What Is Foodborne Illness? Symptoms, Causes & When to Go to the ER
You ate something hours ago, maybe undercooked chicken, a suspect salad, or leftovers that sat out too long. Now you’re doubled over with cramps, racing to the bathroom, wondering if this is food poisoning or something worse. Foodborne illness affects approximately 48 million Americans each year; that’s 1 in 6 people¹. While most cases resolve […]
Streptococcal pharyngitis symptoms: What ER Doctors Look For
Streptococcal pharyngitis symptoms most of the time start suddenly, and in Fort Worth ERs, we see patients every week who are confused if their is “just a cold” or something more serious. Knowing how these symptoms typically feel,and when they start getting worse, can help you decide whether to monitor at home, visit urgent care, […]
What Is Gastroenteritis & How Long Does It Last — When Severe Symptoms Need ER Emergency Care
This shocks many people: gastroenteritis is highly contagious, and you still spread the virus even after your symptoms improve. When vomiting or diarrhea slows down, people assume the illness is over and return to normal life. That’s the biggest reason gastroenteritis or stomach flu outbreaks explode so fast in close-contact places like cruise ships, homes, […]
Mosquito Borne Diseases: What Fort Worth ER Doctors Want You to Know
Mosquito borne diseases are something we regularly see in Fort Worth ERs, especially during North Texas heat waves and late summer months. In the emergency room, these illnesses often start with vague early symptoms that can worsen quickly, making it hard for patients to decide whether home care is enough or the ER is the […]
How Long Does It Take for RSV to Go Away?
RSV usually clears up within 1 to 2 weeks, though a cough may last up to 3 weeks. Babies under 6 months or those with other health issues may have a longer recovery. RSV is one of the most common causes of respiratory infections worldwide. Nearly everyone is infected with Respiratory Syncytial Virus at least […]
Seasonal Affective Disorder: Causes, Treatment & When Symptoms Need ER-Level Care
Quick Glance ● Condition: Depression that follows a seasonal pattern ● Prevalence: ~5% of U.S. adults, more common in women ● Typical onset: Late fall through winter ● Episode duration: 4–5 months per year ● Treatment: Light therapy, medication, and CBT are effective Seasonal affective disorder develops in response to predictable seasonal changes, most often […]
H1N1 vs H3N2 Symptoms: When to Visit an ER in Fort Worth
It usually starts fast. One day you feel fine, the next you’re dealing with fever, aches, and deep exhaustion. H1N1 vs H3N2 symptoms can feel intense and confusing, especially when you’re not sure what to do next. If you’re in Fort Worth or Tarrant County and your flu symptoms are worsening, it should be taken […]
Flu Symptoms | When to Visit the ER in Fort Worth, TX
Flu Symptoms are affecting people in Fort Worth or nearby areas harder and faster than expected.Sudden fever, weakness, or shortness of breath in you or a loved one in Fort Worth or surrounding areas could mean more than a cold and should be checked by a doctor. At ER of Fort Worth, our 24/7 emergency […]
When to Go to ER for Flu: Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Most cases of the flu can be managed at home with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies. But the flu can turn dangerous fast, especially for children, older adults, and people with chronic conditions. Knowing when to go to ER for flu can help prevent complications like pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening respiratory distress. At ER of […]
What Is Pertussis & How Long Is It Contagious? ER Safety Guide
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a bacterial respiratory infection that spreads most dangerously when symptoms still seem mild. The pertussis contagious period lasts up to three weeks, but antibiotics cut this to just five days. Most transmission happens during the first 1-2 weeks when people mistake symptoms for a common cold. Understanding this timeline is […]