Acute Illness Treatment at Baker Health

An acute illness refers to a health condition that begins suddenly and typically lasts for a short period of time. Common examples include respiratory infections like the common cold or flu, bacterial infections such as strep throat or urinary tract infections (UTIs), or minor injuries like sprains or skin infections. These illnesses often require prompt medical attention but usually respond well to short-term treatment. Unlike chronic conditions, acute illnesses have a defined beginning and usually resolve with the right care.

It’s best to seek medical attention within the first 24 to 48 hours after symptoms appear. Early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening, minimize the spread of infectious diseases, and reduce downtime from work, school, or daily activities. Prompt care is especially important if you're experiencing fever, persistent pain, or if you’re in a high-risk group such as children, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals. Our goal is to help you feel better, faster.

Not necessarily. Many acute illnesses—especially those caused by viruses—do not require antibiotics and can resolve on their own with supportive care. At Baker Health, we evaluate each case individually to determine whether your illness is bacterial and if antibiotics are truly necessary. This approach helps avoid unnecessary prescriptions, reduce the risk of side effects, and combat antibiotic resistance. Your provider will explain the treatment options clearly, so you understand what’s best for your situation.

If your condition doesn’t improve or if you begin to experience new or worsening symptoms after your visit, it’s important to let us know as soon as possible. Our team will reassess your situation and may recommend additional testing, a follow-up appointment, or a change in treatment. Our patient portal also makes it easy to ask questions or share updates between visits. Your recovery is our priority, and we’re here to make sure you’re progressing as expected.

Yes, we offer pediatric care for a wide range of common childhood illnesses. Whether your child has a sore throat, an ear infection, pink eye, or a viral stomach bug, our providers offer gentle, age-appropriate care. We also educate parents on what to expect during recovery and when to seek further help. Our goal is to provide fast relief for your child—and peace of mind for you.

Depending on your symptoms, we may use several types of tests to help confirm a diagnosis. These include rapid antigen tests for flu or strep throat, urine tests for infections, and even chest X-rays if a respiratory issue is suspected. For more complex cases, we may collect samples for lab analysis or refer you for imaging. Our on-site lab speeds up diagnosis and helps us tailor your treatment plan immediately.

We do our best to accommodate same-day or next-day appointments, and while walk-ins are welcome when available, we recommend calling ahead or booking online to minimize wait times. Our scheduling system is designed to handle urgent needs, so you don’t have to delay care. We understand how disruptive sudden illness can be—and we aim to provide prompt relief.

Baker Health is an excellent choice for most non-emergency acute issues, such as flu symptoms, sore throat, rashes, and minor injuries. If your condition involves life-threatening symptoms—like severe chest pain, uncontrolled bleeding, or difficulty breathing—then urgent care or an emergency room is more appropriate. If you’re unsure, call us—we’ll help guide you to the right level of care based on your symptoms.

To ensure we can treat you efficiently, please bring a list of your current medications, any known allergies, your insurance card, and a summary of your symptoms (including when they started and how they’ve changed). If you’ve taken any at-home tests or medications, let us know. The more context we have, the better we can assess your condition and provide the right care.

In most cases, yes. Acute illness visits are typically covered under primary care or urgent care benefits through private insurance plans, Medicare, or Medicaid. Covered services often include the office visit, basic labs, and medications. We suggest contacting your insurance provider to confirm any copayments or deductibles, and our billing team is available to help answer questions before or after your visit.