Reasons Why You Might Need an After Hours Doctor

In the past decade or so, after hour doctor clinics have popped up around Australia en masse. There are a number of reasons why these healthcare facilities have become so popular, including more people working during standard opening hours who can only get to the doctor after hours. This article will detail a few of the most common reasons why you could find yourself visiting an after hours doctor.

Strep Throat

Your body is covered and filled with countless bacteria, most of which help the human body perform as it is supposed to. However, some strains of bacteria, including those in the Streptococcus genus, are responsible for causing illnesses. These illnesses can then lead to serious complications. Streptococcus species that are in group A cause people to get strep throat if their immune system fails to fight it off. Unlike simple sore throats that are caused by things like colds, sinus infections and excess sinus drainage, cases of strep throat need to be treated with antibiotics to ensure quick and complete healing of your ailment. Furthermore, failing to seek out antibiotics from a medical professional and taking them as directed can leave people around you susceptible to catching strep throat.

Urinary Tract Infections

The body’s urinary network is responsible for flushing fluids from the body, bringing along waste products taken directly from your body’s store of blood. Although the urethra stays shut when not in use, largely preventing bacteria and other unwanted microorganisms from entering your urinary system, it sometimes allows tiny pathogens inside the body. Urinary tract infections, which usually take hold in the urethra and bladder, can go as far as infecting your kidneys and ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Also known as UTIs, urinary tract infections are uncomfortable, inconvenient and often painful. They take a long time to go away on their own, which is why you should visit an after hours doctor and get antibiotics to clear up the infection.

The Flu

You’ve likely already heard of the flu, which is also known as influenza. The flu is caused by one of two types of influenza viruses, can spread from person to person very easily, and can even result in death in serious cases. While annual flu shots can help minimise your chances of catching the flu, these are not 100% effective. If you find yourself unlucky enough to come down with the flu, you’ll experience issues such as not being able to sleep well, having trouble getting out of bed, widespread body aches, and a very high fever that sticks around for days. In order to get you back in tip-top shape as soon as possible, an after hours doctor can prescribe drugs known as antivirals, which are similar to antibiotics, except they directly target viruses instead of bacteria. While waiting for the antivirals to run their course, you’ll need to avoid going near other people, drink lots of liquids, and make sure you get plenty of rest to help you recover.