When should you visit urgent care vs. ER?

SANDUSKY — Firelands Health recently published a public service announcement, informing people of the main differences — in terms of the care provided — between an urgent care facility and an emergency room. "When you're feeling unwell, knowing where to seek care is crucial," according to a health care organizational statement. Even though Firelands Health provided this information, this is a generally accepted, universal breakdown of where patients should go when not feeling well: When to visit an urgent care facility People should visit an urgent care facility for: • Asthma flare-ups deemed minor • Burns deemed minor • Cold, cough and flu-COVID-19 symptoms • Cuts that don't require stitches • Diarrhea deemed mild • Earaches • Fevers that are low-grade/spiked • Headaches deemed mild • Injuries deemed minor, like strains, sprains and/or joint pains • Insect bites/stings, including those that involve ticks • Minor aches and pains without injury causing them • Nausea and/or vomiting without blood involved • Painful urination (dysuria) • Pink eye (conjunctivitis) • Rashes, such as from poison ivy, ringworm, scabies and/or impetigo • Sexually transmitted diseases/infections • Sinus infections • Sore throat • Upper respiratory infections • Urinary tract infection Note: For many of these issues, people can also visit their primary care provider. When to visit the emergency room/department People should visit a hospital's emergency room/department for: • Accidents deemed major, like those from car crashes or major falls • Asthma flare-ups deemed major, as evidenced by severe or trouble breathing • Bleeding that's uncontrolled and/or excessive • Burns deemed severe • Chest pains • Coughing up and/or vomiting up blood • Cuts requiring stitches • Drug overdoses • Fevers that are high and/or long-lasting and not lowered by medication • Headaches deemed severe • Head injuries • Injuries resulting from violence and/or major trauma • Loss of consciousness • Poisoning • Shortness of breath • Stroke symptoms, such as face drooping, arm weakness and/or speech difficulties • Suicidal feelings People can contact Firelands Health for more information.