Urgent care centers are becoming more prevalent as years go by. They are more affordable and provide more flexibility than the doctor's office or the emergency room. AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth can treat patients from age 1 to 99. Our office is equipped with all the necessary medical equipment, and our board-certified providers can treat your symptoms right away.

You may feel hesitation bringing your child to an urgent care center, but continue reading to learn more about the various benefits of pediatric urgent care services.

Benefits of AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth

There are a variety of benefits to urgent care centers for both children and adults. The major benefit is their added convenience. AFC Elizabeth has a wait time of around 10 minutes, whereas you might spend hours waiting at the emergency room. We're also open seven days a week and offer extended hours, so we're here when you need us most.

Our center also has an on-site lab and digital x-rays. This means patients won't have to wait multiple days for results, and they can receive treatment quickly. Our center is full of board-certified medical providers, so you and your children will always receive high-quality care.

There are certain guidelines to consider when deciding if your child needs emergency or urgent medical care. However, calling your child's pediatrician or an after-hours answering service can help determine the kind of care your child needs.

When to Visit Urgent Care

If you aren't able to get an appointment with your child's pediatrician within one or two days, there are certain conditions that can be treated at AFC Elizabeth. This includes:

• Cold or flu-like symptoms that you suspect may be the flu
• Ear infections
• A sore throat that may or may not be strep throat
• Pink eye
• Vomiting or diarrhea, with no signs of dehydration, stomach pain, or blood in the stool
• Fractured bones

If your child is still able to walk, talk, or interact, it is likely not an emergency. You can always call AFC Elizabeth ahead of time to discuss your child's symptoms for added comfort.

When to Visit the ER

Head straight to an emergency room if your child is experiencing any of the following:

• A fever of 100.4 or higher for a child younger than two months old
• A more severe broken bone (such as a broken arm or leg)
• Any sort of head injury, especially if they lost consciousness, even if only for a moment
• A seizure
• Signs of dehydration, including no urination for 12 hours
• Fast, heavy breathing that includes gasping for air or only saying two or three words before needing another breath
• Gaping cuts, especially on the head or face, or if your child may need behavioral support