Health and Fitness

“When should I go to the ER vs when should I go to Urgent Care during the pandemic”

by Servants’ Entrance member Judy Runk, former nurse

People have been afraid to go the the ER with serious symptoms and as a result serious illnesses and deaths have increased since the start of the COVID pandemic.

All hospitals have procedures in place to separate ER patients with non-COVID symptoms from those who have COVID symptoms.  Staying with your loved one, however, may not be permitted during the treatment phase in order to keep traffic to a minimum.

What follows is a brief checklist to help you decide whether to call 911 and/or go directly to the ER or to check with your physician or go to an Urgent Care site.

  • Head to the ER or call 911 to have the following symptoms evaluated and treated:
    • Shortness of breath
    • Chest pain, left arm pain or left jaw pain
    • Serious burns and cuts (cuts that won’t stop bleeding or wounds that won’t close)
    • Seizures
    • Severe allergic reaction (swelling lips, difficulty swallowing or breathing)
    • Stroke symptoms, including slurred speech or sudden numbness/weakness in any area of your body, facial droop, loss of balance or vision
    • A change in mental status (such as confusion)
    • Loss of consciousness (if you pass out)
    • Multiple injuries or a possible broken bone in areas like the ribs, skull, face or pelvis
    • If you’re pregnant and have vaginal bleeding or pelvic/abdominal pain

When should I go to an urgent care site?

  • An urgent care specialist can evaluate and treat:
    • Fevers and colds
    • Vomiting and nausea
    • Diarrhea
    • Dehydration
    • Strains or simple bone breaks (when the body part isn’t “pointed” in the wrong direction or — in the case of suspected broken ankles or knees — you can still walk on the injured leg with some discomfort)
    • Minor cuts
    • Mild asthma attacks
    • Pain with urination

Always remember, if the urgent care provider thinks you need a higher level of care, they will get you to the ER.

Sources:  beaumont.org; University of Chicago Medical Center

These suggestions are not meant to replace medical care and advice.