Acute Diseases

What are acute diseases?

Acute diseases are ailments that develop suddenly and last a few days or weeks. These conditions can be caused by bacteria or viruses that spread from person to person through the air or physical contact with a sick person. Some of these illnesses can be caught by touching contaminated surfaces.

When should I seek medical attention for acute diseases?

Some acute diseases like the common cold or flu will go away on their own with rest and at-home treatments. However, some conditions can get worse without medical care, especially in people with weak immune systems and chronic health problems.

Schedule a sick visit at a local urgent care, if your symptoms last longer than a week and you aren’t responding to over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and lifestyle changes. These symptoms can include:

• Pain
• High fever
• Sore throat
• Persistent cough
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Stomach upset or nausea

You might also need to schedule an appointment for yourself or your child for open wounds that bleed heavily or appear to be infected.

You might need prescription medication to ease pain or clear an infection. The providers can also recommend self-care methods to manage symptoms at home and prevent the illness from getting worse.

If you have cuts or abrasions, the providers clean the wound and apply clean dressings. They can also stitch the wound closed and prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.

Follow-up visits could be necessary to ensure you’re recovering well. Your provider also provides educational resources you can use to lower your risk of further illness.