What are the signs and symptoms of pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection of the lung(s) characterized by shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, chills, and fever. In the elderly, pneumonia is sometimes accompanied by behavioral, cognitive, or mood changes.
How does a patient know whether to go to the ER or walk-in clinic?
In most cases, urgent care is an appropriate first stop for the diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia. Patients experiencing loss of consciousness, severe difficulty breathing, or other life-threatening symptoms should seek treatment through the emergency department.
How does Hollywood Walk-In Clinic handle cases in which hospitalization is required?
In some cases, especially the elderly and very young, hospitalization is required for close monitoring and intervention. Hollywood Walk-In Clinic has privileges to admit patients to local hospitals prepared to manage a hospitalization for pneumonia.
How is pneumonia treated?
The treatment for pneumonia depends on the cause. Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics while viral pneumonia is not. Other medications can be prescribed to manage the symptoms of pneumonia. Patients who are hospitalized generally require IV fluids, oxygen, and periodic breathing treatments.
How often is follow up needed?
Patients should come back to Hollywood Walk-In Clinic according to the instructions received from the urgent care physician who treated them. In some cases, follow up is only required if the patient’s fever returns or symptoms worsen and in other cases, follow up is important despite symptoms or lack thereof. All follow up appointments for the same condition are free for one week after initial treatment at Hollywood Walk-In Clinic.
Does Hollywood Walk-In Clinic provide excuses from school/work?
Yes, when an illness prevents a patient from attending or returning to school or work, the treating physician will issue a release from school/work. Patients who need a release can request it during their visit.
