Winter Illness and Injury: When to Go to the ER Versus Urgent Care

Winter brings cold temperatures, icy conditions and an increase in seasonal illness. When you or someone you love gets sick or hurt, it can be difficult to know where to go for care if you’re stressed or uncomfortable.

This guide can help you understand the difference between urgent care and the emergency room, so you know where to go to get the right level of care when it matters most.

What’s the Difference Between the ER and Urgent Care?

Urgent care is meant for health concerns that need medical attention soon but are not life-threatening. You may be able to see a provider more quickly and at a lower cost than an emergency room visit.

The emergency room is for serious symptoms that need immediate treatment. Emergency departments are open 24 hours a day and equipped to handle critical conditions. Choosing the right place helps you get care faster and ensures emergency resources are available when necessary.

When to Choose Urgent Care

You should consider urgent care when you have winter-related symptoms or injuries that are uncomfortable but stable. That may include fever, cough, sinus infections, sore throat, ear pain, minor burns, mild asthma symptoms, sprains and small cuts that may require stitches.

Urgent care is also a good option if your primary care provider is unavailable and you need help soon. Many urgent care centers can provide X-rays, basic lab testing and treatment plans to help you recover.

When You Should Go To the ER

You should go to the emergency room right away if you have chest pain, difficulty breathing, confusion, uncontrolled bleeding or sudden weakness or numbness. Severe dehydration, frostbite, hypothermia and symptoms that worsen quickly should also be addressed at the ER.

If your child has a fever as an infant, if you experience a head injury or if something feels serious or alarming, the ER is the safest place to go. Trust your instincts and seek emergency care when symptoms are uncontrolled.

Types of Winter Illnesses and Injuries

Cold

If you have congestion, a sore throat, sneezing or mild fatigue, you may be dealing with a common cold. Most colds improve within a week with rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications. You should consider visiting urgent care if symptoms last longer than two weeks, worsen or interfere with daily activities.

Flu

The flu often begins suddenly and can cause a high fever, body aches, chills, headache and extreme tiredness. The flu can lead to health complications, especially if you’re an older adult or have a chronic condition. Visit urgent care if your symptoms are severe, not improving or make it difficult to stay hydrated.

Strep throat

Strep throat can cause intense throat pain, difficulty swallowing, fever and swollen lymph nodes. It’s caused by a bacterial infection and usually requires a rapid test and antibiotics. Prompt treatment from an urgent care facility can help relieve symptoms and prevent complications.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis often causes a persistent cough, chest tightness, wheezing and shortness of breath. Cold winter air and respiratory infections can worsen symptoms. If your cough lasts more than a few weeks or you have trouble breathing, seek medical evaluation from your primary physician or an urgent care provider.

Frostbite

Frostbite occurs when your skin and underlying tissue are exposed to extreme cold. Early signs include numbness, tingling and pale or discolored skin. It typically develops on your fingers, toes, ears or nose. Frostbite requires prompt medical attention, so head to an emergency room as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia develops when your core body temperature drops below 95⁰ F. Symptoms may include intense shivering, confusion, clumsiness, slowed breathing and slurred speech. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate care in the ER.

Sprains and minor fractures

Slipping on ice or snow can cause joint strains and fractures. Pain, swelling, bruising and difficulty moving or bearing weight are signs you should be evaluated. Early treatment can help reduce pain and support proper healing. An urgent care center can usually provide support, including X-rays and basic labs. Take more severe fractures directly to the emergency room.

How to Prepare for Winter Health Emergencies

Preparing ahead of time can make winter health emergencies less stressful. Take time to learn the locations and hours of urgent care centers near you and save important phone numbers in your phone so they’re easy to find when needed.

Talk with your family about common winter symptoms, when urgent care is appropriate and when to go directly to the emergency room. Having those conversations in advance helps you act quickly and confidently so you can focus on getting care rather than making decisions under pressure.

Promoting Winter Wellness at Wood County Hospital

When winter illness or injury strikes, you deserve care you can trust close to home. Wood County Hospital’s Emergency Department is staffed by board-certified emergency medicine specialists and equipped with advanced technology, private treatment rooms and a fully equipped trauma room.

For non-life-threatening concerns, Urgent Care at Falcon Health Center offers walk-in care for minor illnesses and injuries. You can receive care for flu symptoms, infections, sprains and minor injuries along with access to X-rays and lab testing.

If you believe you or someone with you is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.