Why 24/7 Emergency Care Matters for Texas Families

During the winter months, health concerns can feel more noticeable at night. A child’s cough sounds different after bedtime. A parent wakes up feeling weak or unwell. A stomach bug lingers longer than expected. When symptoms change or raise questions, it helps families to have a place that can evaluate concerns and provide care right away.

Physicians Premier is open 24/7/365, with emergency room locations across Texas. Families can walk in at any time for emergency care, on-site testing, and clear guidance on what to do next.

Why emergency visits are more common in January

Winter illness and winter accidents often overlap. Flu season activity often increases during fall and winter. Norovirus outbreaks are most common from November to April. Cold snaps can also increase risks at home when people use heaters or generators incorrectly.

Families also spend more time indoors, and kids return to school after breaks. Germs spread faster in close spaces, and dehydration can sneak up when fever, dry air, and less drinking combine.

When common illnesses need emergency care

Respiratory infections

Flu, RSV, COVID-19, and pneumonia can start with similar symptoms: fever, cough, congestion, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. The concern is when breathing becomes harder, dehydration sets in, or symptoms worsen quickly.

Come in right away when an adult has trouble breathing, persistent chest or abdominal pain, confusion, seizures, not urinating, or symptoms that improve and then return worse. For RSV in infants and young children, get evaluated for difficulty breathing, poor feeding, or worsening symptoms.

Stomach bugs and dehydration

Vomiting and diarrhea can dehydrate kids quickly, and dehydration can become life-threatening. Watch for signs such as crying without tears, no wet diapers for three hours or longer, unusual drowsiness, or a child who cannot keep fluids down.

Asthma flare-ups

Cold air and respiratory viruses can trigger asthma symptoms. If wheezing is worsening, breathing is fast, or a child is working hard to breathe, it is safer to get checked.

Carbon monoxide exposure

Carbon monoxide has no smell, and early symptoms can include the flu, headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. If multiple people in the same home feel sick at the same time, or symptoms improve when you step outside the home, leave the area and get evaluated.

Everyday injuries that may need emergency care

Falls and possible fractures

Wet entryways and slick steps can lead to sprains and broken bones. Seek care for severe swelling, visible deformity, inability to bear weight, or pain that is not improving.

Head injuries and car crashes

Come in for head injuries with repeated vomiting, worsening headache, confusion, fainting, seizures, unusual sleepiness, or behavior that does not seem right. After a collision, seek evaluation for neck or back pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness or numbness, severe headache, or uncontrolled bleeding.

Chest pain and stroke symptoms

Chest pain should be taken seriously. Warning signs of a heart attack can include shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, pain in the neck, jaw, arm, back, or shoulder, and feeling lightheaded, nauseous, or unusually tired.

Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. For stroke, use FAST as a quick check: face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, time to call 911. Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke.

When should we choose the ER instead of urgent care?

Urgent care can be a good fit for mild illness and minor injuries when symptoms are stable. Emergency care is the safer choice when symptoms are severe, sudden, or getting worse, or when you may need imaging, lab tests, IV fluids, or close monitoring.

Choose emergency care right away for problems like these

• Trouble breathing, severe wheezing, or a child working hard to breathe
• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea with signs of dehydration
• Chest pain, fainting, or severe weakness
• Stroke warning signs, such as face drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulty
• Severe pain, a possible broken bone, a head injury, or uncontrolled bleeding

What can families expect at Physicians Premier?

Physicians Premier is a freestanding emergency room built for emergencies, not appointments. We stay open 24/7/365 so you can walk in any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

You can expect a comfortable setting and a team ready to see you quickly when you need care. We focus on respectful, compassionate care and clear communication.

Our on-site services help speed up answers. CT scans, digital X-rays, ultrasounds, EKGs, cardiac monitoring, and rapid tests like strep, mono, and flu testing are available on site. On-site diagnostic testing can help guide care decisions quickly.

Always open care for families

January often brings respiratory illness, stomach bugs, dehydration, asthma flare-ups, falls, and unexpected injuries. Having 24/7 emergency care close by helps families get checked sooner and start treatment sooner. If something feels serious, especially breathing trouble, dehydration, chest pain, or a significant injury, come in any time. Find your nearest Physicians Premier facility here.

Sources

“Flu Season,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season.html
“Norovirus Outbreaks,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/outbreak-basics/index.html
“Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Basics,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
https://www.cdc.gov/carbon-monoxide/about/index.html
“Signs and Symptoms of Flu,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/signs-symptoms/index.html
“RSV in Infants and Young Children,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/infants-young-children/index.html
“Dehydration in Kids & Teens,” KidsHealth,
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/dehydration.html
“About Heart Attack Symptoms, Risk, and Recovery,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/heart-attack.html
“F.A.S.T.,” American Stroke Association,
https://www.stroke.org/en/help-and-support/resource-library/fast-materials/fast-infographic