Acute Care

Helping You Feel Better Quickly

As your primary partner in your care, we are the first point of contact when you get sick. Acute care encompasses sudden illnesses, minor injuries and other common health complaints that need immediate attention. You should always call us as soon as you are feeling bad so that we can treat you as quickly and effectively as possible. In most cases, we can get you in for a sick visit that same day. In certain cases, we will recommend that you go to the emergency room or refer you to a specialist.

Common Types Of Acute Care

Most acute conditions require immediate attention, but they do not usually pose a threat to the patient’s life. However, we still recommend that you call and make an appointment with us as soon as possible. Common acute illnesses that we treat include:

  • Colds and other common illnesses

  • Respiratory infections

  • Ear infections

  • Minor allergic reactions

  • Upset stomach

  • Minor injuries

  • Chronic illness flares

  • Urinary tract infections

Symptoms Of Acute Illnesses

The symptoms of an acute illness vary based on the type of illness and its severity. Some common symptoms include:

  • Fever

  • Sore throat

  • Congestion

  • Runny nose

  • Chills and body aches

  • Vomiting or diarrhea

  • Decreased appetite

Treatment For Acute Illnesses In Salem, Virginia

Our goal is to diagnose and treat the condition as quickly as possible to prevent it from worsening. Our providers will discuss your symptoms and perform an examination or diagnostic tests if necessary. Our recommendations for treatment will depend on your diagnosis and the severity of your symptoms. Even if we can provide you with immediate care, we may also refer you to an expert depending on your condition.

Common Illnesses And How To Treat Them

Among the most common illnesses that we treat are sinus infections, respiratory infections, the flu, colds and bronchitis. While some of these conditions can be treated with medication, viral infections typically only improve with time. However, patients may be able to alleviate symptoms by:

  • Staying hydrated

  • Drinking warm beverages to help ease a sore throat

  • Get plenty of sleep

  • Use a saline spray to keep the nostrils moist and avoid irritation

  • Take over-the-counter medications for fever and aches

Treating COVID-19 At Star City Medical

We provide comprehensive information on preventing the spread of COVID-19, as well as best practices and guidelines for patients who test positive for Coronavirus. Check out our COVID-19 information for the most up-to-date recommendations on masking and quarantining. For information about local vaccine availability, visit the Virginia Department of Health.

Taking Care Of Minor Injuries

Minor injuries are among the common acute illnesses that we treat. These injuries include minor sprains, back, neck and joint pain and non-severe scrapes and wounds. If you are injured and unsure if you should visit the hospital or not, call us at (540) 375-2686.

When To Go To The Emergency Room

If you are unsure whether you should go to the emergency room, call us and ask. If we can properly treat you, we will get you an appointment in our office as soon as possible. If your situation is serious, life-threatening or requires more specific care, we may suggest you visit an emergency department. Typically, we encourage patients to go to the emergency room for:

  • Chest pain

  • Serious injuries

  • Extreme allergic reactions

  • Trouble breathing

  • Heavy bleeding that will not stop