Families who want care from a Nemours board-certified pediatrician for their child's flu symptoms will now find it even easier to be seen at a Nemours Children's Urgent Care thanks to expanded hours that recently went into effect. Locations in Lake Nona, Kissimmee, Melbourne, Sanford and Waterford Lakes are now opening earlier. The change comes at a time when many emergency departments are filled with people seeking care for the flu.
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"At Nemours Children's Urgent Care we had families seeking care before we were open. We heard you and are adjusting hours to meet your needs," said Dr. Robert Cooper, medical director of the five Nemours Children's Urgent Care locations in Central Florida.
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The Florida Department of Health reports that flu activity in Florida increased sharply for the fourth week in a row, creating increased waits at area emergency departments.
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Nemours' new urgent care hours took effect on February 1. Locations in Kissimmee and Waterford Lakes are now open from noon until 10:00 p.m. daily. The Lake Nona location is open from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. every weekday and noon to 10:00 p.m. on weekends. The Melbourne and Sanford locations are open from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. every weekday and noon to 10:00 p.m. on weekends.
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"While we always encourage parents to take their children to their regular pediatrician when possible, the large number of children who are ill has filled pediatricians' schedules and caused longer than usual waits at hospital ERs," Dr. Cooper said. "And when your child is sick, any wait is very difficult.
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Unlike adult urgent care clinics, every Nemours Children's Urgent Care is staffed by board-certified pediatricians who have special training in pediatric urgent care and can treat each child quickly, determine an accurate diagnosis, and provide a prescription if indicated.
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Dr. Cooper expects the flu outbreak to continue for several more months, possibly into April or May. To prevent the spread of flu, Dr. Cooper encourages everyone to get a flu shot if they haven't already, wash their hands frequently, and to stay home if they have flu symptoms.
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In addition to treating flu, colds and childhood illnesses, Nemours Children's Urgent Care locations can treat playground and sports injuries, animal and insect bites, sprains, strains and broken bones, as well as headaches and asthma. With on-site X-ray and labs at every Nemours Children's Urgent Care location, doctors can provide a fast and accurate diagnosis, as well as write prescriptions or recommend needed follow up care. All doctor's notes, lab results and images are sent to the child's regular pediatrician - including non-Nemours pediatricians - to ensure seamless care.
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Nemours Children's Health System is an award-winning, internationally respected non-profit children's health system recognized for delivering exceptional pediatric health care, research, technological innovation and health education. In Central Florida, Nemours operates Nemours Children's Hospital, as well as 17 pediatric primary care practices, five urgent care clinics, 19 specialty care satellite locations, and Nemours CareConnect, the country's first pediatric telehealth app.
