Health Conditions: People often confuse urgent care with emergency care centers. Although both provide medical attention, they are not the same, and their services are quite different. Emergency care centers handle life-threatening emergencies like heart attacks, strokes, and car accidents.

Meanwhile, urgent care centers provide medical care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. They are typically open after-hours, on weekends, and on holidays and are often staffed by physicians and nurses. But which health conditions should warrant a trip to urgent care centers?

Health Conditions

1. Cold Symptoms

If you are experiencing cold symptoms such as a sore throat, a runny nose, and a cough, you should consider visiting an urgent care center. While these symptoms can usually be treated at home, an urgent care center can provide relief if they worsen or persist for more than a few days.

Urgent care centers are equipped to diagnose and treat various illnesses, including the common cold. If you’re experiencing cold symptoms, the first step is to visit an urgent care center as soon as possible to prevent it from worsening.

2. Ear Infections

Ear infections can be painful and debilitating, but they can often be treated quickly and effectively with the help of an urgent care center. If you’re experiencing symptoms of an ear infection, such as ear pain, fever, and difficulty hearing, you should visit an urgent care center as soon as possible.

At an urgent care center, a doctor can diagnose the infection and provide you with the necessary treatment, such as antibiotics or ear drops. Sometimes, the doctor may also recommend a follow-up appointment with a specialist to ensure your ear infection is adequately treated.

3. Animal or Insect Bites

Animal and insect bites can be very dangerous and should always be treated by a medical professional. If an animal or insect has bitten you, it is essential to visit an urgent care center as soon as possible for them to assess the bite as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, awareness of the signs and symptoms of an animal or insect bite is essential. These may include redness, swelling, pain, itching, and a rash. It’s also important to watch for signs of infection, such as fever, chills, and increased pain.

4. Minor Fractures

Minor fractures, such as the hairline or stress fractures, can often be treated at an urgent care center. If you have a minor fracture, visiting an urgent care center as soon as possible is essential. They can assess the fracture, relieve pain, and ensure it heals properly.

If the fracture is more serious, you may need to see an orthopedist for further treatment. It could include surgery or physical therapy. Proper treatment ensures that the fracture heals correctly and you can return to normal activities as soon as possible.

5. Sunburns

Sunburns can be painful and uncomfortable, so getting the proper treatment is essential. Many urgent care centers provide remedies for sunburns. Treatment may include hydrocortisone cream and over-the-counter pain relievers. If the sunburn is severe, you may need to see a doctor for further treatment.

Health Conditions: Conclusion

Injuries and illnesses can be severe. Therefore, it is crucial to get the proper treatment. Urgent care centers can quickly and effectively treat many of these issues. Knowing which problems require immediate medical attention and can be handled with over-the-counter medications or home remedies is essential. Knowing when to get help can save you time and money and help you return to normal activities as soon as possible.

Aspen Medical Center is an urgent care center that treats patients with minor health concerns. We aim to become a walk-in clinic ready to take on patients and provide them with the help and healing they need. Learn more about STD testing in Santa FE, NM, by browsing our website today.