Common Childhood Illnesses That Can Be Treated at Urgent Care

Common Childhood Illnesses

A change of seasons essentially means sick kids and worried parents. With the right information at hand, one can save oneself a lot of hassle. Urgent care centers are one of the most convenient ways to get your child treated. Most people assume that they don’t offer treatment for common childhood illnesses. This is simply not the case. In today’s post, we are going to discuss the most common childhood illnesses that can be treated at urgent care centers.

Flu, Strep Throat, Colds

All of these are very common upper respiratory infections that affect the nose, throat, and sinuses of kids. These are commonly referred to as the common cold. Most of the time, these infections are caused by viruses.

Flu

Most urgent care centers offer the rapid testing facility for influenza. Antiviral meds like oseltamivir work amazingly well. Studies indicate that oseltamivir greatly reduces the risks associated with influenza. Antiviral therapy is recommended for kids under the age of two. Not everyone with influenza will benefit from the same medication. So, trust the doctor at the Urgent Care Center.

Strep Throat

Strep throat is typically treated with antibiotics. Your kid might be diagnosed with a throat culture or a swab. If the child has been dealing with the symptoms for over ten days, they might be prescribed an antibiotic to get rid of the bacterial infection.  

Cold

Most upper respiratory infections are caused by simple viruses that generally get better on their own with time. If your kid appears very ill, you need to take your child to the urgent care center. They will perform tests to rule out serious complications and might recommend antibiotic therapy to boost the pace of recovery.

Fever

Fever is another common concern for kids while the seasons are changing. Fever is an indicator of any underlying infection which needs to be treated by a doctor. At the urgent care center, the doctor will determine the underlying cause of the fever and prescribe the right medication. Never ignore fever, as it can lead to serious complications. In very small children, fever can also lead to dehydration which must be treated asap as it can be life-threatening.

Ear Infections

Ear infections in kids are part of the common childhood illnesses list. Otitis media is a clinical term used for these infections. Most of these infections are caused by viruses coming in close contact with the ear and mastoid air cells. Management of ear infections is of critical importance. Always look out for ear infections in infants. Sometimes, antibiotics are required to treat ear infections. Generally, the condition will improve in a couple of days once the treatment begins.

Stomach Bugs

Children do get stomach problems every once in a while. Sometimes it is caused by eating too much junk, drinking unclean water, or simply when you are trying to introduce solids to your little one. Never ignore any stomach-related problems, especially diarrhea, as it can chronically dehydrate your child. At urgent care centers, the doctors will treat the underlying condition while ensuring they don’t get dehydrated.

Lacerations

You might be wondering what lacerations are. Well, it is a medical term used for cuts that extend through various layers of the skin. There are times when these cuts heal up on their own. Based on the size and location, sometimes additional care that involves stitches, staples, and tissue adhesives is also required.  There are instances when wounds require cleansing and removal of foreign bodies. Lacerations require proper cleaning for the prevention of infections. Older children might require a tetanus booster. If you need a referral to the child specialist, urgent care centers can do so as well and send you out to the best specialists.

Fractures

Children can get broken bones while playing. If you suspect a fracture, immediately reach out to the nearest urgent care center. They will do an x-ray on-site to confirm the case. Some of the cues you need to look out for are pain, bruising, swelling, and reluctance to move a space/bear weight. Treating fractures properly in children is of utmost importance to ensure unimpaired growth and proper development. Urgent care centers ensure that your child sees the appropriate specialist for follow-up.

When Should You Visit an Urgent Care Clinic with Your Child?

While we recommend managing your kid’s health at the pediatrician’s clinic, we do get that common childhood illnesses don’t take holidays and weekends off. Neither do they stick to 9 to 5 work hours. Sometimes, one cannot wait for the pediatrician clinic to open up and that is when urgent care centers come into play. Whenever you suspect a child’s illness that requires medical attention, you should take them to the urgent care center. We care for children of all ages and are open on most holidays and weeks. Apart from common childhood illnesses and injuries, our team is capable of burns, abrasions, bites, or any other form of injury.

Final Thought

We hope you found this article informative and helpful. If you suspect something is wrong with your child, it probably is. Do not ignore any signs of injuries or illness. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about these common childhood illnesses, give us a call, and we will offer the desired assistance. 

And if you’re visiting surrounding areas such as Anna Maria Island, Pinnacle, Blake, Holmes Beach, or Cortez, we’re here for your urgent care needs.

All the information presented in this article is meant for informational purposes only. Do not substitute it for medical diagnosis or advice. Always consult the pediatrician prior to starting or stopping the treatment plan.