Under what conditions will urgent care prescribe antibiotics?

Urgent care clinics prescribe antibiotics when they believe a bacterial infection is present. This decision is important because antibiotics do not help with viral infections, like the common cold or flu.

Respiratory Infections

• According to the studies, antibiotics may be prescribed for respiratory infections if there are signs that bacteria might be the cause. This includes symptoms that are severe or last a long time.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

• For urinary tract infections, antibiotics are often prescribed because these infections are usually caused by bacteria. The decision is based on symptoms and sometimes urine tests.

It is important to use antibiotics only when needed to avoid resistance, which makes them less effective over time. Doctors at urgent care centers use guidelines to help decide when antibiotics are necessary.