Infections can be caused by numerous factors, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Rest assured that the Village Emergency Centers physician quickly devises a plan of action to diagnose, treat, and monitor your infection to get back to better health. The facility is open 24 hours a day, seven days week, so come in anytime an infection is causing you pain or discomfort.
Types of Infection
The signs and symptoms of infection vary, from fever and fatigue to inflammation and swelling. The most common infections that can appear are pneumonia, influenza, skin infections, UTIs, and gastrointestinal infections. With any suspicions you may have, though, it’s important to be checked out by a doctor in person to rule out any variables causing your symptoms. If your symptoms align with a certain diagnosis, your doctor will know the steps needed to be taken to get you on the path to recovery.
The most common signs of infection in children can manifest in different ways than in adults. If you notice signs of infection in your child, you should take them in to be seen by a doctor as soon as possible, as symptoms can worsen if left untreated and develop into more serious ailments. The most common infections that manifest in children include skin infections, throat infections, and ear infections. These ailments are painful and can be life-threatening if left untreated. For example, a throat infection can turn into scarlet fever, or travel to the chest and cause a lung infection. Throat and ear infection also go hand-in-hand, so make sure to know all of your child’s symptoms in order to be a better advocate for them when you take them to see a doctor.
Lastly, there are certain symptoms which you may not realize are associated with infection. Although some parts of the body are more prone to infection than others, it is possible for any part of your body to become infected, causing symptoms you may not realize are related to each other. These symptoms include shortness of breath, stiff neck, loss of appetite, pain in the abdomen, and redness or soreness in any area of the body. The more combined symptoms you have, the more likely your diagnosis of infection. As always, speaking with a doctor about your symptoms should be your first step.
FAQ
Infections are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. They’re spread by:
- Exposure to coughs and sneezes of infected people
- Contact with contaminated food, water, and surfaces
- Contact with people who are infected, such as through kissing or sexual intercourse
- Contact with creatures that are infected, such as pets, livestock, and insects, including fleas and ticks
Infections can lead to diseases, ranging from mild to severe, though less than 1% of bacteria actually cause disease in people.
There are different types of infections that are often grouped depending on where the infection is located in your body. The most common infections are:
Skin
Your skin helps to protect you, but often takes a hit in its role, which results in skin infections. The most common skin infections are:
- Viral – shingles, herpes simplex, and warts
- Fungal – athlete’s foot and yeast infections
- Parasitic – body lice, head lice, and scabies
- Bacterial – cellulitis, impetigo, and staphylococcal infections
Ear
An ear infection is the most common cause of earaches. It can affect both adults and children, but children are more vulnerable. Infections that develop in the sinus cavities can infect the ear through the eustachian tube, the tube that connects your ear to your upper respiratory tract.
While they vary depending on the type of infection, common symptoms include:
-
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Pain
- Skin redness
- Inflammation or swelling
Some symptoms are a result of your immune system fighting to get rid of the infection.
It can be difficult to determine what caused an infection, but a workup that includes a physical exam, diagnostic testing such as blood work, and a medical history usually yields a diagnosis.
How the infection is treated depends on the type of infection and its severity. Viral infections, such as influenza and HIV, can be treated or better managed with antiviral medications.
Antibiotics are often prescribed to fight bacterial infections, typically over the course of a few days to a couple of weeks. Unfortunately, some bacteria have developed a resistance to antibiotics and other treatments are necessary.
Why Choose Village Emergency Centers?
Little To No Wait Time
24/7 Emergency Care
Convenient Locations
Board-Certified Doctors
Pediatric Emergency Department
CT Scan, Ultrasound, & X-rays
All private Insurances Accepted
WHAT OUR patients
ARE SAYING
Jay Karahan 11/2020
“Visited this wonderful, friendly and professional neighborhood urgent care facility for urgent care there recently and was impressed by their attention to detail, professionalism and kind care. Dr. Luna-Gonzales was calming and handle...
Natasha Martinez 11/2020
“Actual fast, friendly, affordable and professional service! The staff is great!”...
Max Rodriguez 10/2020
“I'm a hypochondriac, so feeling certain personal ways at 2:30 am one night, I (soberly) drove up the nearby River Oaks Emergency and it was extremely quick, professional and pleasant. I thank you all for your help and support.”...
Stacey Sperier 10/2020
“Very professional. Put me at ease. Fast.”...
Cathryn Dodd 10/2020
“Being a self pay patient, I called first to get quoted on prices. I was informed that they do not do that over the phone, but to come in and they could quote me. From the front desk, to the interaction with the nurse, then ending with th...
Jason Carlton 09/2020
“Dr. Cruz did an amazing job with my daughter, as well as the nurse. The explained things really well took care of us very fast and got us on our way. Having been through a lot of traumatic experiences in hospitals and emergency rooms, th...
Carlos Gonzales 09/2020
“Was having palpitations in my chest. The physician and nursing staff tended to me immediately. Checked my vital signs, EKG and labs without delay and I was reassured that everything was fine. I was in and out in 30 min. Excellent se...
Serena Lopez 08/2020
“Excellent service and care !! Allowed me to relax and know I was in the best hands . Great experience.”...
Hannah Rae 08/2020
“I came to this location for a COVID-19 test. The test was easy & convenient, the staff was very friendly. The whole thing probably took about 45 minutes, and I never had to leave my car. $100. I would recommend this testing facility to a...
A S 07/2020
“Hello I have been treated at this facility for years. Dr. Luna is one of the best docs in town. Very personal, listens, and gets the job done right. My most recent visit was for blood testing and a nasal swab for a virus. They use FDA ...
Bonita Wynkoop 06/2020
“I showed up yesterday doubled over in pain. They took me back, got vitals, started IV right away for fluids and IV pain meds. Dr. Hortencia Luna-Gonzales MD and all her nurses, techs and staff were very kind, gentle and attentive to my n...
Muhammad Mashwani 02/2020
“Brought my mom to this ER because she had a severe cough and high blood pressure. I came to their Katy ER a couple months before, and loved the staff they had there. The River Oaks staff were just as welcoming. My mother told me she appr...
