Getting sick during the holidays is no fun! All you want to do is enjoy your break from work, spend time with friends and family, and participate in the holiday traditions you love. Instead you’re weak, tired and confined to your bed or couch.

Possibly the worst thing about getting sick over a holiday, is not knowing where you can get help if you need it. If you have a primary care provider, their offices will most likely be closed on major holidays such as Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. So what can you do if you need help from a medical care provider? Whether it’s a cold, the flu or something else, AFC Urgent Care can help.

First things first: Stay safe

Assess your symptoms. Are you capable of traveling anywhere in your current condition? If not, ask a friend or family member to help you if you need to go to the drug store, or if you need to see a medical professional. Consider taking an over-the-counter medication to help relieve some of your symptoms. Remember to pay attention to labels — if you’ve taken a medication that can cause drowsiness, don’t get behind the wheel. Don’t try to push through your illness and continue your holiday as planned — attending parties and other social gatherings will not only jeopardize your health, but the health of those around you as well.

Find the best option for you

Where you seek help for your illness, can largely depend on what illness you have and how severe your condition may be at that time. Some people can feel confident that staying home and resting up is all they’ll need to feel better. However, if you are in pain, over-the-counter medication hasn’t relieved your suffering, or you’re worried about possible complications from your illness, you should seek medical attention. Unlike a primary care provider, many urgent care clinics will be open and available to help, even on weekends and holidays.

Remember, when it comes to seeking medical assistance, always err on the side of caution. If something doesn’t feel right, have a medical professional take a look. Seek immediate medical help if you:

• Are having trouble breathing or breathing is painful.
• Are too weak to stand.
• Can’t think clearly or your speech is slurred.
• Are coughing up blood or there is blood in your phlegm.
• Are vomiting and can’t keep fluids down.

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, AFC Urgent Care is open during the holidays and no appointment necessary! We now have locations in Bridgeport: 4200 Main Street and 161 Boston Avenue.