urgent care King NC

The Importance of Hand Hygiene in Cold Prevention

The common cold is an ailment that affects millions of people every year. It can cause discomfort, disrupt daily activities, and even lead to more serious complications. While there are various ways to prevent colds, one simple yet crucial step is often overlooked – proper hand hygiene.

In this article, we will delve deeper into how hand hygiene can help you fight colds.

The Role of Hands in Cold Transmission

Hands serve as vehicles for the transmission of cold-causing viruses. We touch our faces frequently, inadvertently introducing germs into our respiratory system.

Furthermore, we come into contact with surfaces that may harbor these viruses, such as doorknobs, elevator buttons, and handrails.

Thus, practicing good hand hygiene is essential in breaking this cycle and reducing the risk of catching a cold.

The Power of Handwashing

Regular handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of cold viruses.

It’s important to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after using the restroom, and when returning home from public places.

The Science Behind Handwashing

Handwashing works by physically removing germs from the hands.

Soap molecules surround and lift away the microorganisms, while water rinses them off. The friction created during handwashing further enhances this process.

Handwashing can reduce the risk of respiratory infections, including the common cold, by up to 21%.

Hand Sanitizers as a Convenient Alternative

When soap and water are not readily available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content can be used as a substitute.

These sanitizers effectively kill many types of germs, including cold viruses, on the skin.

However, it is important to note that hand sanitizers should not replace regular handwashing whenever possible.

Other Hygiene Practices to Complement Handwashing

While hand hygiene is crucial, it is not the only preventive measure against colds. Supporting practices include:

  • Avoiding close contact with individuals who are sick.
  • Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoiding touching your face when outside of your home, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently-touched objects and surfaces.

When to Visit Your Doctor

While practicing good hand hygiene is a significant step in preventing the common cold, it’s important to know when it’s necessary to seek medical attention.

While most colds resolve on their own within a week or two, there are certain situations where a visit to your doctor may be warranted.

Here are some signs that indicate it’s time to seek professional medical advice:

1. High Fever

If you have a persistent fever above 100.4°F (38°C), it may be a sign of a more serious infection.

Your doctor can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

2. Severe or Prolonged Symptoms

If your cold symptoms are particularly severe or last longer than expected, it’s advisable to consult with your healthcare provider.

This could include symptoms such as extreme fatigue, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or a persistent cough.

3. Worsening Symptoms

If your symptoms worsen over time instead of improving, it may indicate a secondary infection or complications.

Seek medical advice if you experience increasing congestion, severe headache, ear pain, or a worsening sore throat.

4. Chronic Health Conditions

Individuals with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or a weakened immune system, should consult their doctor if they develop cold symptoms.

These individuals are more susceptible to complications and may require additional medical support.

5. Concerns for Infants and Young Children

Babies under three months old with a fever should always be seen by a healthcare professional.

Additionally, if your child’s symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other worrisome signs, it’s recommended to seek medical advice.

6. Personalized Medical Advice

If you have any concerns or questions about your specific situation or if you’re unsure whether to visit your doctor, it’s best to reach out to your healthcare provider.

They can provide personalized guidance based on your medical history and symptoms.

While hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of colds, it’s important to listen to your body and seek medical attention when necessary.

Your healthcare provider can help assess your symptoms, provide appropriate treatment recommendations, and offer peace of mind.

Cold Treatment in King, NC

Hand hygiene plays a vital role in preventing the spread of the common cold. By practicing regular handwashing, you can reduce the risk of catching a cold and prevent its transmission to others. Remember, clean hands lead to healthier lives!

Do you need medical treatment for the common cold or another illness? If so, you can put your trust in Cardinal Urgent Care. Our urgent care specialists will make sure you receive nothing short of the best care. You may reach our friendly staff today at (336) 983-9111 for any questions or concerns.

Visit our clinic seven days a week. We look forward to serving you.

Flu Season Preparedness: How Urgent Care Can Help with Seasonal Illnesses

Flu season, a period of increased influenza activity, presents a significant health challenge every year, affecting millions of individuals across the United States. As the weather changes and the temperature drops, the flu virus becomes more prevalent, leading to a surge in flu-related illnesses.

Being prepared and informed about seeking medical care during this time is crucial to ensuring a healthier winter.

What’s Flu Season?

Flu season typically spans from fall to early spring, with the peak of activity occurring during winter. The flu, short for influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.

It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, making close contact situations particularly conducive to transmission.

Common flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. Recognizing these symptoms is essential, as early intervention can lead to faster recovery and prevent complications.

The Role of Urgent Care During Flu Season

Urgent care centers have emerged as valuable resources within the healthcare system, offering an alternative to emergency rooms for non-life-threatening conditions. During flu season, these centers provide timely and efficient care to individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms.

One of the most significant advantages of urgent care centers is their extended hours of operation, which often include evenings and weekends. Their availability ensures that individuals can seek medical attention when their primary care doctor’s office is closed.

Moreover, urgent care centers offer prompt medical attention, with shorter wait times than emergency rooms focusing on life-threatening cases. This is especially beneficial during fluseason when the demand for healthcare services increases.

By visiting an urgent care center, people can receive medical care more quickly, allowing them to start their recovery sooner. Seeking care at an urgent care center can prevent complications from untreated or poorly managed flu symptoms. Medical professionals at these centers can prescribe antiviral medications if needed, which can shorten the duration of illness and reduce the severity of symptoms.

This early intervention is vital for individuals at higher risk of complications, such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with certain chronic health conditions. Furthermore, choosing to go to an urgent care center is a more cost-effective solution without compromising on the quality of care received.

When to Choose Urgent Care?

Deciding when to visit an urgent care center during flu season depends on the severity of the symptoms and the individual’s overall health status.

Mild to moderate flu symptoms, such as fever, cough, and body aches, can typically be managed with over-the-counter medications and rest. However, seeking medical attention is advised if symptoms worsen or become unmanageable at home.

Individuals struggling to control their symptoms or those with concerns about potential complications should consider visiting an urgent care center.High-risk individuals, including those with weakened immune systems or chronic medical conditions, should also prioritize seeking medical care if they experience flu-like symptoms.

Additionally, individuals who require prescription medications, such as antiviral drugs, to manage their flu symptoms can benefit from visiting an urgent care center to receive prompt treatment.

Preparing for the Visit

Gather any necessary documents before visiting an urgent care center. Start by checking the center’s operating hours and location to ensure they are open when needed. When you come to the urgent care center, bring along your identification, insurance information, and a list of your current medications.

What to Expect During a Urgent Care Visit?

When you arrive at the urgent care center, you will complete the check-in process and provide your personal information and the reason for your visit. After check-in, a healthcare provider will evaluate your condition, including taking your medical history and performing a physical examination.

Depending on the situation, the provider may order diagnostic tests, such as a rapid flu test, to confirm the presence of the virus.

The healthcare provider will recommend a suitable treatment plan based on the evaluation and test results. This plan may include prescribing antiviral medications, providing guidance on managing symptoms at home, and advising when to seek further medical attention.

Preventing the Spread of Illness

As we approach flu season, it’s crucial to take preventive measures to reduce the spread of the illness.If you feel unwell, stay home to avoid infecting others in your community. Practice good respiratory hygiene by covering your mouth and nose with tissue or a handkerchief when coughing or sneezing. Regularly wash your hands with water and soap for at least 20 seconds, especially after sneezing, coughing, or being in public places.

Above all, getting vaccinated against the flu remains one of the most effective preventive measures. Annual flu vaccines protect against the most common flu strains circulating in that year.By getting vaccinated, you safeguard your health and contribute to the collective effort to reduce flu transmission within the community.

Reliable Urgent Care in King, NC

In the midst of flu season, being informed and proactive about seeking medical care is essential. Urgent care centers stand as beacons of support, offering convenient access to medical professionals, diagnostic services, and timely treatment.

If you need urgent care for any reason — including the flu — come visit Cardinal Urgent Care. Our experienced healthcare professionals stand ready to offer complete, personalized, and comprehensive urgent care to all patients.

Contact us by calling (336) 983-9111, or request an appointment online.

The Most Common Urgent Care Procedures Explained

Accidents can happen at any time and in any place. No one looks forward to it, but in these situations, urgent care clinics exist to provide convenient medical care. They aim to bridge the gap between emergency room visits and typical primary care. If you have never been to an urgent care facility before, you might not be sure what to expect at an urgent care facility.

Let’s talk about some of the most common urgent care procedures and where you can find the best urgent care center in Stokes County, NC.

Minor Wound Care

Sometimes you might just shrug off cuts, scrapes, and burns as things that happen in your daily life. However, it’s important to remember that any break in the skin can lead to infection.

Depending on your health and other factors, even a minor skin infection could turn into something serious or life-threatening if ignored.

Healthcare providers in urgent care clinics address a variety of minor skin injuries, including cuts, scratches, and burns. They will clean and dress your wound, prescribe medication to prevent infection or manage any pain you might be feeling.

Cuts

When dealing with minor cuts, it’s important to keep the wound clean, sterilized, and bandaged. In some cases, medication may be necessary to prevent infection or ease pain.

Scratches

Scratches are like mild cuts that may not always bleed. It’s important to clean and dress the wound and consider using an antibiotic ointment to avoid infection.

Burns

For minor burns, over-the-counter gels or creams can be used after cleaning the skin. However, chemical, electrical, or severe burns may require advanced medical attention to ensure there is no internal damage.

More Serious Cuts

Sutures can help more serious cuts heal faster by holding the edges of the skin together. However, whether or not you need them will depend on various factors, such as:

  • The size and location of the injury
  • The amount of bleeding
  • Your overall health

If you’re unsure whether your injury requires stitches, it’s best to consult a medical professional. When deemed necessary, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the affected area before the sutures are threaded.

Some stitches dissolve on their own, while others will need to be removed at a follow-up appointment.

Digital X-Ray Imaging

At times, identifying the cause of your symptoms may require more than just a history and physical examination. High-quality imaging services are thus helpful in understanding what is going on inside the body.

Digital X-rays are now essential in diagnosing an array of illnesses and injuries unseen by the naked eye. Examples include:

  • Broken bones
  • Respiratory infections
  • Foreign objects lodged inside the body

Digital X-rays use only low doses of radiation to produce detailed images of the inside of your body. They are also quick, painless, and non-invasive.

Urgent care clinics often have board-certified radiologists who can review the images within 30 minutes. This ensures you get expert findings as soon as possible.

Earwax Removal

Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural substance that cleans and protects the ear canal. Sometimes, it can build up and cause the following:

  • Ear fullness
  • A blocked sensation
  • Diminished hearing

Your healthcare provider can use a special tool called an otoscope to take a look inside your ear canals.

If they discover too much earwax, they can safely remove it. They may flush the wax out with warm water or remove it using gentle suction.

They may apply ear wax softening drops before irrigation to make the removal process easier.  Their cleaning technique is highly effective in helping you regain your sense of hearing in the affected ear.

Intravenous (IV) Fluid Administration

IV therapy is a quick and effective way to deliver fluids, blood, or medication directly into the body through the veins. It is particularly useful for patients who need immediate drug or fluid delivery.

You may need IV fluid administration due to:

  • Dehydration
  • Excessive vomiting and diarrhea
  • Infection that requires IV antibiotic therapy

Determining the suitable amount and type of IV fluids and the ideal rate of administration can be difficult. Providers in urgent care centers have the expertise to give suitable health recommendations and care.

Splinting and Partial Casting

For non-life-threatening conditions involving broken bones or sprains, help is available. Casts and splints are commonly used to immobilize the injured limb and promote healing.

Initially, splints are preferred due to swelling, which can be later replaced with a cast once the swelling goes down.

Casts are made from plaster or fiber glass and provide more support than splints. On the other hand, splints are easier and faster to use but provide less support.

Urgent Care in Stokes County, NC

Cardinal Urgent Care’s state-of-the-art facility is ready to serve your healthcare needs seven days a week. Our team— led by board-certified emergency room physician Dr. Samir Patel—values the convenience, time, health, and overall experience of the people in the community we are privileged to serve. As such, we strive to provide comprehensive, highly efficient,compassionate care, so our patients can quickly get back to doing the things they love to do.

No appointment is needed – just walk in. For more information on our services, please call our friendly team at (336) 983-9111.

Benefits of Getting a DOT Medical Card

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), there are more than 13.3 million people who work in transportation and transportation-related industries, accounting for roughly 9.1 percent of employees in the United States.

If you want to pursue a career in the transport sector as a driver of a commercial vehicle, your first step is to secure a DOT medical card to be able to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Below, we’ve provided some more information about the importance of a DOT medical card and what the process of getting it involves.

Why a DOT Medical Card Is Necessary

A Department of Transportation (DOT) medical card, which is actually less of a card and more of a document, is what every person desiring to land and maintain safety-sensitive job needs. The DOT defines safety-sensitive jobs as those in which the employee’s performance can impact their own safety and that of the public.

A DOT medical card is essentially proof that you’re in optimal physical condition to operate a commercial motor vehicle, specifically:

  • A truck carrying 10,000 pounds or more gross weight
  • A truck carrying hazardous materials (hazmat)
  • A vehicle carrying 15 or more passengers

What the DOT Exam Involves

To obtain a DOT medical card, you must undergo a physical exam, as mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Once you’re issued a DOT medical card, you need to renew it every two years. Medical examiners are required to keep a copy of the physical examination results for three years, so individuals can get copies of those results as needed.

A DOT exam includes various assessments, such as the following:

  • Vision check
  • Hearing test
  • Skin check
  • Blood pressure check
  • Physical exam (general appearance, abdomen, musculoskeletal system, lungs, neurological function, etc.)
  • Urinalysis

If you fail in any of these evaluations, talk to your medical examiner if there’s anything you can do to correct the problem. If the problem is not something you can fix, ask if you can apply for a waiver or an exemption.

DOT Physical Exam in King, North Carolina

At Cardinal Urgent Care, we desire to be your one-stop destination for your healthcare needs. Our professional team, headed by Dr. Samir Patel, offers an extensive range of ancillary services, including DOT physicals and occupational medicine services, because we believe health care should be convenient, comprehensive, and efficient.

While our patients can walk in anytime during our business hours for most of their needs, we encourage those coming to get a DOT medical card to schedule an appointment ahead of time to ensure streamlined care.

To book an appointment, you may call us at (336) 983-9111 or fill out this form. We look forward to serving you!

Why Do I Need to Get a CDL Physical?

A CDL physical exam, more appropriately known as a DOT physical, is part and parcel of seeking and maintaining employment in the transportation industry. It is essentially your ticket to obtaining and keeping a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

Here, you’ll learn why drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) are required to undergo CDL physicals every two years.

Why Does Someone Need a CDL Physical Examination?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the lead federal government agency assigned to regulate and provide safety oversight of CMVs, mandates that each state administer comprehensive physical examinations to every person applying for or maintaining a CDL.

A potential or current employee’s medical status must be evaluated, certified, and added to the commercial driver’s license system (CDLS). The purpose of this is to ensure they have the overall capacity to safely operate a commercial vehicle and withstand the physical rigors involved in the job.

People who need a CDL license are those who operate the following types of vehicles:

  • Single or combination vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds
  • Those carrying hazardous waste materials in amounts that require placarding
  • Those designed to transport more than 16 people (including the driver)

What the CDL Physical Involves

The following are the things that you should bring or provide during your DOT physical appointment:

  • Hearing aid (if applicable)
  • Eyeglasses or contact lenses (if applicable)
  • A list of your current prescription and over-the-counter medications as well as the name and contact information of your prescribing physician
  • Your health insurance information
  • A medical opinion release letter from your primary care physician or specialist if you are under treatment for a medical condition, such as sleep apnea or any other sleep disorder, or you’ve recently had an injury or surgical procedure.

The CDL physical exam is much like your routine wellness exam with your primary care physician. Your height, weight, vital signs, BMI, and reflexes will be checked. The doctor will also examine your ears, nose and throat, muscles, joints, and skin. He will listen to your heart and lungs as well. Additionally, the doctor will go over your medical history and medications. He will take a urine sample, order routine blood work, and take an EKG to assess your heart function and rhythm.

If the doctor does discover a problem that may disqualify you from getting a medical certification for the CDL, he will discuss ways to improve your chances of future eligibility or to apply for an exemption for your condition.

CDL Physical in King, NC

If you’re in search of a healthcare facility that offers highly efficient and reliable CDL physicals within the King area in North Carolina, visit us here at Cardinal Urgent Care. Our team – led by Dr. Samir Patel, a board-certified emergency medicine physician – has helped numerous people complete the licensing process and get on the road safely.

Arrange your CDL exam appointment today. Call ahead at (336) 983-9111. We are open seven days a week for your convenience.

When to Visit a Walk-In Clinic

A walk-in clinic, also called an urgent care center, is a facility that provides medical care on a first-come, first-served basis – without the need for an appointment. Walk-in clinics are your place to go when you need quick medical care for nonemergency illnesses and injuries.

They are a fast and affordable alternative to expensive emergency room visits, which are unnecessary for treating minor health conditions. Plus, an emergency room staff has a triage system whereby the most serious health problems are seen first, so less-serious or non-life-threatening issues may take a while, with those patients sitting in the waiting room for possibly a long time.

Let’s talk about when it is in your best interest to opt for a walk-in clinic, and where you can go in King, North Carolina, for top-level urgent care.

When You Have a Sudden Illness or Injury

Whether you have a very bad cold, the flu, a bad cut, or a slight burn (such as when cooking), a walk-in clinic is an ideal place to get urgent medical care without a long wait.

Non-life-threatening health conditions that warrant urgent care include the following:

  • Strains (such as a strained muscle)
  • Sprains (such as a sprained ankle)
  • Joint injury
  • Animal bite
  • Insect stings
  • Skin infection
  • Rash
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain or stomachache/abdominal pain
  • Sore throat
  • Constant cough
  • Ear infection or earache
  • Respiratory infection
  • Headaches
  • Work injuries
  • Sports injuries
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Diabetes problems
  • Asthma attack or trouble breathing
  • Minor allergic reactions

When You Need to Get Tested

Visit a walk-in clinic if you suddenly realize that you may have been exposed to a contagious illness such as COVID-19. You can also get tested to find out the potential causes of chest pains or heart palpitations by visiting a walk-in clinic for EKG testing.

A walk-in clinic usually offers scans and tests such as X-rays, pregnancy testing, blood testing, and confidential STD (sexually transmitted disease) testing.

When You Need to Be Vaccinated

Whether you are traveling to a high-risk area or need to receive a scheduled shot, walk-in clinics are for you. A walk-in clinic offers vaccinations for a variety of diseases, including measles, mumps, hepatitis, rubella, and chicken pox, to name a few.

When You Need a Physical Exam for Work or School

If your workplace or sports team requires a physical evaluation, have it done at a walk-in clinic.

Getting a physical exam from a primary care physician requires an appointment and can take longer than a week. However, at a walk-in clinic, you can get your school physical, sports physical, pre-employment drug test, or DOT physical done efficiently and conveniently.

Convenient Walk-In Clinic in King, NC

If you need quick care for an injury, illness, infection, cut, or burn, or if you need a DOT physical or other type of exam necessary for school or your profession, visit us at Cardinal Urgent Care in King, North Carolina. If you have any questions or would like to let us know that you are on your way, call us at (336) 983-9111. You can walk in anytime during our open hours, and you can even even request an appointment via our online form now. We look forward to serving you!

Urgent Care VS. Emergency Room

If you or a family member are sick or injured, which health care facility should you choose: an urgent care center in King, NC, or the closest hospital ER? Let’s look at the differences between these facilities, so you can make the right choice in your time of need.

Urgent Care Centers

Your child has a persistent low-grade fever and a sore throat. Your pediatrician’s office is closed, but you don’t want this to wait until the morning. In such a situation, an urgent care center is the most appropriate medical office to visit.

Urgent care centers are open for extended hours and on the weekends. Most are open on major holidays, as well. Urgent care centers are an extension to primary care, as they offer the same services as primary care offices, but with extended availability. They even have services that go beyond primary care. When it comes to any health problem that isn’t life-threatening, an urgent care center is the place to go.

Here’s what your walk-in urgent care center in King, NC, offers to patients of all ages:

  • Prompt care for medical issues that are pressing but not life-threatening
  • Evening and weekend hours
  • Quick check-ins and short wait times
  • Assessment and care by a fully qualified provider
  • On-site testing (blood work, strep testing, urinalysis, X-rays, and more)
  • Diagnosis and treatment plan (to include prescription medications, suturing, breathing treatments, bandaging, and more)
  • Vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine
  • Occupational medicine services, including workers’ comp and drug testing
  • Routine physicals for school, sports, and more

The conditions treated at urgent care centers include:

  • Pink eye
  • Ear infections
  • Headaches
  • Sore throats
  • Upper and lower respiratory tract infections
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other GI conditions
  • Skin rashes
  • Insect bites
  • Cuts, bruising, and burns
  • Fractures, strains, and sprains
  • UTIs

Going To a Hospital ER

A hospital emergency room provides both urgent and emergency medical care. Because it is located in a full-service hospital or medical center, the ER promptly handles life-threatening medical needs, such as heart attack and stroke, and the most pressing of injuries, such as amputations and crush injuries.

Besides board-certified physicians, registered nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, hospital ERs provide ready access to a wide range of specialists, such as cardiologists, neurologists, and orthopedic surgeons. Plus, the highest level of imaging and diagnostic lab services are housed within the hospital campus.

Hospital ERs, however, are well-known for long wait times if your medical need is not life-threatening. The sickest patients are seen and treated first, and so, you may be required to wait for an extended period to get medical attention. Unless you have a life-threatening emergency, you will not be a priority in an ER.

Additionally, ER costs can be astonishingly high, even with the best medical insurance. So, if your pediatrician is unavailable and you decide to take your child to the hospital, expect a high cost.

Conditions that hospital emergency rooms typically treat are:

  • Car accident injuries
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Severe burns and lacerations
  • Head injuries
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Drug interactions and overdoses
  • Severe asthma attacks and allergic reactions

When the severest of health problems strike, call 911 or get to the closest hospital emergency room. However, if your injury or health problem is not life-threatening, visit an urgent care instead, where you can get quality care at the drop of a dime.

Cardinal Urgent Care In King, North Carolina

Cardinal Urgent Care’s state-of-the-art facility is ready to serve your health care needs seven days a week. Our board-certified physician is Dr. Samir Patel, who is board-certified in emergency medicine. We are open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 8 pm, as well as Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm.

No appointment needed – just walk in. For more information on our services, please call our friendly team at (336) 983-9111.

What Is a DOT Physical?

A DOT physical, which is a head-to-toe physical assessment mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), is essentially your ticket to securing and maintaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL). It is geared toward ensuring you have no medical conditions or physical limitations that can interfere with your ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely.

If you’re seeking employment in the transport industry and you’ve been told you need a DOT physical, keep reading to learn more about it, particularly what it involves, what you should bring with you to your appointment, and your safest course of action in the event that you fail it.

What Does the DOT Physical Involve?

A DOT physical can include the following assessment categories:

  • Medical history
  • Hearing
  • Vision
  • Vitals signs (heart rate, breathing, respirations)
  • Body weight and body mass index (BMI)
  • Head to toe exam
  • Urinalysis

A DOT physical is similar to an annual physical exam given by primary care physicians but focuses specifically on the ability to safely drive a commercial motor vehicle. More testing may be necessary based on medical history.

What Must I Bring to My DOT Physical?

When preparing for your DOT physical appointment, make sure to include the following in your checklist:

  • Any routine medications you take (e.g., prescription, over-the-counter medicines, etc.)
  • Corrective lenses (contacts and/or eyeglasses) and hearing aids
  • Medical records: those from your primary care physician and any specialty providers, such as orthopedic doctor, cardiologist, etc.
  • Doctor’s names and addresses
  • Your photo ID
  • Most recent lab results (if you have diabetes)
  • Urine sample
  • A letter from your sleep medicine specialist (if you have sleep apnea)
  • Current medical insurance information

What to Do When You Fail Your DOT Physical

If you fail an assessment in your DOT physical, keep in mind that it does not necessarily mean that it is already the end of the line for you—there might just be something off that can still be corrected.

Your best bet is to talk to your examiner to find out why you failed the physical and ask if they have any suggestions as to what particular steps you can take to pass. If the reason for your being deemed ineligible for a CDL is not within your control, find out if you can apply for an exemption.

The FMCSA will review your case by assessing your medical records, employment history, driving experience, and other information you have provided to determine your capacity to safely operate a commercial vehicle. They usually release their decision within 180 days after they receive your application. Keep in mind that exemptions are only granted to interstate drivers: the FMCSA is not authorized to grant intrastate requirement exemptions.

DOT Physicals in King, North Carolina

If you’re looking for a reputable healthcare facility that offers DOT physicals within the King area in North Carolina, visit us here at Cardinal Urgent Care. DOT physicals belong to a vast array of ancillary services that we offer for the people in our community as part of our commitment of providing them with comprehensive healthcare services.

To schedule an appointment for a DOT physical, contact our staff at (336) 985-9111, and we will gladly guide you on how to go about the process. You may also use this form to send an appointment request. We look forward to serving you!

FAQs About COVID-19 Testing

While there are some people who believe that the we’re now close to the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, some scientists assert the virus is here to stay, and it could just take on a similar ebb and flow to the flu.

Regardless of which school of thought you adopt, one thing that cannot be refuted is that COVID-19 testing remains crucial for preventing and mitigating the spread of the disease that has already upended the lives of billions of people the world over.

Learn more about COVID-19 testing through the answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions about it, as listed below:

Q: When Do I Need A COVID-19 Test?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people get tested for COVID-19 if any of the following circumstances applies to them:

  • Have symptoms of the virus (e.g., fever, chills, sore throat, cough, difficulty breathing, etc.)
  • Have had known or suspected close contact with someone who’s been diagnosed with COVID-19- Even if the person is fully vaccinated, they should be tested 5 to 7 days after their exposure.
  • Not fully vaccinated and had known or suspected exposure to someone who’s confirmed to have COVID-19- If the test is negative, they should test again 5 to 7 days later or immediately if symptoms develop.
  • Starting an academic year or returning to work
  • Need to travel
  • Have been required to do so by a public health official or healthcare professional

Q: What Type of Covid Test Should I Have?

There are two types of COVID-19 viral tests available that are designed to check for current infection:

  • PCR test- This involves taking a sample which can either be a nasal swab or saliva. It is reliable for people with and without symptoms as it is highly sensitive to detecting even very small amounts of the virus. Test results are usually available within 1 to 3 days, and no follow-up test is usually required.
  • Rapid test (Antigen test)– Rapid tests usually involve also taking a nasal swab sample. They provide quick results (within 15 to 30 minutes) and are useful screening tests, but they are generally less sensitive compared to PCR tests and may be less reliable for people without symptoms. Follow-up tests may therefore be necessary.

Q: What If I Don’t Have Symptoms, Do I Still Need to Get Tested?

COVID-19 symptoms may take 2 to 14 days to appear after a person’s exposure to the virus. If you suspect you may have been exposed to the virus, you should take the correct precautionary measures right away.

One recent study estimated that 35 percent of all COVID-19 infections are asymptomatic, meaning the virus could be potentially transmitted to others unknowingly. Regular antigen testing is a quick and effective way to help identify asymptomatic cases of COVID-19.

Q: Where Should I Go for a Covid-19 Test?

You can get a COVID-19 test from an urgent care facility near you. However, you have to call the provider beforehand, so they can tell you how to safely go about the process—without the potential risk of disease transmission.

COVID-19 Testing in King, NC

At Cardinal Urgent Care, we are your one-step destination for your healthcare needs. In addition to providing top-notch urgent care, we offer a vast array of ancillary services—including COVID-19 testing, occupational health services, and diagnostic services—as part of our goal of delivering comprehensive health care for the men, women, and children in our community.

If you would like to find out more about COVID-19 testing or our other healthcare services, call us today at (336) 983-9111. Got an urgent medical situation? Simply walk in! We offer convenient extended opening hours, so you can get the care you need, when you need it.

Common Conditions that Indicate a Need for Urgent Care

While many of us turn to our primary care physicians when we feel unwell, it isn’t always possible to see them exactly when we need to. And, although anyone can go to the emergency room (ER) for medical treatment, they are usually bound to experience long wait times for minor medical problems, because patients with serious or life-threatening conditions are always a priority. Medical costs can also be much higher at an ER.

These situations often leave a person with one question: “Where should I go then?” Did you know that you have one more option for minor medical situations? Seeking urgent care is your best choice for when your PCP isn’t available and you want to avoid the long wait times and astronomical medical bills associated with an ER visit.

Here, you’ll learn about the reasons why seeking urgent care is a great option as well as the conditions that warrant a visit to an urgent care clinic.

Why Go to an Urgent Care Clinic

An urgent care clinic is a type of medical facility that accommodates patients of all ages with conditions and injuries that are not serious enough to be considered life-threatening, but still require high-priority care.

Urgent care facilities have extended opening hours, are open all year round, and also accept walk-in visits, meaning you don’t need to have an appointment. They also offer a wide range of ancillary services on site, such as routine physical exams, COVID-19 testing, diagnostic tests, and occupational health services, so you can have everything taken care of in one location.

What’s more, urgent care facilities are manned by a team of healthcare professionals who are extensively trained in emergency medicine, which means the quality of healthcare services you can expect is on par with—or even a lot better than—what you get when you go to the emergency room.

When to Go to an Urgent Care

The medical staff at urgent care clinics are highly equipped and qualified to treat a vast variety of minor illnesses.

If you experience symptoms of any of the following conditions, your best bet is to head out to an urgent care clinic near you:

  • Abscess or a suspected skin infection
  • Allergies
  • Asthma
  • Dehydration
  • Dizziness
  • Ear infection
  • Eye redness, itchiness, and/or discharge (conjunctivitis)
  • Migraines and headaches
  • Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
  • Nosebleeds
  • Painful urination or suspected urinary tract infection
  • Sexually transmitted disease (STD)
  • Sinusitis
  • Stomach pain/stomach flu
  • Upper respiratory infections (e.g., colds and the flu)

Urgent care facilities can also treat a variety of minor injuries including the following:

  • Animal bites
  • Dislocations
  • Minor burns
  • Minor cuts and lacerations
  • Minor fractures
  • Sprains and strains

When an urgent care physician deems advanced care is necessary for your medical problem, they will provide you with a referral to the appropriate specialist for the effective management of your condition or injury.

Top-Notch Urgent Care in King, NC

The next time you experience an allergic reaction or your child gets a scraped knee, you know what to do: visit us here at Cardinal Urgent Care in King, North Carolina. Our team— led by board-certified emergency room physician, Dr. Samir Patel—values the convenience, time, health, and overall experience of the people in the community we are privileged to serve. As such, we strive to provide comprehensive, highly efficient, compassionate care, so our patients can quickly get back to doing the things they love to do.

If you would like to find out more about the services we offer, call us today at (336) 983-9111. We look forward to serving you!