There are many conditions that can be treated at an urgent care facility, from injuries to sickness. Although urgent care is not appropriate for life-threatening accidents or illnesses, for many common conditions urgent care is the quickest, most affordable option.
Injuries Treated at Urgent Care
Many people who come into urgent care facilities come because they have an injury or have recently experienced trauma. Common injuries include:
- Fractures
- Whiplash
- Sprains or strain of the ankle, knee, or shoulder
- Cuts and lacerations
- Burns
- Injury from falls
- Injury from car accidents
Illnesses Treated at Urgent Care
In addition to injuries, many people come to urgent care facilities to be treated for illnesses. These illnesses are not life-threatening. Usually they can be treated with antibiotics or other medications. Some of the most common illnesses that are treated in an urgent care facility include:
- Urinary tract infections (UTI)
- STDs
- Allergies and asthma
- Pink eye
- Mono
- Bronchitis
- Common cold
- Flu (influenza)
- Ear Infection
- Strep throat
- Head lice
Other Symptoms
Sometimes, you may not know exactly what is wrong. In this case, it is still a good idea to come to an urgent care facility if you are experiencing some of the following symptoms:
- Swollen glands
- Rash and itching
- Coughing (and dry cough), sneezing and wheezing
- Sore throat
- Minor abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Other unexplained pain or swelling
When to go to Urgent Care
It’s important to understand when you should go to an urgent care center. If, for example, you have a cut that is extremely deep and will not stop bleeding, an emergency room may be a better option than the urgent care. It’s also good to note that even if your injury or illness is on the list of most commonly treated items, if it severe enough you may be transported to a local emergency room. Urgent care facilities are a good option if you are unable to get to a primary care physician, especially when it is after hours.
