Does My Child's Illness Warrant a Pediatric Urgent Care Visit?

No one wants to see their child sick. Figuring out what to do to help them feel and get better soon is part of your job as a parent. Should you wait for an appointment with your primary care doctor? Rush to the emergency room? Or is this an illness for pediatric urgent care?

Board-certified pediatrician Sima Stein, MD, located in San Jose, California, understands your concerns as a parent. That's why she offers in-office urgent care appointments daily. She also knows that seeing a medical professional who knows your child's health history is optimal for your child's health.

While urgent care is a good way to address your child's nonemergency health issues, it’s not the right place for a health emergency, such as a broken bone, a traumatic head injury, a high fever, or a seizure. In the right circumstances, treatment and advice from an urgent care visit can help your child feel better.

Here, we share advice for parents about when to seek urgent care for their child's illness.

Fever plus cold symptoms

If your child has a fever that's lasted more than a few days and has cold symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, and fatigue, they may have the flu, which can be more severe than a cold. Even if they don’t have the flu, a lasting fever and cold symptoms are illnesses an urgent care visit can address. 

Sore throat

A sore throat with or without white spots in the back of the throat may be a sign of a strep infection. If it is, ice cream won't do the trick. Dr. Stein may recommend starting a course of antibiotics, which can help your child feel better within a day or two.

Ear infection

It’s probably an ear infection if your child complains about ear pain, is irritable, or tugging on their ear. Ear infections are common in young children. In fact, 5 out of 6 children experience an ear infection by age 3. At an urgent care visit, Dr. Stein can recommend the right course of treatment depending on your child's age and symptoms. 

Pinkeye

Pinkeye, or conjunctivitis, is a common and highly contagious eye infection characterized by itchy, red, and crusty eyes. It's also highly uncomfortable. An urgent care visit can ensure a speedy diagnosis and treatment, such as prescription antibiotic eye drops.

Vomiting and dehydration

While stomach bugs and vomiting are common with children and usually nothing to be concerned about, persistent vomiting and nausea can lead to dehydration, which should be addressed. Additionally, if they have red or brown vomit, they may have an internal problem that requires urgent care. 

Dr. Stein offers several urgent care appointments daily. If you’re concerned about your child's health, contact the office to request an urgent care appointment, or get advice on whether a regular visit, an emergency room visit, or home care is the best treatment for your child.