When Should You Visit Pediatric Urgent Care for Your Child?
At Niagara Falls Urgent Care, we are equipped to handle a wide range of childhood illnesses and injuries, providing prompt, compassionate care for your child’s health needs. Whether it’s a fever, sprain, or minor injury, Dr. Santanu Som, MD, DO, and his experienced team ensure your child receives the attention and treatment they deserve, helping them recover quickly and safely. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3117 Military Road, Suite 2, Niagara Falls, NY 14304.


Table of Contents:
When should I take my child to pediatric urgent care instead of their pediatrician?
Is it necessary to visit pediatric urgent care for a mild fever in my child?
Is it safe to visit pediatric urgent care for my child’s allergic reaction or skin rash?
While your child’s regular pediatrician is the primary caregiver for routine appointments and ongoing health management, there are situations where Niagara Falls Urgent Care becomes the best option. Here’s when you should consider seeking immediate medical attention at this facility:
• Severe Illness or Injury: If your child experiences symptoms such as a high fever that is unresponsive to over-the-counter medication, severe vomiting or diarrhea, difficulty breathing, a head injury, or broken bones, Niagara Falls Urgent Care can provide the necessary care.
• Sudden Changes: Rapid changes in your child’s condition, such as severe pain, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, or a rapidly spreading rash, call for urgent attention.
• After-Hours Emergencies: If your child’s medical issue arises outside your pediatrician’s office hours and cannot wait, Niagara Falls Urgent Care offers extended hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Urgent Symptoms: For non-life-threatening yet urgent symptoms like ear pain, conjunctivitis (pink eye), upper respiratory infections, or minor cuts or burns, Niagara Falls Urgent Care is an excellent resource.
Consider using Niagara Falls Urgent Care for conditions that require quick evaluation. Common cases include minor cuts that might need stitches, mild to moderate dehydration, persistent high fever, ear infections, or a sore throat that could be strep. Niagara Falls Urgent Care can also address minor fractures, sprains, and sudden rashes or allergic reactions that aren’t severe.
In contrast, your child’s pediatrician is best for routine check-ups, vaccinations, chronic condition management, and non-urgent health concerns. If symptoms are ongoing but not worsening, or if you need advice on managing a chronic illness, it’s best to consult your pediatrician, who is familiar with your child’s medical history.
At Niagara Falls Urgent Care, we understand how concerning it can be when your child has a mild fever. While mild fevers are a common part of the body’s defense against infections, knowing when to seek urgent care is crucial for your child’s health and peace of mind.
A mild fever in children is typically defined as a temperature ranging from 100.4°F (38°C) to 102.9°F (39.4°C). Symptoms can include irritability, fussiness, and a temporary loss of appetite.
Consider bringing your child to Niagara Falls Urgent Care if their mild fever is accompanied by:
• Severe symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, rash, or vomiting.
• A fever lasting more than 24 hours in children under 2 years old or more than 72 hours in older children.
• A rapid increase in temperature, known as a fever spike, where the temperature rises more than 2°F (1°C) within an hour.
• A compromised immune system or a history of serious medical conditions.
Our team at Niagara Falls Urgent Care is equipped to provide the necessary medical attention and support for these scenarios.
When to Stay Home
If your child’s mild fever is not accompanied by additional concerning symptoms, managing it at home is often sufficient. Keep your child hydrated and consider using over-the-counter medications following your pediatrician’s dosing advice.
When your child experiences an allergic reaction or skin rash, it’s natural to be concerned. Understanding the services provided by Niagara Falls Urgent Care and the nature of your child’s symptoms can help you make an informed decision.
Allergic Reactions:
Allergic reactions in children can vary in severity, ranging from mild symptoms to more severe reactions. If your child experiences any of the following severe symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room:
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Loss of consciousness
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
For milder reactions, such as hives without other severe symptoms, Niagara Falls Urgent Care is a suitable choice. Our healthcare professionals can provide treatments such as antihistamines or topical creams and help identify potential allergens.
Skin Rashes:
Skin rashes in children can be caused by various factors, including infections, allergies, or contact dermatitis. While most skin rashes are not serious, some may require medical treatment. Consult our healthcare professionals if your child’s skin rash:
• Is accompanied by fever
• Covers a large area of the body
• Is painful or itchy
• Oozes fluid or pus
• Does not improve with home care
Niagara Falls Urgent Care can diagnose and treat the most common rashes, offering treatments to alleviate discomfort and prevent complications. Our healthcare providers will assess the rash, consider your child’s medical history, and may prescribe medications or recommend follow-up care with a pediatrician or dermatologist if necessary.
Visiting Niagara Falls Urgent Care for your child’s allergic reactions or skin rashes is generally safe and appropriate for non-severe conditions. We provide timely care without the long wait times often associated with emergency rooms. Always assess the severity of your child’s symptoms and opt for emergency care if you suspect a life-threatening reaction.
Niagara Falls Urgent Care offers fast, reliable treatment for non-emergency health concerns, ensuring your child receives timely care without a long wait. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3117 Military Road, Suite 2, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. We serve patients from Niagara Falls NY, Lewiston NY, Sanborn NY, Walmore NY, Tonawanda NY, Model City NY, and Grand Island NY.