You wake up with a high fever and body aches — is it time for the emergency room, or can urgent care handle it?

For many people, it's hard to know where to turn when health issues arise unexpectedly. Emergency rooms are designed for life-threatening conditions, but when symptoms are less severe, visiting an urgent care center can often save you time, money, and stress — without compromising quality care.

Here’s how to tell the difference and when urgent care is the right move.

What Does Urgent Care Treat?

Urgent care centers are ideal for medical concerns that require prompt attention but aren’t emergencies. These include:

• Minor injuries like sprains or shallow cuts

• Fevers and flu-like symptoms

• Skin rashes or infections

• Mild breathing difficulties (not life-threatening)

• Painful but manageable issues like UTIs or sleep disruptions

If you’re dealing with something uncomfortable but not life-threatening, your local urgent care center is well-equipped to help. Most centers offer on-site labs, imaging, and same-day appointments — all without the long wait times of an ER.

UTIs: A Classic Urgent Care Case

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common condition that can cause pain, burning, urgency, and frequent urination. While not usually an emergency, UTIs can quickly become serious if left untreated. Fortunately, urgent care providers can diagnose and begin UTI treatment during a single visit.

They’ll typically perform a quick urinalysis and prescribe antibiotics to get your symptoms under control. The faster you’re treated, the lower the risk of the infection spreading to your kidneys.

Sleep Problems? It Might Start at Urgent Care

While you might not think of sleep issues as an “urgent” matter, untreated sleep disorders — especially sleep apnea — can seriously affect your energy, mood, and cardiovascular health. If you're experiencing loud snoring, waking up gasping for air, or excessive daytime fatigue, urgent care can be your first stop.

They may refer you for testing or connect you with providers who specialize in sleep apnea treatment, which can significantly improve your quality of life — and your safety on the road, at work, and at home.

When to Skip Urgent Care and Head to the ER

It’s important to know when symptoms indicate a true emergency. Go directly to the ER if you or someone else is experiencing:

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing

• Sudden weakness or numbness

• Uncontrollable bleeding

• Loss of consciousness

• Severe trauma or head injuries

Urgent care is fast and efficient, but it’s not equipped for life-threatening emergencies. When in doubt, always prioritize safety and call 911 or head to the nearest hospital.

Know Before You Go

Before visiting an urgent care center, check their hours, accepted insurance, and whether they accept walk-ins or require appointments. Many offer online check-ins and virtual care for extra convenience.

By knowing where to go and when, you can avoid unnecessary ER visits — and get the right care at the right time.