Medical Conditions You May Need to Visit a Walk in Clinic For

With some medical conditions, you can wait for a routine doctor’s appointment to be checked out. Asthma check ups, chronic conditions and contraception discussions can all be had with your regular doctor, but some conditions just can’t wait days or weeks for treatment when you’re finding it difficult to book an appointment with your regular doctor. If you suspect you have any of the following conditions, consider seeking urgent care at a walk in clinic to avoid further complications.

Urinary Tract Infections

A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) can affect your urethra, bladder, kidneys or ureters. You may find urinating uncomfortable, painful or experience a burning sensation. You may also feel the need to relieve yourself frequently, even when you don’t have fluid to pass. If left untreated, UTIs can lead to bladder infections, which can have more serious complications.

Around 40% of women and 12% of men experience UTIs in their life, and infections can be recurring. You may need antibiotics to cure an infection, so if you can’t get an appointment with your primary care physician you should seek urgent care from another professional.

Infected Insect Bites

Most bites cause some level of discomfort, but aren’t serious. Usual symptoms include itching, stinging or small raised bumps. It can be hard to tell if a bite has become infected, but if the area is swollen, hot to the touch, oozing liquid, or very painful, it may be infected.

If you suspect an insect bite may be infected you should seek immediate medical attention. You could be allergic to the insect bite, which could lead to shortness of breath and anaphylactic shock. This could be fatal to those with serious allergies, or people who are prone to infections and severe reactions to bites. It’s better to be treated for a small infection than risk much more severe reactions.

Colds and Flu

A simple cold often gets better on its own, but if you have a fever, severe sickness and other more intense symptoms you may need some help from an urgent care physician. The causes of flu-like symptoms can be varied, and you may need some simple tests done to determine which course of treatment is best for you.

When your primary care physician isn’t available, you should still seek treatment for medical conditions that could get worse if left untreated. Going to a walk in clinic could prevent a trip to the ER later down the line. If you’re not sure if you need to visit your walk in clinic, call beforehand to discuss your symptoms to avoid an unnecessary trip.

Sources:
5 Facts About Urgent Care Clinics, AJMC.com

Urinary Tract Infections, Medicine.net