Area doctors’ offices, urgent care clinics, and emergency rooms are seeing an increase in sick patients seeking care for a variety of illnesses.

UnityPoint Clinic Express in Fort Dodge typically sees 30 to 40 patients each day, but according to UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kelli Wallace, the urgent care clinic is currently seeing 60 to 80 patients per day, and anticipates seeing as many as 80 to 100 daily during peak respiratory illness season.

“Fall and winter are busy times for respiratory symptoms,” said Wallace. “The causes can be seasonal allergies, strep throat, or a multitude of viruses, including RSV, COVID, influenza, among other viruses and bacteria.”

While sick patient volumes are higher, so are the wait times. Wallace noted that walk-in or even all clinic time slots may be full for the day, so patients should consider utilizing virtual care, reserving a spot online with UnityPoint Clinic Express, or treating at home.

Virtual care is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day for minor illnesses such as cold and flu, rashes, sore throats, headaches, and allergies. Appointment sign ups for virtual care can be made online at https://uph.link.virtualcare.

Walk-in care is also available at UnityPoint Clinic Express in Fort Dodge, which is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day for minor illness and injuries like coughs, ear infections, fevers, burns, sprains, urinary tract infections, and yeast infections. Appointments can also be made online to reduce time spent in the waiting room.

For non-life-threatening health issues, Wallace recommends contacting your primary care provider’s office, and if a same-day appointment isn’t available, try walk-in or virtual care. The emergency room should only be utilized for serious or life-threatening health issues.

“For most people, respiratory illnesses can be treated at home,” said Wallace. “If you are not high risk (immune compromised, age 65 or older, pregnant, or have other health issues) you probably don’t need to get tested or make an appointment to see a healthcare provider.”

Wallace noted that getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids, and using over-the-counter medications can aid in recovery.

“For most people, testing for COVID and influenza will not change your treatment,” added Wallace.

While prevention is key, including staying home when sick, washing hands, and avoiding prolonged contact with people who are sick, Wallace noted that staying current on vaccinations and getting a flu shot for the upcoming season is also important.

“Influenza shots (often called flu shots) are vaccines that reduce the risk of flu illness,” said Wallace. “Influenza is a respiratory illness that can cause fever, chills, cough, and fatigue. It’s best for people to get their flu shot by the end of October, since this is the month flu activity typically begins to increase.”

Flu shots are available at UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge, Webster County Health Department, and at most pharmacies.

Seeking Care When Sick

UnityPoint Clinic Express is open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Save your spot by reserving an appointment online.

UnityPoint Health Virtual Care is available every day 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Reserve an appointment online at https://uph.link.virtualcare.

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