It’s late Friday afternoon, and your primary care provider’s office is closed. You’re suddenly feeling dizzy and a little out of sorts. Should you head to urgent care, or is it an emergency?
That’s a really common question—and one many people will have at some time or another. It can be difficult to decipher whether symptoms are something minor or whether they’re a sign of something more serious.
Knowing where to turn for medical care can be challenging, but there are some key indicators that can help guide your decision. Having a good understanding of symptoms that should always be considered an emergency is the first step.
When someone is experiencing serious symptoms or has had an accident or health situation, quick care is needed to resolve the health issue and prevent it from worsening.
In fact, certain symptoms merit immediate medical attention. The National Institutes of Health recommends calling 911 if you experience any of these symptoms, which constitute an emergency:
While you should always seek care if you’re concerned your symptoms are serious, most symptoms related to minor health issues can wait until your primary care provider’s regular office hours or be taken care of in an urgent care setting.
That includes symptoms of common illnesses such as:
The key is that these health issues are non-life threatening. If you’ve had an accident or are under the weather and experiencing symptoms that could threaten your life, don’t wait to seek care.
