Parents should monitor their children for the following signs and seek same-day medical care if any are present.
Your Child Has a Fever
Not all fevers require a trip to the medical care provider, but fevers that are high or persistent may need an evaluation.
If your child’s fever is accompanied by:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Dehydration
- Symptoms that concern you
You should consider pediatric medical care.
Your Child Is Experiencing Respiratory Symptoms
If your child has one or more of the following, medical care may be required.
- Symptoms of a cold or the flu that are worsening
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Asthmatic symptoms
If your child is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above or any other respiratory symptom and is having difficulty breathing, call 911.
Your Child Is Experiencing Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain can be caused by numerous things and may not always require a medical evaluation. If pain is persistent and/or your child has other symptoms along with the pain that concern you, consider medical care.
Your Child Has an Infected Ear
Ear infections are common among children, and fever, pain, and irritability may be signs of an infection.
Your child might need immediate care if they have any of the following symptoms:
- Ear pain
- Pulling on ear
- Fluid from the ear
- Fever with ear pain
- Difficulty hearing
Ear exam by a pediatric urgent care doctor may be needed.
(Internal link: urgent care for kids → Pediatric care section)
Your Child Has a Skin Infection or Rash
A rash may or may not require a medical evaluation. If a rash is accompanied by other symptoms that concern you, medical care may be necessary.
If your child has a rash that spreads or causes them pain, they should be medically evaluated. Other signs and symptoms that warrant medical care include:
- Fever
- Swelling
- Infection
A health care professional will be able to tell you the cause of your child’s rash and give you treatment options.
Your Child Has Throat Infection and Swallowing Discomfort
Infections of the throat may be caused and infected by a number of viruses or bacteria. Examples of conditions may include the flu or strep throat.
It may be necessary to seek immediate care if the following conditions occur:
- Throat pain
- Swallowing difficulty
- Throat infection with swollen glands
- Fever with throat infection
- Throat infection with white patches
Test and examinations done by a practitioner at an urgent care center may be able to determine the cause of the condition.
(Internal link: urgent care services → Services page)
Your Child’s Cut Is in Need of Stitches
Accidents are a common occurrence while children are playing or participating in games or sports. It may be necessary to seek immediate care if the following conditions occur:
- Deep cut
- Bleeding that will not stop
- Cut with skin edges
- Cut that requires stitches
(Internal link: minor injury treatment → Services page)
Your Child Has Experienced a Fall or Injury
Injuries or falls during play are very common while growing up. Most falls do not require care by a medical practitioner. Most sprains and minor injuries do not require emergency care. It may be necessary to visit an urgent care center for the care of the injury.
Bring your child in today if they have any of the following:
- An injury that causes swelling and/or pain and limits movement
- Injury from an sporting event
- Signs and symptoms of a fracture
- An injury that causes pain and limits movement
A medical professional will be able to evaluate your child’s injury and decide on the best course of action.
Your Child Is Dehydrated
Children can become dehydrated quickly, especially if they have been sick and/or have diarrhea and/or vomiting. Some of the signs of dehydration include:
- Lethargy and irritability
- Decreased urination
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Thirst (this is a sign that occurs once dehydration has set in and is too late; child should be evaluated by a medical professional immediately)
Urgent care can help evaluate your child and determine if they need fluids and/or other medical care.
Your Child Needs a Medical Test
If your child is experiencing symptoms of an illness and you need to determine what is causing your child’s symptoms, you can have your child tested at an urgent care.
The tests are done to determine if your child has the:
- Flu
- Strep Throat
- Other viral and bacterial infections
Urgent care will be able to test your child the same day.
(Internal link: urgent care testing services → Services page)
Your Child’s Symptoms Don’t Improve
If your child’s symptoms don’t improve or if their symptoms worsen, your child should be evaluated immediately.
Same-day medical care is an option if:
- Your child has not improved after several days of illness.
- Your child has a fever and is not interested in playing, and/or appears to be in discomfort.
- You have tried various home remedies to alleviate your child’s symptoms and they have not been effective.
- You have doubts regarding your child’s condition.
- You are anxious regarding your child’s medical condition.
What Conditions Require Emergency Medical Care?
The following conditions require emergency medical care and should be evaluated immediately at the nearest emergency care facility.
- Difficulty/inability to breathe.
- Seizure activity.
- Injury to the head with loss of consciousness.
- Severe bleeding.
- Allergy reaction.
- Any life-threatening condition.
(Internal link: urgent care vs emergency room → Related blog article)
What Are the Benefits of Using Pediatric Urgent Care?
Pediatric urgent care provides several advantages to families.
Urgent Care Provides Timely Medical Attention
Urgent care clinics offer more timely and expedient medical attention as compared to clinics and offices that provide conventional medical care.
Urgent Care Is Convenient
Many care facilities allow patients to walk in and be seen without appointments.
Urgent Care Addresses Common Problems
Many medical conditions that affect children can be treated and/or evaluated in an urgent care clinic.
Urgent Care Is Available When Needed
Because urgent care clinics are often open in the evenings and on weekends, families can receive medical attention when required.
Factors Parents Should Consider When Selecting an Urgent Care Center for Their Kids
Parents need to keep in mind the following aspects when looking for “urgent care for kids near me”
- What kinds of pediatric services do they offer?
- Where is the clinic located?
- What are the hours of operation?
- Can the clinic perform necessary tests?
- Does the clinic accept our insurance?
- Have the clinic’s providers worked with kids before?
If you need medical care for your child, it’s always best to go to an urgent care center that you’ve researched and can trust.
About Doctors Urgent Care Group
Doctors Urgent Care Group offers walk in/same day medical services for kids and adults. We pride ourselves on providing top notch medical services for less serious conditions, injuries, and illnesses.
We focus on providing families the opportunity to receive medical care when they need it most.
We believe that families should have the information they need to make the best medical decisions for their kids. Illnesses and injuries don’t always wait for an appointment. Sometimes the best and most convenient option is to take your child to the nearest pediatric urgent care center.
Urgent care centers are perfect for less serious conditions that require prompt medical care, like the flu, strep throat, and ear infections.