Urgent care visits have increased by 119% in the last decade!
This doesn’t necessarily mean that people are getting sicker. However, it does point to the great convenience of urgent care centers themselves. Urgent care centers give anyone a chance to treat minor illnesses in a short amount of time. Some centers move patients through more quickly than emergency rooms.
But when should you go to urgent care? Below are five signs that alert you to go to urgent care.
1. You Have a Fever or Flu-Like Symptoms
Urgent care centers frequently treat individuals with flu-like symptoms. If you feel as if you’re battling an intense flu, it’s time for a visit!
What flu-like symptoms should you be looking out for?
A persistent fever, vomiting, body fatigue, and diarrhea are all common culprits. You don’t have to have all of these at once to qualify, however.
A fever alone can be potentially serious, as it can signal your body’s response to all kinds of infections. Fevers are causes for concern if your body temperature reaches 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
2. You Have A Rash or a Burn
If you notice a rash or strange skin condition anywhere on your body, this may require a trip to State Urgent Care.
Sometimes skin irritations can result from lotions or other cosmetics. Serious rashes, however, can appear due to allergic reactions, some of which can be concerning.
This is especially the case if simple cleansing won’t get rid of the rash, and if it continues to spread over a large surface area.
Naturally, if you’ve burned yourself in any way, urgent care is your next step!
3. That Cough Won’t Go Away
Have you been coughing for days? If so, an urgent care visit may be in your future.
Persistent coughs can be the prelude to a longterm cold or infection. If you are coughing up phlegm, this can also require a visit to State Urgent Care.
Naturally, if your cough comes with other symptoms, like mild fevers, congestion, or a sore throat, it’s definitely time to go to urgent care.
4. You Have a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are incredibly common. They are responsible for nearly 10 million doctor visits annually!
UTIs can be painful, and if left untreated, they can develop into highly serious kidney infections.
It is possible to alleviate the symptoms of a UTI by drinking lots of fluids–including cranberry juice–but prescribed antibiotics are essential for complete eradication.
How do you know if you have a UTI?
Burning sensations during urination are a good indicator. You may also feel as if you have to pee all the time, but don’t actually pass any fluid.
Most UTIs will cause these symptoms for several days.
5. You Suspect a Sprain
If you feel that you’ve sprained or fractured a part of your body, visit State Urgent Care. Serious breaks are more appropriate for the emergency room, but minor sprains are easily treatable at your local urgent care.
Swelling, tenderness, and shooting pain around the bone in question can indicate a sprain. Stiffness and discoloration are also solid signs that you’ve sprained something.
When to Go to State Urgent Care
You may be tempted to downplay any of the symptoms described in this post. But if untreated, many of these can quickly become serious.
At the end of the day, if you are unsure about whether or not to go to urgent care, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Are you about to visit State Urgent Care for any of these conditions? Know what to expect before you do so.