Infections You Didn’t Know Could Be Treated at Urgent Care

Life happens. Whether it’s a last-minute school requirement, a sudden allergy flare-up, or an unexpected fever, these little surprises can throw off your day. And when you’re feeling under the weather, the last thing you want to do is wait hours at an emergency room or deal with the hassle of making an appointment with your primary doctor.

Care Station’s urgent care centers offer quick, reliable solutions for various medical issues to help you feel better and get back to your daily routine as quickly as possible. But what types of infections can urgent care treat? Let’s discuss!

Cold and Flu

While the cold and flu season seems to come around every year, the symptoms can lead to complications if not treated properly, especially in children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems. A doctor can perform a quick flu test to confirm whether you’re dealing with the flu or a common cold.

If it’s the flu, we’ll prescribe antiviral medications to help shorten the duration of the illness. For cold symptoms, the focus is usually on managing the discomfort, such as using something to alleviate symptoms.

Coughs

Coughing is one of the most common symptoms people seek treatment for. A persistent cough could sometimes stem from a viral infection, like a cold or flu, allergies, or a more serious respiratory condition, like bronchitis or pneumonia.

When you visit a Care Station urgent care center with a cough, we’ll examine you to determine the cause. If a lung infection is suspected, we may suggest a chest X-ray, or recommend antihistamines for allergy-related coughs. In many cases, we provide our patients with the necessary treatments to relieve symptoms so they can get back to their normal routine.

Ear Infections

Ear infections are common, especially in children, and can be incredibly painful. There are two main types: otitis media (middle ear infection) and otitis externa (outer ear infection, often referred to as swimmer’s ear). These can usually be determined with an otoscope examination. Most urgent care centers can treat both types of ear infections.

For middle ear infections, antibiotics may be prescribed if the infection is bacterial. Treatment for outer ear infections usually includes antibiotic ear drops or, in severe cases, oral antibiotics.

Fevers

Fevers can be caused by various illnesses, including viral and bacterial infections. If you come into urgent care with a fever, we’ll quickly assess your symptoms to identify the cause. We may perform blood tests or a physical exam to determine if the fever is due to a viral or bacterial infection. In many cases, we’ll treat these using over-the-counter medications or, potentially, antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is most common in wooded or grassy areas where ticks are prevalent. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious complications. Our doctors can usually diagnose Lyme disease quickly, especially if the characteristic “bullseye” rash is present. Treatment is usually by antibiotics, which we can recommend on the spot.

Skin Infections

Skin infections usually present in various forms, including rashes, cellulitis (a bacterial infection of the skin), and abscesses (pockets of pus). Some of the most common symptoms patients usually present include redness, swelling, pain, and, in some cases, fever. For minor skin infections, an urgent care visit is usually sufficient. The provider will examine the affected area and determine whether antibiotics or drainage procedures are necessary.

Sore Throat and Strep Throat

Throat pain is another common complaint. It can be caused by anything from a viral infection to strep throat, a bacterial infection. While a sore throat often resolves independently, strep can cause severe pain, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Our doctors can prescribe antibiotics to help clear strep and alleviate symptoms.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections cause symptoms like painful urination, urgency, and lower abdominal discomfort. UTIs are usually caused by bacteria entering the urinary system. If you visit urgent care with UTI symptoms, a urine sample will be taken to confirm the presence of bacteria. Depending on the results, we’ll prescribe the correct antibiotics to treat the infection.

Lice and Parasitic Infections

Lice infestations, scabies, and other parasitic infections can cause itching, discomfort, and skin irritation. Our urgent care centers can treat these infections quickly by prescribing medicated creams or shampoos.

Final Thoughts

Infections can disrupt your life, but they don’t have to keep you down for long. Whether you’re dealing with a cold, ear infection, or a more serious condition like Lyme disease, Care Station’s urgent care centers offer fast, reliable treatments to help you feel better quickly. To learn more about our services, connect with us today or call (908) 925-CARE (2273).