When Should I Take My Sick Child to Urgent Care vs. the Doctor?

When your child is sick, one of the first decisions you face is where to take them. Should you call your family doctor? Head to urgent care? Go straight to the ER? It's a question we hear all the time at Burds Family Practice, and the answer depends on what's going on.

Here's a simple guide to help you decide.

Call or Visit Your Family Doctor First (When Possible)

For most childhood illnesses, your family doctor is the best starting point. We know your child's health history, their medication allergies, their vaccination record — and we can provide follow-up care. Call us for:

• Ear infections, sore throats, or possible strep

• Pink eye

• Mild fevers in children over 3 months

• Coughs, colds, or mild respiratory symptoms

• Rashes that aren't spreading rapidly

• Well-child checkups and school physicals

Urgent Care Is a Good Option When…

Urgent care makes sense when your doctor isn't available and the issue needs same-day attention but isn't life-threatening:

• Minor cuts that may need stitches

• Possible sprains or minor injuries

• UTI symptoms

• Vomiting or diarrhea that's moderate but manageable

Go to the Emergency Room for These Signs

Some situations require immediate emergency care. Don't wait — go to the ER or call 911 if your child has:

• Difficulty breathing or turning blue

• A seizure

• Loss of consciousness

• Severe allergic reaction (swelling of face/throat, difficulty swallowing)

• Fever in a baby under 3 months

• Head injury with vomiting, confusion, or loss of consciousness

• Suspected poisoning or ingestion of a harmful substance

When in Doubt, Call Us

If you're not sure whether your child's symptoms are serious, call Burds Family Practice. We'd rather you call and find out it's nothing than wait on something that needs attention. We're here to help you make those calls — that's what a family practice is for.

Questions about your child's health? Call Burds Family Practice in Peosta at (563) 588-6659 or visit burdsfamilypractice.com to request an appointment. We're here for your family.