Some health issues can be very unpredictable. We all know to be watchful of a common cold during wintertime, but other problems tend to show up at the most unexpected moments. When you experience questionable symptoms, it can be difficult to decide when to keep self-treating, when to seek urgent care, or when to rush over to the emergency room.
To make it easier to decide, it can help to learn more about symptoms that could indicate a more serious problem. Let’s take a look at times when you certainly want to book an appointment for urgent care.
What Exactly is Urgent Care?
Urgent care is a type of medical care that people seek when they need professional intervention but know that they are not dealing with a life-threatening condition. Those who seek urgent care do need intervention within the next 24 hours, yet their issue isn’t so serious that they need to visit an emergency room.
When to Book an Appointment for Urgent Care
It is difficult to determine exactly when to visit a doctor’s office. The younger the patient is, the better it is to seek urgent care quickly. This is especially important for infants, toddlers, and children under 12 years old because younger kids are at a much higher risk of getting seriously ill. Here are the top symptoms that might call for an urgent care appointment.
- A Spiking Fever
You don’t have to rush to the ER or doctor’s office with every fever. However, if the fever is getting dangerously high – 37 degrees or higher – then it can be safer to book an urgent appointment in Caringbah. You can also seek medical intervention if a fever persists even after taking fever medications.
- Flu-Like Symptoms
Colds and flu can sometimes be treated at home. Over-the-counter medications are, however, often not efficient enough to relieve your symptoms, or it could take your body a very long time to start fighting off the infection. A serious case of the flu can easily manifest into a more dangerous condition. It is much better to visit a GP if you are experiencing flu symptoms. This is especially important for younger children or seniors.
- Ear Pain
Ear pain is a type of pain that cuts through the soul. This type of pain can be unbearable and usually indicates an infection, a disorder, a serious sinus problem, or dental issues. At-home remedies like pain relievers or warm compresses usually only provide temporary relief. Because ear pain is usually an underlying sign of a more serious problem, it is always best to book an appointment with a doctor.
- Sprains, Fractures, or Dislocations
Sprains, fractures, or a dislocation can be very painful, but these are usually not life-threatening issues. You will need medical attention relatively quickly, but these conditions usually don’t require an emergency trip to the ER. If the pain is relatively bearable, then you can book an urgent care appointment.
- Cuts or Wounds
Unless the cut is extremely deep or is bleeding heavily, there is no need to rush to the ER. You can get the needed care from Caringbah emergency care.
- Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhea
Vomiting or diarrhoea are common occurrences that can be triggered by foods we consume. However, if vomiting and diarrhoea persist, then it is better to seek medical attention, or you could end up dehydrated. It is best to book an appointment with your urgent care provider as soon as you can.
- Allergic Reactions Without Breathing Difficulties
If you are experiencing breathing difficulties, always rush to your closest ER. For other allergy symptoms like swelling, rashes, or itching, you can simply book an urgent care appointment.
- Unexplained Pain
For extreme pain or pain in the chest area, it is usually best to visit an ER. However, other types of pain, like a persistent or severe headache, joint pain, or other unexplained pains, can merit an urgent care trip to your local GP.
Find the Best Urgent Care Centre in Caringbah?
Do you need urgent care in Caringbah? At Shire Doctors and Dentists, we can accommodate you. At our medical practice, you will find a wide range of medical services and professionals like dentists, women’s health specialists, men’s health specialists, paediatricians, and more. Our skilled team is the best at providing urgent care services and will ensure that you are assisted as quickly as possible.
Contact Shire Doctors and Dentists now to book your Caringbah urgent care appointment.