When cold weather sets in for the winter, it is known that there will be an influx in cases of colds, flu, viruses and respiratory illnesses. Primary care providers encourage patients to ensure vaccinations are up-to-date for themselves and their children. In addition, simple actions can be taken to boost the immune system and reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses throughout winter, such as staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest and sneezing or coughing into a tissue or the inner bend of the elbow.

Healthcare providers encourage patients to remain active during winter months with caution. Anyone walking or running in the cold weather should layer clothing and warm up with some light stretching activities. Those with known heart conditions should consult their doctor prior to shoveling snow, which is also an activity known to cause back injuries when not done correctly.

A family physician or a primary care provider is widely considered to be the “gatekeeper “of one’s health. Those who do not have one are encouraged to find one.  For more information about primary care providers at Pikeville Medical Center, please visit www.pmcky.org/services/family-practice-providers/.

During a recent public address, Kentucky Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) called the recent rise in the number of positive flu cases the quickest and sharpest uprise of flu in a decade.

Although the flu is not nearly as contagious as COVID-19, healthcare providers encourage everyone to get an annual flu shot. Doing so adds an extra layer of protection, especially to vulnerable populations like older adults, young children and people with chronic medical conditions.

“Preparation is key in preventing most seasonal flu activity,” said Fadi Al Akhrass, MD, MBA, FACP, Medical Director of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control at Pikeville Medical Center. “Getting vaccinated is definitely the best way to protect yourself and your family.”

Since cold and flu season coincides with both Thanksgiving and Christmas, it is very important to be mindful of any symptoms and take reasonable precautions when gathered around friends and family to prevent the spread of colds, the flu, RSV and other respiratory illnesses. Preventative measures like hand washing and staying home from work or school while sick can also help reduce the spread of germs.

Pikeville Medical Center has several physicians and nurse practitioners who make up an experienced team of primary care providers committed to treating patients. A primary care provider treats patients when they are sick, but also takes time to encourage preventive care and living a healthy lifestyle.

Patients who suffer from chronic health issues also benefit from regular visits to a family doctor who can monitor their health and notice small changes which may indicate a larger health concern. When serious medical issues arise, a primary care provider has knowledge of and access to many physicians and providers who offer specialized services. The primary care provider can often expedite care for serious conditions by knowing which specialist a patient needs to see, eliminating unnecessary visits.

For more information on Primary Care Providers at Pikeville Medical Center, visit https://www.pmcky.org/services/family-practice-providers/  To make an appointment, visit the website or call 606-430-2213.

“I never wanted to practice medicine anywhere else,” said Dr. King.  “This is my home, and the people who live here are like family.  I get to know my patients and establish a relationship with them, so when something is wrong, we can begin finding a solution immediately.”

Dr. King says by taking the time to build a relationship with his patients, he sets a baseline for their health.

“If I know how a patient is when he or she is healthy, I can better see signs of illness,” said Dr. King.  “I listen to my patients.  If a patient says he is thirsty all the time, and that isn’t normal, I know we may need to test for diabetes.  That is why having a family doctor is so important.  Many times, subtle changes will tell you something is wrong.”

Dr. King said choosing to practice at Pikeville Medical Center was an easy decision.  He explained that he was drawn to the collective drive of the administration, board of directors, and other physicians to make PMC one of the best hospitals, not only in Kentucky, but the world.

PRIMARY CARE | Focuses on care to adults and children that includes assessing and treating current conditions, identifying health issues, vaccinations and disease prevention and healthy lifestyle promotion, as well as referrals to specialists when needed. Our Primary Care providers typically schedule patient visits in advance and have limited ability to accommodate evening, night and weekend appointments or walk-ins. Primary Care providers serve as the gatekeeper for all your medical needs and are a trusted source of reference to help you navigate the healthcare system and live your healthiest life. Our Primary Care team is accepting patients and would welcome a call from you to establish care.

URGENT CARE | Focuses on treating unexpected illnesses and injuries that can’t wait for a visit to your Primary Care provider. Our Urgent Care Clinics offer evening, night and weekend hours of service and accepts patients without appointments.

Visiting an Urgent Care Clinic does not replace a visit to your Primary Care provider but can be a convenient option when your regular doctor is unable to work you in for an appointment. When illness strikes outside of regular office hours, our Urgent Care Clinics offer an alternative to long waits often associated with an emergency room visit. Urgent Care service usually costs less than the ER, too.

EMERGENCY ROOM | Focuses on treating life-threatening or extreme medical conditions in patients of all ages. The Emergency Room is a department of the hospital that has access to all the technical resources, services and expertise that we make available. Pikeville Medical Center is the only Level II Trauma Center in Kentucky, and as such, has advanced technology and specialized experts to handle the most critical medical conditions and circumstances.

GO TO URGENT CARE FOR THE FOLLOWING:

• Abdominal pain
• Animal or insect bites
• Bladder and Urinary tract infection
• Breathing discomfort, such as moderate asthma
• Bronchitis
• Cuts and bleeding that may require stitches
• Ear infection
• Fever, flu or cold symptoms
• Minor back pain
• Minor burns
• Nausea or diarrhea
• Pink Eye
• Seasonal allergies
• Sore throat
• Sprains and broken bones
• Vomiting or diarrhea

PMC’s Urgent Care Clinics can also perform a variety of preventive screening tests that include cholesterol screenings, diabetes screenings, liver screenings, pregnancy screenings, TB skin tests, women’s health screenings and more. We provide immunizations for flu, tetanus/diphtheria, pneumonia and more.

GO TO AN EMERGENCY ROOM FOR THE FOLLOWING:

• Allergic reactions
• Drug overdoses
• Head trauma
• High fevers or rash, especially
• Intestinal bleeding
• Loss of consciousness
• Paralysis
• Poisoning
• Repeated vomiting
• Severe abdominal pain
• Severe burns among children
• Severe chest pain
• Severe fractures
• Severe head or eye injuries
• Stroke
• Vaginal bleeding with pregnancy
• Wheezing or shortness of breath

If you have chest pains or a more serious condition or injury, call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency department.