Roughly 44% to 65% of ER visits could have been handled at an urgent care facility, according to Milliman’s private study. If your child is ever in need of care, please be aware that urgent care centers are equipped to provide treatment for a wide variety of injuries and illnesses. Here are just a few examples of how an urgent care clinic can assist you and your child.
Fractures and Other Minor Injuries.
With so many fun sports like snowboarding, skiing, sledding, hockey, and figure skating for kids to participate in when the weather turns cold, winter can also be a time when children suffer fractures or sprains. 4/5 of urgent care clinics offer treatment for fractures. Injuries due to falls, trips, or slips on icy sidewalks or playgrounds are also a reason to learn more about urgent care for kids and what it consists of.
Ear Infections.
Five out of six children experience at least one ear infection before the age of three, with almost 40% of them experiencing three or more. If ear pain occurs outside of a doctor’s regular office hours, a walk-in clinic provides help for your little one when it’s needed the most.
Cold and Flu Season.
Common illnesses such as colds and flu are widespread during the chilly winter months. It can take from one to four days for symptoms of the flu to appear after the virus has been contracted, making it easy for little ones to inadvertently spread the virus before they feel ill, or to contract the flu from someone who didn’t yet realize that they were sick. In addition, people suffering from the flu are most contagious during the first three or four days after the illness started, adding to their chances of spreading the virus. Urgent care for kids includes prompt treatment for the relief of your child’s cold or flu symptoms.
Parents of young children may have already established a long-standing relationship with a local pediatrician that they and their child trust and feel comfortable with. However, it’s important for parents to know that walk in clinics are available to offer care and treatment that will address many of their child’s minor illnesses and injuries.