Online care, urgent care or the ER?
Online care is a good fit for many everyday health needs. Some symptoms can't wait, though. Here's how to tell the difference.
Call 911 right away for
- Signs of a heart attack: chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, pain or discomfort in your jaw, neck, back, arms or shoulders, or feeling weak, light-headed or faint
- Severe trouble breathing
- Sudden numbness or weakness in your face, arm or leg, especially on one side
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, trouble seeing or loss of balance
- A sudden, severe headache with no known cause
- Severe bleeding or a serious injury
Spot a stroke with B.E. F.A.S.T.
- Balance. Is the person suddenly off balance or dizzy?
- Eyes. Do they have sudden trouble seeing?
- Face. Ask them to smile. Does one side droop?
- Arms. Ask them to raise both arms. Does one drift down?
- Speech. Ask them to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
- Time. If you see any of these signs, call 911 right away.
In a crisis, call or text 988
If you're thinking about suicide, or you're worried about someone, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential and open 24/7. For support in Spanish, call 988 and press 2, or text AYUDA to 988.
What online care handles well
- Colds, flu, sinus infections and sore throats
- Urinary tract infections
- Rashes, allergies and pink eye
- Refills of medicines you already take
- Birth control, sexual health and skin care
- Therapy, and ongoing care for anxiety and depression
When urgent care or your doctor's office is better
If you need a hands-on exam, an X-ray, stitches or a test that has to be done in person, an urgent care clinic or your doctor's office is the right place. On Jachi, your clinician will tell you if you need to be seen in person.
Sources
This guide is based on these public health sources: