Why Skipping Urgent Care for Minor Illnesses Might Make Things Worse

When life gets busy, it’s tempting to brush off minor symptoms or try a quick at-home remedy. While self-care is an important part of staying healthy, there are times when skipping professional care for what seems like a minor illness can lead to unexpected complications. At Fast Pace Health, we’re here to help provide accessible and convenient urgent care for you and your family, helping make sure that minor symptoms don’t turn into major health concerns.

The Risks of Self-Diagnosing

Relying on internet searches or guessing what might be wrong can often lead to misdiagnosis. A sore throat could be caused by the common cold, but it might also be a sign of a more serious infection, such as strep throat, which requires antibiotics. Improper treatment of strep throat could cause the infection to spread or worsen.

Minor Symptoms, Major Concerns

What might seem minor at first could be masking something more serious. For example:

• Cough: Could indicate bronchitis, flu, COVID, pneumonia, or even asthma.
• Fatigue: Could be a symptom of an underlying infection, anemia, or other medical conditions.
• Skin Rash: Could be a sign of an allergic reaction, a skin infection like cellulitis, or a chronic condition that requires a referral to dermatology.

Why Urgent Care?

Fast Pace Health’s urgent care clinics are designed to handle a wide range of non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, from sore throats and ear infections to minor cuts and sprains. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Convenience: Walk-in or reserve a spot online and be seen quickly.
• Comprehensive Care: We offer on-site labs and imaging services, so you can get answers and treatment faster.
• Affordable Options: Urgent care is often more affordable than emergency room visits for non-emergency conditions.

When to Choose Urgent Care

Urgent care is a great option for conditions that require prompt attention but aren’t life-threatening. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the following, visiting Fast Pace Health can help:

• Upper respiratory symptoms, such as fever, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, cough, and more.
• Minor injuries like cuts, sprains, or burns
• Skin irritations or unexplained rashes
• We can also help stabilize any uncontrolled chronic illness, such as asthma or COPD and help refer you to a primary care provider.

Take Control of Your Health

Delaying care for minor illnesses can lead to more serious complications down the road. At Fast Pace Health, we’re here to help make sure you receive the right care at the right time. Don’t wait and wonder—visit one of our convenient locations today and take a proactive step toward better health!

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References: Sore throat in adults: Beyond the basics. UpToDate. Retrieved February 20, 2025, from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/sore-throat-in-adults-beyond-the-basics

The common cold in adults: Beyond the basics. UpToDate. Retrieved February 20, 2025, from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/the-common-cold-in-adults-beyond-the-basics