“Urgent Care serves as a rapid solution,” remarked Bhavsar. Generally, it is most suitable for non-life-threatening issues that can be managed within 30 minutes to a few hours. “The Emergency Room, or ER, is reserved for severe injuries, life-threatening conditions, or situations that have the potential to escalate significantly,” he added.
Dr. Bhavsar also shed light on the current increase in flu cases among children and how to prepare a ‘flu box’, as advised by an ER physician. He emphasized that diagnosing respiratory illnesses may take several days.”When it comes to respiratory ailments, my recommendation is this: if you’ve been feeling unwell for about two to three days, experiencing a mild fever, enduring a persistent cough, facial or sinus pressure, along with congestion, then seeking care at an urgent care facility is crucial,” Bhavsar suggested.
Nonetheless, he issued a cautionary note, indicating that individuals experiencing symptoms such as blue fingertips or lips, shortness of breath, and chest pain should head straight to the emergency department. For children displaying these symptoms, especially if struggling to breathe, immediate evaluation at an emergency facility is imperative.
Discussing upper respiratory illnesses, Bhavsar emphasized the importance of staying hydrated. “Consuming warm fluids like soups, broths, and hot teas, using nasal sprays for congestion, and incorporating honey for throat irritation and coughing are beneficial practices,” he advised. However, he stressed that honey should never be administered to infants or children under one year old due to the risk of a severe condition known as botulism.
Moreover, steam inhalation and over-the-counter decongestants can offer relief for respiratory issues, but should not be used continuously for more than 3-5 days. Bhavsar also recommended the use of ibuprofen or acetaminophen for body aches and chills, emphasizing the importance of following dosage instructions, age restrictions, and consulting a healthcare provider if unsure about the appropriate usage of these medications.
The necessity of avoiding emergency room visits during the holiday season was also highlighted. Bhavsar shared valuable insights on managing health concerns and minor illnesses to prevent unnecessary emergency room visits during this festive period.
