An urgent care facility can be an ideal place to see a doctor for a minor injury, illness, or even a sports physical. However, because the facility exists to help sick patients, you may be concerned about becoming ill while you are waiting to be seen. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help prevent this from happening. Use the following tips to avoid becoming sick while seking treatment at an urgent care facility.

Wear a Mask

Wearing a mask in the urgent care waiting room can protect you from germs, and it can also protect those around you from contracting an illness you may have as well. Keep a few extras in your purse or pocket so you can change them as needed during your visit. You can purchase masks from your local pharmacy or discount department store. If you aren't able to find them at your local store, you may be able to ask for one at the urgent care facility's front desk. Some medical facilities encourage the use of masks and have them available for sick patients.

Ask if There Are Separate Waiting Rooms

Some urgent care facilities offer two separate waiting rooms to help prevent people from becoming ill. If you are visiting for a physical or for an injury, such as a sprained ankle, ask if there is a well visit waiting room. If you suspect you have a cold or any other type of contagious condition, be sure to use the sick waiting room instead to prevent others from becoming ill.

Bring Your Own Reading Materials

It may be tempting to read the magazines and brochures in the waiting room to help pass the time as you wait on the doctor, but remember that other sick people have been reading them as well. Reduce your chances of touching surfaces that might have come into contact with germs by bringing your own reading material. A tablet computer or a favorite novel can keep you preoccupied without exposing you to other people's illnesses.

Use Hand Sanitizer

Take a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you, and use it whenever you touch a public surface, such as a door handle or sign-in sheet. This will help to prevent you from picking up germs while in the waiting room and the exam room. If you forget hand sanitizer, look at the walls near doorways in the urgent care facility, as there may be dispensers filled with sanitizer for this purpose.

You can never be too cautious when trying to avoid germs at a medical facility. Use these tips to stay as healthy as possible, and don't hesitate to visit a urgent care facility such as Meadowbrook Urgent Care when you are in need of assistance for a minor ailment or injury.

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