medical history. Walk-in clinics can have long waits, and a minor illness does not require a trip to the ER. Minor illness treatment is, by definition, any treatment for a health condition that is not an emergency.
Minor illness treatment is available at the Center for Adult Medicine and Preventive Care in Passaic and the surrounding area. As a general practitioner, our team can help to provide the treatment and care you need.
Minor illness treatment includes treatment for any medical condition that is not urgent or life-threatening but requires medical attention. Many minor illnesses, such as colds or sore throats, may get better on their own or with over-the-counter remedies. However, other minor conditions, such as infections, may require antibiotics.
In many cases, the symptoms will only get worse for these conditions until the patient seeks professional medical care. In some cases, we will help to ease symptoms while the patient recovers.
Minor illness symptoms may begin with a cough, fever, or sore throat. If you feel symptoms of a cold or the flu coming on, get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Take over-the-counter medication to help reduce pain or fever. If you are unsure of what to take or what to do, give us a call and schedule an appointment.
Call us right away to schedule an appointment if you develop more serious symptoms, such as:
Some minor illnesses require medical treatment to keep them from becoming more severe. For example, an untreated bacterial infection can lead to severe complications, such as sepsis, which can cause organ damage or failure. Our doctor can prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria problem that is causing the infection.
Far too often, people will avoid seeking professional medical care until the symptoms worsen. Even though store-bought treatment can provide some symptom relief, it will only be temporary. Our team can help to provide lasting relief and develop a customized treatment plan.
We can also help patients incorporate healthy lifestyle changes into their routines to promote health.
At the appointment, our team will review the patient's medical history and discuss symptoms. After an examination, the patient will receive a personalized treatment plan for the minor illness. If our team is unable to diagnose the problem through a standard office exam, additional tests may be required.
We will also provide the patient with any necessary prescriptions to treat the condition.
Most minor illnesses do not require follow-up care. However, it can take some time for symptoms to resolve completely. Colds can last 10 days, and sinus infections can last as long as 18 days.
If symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse even with treatment, the patient should schedule a follow-up visit.
If you are experiencing symptoms related to a minor illness, our team can help you get back to feeling better soon. Call us at 973-859-9165 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
What is the difference between a cold and the flu?
A cold is a minor viral infection that can cause a sore throat, a cough, runny nose, sneezing, and nasal stuffiness. The flu is a respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the throat, nose, and lungs. Cold and flu symptoms can be similar, but the flu is usually more severe.
How should I treat a cold?
The most effective way to treat most colds is with lots of rest and fluids. Keep warm and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Gargling with salt water may help soothe a sore throat. Over-the-counter cold medicines, such as decongestants, may also help. If the symptoms last more than several days or get worse, give us a call and schedule an appointment.
My child has a cold — how should I treat it?
Children often get colds and coughs because they are in contact with other children at school. Symptoms may also last longer in children. Hot drinks, rest, and over-the-counter fever reducers can help. Be careful only to use over-the-counter medications that are suitable for children.
How do I treat the flu?
Treatment for flu is similar to treatment for a cold. Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to lower your fever and to treat aches and pains. Over-the-counter flu medications may help. However, be careful and check the active ingredients if you are also taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen, so you do not take more than the recommended dosage.
Do I need antibiotics for a cold or the flu?
Antibiotics are for bacterial infections and will not help treat a virus. General practitioners do not recommend antibiotics for a cold or the flu because these treatments will not speed up recovery.
Center for Adult Medicine and Preventive Care is located at
916-922 Main Ave Suite 1A
Passaic, NJ
07055