There is a difference between immediate care and a legitimate emergency. If you are having a serious emergency, you need to get to an emergency room as quickly as possible. However, if you just need quick care, you should consider immediate care centers. The care you’ll receive at an emergency room will be good care, but you will most likely have to wait for a very long time; emergency rooms deal with very serious emergencies and they prioritize those over lesser injuries. So, if you have an ear infection, a sprained ankle, or some other kind of nagging problem, you should look for immediate care.
Infections and Viruses
Infections are one of the most common reasons why people visit immediate care centers. Infections occur when some kind of bacteria gets into your body—they search for any possible opening. That is why infections often occur in your ears, eyes, and open wounds. They can be treated with antibiotics fairly effectively. Many people seek antibiotics when they do not need them, however. If your doctor tells you that you do not need antibiotics, you should listen to that advice. The overprescription of antibiotics is actually leading to strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections. If you have a viral infection such as the cold or the flu, you will only be able to treat the symptoms. You should still visit an immediate care facility if you are feeling bad, but be prepared for the possibility that they will only be able to treat your symptoms.
Injuries
If you have a broken bone, you will probably need to go to a hospital to have it set and cast. However, if you have a less serious injury such as a sprained ankle, you can go to a place such as North American Emergency Medical Center to have it treated. You can also connect them on Facebook for more updates.
