PORT ST. LUCIE, Florida/September 3, 2009 Physicians Immediate Care, one of the region's premier providers of ambulatory and urgent health care, is urging residents to become more vigilant for symptoms of the H1N1 Swine Flu now that students are back in classrooms throughout the TreasureCoast. "According to the Center for Disease Control, this is a potentially very serious health problem," said Kenneth Palestrant, MD, founder of Physicians Immediate Care. "Our children are especially vulnerable to the swine flu exposure now that schools are open and students are once again congregating in classrooms. Lunchrooms, and playgrounds," added Dr. Palestrant.

Swine influenza, or flu, has been linked to a number of deaths in Florida, including a 12 year old Palm BeachCounty student. "The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue" said Dr. Palestrant. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. Several people remain in a medically induced coma in Palm BeachCounty as they recover from the swine flu.

According to Dr. Palestrant, there are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you child is running a fever, has a cough, or experiences an achy, tired feeling, you should see a physician to make sure your child is not infected with swine influenza. "We are taking this outbreak very seriously and will have all three of our local walk in clinics open seven days a week to help residents through this potential crisis," added 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 eastern office at 1900 SE Port Saint Lucie Boulevard, southwestern office at 4007 SW Port Saint Lucie Boulevard in the PaarCenter, and now open at 5550 South US One, Fort Pierce. For additional information call the Fort Pierce office at 772-460-9227 or Port Saint Lucie at 772-398-1588 or 772-343-1774. You may also visit their website at www.immedcare.com.

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