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Similarities and Differences between Flu and COVID-19​ Source: cdc.gov


Coronavirus in the United States—Considerations for Travelers (Source: CDC)

Planning a summertime get away? If you are thinking about traveling away from your local community, the CDC recommends you consider the following:

  • Is COVID-19 spreading where you’re going? You can get infected while traveling.
  • Is COVID-19 spreading in your community? Even if you don’t have symptoms, you can spread COVID-19 to others while traveling.
  • Will you or those you are traveling with be within 6 feet of others during or after your trip? Being within 6 feet of others increases your chances of getting infected and infecting others.
  • Are you or those you are traveling with more likely to get very ill from COVID-19? Older adults and people of any age who have a serious underlying medical condition are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
  • Do you live with someone who is more likely to get very ill from COVID-19? If you get infected while traveling you can spread COVID-19 to loved ones when you return, even if you don’t have symptoms.
  • Does the state or local government where you live or at your destination require you to stay home for 14 days after traveling? Some state and local governments may require people who have recently traveled to stay home for 14 days.
  • If you get sick with COVID-19, will you have to miss work or school? People with COVID-19 disease need to stay home until they are no longer considered infectious.


Do not travel if you are sick, or if you have been around someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days. Do not travel with someone who is sick.


If You Travel

Protect yourself and others during your trip:

  • Clean your hands often.
    • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, after touching surfaces frequently touched by others, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, and before touching your face or eating.
    • If soap and water are not available, bring and use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Avoid close contact with others.
    • Keep 6 feet of physical distance from others.
  • Wear a cloth face covering in public.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes.
  • Pick up food at drive-throughs, curbside restaurant service, or stores.


Considerations for Types of Travel

Travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. We don’t know if one type of travel is safer than others; however, airports, bus stations, train stations, and rest stops are all places travelers can be exposed to the virus in the air and on surfaces. These are also places where it can be hard to social distance (keep 6 feet apart from other people).

Consider the following risks for getting or spreading COVID-19, depending on how you travel:

  • Air travel: Air travel requires spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can bring you in close contact with other people and frequently touched surfaces. Most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes. However, social distancing is difficult on crowded flights, and you may have to sit near others (within 6 feet), sometimes for hours. This may increase your risk for exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.
  • Bus or train travel: Traveling on buses and trains for any length of time can involve sitting or standing within 6 feet of others.
  • Car travel: Making stops along the way for gas, food, or bathroom breaks can put you and your traveling companions in close contact with other people and surfaces.
  • RV travel: You may have to stop less often for food or bathroom breaks, but RV travel typically means staying at RV parks overnight and getting gas and supplies at other public places. These stops may put you and those with you in the RV in close contact with others.


Anticipate Travel Needs

  • Bring enough of your medicine to last you for the entire trip.
  • Pack enough alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) and keep it within easy to reach.
  • Bring a cloth face covering to wear in public places.
  • Prepare food and water for your trip. Pack non-perishable food in case restaurants and stores are closed.
  • If you are considering cleaning your travel lodgings, see CDC’s guidance on how to clean and disinfect.


State and Local Travel Restrictions

Follow state and local travel restrictions. For up-to-date information and travel guidance, check the state or local health department where you are, along your route, and at your planned destination. While you are traveling, it is possible a state or local government may put into place travel restrictions, such as stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders, mandated quarantines upon arrival, or even state border closures. Plan to keep checking for updates as you travel.


Frequently Asked Questions


Is it safe to travel to visit family or friends?

Travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. Before you travel, learn if coronavirus is spreading in your local area or in any of the places you are going. Traveling to visit family may be especially dangerous if you or your loved ones are more likely to get very ill from COVID-19. People at higher risk for severe illness need to take extra precautions.


Is it safe to travel to campgrounds/go camping?

Going camping at a time when much of the United States is experiencing community spread of COVID-19 can pose a risk to you if you come in close contact with others or share public facilities (like restrooms or picnic areas) at campsites or along the trails. Exposure may be especially unsafe if you are more likely to get very ill from COVID-19 and are planning to be in remote areas, without easy access to medical care. Also be aware that many local, state, and national public parks have been temporarily closed due to COVID-19.


Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19 (Source: CDC)

CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.
Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance. Continue Reading: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html


Running Essential Errands (Source: CDC)

Grocery Shopping, Take-Out, Banking, Getting Gas, and Doctor Visits.

As communities across the United States take steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 by limiting close contact, people are facing new challenges and questions about how to meet basic household needs, such as buying groceries and medicine, and completing banking activities. The following information provides advice about how to meet these household needs in a safe and healthy manner. Continue Reading: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/essential-goods-services.html


Getting Back to Work (Source: CDC)

Workplaces carrying out critical functions: Use safety practices to protect critical infrastructure workers and their communities. When workers return to the job after potential COVID-19 exposure, implement these practices before and during their work shift:

  • Pre-screen
  • Monitor regularly
  • Issue or approve personal face coverings
  • Maintain social distance
  • Disinfect and clean workspaces
See the new guidelines for employers here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/critical-workers/implementing-safety-practices.html


10 things you can do to manage your COVID-19 symptoms at home

Read More

To Our Patients and the Central Ohio Community:

The novel Coronavirus and COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly evolving situation that has disrupted and changed our daily lives now and in the unforeseeable future. We understand these uncertain times can lead to anxiety and fear, so we want to assure you that we are operating our urgent cares with your health and safety in mind:

  • Social Distancing: We are arranging our exam rooms and processes in order to reduce your waiting room time and exposure to other patients. We will have no more than one person in our waiting room at any time, being creative and safe in our triaging of patients. This may include being triaged or even treated in your car.
  • We may be able to write prescription refills (for established patients, having visited within the last 12 months) over the telephone.
  • Disinfecting: We are keeping our offices clean by disinfecting surfaces after each patient visit and daily disinfection using professional Evaclean technology.
  • Staying informed: We are closely monitoring and adhering to CDC and Ohio Department of Health guidelines.
  • If you have questions or are experiencing symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath, please visit www.coronavirus.ohio.gov or call (1-888-427-5634) for guidance. Parents of pediatric patients can also address questions to the Nationwide Children’s COVID-19 24/7 patient information line (614-722-2787).

COVID-19 Resources

COVID-19 in Ohio: See the latest updates and get your questions answered here.


Preventing Infectious Disease (Source: Ohio Department of Health, March 14, 2020)

Know the facts about Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and help stop the spread of rumors.(Source: CDC, March 11, 2020)


What to do if you are sick with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (Source: CDC, March 5, 2020)


Coping With COVID-19 Restrictions (Source: Ohio Department of Health, March 16, 2020)

Get back to real-life puzzles and games. Some suggestions:


IHA Announces Dr. David Sestak at Sunbury Urgent Care

Immediate Health Associates is proud to announce the addition of Dr. David Sestak to our team at Sunbury Urgent Care. Read full story.


What is the Difference Between a Cold and Flu? (Source: CDC)

Flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Click here for more details.


FREE FLU SHOTS ON OCTOBER 20TH (Source: CDC)

As your community partner, we are offering FREE Flu Shots at all of our locations on Saturday, October 20th. Come in while supplies last! Click here for more details.


Flu Vaccine Safety Information (Source: CDC)

Flu vaccines have good safety record. Hundreds of millions of Americans have safely received flu vaccines over the past 50 years, and there has been extensive research supporting the safety of flu vaccines. A flu vaccine is the first and best way to reduce your chances of getting the flu and spreading it to others. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older receive a flu vaccine every year. Read more.


Flu Symptoms & Complications (Source: CDC)

Influenza (also known as flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu is different from a cold. Find out more.


Common Colds: Protect Yourself and Others (Source: CDC)

Sore throat and runny nose are usually the first signs of a cold, followed by coughing and sneezing. Most people recover in about 7-10 days. However, people with weakened immune systems, asthma, or respiratory conditions may develop serious illness, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. You can help reduce your risk of getting a cold: wash your hands often, avoid close contact with sick people, and don't touch your face with unwashed hands. Continue reading for causes, symptoms, prevention, and when to see a doctor.


Sunbury Urgent Care offering $10 Physicals in August

We're offering $10 Physicals in August! (Reg. $25) Simply walk into our office and mention this offer any day in August, during the hours of 1pm-5pm. You'll also receive a free ice pack while supplies last! *Sunbury location only. Click here to see location details.


Health Information for Travelers (Source: CDC, 2018)

The traveling season is upon us! Learn how to travel safely and with your health in mind! Read more here.


Poison Ivy (Source: American Academy of Dermatology)

Many people get a rash from poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. This rash is caused by an oil found in the plants. The itchy, blistering rash may start in as little as 4 hours or as long as 2-3 weeks after you come into contact with the oil. To learn more, click here.


Career Opportunity

Interested in a career in the health industry? Join our team at Immediate Health Associates! To see a list of current job openings, click here.


National Women's Health Week (Source: Womenshealth.gov)

Women are encouraged to schedule a well-woman visit with your doctor every year. This preventative checkup is an opportunity to discuss health goals/concerns with your doctor, and you may also need certain vaccines or tests. Click here to read about what you should be talking with your doctor about at your next well-woman appointment.


Your Guide to Allergies (Source: CDC)

Allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S. with an annual cost in excess of $18 billion. More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year. Read More


Protect Yourself & Your Family Against Flu (Source: CDC)

According to the CDC, "Flu activity has increased sharply in the United States in recent weeks, with widespread activity reported in 49 states in the last CDC FluView report. While flu vaccination is the most important way to prevent influenza, antiviral drugs are the most important way to treat influenza infection. Studies have shown that early treatment with a flu antiviral drug can shorten the duration of fever and illness symptoms, and can reduce the risk of serious flu complications.

CDC recommends these drugs be used as soon as possible in people who are severely ill or people who are at high risk of serious flu complications who develop flu symptoms." Read More


Winter Health and Safety Tips (Source: Ohio.gov/Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness )

Winter’s various dangers to people can occur suddenly, like a heart attack while shoveling snow, or slow and stealthily like carbon monoxide poisoning. Hypothermia and frostbite are always a concern, especially for the elderly and for people with chronic health conditions. The Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Department of Aging offer these safety tips to help keep you and your family safe this winter season. Read More


Food Safety Tips for Healthy Holidays (Source: FDA)

Parties, family dinners, and other gatherings where food is served are all part of the holiday cheer. But the merriment can change to misery if food makes you or others ill. Read More


What is Influenza (also called Flu)? (Source: CDC) (9/28/17)

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year. Read More


Influenza (Flu) Vaccine: What you need to know


Flu Season

Flu season is upon us! We are offering FREE Flu Shots to the first 100 people at each of the below IHA locations, on the listed dates.
Who: Ages 9 to 64
Where/When:
• Sunbury Urgent Care: Tuesday, Oct 10th, from 1PM-5PM
• Wedgewood Urgent Care: Wednesday, Oct 11th, from 1PM-5PM
• Westar Urgent Care: Thursday, Oct 12th, from 1PM-5PM
• Newark Valley Urgent Care: Friday, October 13th, from 1PM-5PM
*Questions? Please contact us at info@ihainc.org.


Pertussis Symptoms (9/13/17)

Pertussis (whooping cough) can cause serious illness in babies, children, teens, and adults. Symptoms of pertussis usually develop within 5 to 10 days after you are exposed. Sometimes pertussis symptoms do not develop for as long as 3 weeks. Read More