Top Pediatric Illnesses Commonly Treated at Urgent Care Centers in Ohio

If you’re a parent, you already know that kids' health is very sensitive. One minute, they’re running around the living room like superheroes, and the next, they’re curled up on the couch with a fever or holding their ear in pain. It can happen at any time, even after your pediatrician’s office has closed for the day. In that situation, you need pediatric urgent care centers like iMed Urgent Care. We are always available for you when the pediatrician's office and the emergency room are closed.

At iMed Urgent Care, we treat all diseases from fevers and coughs to ear infections and minor injuries, so your child can recover quickly without the long waits or big hospital bills. Let’s talk about some of the top illnesses commonly treated at pediatric urgent care centers across Ohio and how iMed Urgent Care makes the whole experience easier for families.

Why Parents in Ohio Choose Pediatric Urgent Care

Parents prefer urgent care for kids due to various reasons:

Illnesses that can be Treated at Urgent Care Centers for Kids 

Ear Infections

If you’ve got little ones, you’ve probably been through the ear infection cycle before. They’re one of the most common reasons parents bring kids into urgent care. Symptoms usually include:

At iMed Urgent Care, we can diagnose an ear infection quickly with an exam and, if needed, prescribe antibiotics or suggest other treatments to ease the discomfort. And when we start treatment, your kids often feel better within a day or two.

Respiratory Infections and Colds

Ohio winters can be rough on little immune systems. We see a lot of kids with upper respiratory infections—things like the common cold, sinus infections, and sore throats. Symptoms include congestion, a runny nose, cough, and low-grade fever.

While most colds can be treated with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter remedies, urgent care is the right move if your child is struggling to breathe, wheezing, or the cough just isn’t letting up. Our team can check for bronchitis, pneumonia, or strep throat and provide the right treatment.

Strep Throat

If your child suddenly has a sore throat, fever, and maybe even white patches on the tonsils, strep could be the reason. It spreads quickly in classrooms and sports teams, which is why pediatric urgent care centers in Ohio are so familiar with it.

At iMed Urgent Care, we use a rapid strep test, which gives results in just a few minutes. If it’s positive, we’ll prescribe antibiotics so your child can start feeling better and avoid spreading it to others.

Influenza (Flu)

The flu is the illness we face every winter in Ohio, and it can hit kids hard. Symptoms usually include:

The difficult part is that the flu can look a lot like other illnesses in the early stages. That’s why it’s smart to get your child tested at urgent care if you suspect it. If caught early, we can prescribe antiviral medication that helps shorten the duration and severity of the flu.

Asthma Flare-Ups

Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions in children. Triggers like seasonal allergies, viral infections, or even weather changes in Ohio can lead to flare-ups.

If your child is wheezing, coughing, or struggling to catch their breath, urgent care can help. At iMed Urgent Care, we can provide breathing treatments (nebulizers), check oxygen levels, and make sure your child is stable. For severe cases, we’ll guide you to the ER, but many flare-ups can be safely handled in urgent care.

Allergies and Allergic Reactions

Seasonal allergies are a big issue in Ohio, especially during spring and fall. Some classic symptoms are sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. But we also treat more urgent allergic reactions, like hives, swelling, or mild asthma attacks triggered by allergies.

For severe reactions like trouble breathing or swelling of the face and throat, the ER is the best option. But for mild to moderate cases, urgent care can provide fast relief through medications and monitoring.

Stomach Bugs (Gastroenteritis)

Every parent dreads the stomach flu. Vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration can take a toll on little ones quickly. Pediatric urgent care centers often see kids who can’t keep fluids down or have been sick for more than a day. 

At iMed Urgent Care, we’ll check hydration levels, recommend treatment, and sometimes prescribe medications to help with nausea. The goal is to get your child rehydrated and comfortable as quickly as possible.

Minor Injuries (Sprains, Cuts, and Fractures)

Kids are naturally active and a little accident-prone. From playground tumbles to sports injuries, urgent care is the right place for minor sprains, cuts, and even simple fractures.

At iMed Urgent Care, we can provide stitches, splints, and on-site lab services. That way, you avoid the long ER wait and get your child the care they need right away.

Rashes and Skin Infections

Rashes can be caused by anything from allergies to viral infections. Sometimes they’re harmless, but other times they could signal something more serious, like impetigo, ringworm, or even chickenpox.

Urgent care providers can examine the rash, run tests if needed, and prescribe creams or medications to clear it up. If you’re ever unsure whether a rash is something to worry about, it’s better to have it checked.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Pink eye is another common condition we see at pediatric urgent care in Ohio, especially during the school season. It’s highly contagious and spreads like wildfire in classrooms. Symptoms include redness, itchiness, discharge, and watery eyes.

At iMed Urgent Care, we’ll determine whether the infection is viral or bacterial. For bacterial cases, we prescribe antibiotic eye drops so your child can return to school quickly without risking spreading it.

When to Go to Urgent Care vs. ER

Parents often wonder, “How do I know if it’s urgent care or emergency room time?” It is suggested that:

Urgent care is designed for those in-between situations and serious enough to need medical attention but not an immediate, life-threatening emergency.

Why iMed Urgent Care Is a Trusted Choice in Ohio

At iMed Urgent Care in Columbus and Grove City, we understand that when your child is sick or injured, you want fast, reliable, and compassionate care. Those are the things that set us apart:

So if you want the best urgent care services in Ohio, iMed Urgent Care is a preferable choice for your kids' health.  

FAQs

What is pediatric urgent care, and how is it different from the ER? 

Pediatric urgent care centers are designed to treat common childhood illnesses and minor injuries that can’t wait for your pediatrician’s office hours. Unlike the ER, urgent care focuses on non-life-threatening issues like ear infections, sore throats, minor cuts, and sprains. Families in Ohio often choose urgent care because it’s faster, more affordable, and less overwhelming than a hospital emergency department—while still providing high-quality urgent care for kids.

What are the most common illnesses treated at pediatric urgent care in Ohio? 

The most frequent conditions include ear infections, colds, strep throat, pink eye, flu, asthma flare-ups, allergies, rashes, stomach bugs, and minor injuries. These are the everyday health concerns that can’t wait for a scheduled appointment. At iMed Urgent Care in Grove City and Columbus, we see kids with these issues every day and provide quick relief so families can avoid unnecessary ER visits.

Does iMed Urgent Care in Ohio treat both minor injuries and illnesses? 

Yes! We handle a wide range of conditions in children, from infections and fevers to cuts, sprains, and even simple fractures. Our Columbus and Grove City centers are equipped with on-site labs and procedures like stitches and splinting. That means your child can get everything in one visit without going around between clinics or hospitals.

Do I need an appointment to visit iMed Urgent Care with my child?

No appointment is needed—you can walk right in whenever your child needs care. However, we also offer the option to book online. With locations in Columbus and Grove City, families across Ohio can count on us for same-day pediatric care, including evenings and weekends when most pediatricians are closed.

How is iMed Urgent Care in Ohio different from other urgent care clinics?

We pride ourselves on combining medical expertise with a family-friendly approach. Our providers are trained to care for children in a way that helps them feel calm and comfortable. With on-site testing, extended hours, and a focus on fast, affordable care, iMed Urgent Care has become a trusted choice for Ohio parents looking for reliable pediatric urgent care services.