www.montereycountynow.com SEPTEMBER 25-OCTOBER 1, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 5 Emergency Care or Urgent Care? WHEN TO SEEK URGENT CARE Urgent care is treatment for a condition that requires prompt attention but does not pose an immediate, serious health threat, such as*: • Colds, coughs, sore throat, sinus infection, upper respiratory infection, flu, fever • Minor injuries such as sprain, minor cuts including need for stitches, minor burns • Vomiting and/or diarrhea • Minor bone fractures • Allergies, rashes, ear and eye infections • Childhood illnesses • COVID testing and treatment • As directed by your doctor WHEN TO OBTAIN EMERGENCY CARE Emergency care is treatment for a condition that requires prompt attention and imposes an immediate, serious health threat, such as*: • Chest pain • Any loss of consciousness • Deep cuts, bleeding that will not stop • Signs of stroke including facial drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech or difficulty forming words. • Difficulty breathing, severe allergic reactions, choking • Bone fractures with open wounds • High fever that doesn’t improve with medication • As directed by your doctor Choosing between emergency care or urgent care can be a difficult decision. Your reason for needing medical attention will help you select between the two. If you are having difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, an injury that threatens your life or limb, or signs of stroke or heart attack, call 911. Do not drive yourself to the Emergency Department. *Scan the QR code to view a more complete list of symptoms for each situation. SalinasValleyHealth.com Rakesh Singh, MD Chief of Staff and Emergency Medicine Physician
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