Acute care in primary care covers sudden, short-term health problems: colds, flu, infections, rashes, minor injuries, and urinary tract infections. Most of these can be evaluated and treated in a primary care office, but some symptoms require urgent or emergency care, and knowing the difference matters.
What acute conditions does primary care treat?
TruHealth treats common acute concerns when they are appropriate for a primary care setting.
- Colds and flu-like illness
- Sinus, ear, and throat infections
- Skin rashes and minor infections
- Minor injuries such as sprains and small cuts
- Urinary tract infections
When should you see a provider for a cold or flu?
Most people with a cold or mild flu recover at home with rest and fluids. Contact a provider if symptoms last more than a week, worsen instead of improving, include a high or persistent fever, or if you are at higher risk of complications because of age or a chronic condition such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
What about UTIs and other infections?
Burning with urination, urgency, frequent urination, or pelvic discomfort can signal a urinary tract infection, and prompt evaluation matters because untreated infections can spread. Other infections, including skin infections, also deserve timely evaluation.
When is it an emergency?
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for chest pain, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, severe bleeding, a severe injury, confusion, or a severe allergic reaction. Flu-like symptoms that improve and then return with fever and a worse cough also warrant urgent care. Routine primary care is not the right place for emergencies.
Can acute illness be handled by telehealth?
Some acute symptoms can be evaluated virtually when an in-person exam is not required, which can be convenient for patients in Georgia. The team will let you know whether a telehealth visit or an in-office visit is the right fit for your symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be seen quickly for an acute illness?
Should I go to urgent care or my primary care provider?
Sources and further reading
Educational purpose: This article is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific health situation.
About the author: Tina Jordan, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and the lead provider at TruHealth Primary Care in Locust Grove, Georgia.