Urgent Care centers are popping up more and more around the US, and for good reason! There are usually lower wait times and excellent same-day treatment or testing. However, not every health issue should be addressed at an urgent care center. In this article, we’ll go over some of the most common issues treated at urgent care and how to know if it’s the right place for your needs.
What is an Urgent Care Center?
Urgent care centers are clinics for non-life-threatening emergencies. Many are open 24-7 and are available for walk-ins.
An urgent care center is a great place to go if you can’t wait for an appointment with your family doctor.
Top Health Reasons to Use Urgent Care
There are many reasons why someone might go to urgent care. Below are some of the most common reasons that call for a visit.
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Fracture
Fractures are one of the most common types of injury. In fact, around six million people every year break a bone. Arms and legs are the most common locations of fracturing, though fingers, toes, and collarbones are also seen regularly.
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Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A urinary tract infection can affect any part of the urinary system - kidneys, ureters, urethra, or bladder. These infections are caused by bacteria and can lead to unpleasant symptoms, like pain or burning during urination, cloudy urine, fever, chills, midsection or back pain, and more.
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Whiplash
Whiplash is characterized by stiffness or pain in the neck due to a sprain or strain. Whiplash happens when the neck is thrown suddenly forward or backward, such as in a car collision. In severe cases of whiplash, you may even experience dizziness, difficulty concentrating, numbness in the hands, or pain that radiates from the neck to the shoulders.
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Allergies/Asthma
Allergies and asthma problems are top reasons to visit an urgent care clinic. Severe symptoms that need immediate attention include swelling, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis. With allergies, many symptoms can appear together and may also include hives, rashes, and itching. For asthma, watch out for wheezing and severe coughing.
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Sprains and Strains
Sprains occur when the ligaments connecting two bones in a joint are stretched or torn. Strains, on the other hand, occur when your muscles are stretched or torn.
In either case, severe pain or swelling from a sprain or strain could need immediate attention at an urgent care clinic so that your mobility is not permanently hindered.
Why Go to Urgent Care
Urgent care is a high-quality alternative to a hospital emergency room. Not convinced? Just consider that wait times are much lower at an urgent care clinic, so you won’t have to wait as long to be treated. Plus, costs are usually lower as well, so you won’t be stuck with a huge hospital bill.
If you’re experiencing symptoms or have had an injury, consider a local urgent care center for immediate treatment, x-rays, and more.
Consider visiting AFC Urgent Care Aurora Havana at 10552 E. Arizona Pl. in Aurora, CO for same-day urgent care services such as x-rays, allergy treatment, injury treatment, occupational health, and more!
