Community Conversations: How to Decide Between Urgent Care and ER This Season

10/8/2025

This article was originally published on Oct. 8, 2025 by KFOX14 and written by staff. The original article can be found here. https://kfoxtv.com/news/local/community-conversations-how-to-decide-between-urgent-care-er-this-flu-season

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — As flu, cold, and COVID season returns, many are left wondering when to seek emergency room care versus urgent care.

Dr. Kristopher Crawford from Mountain View Regional Medical Center shared insights on this topic on KFOX14 Community Conversations.

Dr. Crawford explained that a full emergency room with patients who could be treated at urgent care can impact hospital care.

He emphasized the importance of knowing when to choose the ER, especially for symptoms related to flu, COVID, or RSV.

"Symptoms that should immediately send someone to the ER include difficulty breathing, chest pain, or severe dehydration," he said.

For parents, Dr. Crawford advised that warning signs in children, such as high fever, persistent vomiting, or lethargy, should prompt a visit to the ER rather than urgent care.

He also offered a simple rule of thumb: "If you think it might be life-threatening or could cause permanent harm, go to the ER. Otherwise, urgent care is a good option."

Additionally, Dr. Crawford mentioned the opening of a new urgent care facility, which aims to provide more accessible healthcare options for non-emergency situations.

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