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When to go see a doctor with a summer injury or illness

Dealing with a summer time injury sometimes requires a trip to the ER. Other times you could be treated with a virtual visit.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Summertime should be filled with fun activities and relaxing vacations. Dealing with an injury or illness on vacation can throw a wrench in those plans. 

Hannah Mills, a nurse practitioner with Cone Health Virtual Care, breaks down when you can treat those summertime injuries at home when you can jump online for a virtual visit, and when you should head to the ER.

Poison Ivy 

  • Immediately take off clothing and throw it in a hot wash cycle
  • Get into the hottest water you can stand
  • Don't pop any blisters that form 
  • If you get it in your mouth or eyes, it lasts 2-3 weeks or if you've scratched it and it gets infected, you'll need to see a doctor
  • If your symptoms are not severe, you can schedule a virtual visit for other treatment options 

Bee Sting 

  • Don't remove the stinger
  • Just scrape it off level with your arm and leave the stringer in there
  • It will naturally migrate out
  • If you have an allergic reaction to wheezing and sneezing, get to the doctor 
  • If you are having trouble breathing, call 911

Sun Burn 

  • Try to avoid sunburn by wearing a hat, wearing sunglasses, and applying sunscreen often
  • Reapply every 80 minutes when you are outside, especially on those exposed areas like your face, ears, and back of your beck
  • Treat sunburns with aloe, a pain reliever, a cool bath, and keep re-hydrating 
  • Avoid scrubbing your skin 
  • If you have any blisters don't pop them, let them open on their own
  • If you are noticing bubbled-up blisters all over, have blisters on your face, or the burn gets scratched and infected, go see a doctor

Falls or Ankle Twists 

  • For simple falls or twists where you can stand back up and there is limited swelling, you can be seen virtually
  • You can treat these injuries at home by icing for 20 min on and off, taking Tylenol or ibuprofen, and staying off the injury 
  • If it's more significant like you heard a snap, crackle, and pop or you see a bone, had to ER immediately 

Heat Stroke

  • Bring water with you when you will be in the heat and keep hydrating to avoid overheating
  • If you can avoid being outside during the heat of the day, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • If you feel like you are getting overheated try and take a break 
  • Drink a cup of water every 30- 45 minutes
  • If you feel light-headed, confused, faint, feel chilled, or start shaking, seek immediate attention at the ER 

Getting Sick on Vacation 

  • If you are traveling in North Carolina or Virginia, you can get care through Cone Health e-visits or virtual visits
  • If you are in another state, find a local urgent care 
  • Don't leave home without pain relievers, aloe if you're going to a beach or pool, life jackets for trips near water, tums or acid reliever for stomach issues, and extra charging cables so you can call for help if needed
  • Bring your prescription medications on your trip and if you don't bring them in bottles, take a picture of those labels 

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