Have you ever felt under the weather but not sure if your symptoms warrant a trip to the hospital? It is a common dilemma – when do you need emergency medical attention or opt for an urgent care visit?
The truth is, non-life-threatening illnesses such as sinus infections, strep throat, ear infections, minor cuts, burns, sprains, and flu are treated at an Apex Urgent Care center by medical professionals without the long wait times and high costs. Do not wait until your condition worsens. Urgent care is the convenient solution you need.
How do you tell when urgent care is the right call? Here are some tips:
- Your symptoms come on suddenly but are not life-threatening
- You need treatment outside of your primary care doctor’s office hours
- You want to avoid the long waits and high costs of the emergency room
Apex Urgent Care centers provide fast, affordable treatment for non-emergency medical needs. You can get in, get diagnosed, and get the care you need – all without the hassle of the ER.
Symptoms and signs of non-life-threatening illnesses
These vary depending on the condition; they generally include:
- Common Cold: runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, mild headache, sneezing, and low-grade fever
- Influenza (Flu): fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue (tiredness), and vomiting and diarrhea (common in children)
- Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and low-grade fever
- Allergies: sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, stuffy nose, rash or hives, and coughing.
- Sinusitis: thick, yellow or greenish mucus from the nose or down the back of the throat, nasal blockage or congestion, pain, tenderness, swelling, and pressure around the eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead, reduced sense of smell and taste, ear pain, and headache.
- Mild Food Poisoning: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and mild fever
- Bronchitis: cough that may produce mucus, fatigue, shortness of breath, slight fever and chills, and chest discomfort
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): a persistent urge to urinate, a burning sensation when urinating, passing frequent, small amounts of urine, urine that appears cloudy, urine that appears red, bright pink, or cola-colored — a sign of blood in the urine, strong-smelling urine, and Pelvic pain especially in the center of the pelvis.
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): redness, itchiness, a gritty feeling, or discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust, and tearing
- Migraine: moderate to severe headache pain, often on one side of the head, sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smells, nausea and vomiting, and visual disturbances, such as seeing flashing lights or blind spots.
Identifying non-life-threatening illnesses and seeking appropriate care is crucial for effective treatment. Do not panic, assess your symptoms, listen to your body, stay calm, and seek help from Apex Urgent Care centers. We provide convenient, cost-effective, quick access to medical professionals for conditions like colds, minor injuries, and infections. It ensures prompt relief but helps avoid the high costs and long wait times associated with ER visits. We offer care at Apex urgent care centers to promote better overall health outcomes through timely intervention.