Convenient health care isn’t just affordable or just close to your neighborhood. It’s all of these things and more.

With flu season coming up and the roads becoming more hazardous, being aware of your convenient healthcare options is more prudent than ever. Urgent care models are located throughout the United States, designed to give you a low-cost alternative to the emergency room and your family doctor. They can give you your annual flu shot, provide a physical or give you fast treatment for a burn, all in one location. A proactive attitude while the weather is still turning will pay off immensely once it starts to snow.

Here are just five forms of treatment and preventative care you can receive at your local urgent care center.

Fractures And Sprains

A twisted ankle can completely upend your week. All it takes is a wrong step down a flight of stairs or a slip on a hidden patch of ice. According to the Urgent Care Association Of America over three million patients visit urgent care centers each week for reasons ranging from dizziness to painful urinary tract infections. The most common diagnosis in an urgent care center today is the upper respiratory infection, with the most common injuries being wound repair and sprained ankles. Fortunately, four out of five urgent care centers provide on-the-spot fracture care.

Burns And Cuts

While you might not think much of a burn on your hand, it’s best to be safe than sorry. The nature of burns means the protective layers of your epidermis are compromised, leaving you at a high risk of infection that can lead to a hospital visit. While an estimated 25,000 Americans suffer from an ankle sprain each day, burns and cuts are incredibly common occurrences that can cause people to weigh the benefits of an emergency room visit or urgent care visit. Even a short trip to the ER can net you with a large bill, while the urgent care model is designed to be quick, accurate and affordable.

Vaccines And Physicals

Preventative care will set you up for success months down the road. Instead of crossing your fingers and hoping airborne viruses won’t come your way, take the initiative and visit an urgent care center for your flu shot. This vaccine is updated yearly to keep up with the mutating virus, doubly important to protect more vulnerable parts of the population against infection. A physical can also give you a general overview of your health and help you determine the best course of action. Whether this is a diet change or less stress, a physician can set you on the right track.

Urinary Tract Infections And Poison Ivy

What makes the urgent care model so wonderful are the common locations, flexible hours and wide variety of treatments. A urinary tract infection may be mundane, but it’s incredibly painful and can lead to kidney damage if not treated swiftly. This condition is caused when bacteria enters the urinary tract, whether from intercourse or poor hygiene. Poison ivy infections are nearly as common as cuts and burns in urgent care settings. this plant found in every state except Alaska and Hawaii. It’s estimated 85% of Americans are allergic to poison ivy and poison oak.

Pain Relief And Consultations

Sometimes the treatment you need isn’t as obvious as an arm brace or a vaccination. When you have persistent nausea that just won’t seem to go away or a migraine that becomes more severe than usual, a multicare medical clinic can provide you much-needed relief. There are over 20,000 physicians who practice Urgent Care Medicine, with a significant number of clinics having at least one on-site at all times. Pain relief can be provided in the form of medication or referrals, with additional consultations provided to give your situation more perspective.

Convenient health care should accommodate all areas of your life to save you time and stress. Let an urgent care clinic make your winter season the safest one yet.