As any parent knows, children are highly susceptible to common illnesses such as colds and flu, and it can be difficult to know when a trip to urgent care is warranted. Thankfully, we’ve compiled a list of common reasons we see kids in our clinics, both urgent and non-urgent related, to help you determine when to bring your child to urgent care.

Common Reasons to Bring Your Child to Urgent Care

Fever and Flu

Cold and flu are among the most common childhood ailments, with most kids experiencing between 6 to 8 colds per year. Young children have developing immune systems and are often less diligent about handwashing than adults. 

Most of the time, the flu can be treated with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol). However, in some cases, the flu can become a serious illness. If your child has a fever of 102°F that lasts more than one day, you should bring them to urgent care for immediate assessment and treatment. Infants should be treated for fever exceeding 100°F, as they are especially vulnerable.

Ear Infections

Like the flu, ear infections are common in childhood and are caused by an infection of the middle ear. If you notice your child is touching or tugging on their ears, complaining of earache, being exceptionally fussy, has a fever, has trouble sleeping, or you notice discharge from one or both ears, your child should visit urgent care for treatment.

Itchy Skin and Rashes

Kids are vulnerable to skin rashes, particularly hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). If you notice blister-like lesions, itchy or painful rashes, or red or inflamed skin, it’s a good idea to visit urgent care, especially because some rashes may be caused by bacteria and are contagious.

Diaper rash is another common rash in infants. Typically, it’s mild and can be treated with over-the-counter ointments and medicines. However, if the rash doesn’t improve with home treatments, or if your baby shows signs of infection, such as increased pain, pus, red streaks around the rash, or fever, you should visit urgent care for immediate treatment.

Eye Infections (Pink Eye)

Conjunctivitis (also known as pink eye) is a common infection affecting the whites of the eyes and the inner eyelids. Though this infection is typically minor, it is highly contagious, which allows it to spread easily among children in schools and daycare centers. Telltale signs include red or pink eyes, discharge from the eye, and pain and swelling. Bringing your child to urgent care ensures we can properly diagnose the infection and prescribe eye drops to kill the bacteria and speed healing.

Pink eye is the most common eye infection, but there are other types that can occasionally be serious. Whenever your child complains of persistent eye pain or shows signs of eye inflammation, it’s best to bring them to urgent care for assessment.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition where, when exposed to certain triggers, the lungs and airways quickly become inflamed and cause difficulty breathing. Many children suffer from asthma, which has no cure and must be managed carefully. If your child is suffering from shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest tightness, or constant coughing without relief, you should bring them to urgent care, where we can help ease symptoms and avoid a more serious asthma attack.

Cuts, Wounds, and Burns

At urgent care, we know better than anyone that accidents happen! Kids are prone to falls and sometimes lack good judgment about what might cause them injury. If your child has a cut that requires stitches or a burn that needs treatment, save yourself a trip to the emergency department and bring them to urgent care. We’re fully equipped to treat your child for minor injuries, and you’ll save time and money.

Stomach Aches and Pains 

Most stomach aches resolve on their own. However, if your child’s pain is severe, chronic, or if they’re experiencing diarrhea, or blood in their stool, you should bring them to urgent care immediately.

Routine Reasons to Bring Your Child to Urgent Care

In addition to urgent care services, some clinics (like ours!) offer routine medical services to help meet the needs of our community. You can still walk into our clinic to receive these routine services when needed.

Flu Shots and Vaccinations

Because children are especially vulnerable to influenza, it’s important that your child gets their annual flu shot to help protect them from illness. You may also bring your baby or child to our clinics for other routine vaccinations, such as chickenpox, diphtheria, measles, rotavirus, etc. 

Physical Exams

Routine checkups are key to keeping kids healthy, and many youth organizations and sports teams require children to have physical exams to participate. Our clinics provide comprehensive physical exams focused on preventative care and early intervention for our young patients.

Medical Second Opinions

As a parent, sometimes you know something isn’t right with your child, even when you’ve already received a diagnosis. If you feel you might benefit from a second opinion on your child’s condition, our experienced medical staff would be happy to help. We’re proud to provide peace of mind and quality care.

Visit Lincoln Urgent Care, Granite Bay Urgent Care, or Lincoln Urgent Care Roseville for Pediatric Care

Finding excellent pediatric care shouldn’t be a struggle! At Lincoln Urgent Care, Granite Bay Urgent Care, and Lincoln Urgent Care Roseville, we pride ourselves on addressing your child’s unique needs and providing pediatric care that’s both high-quality and affordable. Call our clinic for more information, or walk in today for immediate assessment and treatment.

Lincoln Urgent Care (916) 258-2751

Granite Bay Urgent Care (916) 570-7265

Lincoln Urgent Care Roseville (916) 727-6846