When a cough, fever, or fatigue interrupts your week, it feels good to have a sickness plan in place. Flu, COVID-19, RSV, and common colds can cause overlapping symptoms. How sick you feel, whether symptoms are worsening, and your health history help determine how quickly you need care.
In Breckenridge, Stephens Memorial Hospital and Breckenridge Medical Center offer timely, high-quality care for needs ranging from mild respiratory illness to medical emergencies. Here is when to use each.
Contact the clinic early if you are at higher risk
Adults 65 and older, young children, pregnant women, and people with conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or a weakened immune system can be more vulnerable to serious illness. If you or a family member is at higher risk, contact a clinician promptly when symptoms begin. Treatments for flu and COVID-19 can be time-sensitive.
Breckenridge Medical Center offers weekday appointments and walk-in care seven days a week for mild problems such as coughs, sore throats, earaches, and flu symptoms. A clinician can assess your illness and determine whether testing or treatment is appropriate.
Seek prompt medical advice if symptoms worsen, interfere with management of an ongoing condition, or improve and then return. Tell the clinician when the illness started, what has changed, and which medicines you have taken.
Get emergency help for serious symptoms
Call 911 for severe or life-threatening symptoms, including trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, confusion or difficulty waking, or seizures. Severe weakness or dehydration, including little or no urination, also requires immediate medical attention. A baby younger than 12 weeks with any fever needs emergency medical care right away.
The Stephens Memorial Hospital Emergency Department is open 24/7 at 200 S. Geneva St., with its entrance on the south side of the hospital along Hullum Street. On-site imaging, laboratory testing, and respiratory therapy support evaluation and treatment. When a patient needs a higher level of care, the team stabilizes the patient and coordinates transfer.
Protect others while you recover
Stay home and away from others while you are sick, except to seek medical care. Recommended medical advice is that you can resume normal activities once your symptoms have improved overall and you have been fever-free without fever-reducing medicine for at least 24 hours.
For the next five days, take added precautions, improving indoor airflow, and keeping your distance from others, especially people at higher risk. If fever returns or you feel worse, stay home again.
For mild respiratory illness, call Breckenridge Medical Center at 254-559-3363 to ask about care or confirm walk-in hours. The clinic is at 101 S. Hartford St. For a medical emergency, call 911.
