Physicians Immediate Care, one of the region's premier providers of ambulatory and urgent health care, says the Treasure Coast is now experiencing the brunt of the flu season. "The majority of patients we are now seeing are either suffering from the flu or an upper respiratory infection" said Kenneth Palestrant, M.D., founder of Physicians Immediate Care. "From sniffles and sneezes to fever and chills, we are now at the peak of the flu season on the Treasure Coast," added Dr. Palestrant.

Physicians Immediate Care offers the following tips if you or a member of your family is suffering from an upper respiratory infection of the flu:

*Get plenty of rest

*Remember, exercise helps the body ward off a cold or flu

*Wash your hands frequently - most infections are spread hand-to-hand

*If you have a cold or flu, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing

*Sanitize your computer, telephone, and office equipment with Lysol or a similar spray

"The single most important thing to remember is to wash your hands," added Dr. Palestrant. "Of course, we are ready to see patients seven days a week, without an appointment should anyone develop flu or upper respiratory infection," concluded Dr. Palestrant.

Physicians Immediate Care measures its success through patient satisfaction and extraordinary care. Physicians Immediate Care also offers employers professional services for workers compensation, routine exams, and drug testing. Physicians Immediate Care provides a convenient, cost effective alternative to emergency rooms and doctor's offices from their original facilities at 1900 SE Port Saint Lucie Boulevard and at 4007 SW Port Saint Lucie Boulevard in the Paar Center. Physicians Immediate Care provides prompt medical attention, with no appointment necessary, Monday through Friday 09:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 09:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. For additional information call (772) 398-1588.