Urgent care facilities like Mount Carmel Urgent Care offer invaluable resources to individuals experiencing non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses. These centers provide prompt treatment to those in need, making healthcare access both efficient and convenient. If you’re wondering whether your condition warrants a visit to urgent care, this guide is for you. Learn six common reasons why patients seek out our Gahanna urgent care services.
1. Cold, Flu, or COVID Symptoms
The common cold, influenza (flu), and COVID-19 share many symptoms, such as coughing, fever, and fatigue. It’s crucial to visit Gahanna urgent care for accurate diagnosis and treatment, especially in flu and COVID-19 cases, where timely intervention can significantly impact recovery. To prevent these viruses, make sure to get your annual flu vaccinations and practice proper hand hygiene.
When in doubt, follow this hygiene guide:
- When washing your hands, thoroughly lather them with soap for at least 20 seconds. Then, rinse with clean water and dry with a clean towel.
- Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to get rid of additional germs.
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Blow your nose, cough, or sneeze into the bend of your elbow or a tissue, not your hands.
- Always wash your hands after visiting public spaces — like bathrooms or grocery stores — or before and after cooking or eating.
2. Allergies
Seasonal allergies can be more than just an annoyance. They can significantly affect your quality of life. To protect yourself from seasonal allergies, change your clothes when you get home from spending time outdoors. Showering every evening can also help wash away any allergens that stick to your hair or clothing while you are away from home.
Minimizing exposure to allergens and keeping your living environment clean are essential steps for managing allergy symptoms. Common symptoms include sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and even mild respiratory discomfort. If these symptoms interfere with daily activities, this is a sign to visit your nearest Mount Carmel Urgent Care.
3. Strains & Sprains
Sprains result from overstretched or torn ligaments, often caused by falls or twisting movements, while strains are injuries to muscle fibers or tendons. Strains are typically caused by overuse or improper use. Common symptoms of muscle sprains include pain, swelling, and the inability to use a joint. Strains have similar symptoms, such as pain, muscle spasms, and weakness.
The RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) is a good initial response for both injuries. However, if pain and mobility issues continue, visit our Gahanna urgent care.
4. Nausea
Nausea can result from various non-emergency factors, including viruses, food intolerance, or stomach flu. When symptoms persist for more than 24 hours or are accompanied by vomiting, dehydration, or weight loss, seeking medical attention becomes essential. Avoiding spoiled food, staying hydrated, and eating light meals can help prevent nausea.
When Should You Seek Emergency Care?
However, some instances of nausea may call for emergency treatment. Nausea caused by a food allergy can escalate from a mild inconvenience to a sign of a severe allergic reaction. It’s crucial to differentiate between simple food intolerance and an allergic reaction that could result in anaphylaxis.
If you are experiencing nausea and vomiting as well as difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, or a rapid drop in blood pressure, go to an emergency room or call 911 immediately.
5. Minor Wounds That Need Stitches
Cuts are common injuries that require urgent care services. If you suffer a deep, gaping cut that won’t stop bleeding after 10 minutes of direct pressure, our Gahanna urgent care can provide stitches. It’s crucial to keep your wounds clean and covered to avert infection and to know when a wound calls for emergency room care.
You should seek emergency care if your wound is one or more of the following:
- On your face, scalp, or genitals.
- Has other objects stuck within it.
- Is especially deep, showing bone or fat.
- Is turning red and warm or oozing pus.
6. Eye, Ear, or Upper Respiratory Infections
Eye, ear, and upper respiratory infections are common health issues that can greatly impact your well-being. Symptoms of eye infections include redness, itchiness, and discharge. For ear infections, symptoms can range from earaches and fluid drainage to hearing difficulties. And, respiratory infections can present with coughing, nasal congestion, and sore throat.
If over-the-counter treatments fail, symptoms persist, or severe conditions such as vision problems, hearing loss, or high fever develop, don’t hesitate to visit our Gahanna urgent care.
Signs That Call for Emergency Treatment
While our urgent care at Mount Carmel Urgent Care is equipped to manage moderate cases of these infections, it is essential to recognize when to seek emergency care. Sudden shortness of breath — especially when accompanied by intense chest pain, rapid heart rate, or confusion — indicates the need for immediate emergency attention. Making this distinction ensures patients receive the right level of care for their specific conditions.
Visit Our Gahanna Urgent Care for Your Non-Emergency Needs
Choose Mount Carmel Urgent Care in Gahanna for fast, reliable care for these common health concerns. Our walk-in services mean you don’t need an appointment, and you can check-in online for even more convenience. Contact us at 380-201-1330 with any questions or for more information. We’re here to assist you with all your non-emergency healthcare needs, ensuring you receive the care you deserve when you need it.