Here are some of the most common reasons why you should go to an emergency department: flu, cold, sore throat, cough, or fever. Cuts where there isn't much blood, but that may need stitches, can also be treated at a Primary Care Medical Facility or an urgent care center. A sore throat may be indicative of a cold or flu or, in some cases, strep throat or mononucleosis. If you suspect you have strep throat, it's important to see your doctor for appropriate antibiotics, especially for children. When it comes to missing work due to illness, it's important to have a valid excuse.
Acceptable reasons include a car accident, a home emergency, a doctor's appointment, or a religious holiday. In general, these excuses should be unpredictable and communicated to your boss several days before. Any unforeseen circumstance that requires your attention is one of the best last-minute excuses for missing work. In addition to illnesses like strep throat and the flu, there are other medical issues that may require a visit to an urgent care clinic.
During the spring and summer months, cases of poison ivy, heat rashes, allergic reactions to skin care products, and encounters with insects cause an influx of people to urgent care clinics. Conjunctivitis is another common reason why people go to an urgent care center. Before going to an urgent care center, you can contact your primary care doctor's office if you can schedule an appointment for the same day. Walk-in clinics are a good option when you're not feeling well, but it's not severe enough to go to the emergency room or urgent care.
This infographic from Scripps Health provides information on when you should go to a walk-in clinic or urgent care center, and when it's time to go to the emergency room. In adults, since these infections don't usually last more than a couple of days, a visit to an urgent care center may only be warranted if they persist longer or if additional symptoms occur.
