700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posts About Urgent Care

Posted by: Mike Patrick, MD on Jan 27, 2026

Middle-of-the-night earache? Weekend sports injury? Not every illness or accident needs the ER—but not every urgent care is right for kids, either. Learn how to tell what’s an emergency, what can wait, and how to choose an urgent care center with true pediatric expertise, including options from Nationwide Children’s in Central Ohio.

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Three stuffed animals—a teddy bear with a bandaged arm, a monkey with a leg wrap, and a dog with a bandaged snout—sit on small white chairs, resembling patients in a waiting room. The scene conveys a playful, child-friendly healthcare environment.
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How to Prepare for a Visit to the Doctor or Urgent Care
A visit to the doctor or urgent care doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Learn what to pack, how to keep your child comfortable, and simple ways to plan ahead so your family’s visit goes more smoothly.
A parent is putting insect repellent on their child. There are trees in the background.
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Insect Repellent (Bug Spray) for Kids: What Parents Should Know

Bug bites are not just annoying—they can be harmful too. Some bugs carry germs that can make people sick. Using insect repellent helps keep bugs away, so your child can play safely.

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About this Blog

Pediatric News You Can Use From America’s Largest Pediatric Hospital and Research Center

700 Children’s® features the most current pediatric health care information and research from our pediatric experts – physicians and specialists who have seen it all. Many of them are parents and bring a special understanding to what our patients and families experience. If you have a child – or care for a child – 700 Children’s was created especially for you.

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Latest Posts

A close-up of a poison hemlock flower, showing its umbrella-shaped cluster of small, delicate white blossoms against a background of blurred grass and foliage.

Poison Hemlock: What Parents Should Know

Jul 10, 2025

Poison hemlock may look like a harmless wildflower, but it’s dangerously toxic. Learn how to spot this invasive plant, what symptoms to watch for, and how to protect your children and pets from accidental exposure. Read More

When Should Your Child Visit Urgent Care vs. the Emergency Department

Urgent Care or Emergency Department for Childhood Injuries?

Jun 16, 2025

As the weather warms and kids head outdoors, the chance for injury rises. Where should families seek help when accidents occur? The answer depends on the nature of your child’s injury and the services offered in your community. Read More

Little boy in bed with the flu.

4 Things to Know If You Think Your Child Has the Flu

Feb 07, 2025

Should influenza find its way to you and your family, you will be faced with the decision to seek medical care or let the virus run its course. Trust the judgement of your health care provider regarding testing and treatment. Read More

Child laying under a blanket, mom's hand placed on child's forehead

Flu Complications: Risk Factors, Symptoms and Prevention

Feb 07, 2025

It's that time of year: flu season! While the influenza virus can be severe and long-lasting, the bigger problem with the flu is the complications that arise during the infection. Read More

kid on phone

Teaching Kids about 911: A Lifesaving Lesson for Every Child

Sep 05, 2024

In emergencies, every second counts, and teaching your child how and when to call 911 can be crucial in saving lives. As parents, it’s our responsibility to ensure that our kids know what to do in a crisis. Read More

barefoot child standing on mulch

Parents: Avoid the Barefoot Blues

Aug 26, 2024

If you have those oh-so-cute open toed shoes, reconsider: it’s an invitation for scraped toes and torn toenails. Read More

two epipens

EpiPens: What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know

Jul 17, 2024

Emergency epinephrine is THE treatment you need for anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a potentially severe life-threatening allergic reaction. Epinephrine reverses the reaction and can save a life. Read More

Exam room

Urgent Care or Emergency Department: Which One Is Right for Your Child's Needs?

Jul 10, 2024

Not so long ago, parents had two choices for after-hours medical care: wait for the doctor’s office to open or head to the local emergency room. Today’s parent has more choices, including urgent care centers, grocery store clinics and the newest player in town – the stand-alone ER. Read More