
As rates of flu surge in Arkansas, Mercy is providing options for patients in the Fort Smith area.
Beginning Feb. 3, walk-in appointments for those experiencing flu symptoms are available at Mercy Clinic Primary Care – Fort Smith Kelley Highway (inside Walmart). Located at 2100 N. 62nd St., the clinic will be open during regular business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday) and can be reached by calling (479) 431-3700. No appointment is needed. The clinic is completely accessible from outside the store.
In its weekly report dated Jan. 29, the Arkansas Department of Health indicates the state is seeing a high level of flu activity. ADH has reported high flu activity since mid-December.
Patients experiencing flu-like symptoms are encouraged to contact their health care provider for advice or visit the temporary flu clinic. Not all patients will have every symptom. Flu symptoms may include:
· Fever
· Cough
· Sore Throat
· Runny or stuffy nose
· Body aches
· Headache
· Chills
· Fatigue
· Possible vomiting or diarrhea
Walk-in or primary care clinics are not substitutes for the emergency room. Emergency warning signs of flu sickness may include fast breathing, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen; sudden dizziness; confusion; severe or persistent vomiting; bluish skin color; fever with a rash; dehydration; or when flu-like symptoms improve but return with fever and a worsening cough.
Additional options include Mercy-GoHealth Urgent Care locations in the Fort Smith area, which are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. Mercy-GoHealth Urgent Care – Phoenix Avenue (6801 Phoenix Ave., Suite 1) has increased appointment availability to accommodate walk-in patients.
