5 Common Infections Treated Through Urgent Care

Acute infections, such as pink eye and the flu, are among the most common reasons people visit urgent care. The flexible hours and access to same-day or next-day appointments make it easy to get treatment for yourself or your child, whether that means antibiotics, a different prescription medication, or a specialist referral.

At The Center for Primary Care and Sports Medicine in Aurora, Illinois, board-certified physician Lawrence Kacmar, MD, provides urgent care services to treat infections in patients of all ages. Here are five of the most common infections we treat.

1. Ear infections

Otitis media occurs when bacteria or a virus infects the middle ear. Anyone can develop an ear infection, but this problem most commonly affects infants and children. Typical symptoms include ear pain, pressure, and muffled hearing.

An exam with our urgent care team can confirm if you have an ear infection and determine the best treatment. This may include prescription medication to clear up the infection, such as antibiotics if the infection is bacterial.

2. Pink eye

Our pediatrics team often treats pink eye, an infection that causes the conjunctiva — a clear membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the white part of the eye — to become inflamed. When the small blood vessels in the eyes are inflamed, they look bright red or pink.

Pink eye is typically caused by a viral infection, but it can also happen due to allergies or bacteria. Treatment depends on the cause and may involve prescription eyedrops to help ease discomfort and promote healing.

3. Urinary tract infection

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system, such as your bladder, urethra, or kidneys. Bacteria, such as E. coli, are responsible for most UTIs, but other factors, such as sexual activity, dehydration, or holding urine, can also play a role in developing an infection. 

If you experience burning or pain while urinating or have cloudy urine along with pelvic pain, urgent care can identify the cause and offer treatment. UTIs often worsen, so don’t delay treatment, which can increase the risk of complications.

4. Strep throat

Strep throat is an infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. It’s common in children and teens, but the condition affects millions of adults each year as well. Telltale signs of strep throat include painful swallowing, an irritated, sore throat, and fever.

These symptoms may seem manageable at first, but strep can increase the risk of rheumatic fever and other serious health problems, so prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial. 

5. The flu

Influenza, or the flu, is a viral infection that affects your respiratory system. Symptoms vary from person to person, but they commonly include a sore throat, cough, runny nose, fever, and body aches. Getting your annual flu shot can reduce symptom severity, but it won’t necessarily keep you from getting sick. 

If you’re struggling to manage symptoms at home, urgent care can help. After a physical exam and lab testing, we can confirm whether you have the flu and prescribe antiviral medication to help you feel better. 

Worried about an infection? Urgent care can help

If you or your child is feeling under the weather and you’re concerned about an infection, Dr. Kacmar and our compassionate urgent care team can help. Walk in during normal business hours or schedule an appointment by calling our staff or using the “Book online” button on this website.