How do we measure life? Sometimes it can be between how good we feel one day and how bad we feel the next. Our health is an ongoing component that needs to be nurtured just like anything else important to us, fed and kept strong with little efforts like flu shots and check-ups. When your regular doctor is unavailable and the emergency room isn’t the resource you need at the moment, you need an option that can provide you the resources to keep your health on the up and up. Walk in urgent care centers are expressly designed to resolve minor to moderate issues in a short time frame, all the better to get you right back to living your life.
The most common symptoms and illnesses are listed below to give you a better idea of what your local walk in urgent care centers can do for you.
Urinary Tract Infections And Yeast Infections
These painful, yet easily preventable conditions account for over eight million visits the doctor’s office every year. A urinary tract infection (more commonly known as a UTI) is caused by a build-up of bacteria in the urinary tract, manifesting as burning and stinging whenever an individual relieves themselves. A yeast infection, on the other hand, is more frequently associated with itching, discomfort and excessive moisture. These can be prevented through basic hygiene, such as avoiding irritating soaps while washing and drinking plenty of water.
The Common Cold And The Flu
Although these crop up with more frequency during the winter season, both the common cold and the flu can crop up at any time. The common cold is known for causing sneezing, coughing and mild fevers, while the flu can also show symptoms of severe nausea and diarrhea. Only the flu can be vaccinated against (with a new vaccine created yearly to beat new virus strains). Both of these, however, can be prevented through regular hand-washing, routine exercise and a healthy diet. Cold symptoms can last for a few days to two full weeks.
Sprained Wrists And Twisted Ankles
When you sprain a joint, it can be easy to panic and go straight to the emergency room. Walk in urgent care centers are a superior option because they treat physical injuries regularly for a lower price. Four out of five urgent care centers actively provide fracture care and it’s estimated 25,000 Americans suffer from a sprained ankle every day. When you visit a local urgent care center it’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for a full recovery closely so you don’t have to make a return trip.
Breathing Problems And Moderate Nausea
A sprained ankle or a urinary tract infection can be easy to pinpoint when you visit walk in urgent care centers. Breathing problems, headaches and nausea? Not as much. These can be indicative of any number of conditions, ranging from something as simple as dehydration to something as severe as an unknown tumor. The most common diagnosis seen in the average urgent care center were upper respiratory conditions, followed closely by wound repair. When painkillers and bed rest won’t solve your issues, a medical care clinic can refer you.
Stitches And Burns
Last, but not least, any major cuts or burns should be taken to an urgent care center immediately. The Urgent Care Association Of America sees over three million patients visiting urgent care centers every week, meaning there are plenty of options available to you should you need immediate (but not overly serious) attention. The majority of urgent care centers are available seven days per week, with some serving well into the night, but it’s your responsibility to double-check your local clinic’s hours so you’re always prepared for a sudden visit.
Urgent care centers are a fantastic option for maintaining day-to-day care. Know the difference between the emergency room, your regular doctor and walk in urgent care centers so you can always stay healthy.