When to Go to an Urgent Care Clinic

So, you’ve woken up with a horribly sore and scratchy throat. Where should you turn for medical treatment? Your first instinct may be to visit a primary care center, but these practices are often booked days or weeks in advance. Plus, they are rarely open on weekends and typically close at 5 p.m. sharp. In a non-life-threatening scenario like this, the best place to turn is often an urgent care center like Affinity Urgent Care.

Benefits of urgent care clinics

Urgent care clinics offer walk-in treatment to people with common health concerns, such as a sore throat, stuffy nose, sprained ankle, and other non-emergency problem. These offices are typically open seven days a week and have extended hours. Plus, visiting an urgent care clinic is much less expensive than going to a hospital emergency room.

Should I go to the ER?

It’s important to note that you should always call 911 or go to the emergency room if you or someone around you is experiencing a potentially life-threatening problem, including:

• Shortness of breath
• Confusion and dizziness
• Loss of consciousness
• A near-drowning incident
• A wound with uncontrolled bleeding

As a general rule of thumb, you should seek emergency care if you fear loss of life, limb, or vision. Otherwise, Affinity Urgent Care is here to help! Our fully equipped locations in Galveston, Alvin, and Texas City/La Marque have extended hours every day and are led by highly experienced practitioners who care for adults and children. Give us a call if you have any questions about our urgent care clinics, or simply visit us the next time you need prompt treatment.