Pollen is one of the most common triggers of seasonal allergies. Many people know pollen allergy as “hay fever.” Experts usually refer to pollen allergy as “seasonal allergic rhinitis.” Each spring, summer and fall, plants release tiny pollen grains to fertilize other plants of the same species. Most of the pollen that causes allergic reactions […]
Urgent Care/Emergency Department

Winter Weather Injury Statistics
Old Man Winter’s visit to the Triangle made for a busy few days at WakeMed’s seven emergency departments. A winter wonderland is beautiful, but it’s often icy and dicey when we start to venture out. WakeMed Emergency Departments treated approximately 70 patients with winter weather-related injuries. Here is a breakdown of winter weather injuries from January 17-18: […]

Protect Yourself From the Flu!
Since October 1, 2017, WakeMed has had 360 positive flu tests, with 208 of those occurring within the last 10 days. (updated 1/11/18) Currently, WakeMed is seeing more adults than kids being admitted with flu. That said, it is important to remember that the flu is contagious a full day before symptoms occur. Often, rapid […]

Orthopaedic Urgent Care and Holiday Hazards
You are on that shaky old ladder you have been meaning to replace and stretch beyond where you should to get that string of lights placed just right. Maybe you have had a holiday beverage or two and decide it’s a great idea to ride your son’s new hover board. We know we aren’t supposed to […]

WakeMed Children’s Emergency Department Welcomes New Medical Director
WakeMed welcomes Dr. Andrew Jakubowicz as the new medical director of WakeMed Children’s Emergency Department. Below, we chatted with Dr. J about this new leadership role and the things he hopes to accomplish. How has being an emergency department physician prepared you for this new leadership role? As an emergency room physician I lead a […]

Get Your Flu Vaccination. Here’s Why.
If you haven’t already gotten your vaccination for the flu, now’s the time to do so! The CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October, if possible. However, you can still get vaccinated throughout the flu season – even into January. Why get vaccinated for the flu? Prevention is better […]

Emergency Department vs. Urgent Care vs. Primary Care
Sometimes, it’s obvious when to head to the emergency room, but other times, it can be more difficult to tell. The following are some tips to help you decide whether you need to head to the emergency room, the nearest urgent care location or your primary care doctor. Conditions Typically Treated by a Primary Care […]

Disaster Preparedness Tool Kit
Hurricane Irma has the southeastern U.S. Atlantic coast in its sights, and Wake County, NC residents know all too well how wild weather can cause major destruction in our area. At WakeMed, we are committed to helping you and your family stay safe during inclement weather, which is why we have compiled a trusted list […]

Secondary Drowning – How Real is the Risk?
As families are packing up their beach bags and jump into pools, oceans, rivers and lakes this summer, many parents are concerned about a swimming risk that’s gotten a lot of recent media attention. It’s called secondary drowning (also known as dry drowning). Here at the WakeMed Children’s Emergency Department, we have seen an influx […]

Why Is the Wait So Long at the Emergency Department?
One of the biggest frustrations reported by people who visit hospital emergency departments is the amount of time that they have to wait. At any given time, all seven of our emergency departments can become extremely busy– especially during flu season, if there is a natural disaster, or after physician offices close for the day and […]