Is it an emergency?

By AJ Murphy

When should I go to the emergency room (ER)?

It’s important to seek emergency care when you need it. That’s why we cover all your emergency services. Sometimes, you need emergency care after a bad accident. Or you might have a severe pain that won’t go away. When you need emergency care, you should go to the ER right away. Some hospitals call the ER the emergency department (ED). They both provide the same services.

Find urgent care

Going to the ER when it is not an emergency could result in long waiting hours. You have options. There are better places to go when you’re sick and don’t need emergency care. The best place to go is your primary care physician (PCP). Urgent care is also a great choice if you can’t see your PCP. Urgent care centers usually open early and stay open late on nights and weekends.

How do I tell if I need emergency or urgent care?

You need to go to an emergency room when you have:

Chest pain
Trouble breathing
Severe bleeding or severe head injuries
Loss of consciousness or a “blackout”
Sudden loss of vision or blurred vision
Fever of 100.4 F (rectal reading) in an infant less than 3 months old

You can go to an urgent care center when you have:

Minor burns or injuries
Sprains and strains
Coughs, colds and sore throats
Ear infections
Allergic reactions (not life-threatening)
Fever or flu-like symptoms
Rash or other skin irritations
Mild asthma
Animal bites
Broken bones
A large cut that needs stitches

About the author

AJ Murphy is an evocative young writer who grew up in Boston's Charlestown neighborhood. AJ began his writing career at Alaska Ice Rinks Inc. in Anchorage, AK, where he also drove a Zamboni and took care of outdoor hockey rinks.

If you’ve ever had the flu, you know how bad it can be. Getting the flu shot is one way to help prevent against the flu, and it's covered by your health plan. The other way is to understand flu myths and facts, so you can stay healthy.

Be prepared for flu season

A flu vaccine (shot) is your best chance to avoid the flu. It’s best to get a shot each year, as soon the flu shot is available in your area. This can be done at your doctor’s office or a health clinic.

The flu vaccine is available in several forms. Most are given in an arm muscle with a needle. Talk with your doctor about which form is best for you.

Myth vs. Fact

M: You can catch the flu from the flu shot

F: A flu shot cannot cause the flu virus.1 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for just about everyone ages 6 months and older. If you're not sure if you should get the flu shot, check with your doctor first.

M: The flu shot is expensive.

F: The flu shot is covered by your health plan. If you're enrolled, make sure you get your flu shot at no extra cost.

M: The flu shot shouldn't be given at the same time as other vaccines.

F: The flu shot can be given at the same time as other vaccines,2 including the pneumococcal vaccine.

M: Getting the flu shot is all you need to do to protect yourself from the flu.

F: Getting the flu shot is one way to protect yourself. Make sure you also avoid contact with people who have the flu. And remember to wash your hands often.

M: Antibiotics help with the flu.

F: Antibiotics don't necessarily treat the flu. They only help with infections caused by bacteria. Antiviral drugs like TAMIFLU^® can fight the flu virus, so you can feel better faster.

¹Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD). Misconceptions about seasonal flu and flu vaccines. September 25, 2018. Available at: cdc.gov/flu/prevent/misconceptions.htm?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fflu%2Fabout%2Fqa%2Fmisconceptions.htm. Accessed May 20, 2019.

²Georgia Department of Public Health. Adult influenza and pneumococcal vaccines FAQ.

Available at: dph.georgia.gov/sites/dph.georgia.gov/files/Immunizations/Flu-Season-Flu-Pneu-FAQs.pdf. Accessed May 20, 2019.