What is Tetanus?
Tetanus is caused by bacteria found in the soil, animal excrement, and other places. When these bacteria enter a skin puncture, they can create a deadly toxin called tetanospasmin. This causes the condition known as tetanus, which affects the body’s nerves. Symptoms include nerve spasms and contractions that spread from the face to the arms and legs, debilitating the body and affecting the ability to breathe. Untreated tetanus is often fatal. If you develop tetanus, get to a hospital as soon as possible. The tetanus vaccine for children and adults is the primary means of preventing tetanus.
Is There a Tetanus Vaccine?
Yes, the Tetanus vaccine, also known as tetanus toxoid (TT), used to prevent tetanus. During childhood, five doses are recommended, with a sixth given during adolescence. After three doses, almost everyone is initially immune, but additional doses every ten years are recommended to maintain immunity.
At iCare Emergency Room and Urgent Care, we offer Tetanus vaccines in our urgent care. Walk-ins welcome, appointments recommended.
Discreet STD Testing with iCare Emergency Room & Urgent Care
When it comes to your sexual health, iCare Emergency Room & Urgent Care is the premier choice for comprehensive STD testing and compassionate care. Our unwavering dedication to excellence, along with our discreet and supportive approach, sets us apart as a trusted healthcare provider you can rely on.
Why Choose iCare for STD Testing?
iCare Emergency Room & Urgent Care is your go-to destination for a multitude of reasons. Our commitment to excellence, compassionate care, and emphasis on discretion make us the ideal choice for your sexual health needs. Our experienced medical professionals are here to guide you through the testing process, ensuring that you receive accurate results and personalized care.
Comprehensive STD Testing Services
We offer a range of options for STD testing services, tailored to your unique needs. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to provide you with detailed information about the specific tests available, ensuring that you receive the appropriate screening. Your health and peace of mind are our top priorities, and we are dedicated to helping you navigate the testing process with confidence.
Testing Options for Men
For men seeking STD testing, we offer convenient and discrete options. Our male urine testing service is available in our urgent care center. Our highly trained staff will ensure that your experience is comfortable and efficient, and you can expect to receive your results within a few days.
Testing Options for Women and Men
For a more comprehensive assessment, we offer blood work testing for both women and men. Our skilled medical team performs this service in our emergency room, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and confidentiality. This blood work testing covers a wide range of STDs, providing you with a comprehensive overview of your sexual health status.
Specialized Testing for Women
In addition to urine and blood work testing, we offer specialized testing for women with results in as little as an hour. Our female pelvic exam testing is conducted in our emergency room by experienced healthcare professionals who prioritize your comfort and well-being. This thorough examination allows us to provide you with accurate results, enabling you to make informed decisions about your sexual health.
Confidentiality and Compassionate Care
We understand that seeking STD testing can be a sensitive matter, which is why we prioritize your privacy and offer compassionate care throughout the testing process. Your results will be handled discreetly, and our caring staff are available to address any concerns or questions you may have.
How to Get Started
Getting started with STD testing is easy. You can visit any iCare ER & Urgent Care location for STD testing. Walk-Ins are always welcome however, we recommend scheduling an appointment for blood work and pelvic exam testing to minimize your wait time.
Take charge of your sexual health today. Contact us to schedule an appointment or visit our facilities for STD testing services. Your well-being is our top priority, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
What is a sprain?
A sprain happens when a ligament is stretched or torn. A ligament is a strong, fibrous band of rope-like tissue that connects two or more bones at a joint. When you have a sprain, you may have injured one or more ligaments. A sprain is different from a strain, even though sometimes the terms can get used interchangeably. A strain is a stretch, pull or tear where a muscle attaches to a bone. Think of it as a strain is muscle to bone and a sprain is bone to bone. When you have a sprain, it directly impacts the joint involved. The severity of a sprain can range from the ligament being stretched, partially torn or completely torn. How bad the injury is depends on both the degree of sprain and how many ligaments are involved.
Where do sprains occur?
You can have a sprain in any joint in the body but the most vulnerable spots include those at higher risk of injury from falls and trauma within both the upper and lower parts of the body. The three most common spots for sprains are the ankle, knee and wrist.
- Ankle sprain: This type of sprain typically happens when the foot turns inward as you run, turn or land on the ankle after a jump.
- Knee sprain: Typically, this occurs after a blow to the knee or a fall. Sudden twisting of the knee may result in a sprain.
- Wrist sprain: This sprain often happens when you fall and land on an outstretched hand.
What are the signs and symptoms of sprains?
Signs and symptoms may vary due to severity of injury. They may include:
- Pain.
- Swelling, which can indicate underlying inflammation within the joint or within the soft tissue surrounding the joint.
- Bruising.
- Instability, especially noted on weight bearing joints like the knee or ankle.
- Loss of the ability to move and use the joint.
What to Expect – Sprain Treatment
When you come into the iCare in either Frisco or Fort Worth, our experienced team of medical practitioners will quickly evaluate your condition to determine where you should be treated. This will depend mainly on the location and severity of your injury, along with the intensity of your pain. For sports injuries, pain management is almost always focused on and treated first. A medical history interview and physical examination will help our physicians determine how best to treat your pain. X-rays can be taken to further examine your injury for injuries such as dislocations, fractures, or sprains. Depending on the type and severity of your injury, our physicians may treat it with medication, splint or cast it, use a sling, use an ortho boot, or issue crutches or a cane.
While iCare is equipped with state-of-the-art tools to care for your sprains. If your injury is more severe or require more specialized care or surgeries. In such cases, iCare has agreements set up with local facilities that will transfer you or your child to the hospital or specialist that fits the situation.
Overview
Get treatment for skin rashes, insect bites, and poison ivy at iCare ER & Urgent Care in Frisco and Fort Worth, TX . Staffed with an experienced team of medical practitioners who can diagnose and treat you promptly and effectively, iCare is prepared for mild rashes to allergic reactions to insect bites, and everything in between. iCare offers both Er and Urgent Care services all in one location; This means you can receive the level of care you need, never overpaying.
A general rash is identifiable by its redness, itchiness, and red streaks. A heat rash usually develops on the head, neck, or shoulders and comes with small red dots or raised bumps. Hives are small bumps or raised areas with redness, and blisters are bumps filled with fluid. Poison ivy can present itself as either a general, itchy rash or a rash of blisters. Insect bites are generally raised and reddish bumps. They may be itchy and if infected, come with a host of other symptoms as described below that may require medical attention.
Types of Skin Injuries
Acute Rash
While some rashes are not seriously threatening, some symptoms necessitate a visit to iCare. If you attempt to treat your rash at home but it doesn’t go away after 7 days or even gets worse, you should come into iCare so that our trained team of medical practitioners can treat it. Other signs that you should seek medical treatment for your rash include fever, signs of infection, or sudden illness, or if your symptoms get so intense or painful that you are severely uncomfortable.
Insect Bite
Pesky bug bites can pose serious medical problems if you are allergic to the bug, if it carries a disease, if the bite gets infected, or if the bug is poisonous. If you begin experiencing wheezing, hives, nausea and vomiting, intense sneezing, difficulty swallowing, chest tightness, itching and swelling of the face, or difficulty breathing you should be seen immediately at iCare ER & Urgent Care or call 911.
Infected bug bites can also cause severe medical issues, so if redness or swelling continues for more than 72 hours and you develop a fever, you should seek medical care.
Poison Ivy
Poison ivy, while irritating, can often be treated at home. However, if it is located or has spread to your genitals or to your face, especially the mouth or eyes, you should be seen by a medical professional. Additionally, if you have a fever, headache, pus, or severe redness, you should see one of our trained physicians as soon as possible.
Seeking Medical Care – Skin Rash Treatment
If you are experiencing mild to severe symptoms of a rash, an insect bite, or poison ivy, our experienced team at iCare can help. Whether you are located in Frisco or Fort Worth, our team has the tools and experience to treat you. Our facilities also feature private and comfortable exam rooms and on-site laboratory.
Depending on the type of skin injury and the severity, when you come into iCare, your visit will begin with a physical exam and a medical history interview. One of our medical practitioners will ask you questions about your rash or insect bites to get a better understanding of your condition. Further tests, such as blood tests, may be required to diagnose your skin injury. After your diagnosis, we will begin treatment as soon as possible, which will usually include either oral or topical medication Next time you become in need of emergency or urgent care, visit one of our convenient DFW locations.
There are a variety of burn injuries that can affect patients, and our team at the iCare ER & Urgent Care in Frisco and Fort Worth, TX are prepared to treat many different types and severity. In our urgent care we see minor burns or otherwise known as first-degree burns, the mildest, usually cause redness, swelling, and pain. These are surface burns that generally will heal within a few days to a week. Because iCare offers both ER & Urgent Care all in one facility, our team of board certified physicians and registered nurses will assess your condition and provided treatment options to get you feeling better faster!
Treating minor burns
For minor burns:
- Cool the burn. Hold the area under cool (not cold) running water for about 10 minutes. If the burn is on the face, apply a cool, wet cloth until the pain eases. For a mouth burn from hot food or drink, put a piece of ice in the mouth for a few minutes.
- Remove rings or other tight items from the burned area.Try to do this quickly and gently, before the area swells.
- Don’t break blisters. Blisters help protect against infection. If a blister does break, gently clean the area with water and apply an antibiotic ointment.
- Apply lotion. For mild burns like a sun burn, you may apply a lotion, such as one with aloe vera or cocoa butter. This helps prevent drying and provides relief.
- Bandage the burn. Cover the burn with a clean bandage. Wrap it loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the area, reduces pain and protects blistered skin.
- If needed, take a nonprescription pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
Seeking Treatment + What To Expect
When you seek care at iCare Emergency Room and Urgent Care, patients receive a free medical screening evaluation to assess your condition and symptoms and assign you to the appropriate department. For minor illnesses our team can help identify and treat many the symptoms in urgent care. If your condition is more severe or life threatening, we are able to treat you in our ER or transfer your to a local hospital. Your treatment team will evaluate your medical history performing a physical exam and any additional laboratory testing that is needed and create a treatment plan including administering medications as needed in order to help you feel better sooner! Next time you become in need of emergency or urgent care, visit one of our convenient DFW locations.
As we enter flu season this year following the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to protect yourself and others from the spread of illness by taking critical health, safety, and hygiene measures. Because both viruses can cause similar symptoms, it is important that patients understand the differences between the two illnesses and how to determine which one you or your family may have. You may be surprised to learn, however, that co-infection with both COVID-19 and the flu is also a possibility, which can make it even more challenging to self-diagnose flu symptoms.
The exceptional team of board-certified ER physicians and medical staff at iCare ER & Urgent Care is committed to providing rapid COVID-19 and flu testing, diagnosis, and flu symptom relief at our convenient locations in Frisco and Fort Worth, TX. Learn more about the flu, including how to protect yourself and others from contracting the viruses this season and what to do should you be exposed to one or both.
What are Flu symptoms?
The flu, which is caused by a strain of the influenza virus, can also have a broad range of presentations. In many cases, the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 can mimic one another. Common symptoms shared by COVID-19 and the flu include:
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Headache
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
The only definitive way to determine which virus you may have contracted is to be tested by a medical professional. Both of our iCare ER & Urgent Care locations in Frisco and Fort Worth, TX offer advanced, rapid, and reliable testing for COVID-19 and the flu. If you or one of your family members is experiencing symptoms you think may be related to either the flu or coronavirus, visit your nearest location to get tested today.
How can I avoid getting the flu?
The widely available flu vaccine is highly effective at protecting patients from the flu virus. Ask for availability at iCare ER & Urgent Care. Because the flu vaccine may take up to two weeks to provide full protection, patients are encouraged to get their flu shot as early in the season as possible.
Other ways to prevent the flu
- Wash your hands often and thoroughly
- Use hand sanitizer
- Avoid close contact with persons you know are sick
- Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly
Seeking Treatment + What To Expect
When you seek care at iCare Emergency Room and Urgent Care, you will be evaluated by board certified emergency physicians and registered nurses. Upon arrival patients receive a free medical screening evaluation to assess your condition and symptoms and assign you to the appropriate department. For minor illnesses our team can help identify and treat many the symptoms in urgent care. If your condition is more severe or life threatening, we are able to treat you in our ER or transfer you to a local hospital. Your treatment team will evaluate your medical history performing a physical exam and any additional laboratory testing that is needed and create a treatment plan including administering medications as needed in order to help you feel better sooner! Next time you become in need of emergency or urgent care, visit one of our convenient DFW locations.
Flu season is just around the corner, and now is the time to protect yourself and your family. At iCare ER & Urgent Care, we’re making it easier than ever to stay healthy this year. Flu shots are now available for just $35 self-pay at our convenient locations in Fort Worth, Frisco, and Forney, TX.
About the Flu Vaccine, Why You Should Get a Flu Shot
Every year, the flu virus changes, which means the flu vaccine must be updated to target the specific strains predicted to be most common. Getting the flu shot at the start of the season provides essential protection, helping you avoid getting sick or reducing the severity of symptoms if you do catch a strain not included in the vaccine. More importantly, by getting vaccinated, you help stop the spread of the flu, protecting those around you who may be more vulnerable, such as the elderly, young children, or individuals with compromised immune systems.
Flu shots are not just about protecting yourself—they’re about safeguarding your community. When you get vaccinated, you reduce the overall spread of the flu, which can be critical for those who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical reasons. At iCare, we’re proud to offer this important service to help keep our communities healthy.
How Does the Flu Vaccine Work?
The flu vaccine works by introducing an inactivated or weakened version of the flu virus to your body. This small dose allows your immune system to develop the antibodies needed to fight off the flu if you’re exposed later in the season.
Once you’ve been vaccinated, your body takes about two weeks to build up enough antibodies to protect you from the virus. That’s why it’s important to get your flu shot early—waiting until flu season is in full swing could leave you vulnerable in the meantime.
While the vaccine is highly effective, it’s still possible to contract the flu. However, if you do, the vaccine can significantly reduce the severity of your symptoms and help you recover faster.
When to Get Vaccinated for The Flu
At iCare ER & Urgent Care, we recommend getting your flu shot in September or early October—well before the flu season peaks. Getting vaccinated early helps ensure that your body has enough time to build the necessary immunity. Keep in mind that flu season can sometimes start earlier than expected, and vaccine supplies may run low as demand increases, so don’t wait until it’s too late.
The flu vaccine is an annual necessity because the strains of the flu virus change each year. By updating the vaccine to match these evolving strains, researchers help protect you against the ones most likely to spread. This is why getting vaccinated each year is critical, even if you were vaccinated the previous flu season.
Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?
Flu shots are recommended for most people, but certain groups are at a higher risk of complications from the flu. It’s especially important to get vaccinated if you:
- Are pregnant
- Are over the age of 50
- Work in healthcare or come into contact with high-risk individuals
- Have a weakened immune system or chronic health conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes)
- Care for or live with young children, especially those under 5 years old
If you fall into any of these categories, getting vaccinated early in the flu season is crucial. Protecting yourself helps reduce the risk of spreading the flu to those around you who may be at a higher risk for severe complications.
Note: Children under 6 months old should not receive the flu vaccine, and iCare currently does not administer flu shots to children under the age of 2. If you have a history of egg allergies, a severe reaction to the flu vaccine, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, or are currently experiencing a moderate to severe illness, you should consult your doctor before getting vaccinated.
What to Expect at iCare ER & Urgent Care
When you come in for your flu shot at iCare Urgent Care, you can expect a fast and simple process. We’re open from 7 AM to 9 PM daily, with walk-ins welcome, or you can make an appointment online for added convenience.
Upon arrival, our experienced medical team will ensure you’re ready to receive the vaccine by conducting a quick physical exam, checking your vital signs, and confirming that you’re in good health. Once cleared, a nurse will clean and sterilize the injection site before administering the flu shot, which is quick and relatively painless. The entire process is designed to be efficient and stress-free, so you can be in and out in no time. Afterward, we recommend waiting a few minutes to ensure you don’t experience any immediate reactions, which are rare but possible.
Flu Shots for Only $35 Self-Pay at iCare ER & Urgent Care
At iCare, we’re committed to providing high-quality healthcare that’s both accessible and affordable. This flu season, we’re offering flu shots for just $35 self-pay at our locations in Fort Worth, Frisco, and Forney. Walk-in’s welcome or make an appointment online; protecting yourself from the flu has never been easier.
Don’t wait for flu season to catch up to you—get ahead of it by visiting your nearest iCare ER & Urgent Care location today. Let us help keep you and your family healthy all season long.
For more information or to check vaccine availability, call us or simply walk in to any of our locations. Stay protected and let iCare take care of your health this flu season!
Overview – Ear Nose and Throat Conditions
No matter what your age, trouble with your ears, nose, and throat can be uncomfortable and frustrating, but especially for young children. From allergies, to ear infections and, bronchitis treatment. Our Board-Certified Emergency Physicians at iCare ER & Urgent Care can assist in relieving your symptoms from ear, nose, and throat conditions (ENT) quickly and efficiently. Our iCare Frisco or Fort Worth, TX locations provide private exam rooms whether your condition is treated as urgent care or as an emergency.
ENT Conditions
At iCare, our team is experienced in a broad range of ear, nose, and throat conditions and treatments. Most of the time, these conditions are not life threatening but can cause a lot of distress and discomfort. Our physicians will be able to determine the severity of your condition and provide appropriate treatment. Some examples of ENT conditions are:
- Allergies
- Balance issues
- Sinus infections
- Sore throat
- Strep throat
- Ear infections
- Hearing loss
- A runny nose or nasal congestion
- Excessive snoring
- Nosebleeds
- Excessive ear wax
- Tonsil or adenoid infections
- Nasal fractures
- Injuries to the ears, head, or neck areas
- Thyroid and parathyroid disorders
- Salivary gland infections
If you are experiencing pain, dizziness, bleeding, or loss of consciousness, it is especially important that you be seen by a medical care provider such as iCare Emergency Room & Urgent Care as soon as possible. Even if you are not experiencing a medical emergency, our trained medical physicians at iCare available to diagnose and treat your condition. With the latest diagnostic tools and a dedicated team of doctors we can provide quality care for any ENT condition. Mild conditions such as a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, or excessive earwax may still need to be treated my a medical provider, and our team at iCare is highly trained and dedicated to your comfort and health.
What to Expect
When you visit iCare in either Frisco or Fort Worth, our team of doctors and nurses will evaluate your condition with a medical history interview followed by a physical exam. Further tests may be required depending on your condition, including blood tests, throat swab cultures, ear drainage cultures, or other medical procedure. Our in-house laboratory can process many test results within 15 minutes. After diagnosing your condition, treatment can begin right away. Our medical practitioners are experienced in a range of medical treatments to help you get to feeling your best again. Walk-ins welcome, appointments are available. Visit one of our convenient DFW locations.
Overview – Arthritis Pain
Are you looking for arthritis pain relief? Millions of people experience arthritis pain symptoms every day, but the pain doesn’t have to control your life. Our experienced team understands that flare-ups can happen at any time and can affect your sleep, mobility, and ability to complete everyday tasks. If you’re experiencing arthritis pain in your hands, wrists, knees, hips, ankles, or spine, visit iCare ER & Urgent Care in Frisco or Fort Worth, TX.
What is Arthritis
Arthritis is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a collection of more than 100 different diseases that cause muscle and bone pain, most commonly from the wearing down of the cartilage that protects the ends of bones. The symptoms of arthritis vary depending on the type and severity of the condition, but common symptoms include stiffness, pain, and swelling in the joints, as well as limited mobility and fatigue.
Types of Arthritis
There are many different types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common. Osteoarthritis often develops in the spine, hips, or knees with age and can cause pain, stiffness, and loss of flexibility. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints, leading to swelling, pain, and joint deterioration, often found in the hands and feet. Other types of arthritis include psoriatic arthritis, gout, lupus, and ankylosing spondylitis, among others.
What Causes Arthritis: Risk Factors for Arthritis
While the exact cause of arthritis is still unknown, many risk factors have been identified. Age is the leading cause of arthritis, as the cartilage surrounding our joints naturally deteriorates as we get older. Women are also more likely to have arthritis than men. Additionally, obesity and lifestyle factors can lead to many types of arthritis. Obesity can add stress to the joints, increasing the deterioration of the cartilage and lining. Arthritis can also result from injury or overuse of joints from playing sports or a job that requires heavy lifting and repetitive movement.
What to Expect – Arthritis Pain Treatment
When you come into the iCare, our skilled healthcare team will begin with a medical history interview and a physical exam. To get a better understanding of your arthritis, you will be asked about the severity of your pain and other symptoms, the physician may conduct blood and laboratory tests in our onsite laboratory. Depending on the severity, arthritis pain treatment may include prescription medication, over-the-counter pain relievers, or a steroid injection. Additionally, our physicians will oftentimes provide you with instructions on how to lessen your pain in day-to-day activities with at-home exercises and pain management relief recommendations or referrals.
Our urgent care is open daily from 7am-8pm. Visit an iCare location near you.