Yes, you should visit an urgent care center if you suspect you have a bacterial infection. While minor viral illnesses often resolve on their own, bacterial infections typically require a professional medical evaluation and a course of antibiotics to clear the infection and prevent it from spreading or becoming life-threatening.
At Sahara West Urgent Care, we recommend seeking care if your symptoms are persistent (lasting more than 3–5 days), worsening, or accompanied by a high fever. Early intervention is the best way to avoid complications like kidney infections from a UTI or secondary pneumonia from a respiratory issue.
Common Bacterial Conditions Treated at Urgent Care
Urgent care facilities are designed to handle a wide range of bacterial issues that require prompt attention:
-
Respiratory Infections: Strep throat, bacterial sinusitis, and whooping cough (pertussis).
-
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Fast diagnosis is essential to prevent the infection from traveling to the kidneys.
-
Skin and Wound Infections: Cellulitis, abscesses, and infected cuts or animal bites that appear red, swollen, or warm.
-
Eye and Ear Infections: Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) and acute middle ear infections.
-
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Many common STIs are bacterial and require specific urgent care services in Las Vegas for effective treatment.
The Diagnostic Process: Why an Exam is Required
Determining whether an infection is bacterial or viral is impossible without clinical testing. At our facility, we ensure you get the correct treatment through:
-
On-Site Rapid Testing: Including strep swabs, urinalysis, and flu/COVID-19 testing to differentiate between pathogens.
-
Clinical Assessment: A physical exam to check for specific physical markers of bacterial growth.
-
Vitals Monitoring: Checking heart rate and temperature to assess the severity of the infection.
-
Antibiotic Stewardship: Ensuring prescriptions are only given when necessary to prevent the rise of antibiotic-resistant “superbugs.”
Why Choose Sahara West Urgent Care for Your Treatment?
Choosing the right medical clinic in Las Vegas matters. At Sahara West Urgent Care, we offer an advanced level of care with on-site labs and digital X-rays. Our board-certified providers focus on accurate diagnosis so you don’t waste time on treatments that won’t work. If your infection requires more intensive care, such as IV antibiotics or specialist referral, we provide the initial stabilization and guidance to ensure your safety.
Think you have a bacterial infection? Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen and cause more pain. Book your appointment online or walk into Sahara West Urgent Care today for expert evaluation and fast, effective relief.
