Understanding Infections
At The Emergency Center we offer immediate and expert care related to Infections. Infections can be harmful microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites invade the body. Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent complications, especially for serious infections.
Symptoms of Serious Infections
- High Fever: Persistent high temperature.
- Severe Pain: Intense localized pain.
- Redness and Swelling: At the site of infection.
- Fatigue and Weakness: Unusual tiredness or lack of energy.
- Breathing Difficulties: Shortness of breath or rapid breathing.
- Confusion or Disorientation: Changes in mental state.
When to Go to the ER
Seek emergency care if you experience:
Common Causes
- Bacterial Infections: Such as strep throat, urinary tract infections, and staph infections.
- Viral Infections: Including influenza and viral gastroenteritis.
- Fungal Infections: Like candidiasis and fungal sinusitis.
- Parasitic Infections: Including malaria and toxoplasmosis.
Diagnostic Services
The Emergency Center provides comprehensive diagnostic services to identify the cause of the infection, including:
- Blood Tests: To detect infections and inflammatory markers.
- Imaging: X-rays and CT scans to identify underlying conditions.
- Urine and Culture Tests: To diagnose specific bacterial or fungal infections.
Why Choose The Emergency Center?
No Wait
Times
We offer 24/7 availability with no wait times, providing immediate and efficient care when you need it most.
Comprehensive
Care
From initial diagnosis to follow-up care, we provide a holistic approach to treatment, ensuring all aspects of your health are addressed.
Personalized
Treatment Plans
We tailor our treatment plans to meet the individual needs of each patient, ensuring the best possible outcomes
Expertise and
Experience
Our board-certified ER physicians and ER and ICU trained nurses have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of infections.
Advanced
Diagnostic Services
Our facility is equipped with advanced diagnostic capabilities and treatment options, ensuring that we can accurately diagnose and effectively treat infections.
FAQs About Infections
Can I walk in if I suspect an infection but don’t have a fever yet?
Absolutely. You don’t need to wait for a fever to develop before coming in. Many infections begin with subtle symptoms—like redness, swelling, warmth, fatigue, or increasing pain—that can worsen quickly if not treated. At The Emergency Center, our ER physicians can evaluate your symptoms on the spot, start treatment immediately, and help prevent your condition from progressing into something more serious.
How quickly should I come in if I notice red streaks near an injury or wound?
You should seek emergency care right away. Red streaks radiating from a wound or injury often signal a fast-moving bacterial infection like cellulitis or lymphangitis. These can spread into the bloodstream, leading to life-threatening conditions such as sepsis. At The Emergency Center, we’ll assess the infection, provide IV antibiotics if needed, and monitor you closely to stop the spread before complications develop.
I have diabetes—should I come in immediately for any signs of infection?
Yes. If you have diabetes, even a minor infection can escalate rapidly due to reduced circulation and immune response. Symptoms like redness, warmth, slow-healing wounds, or unusual foot pain should be treated urgently. Our ER can provide rapid evaluation, perform lab tests, and begin treatment right away to protect your overall health and avoid serious outcomes like hospitalization, tissue damage, or amputation.
What if I’m on antibiotics but my symptoms persist or worsen?
If your infection isn’t improving, it could mean the bacteria are resistant to your current antibiotics or the infection is spreading. Worsening symptoms—like fever, swelling, or new pain—deserve immediate attention. The Emergency Center can perform cultures, adjust medications, and deliver stronger treatments like IV antibiotics or fluids. Don’t wait for your primary care provider to become available — we’re here 24/7 with no appointment needed.
Will I receive all diagnostic tests (blood work, imaging, cultures) during a single ER visit?
Yes. We provide full-service diagnostics in one visit — including lab work, imaging (such as X-rays or CT scans), and cultures to identify the source of infection. Our facility is equipped to give you fast, thorough results so treatment can begin immediately. There’s no need to visit multiple locations or wait days for follow-up. At The Emergency Center, you get the answers and care you need, all in one stop.
What Our Patients are Saying About Us
My visit to the emergency center of San Antonio was amazing. I was seen right away for sciatica pain. Dr. Styskal was amazing. I was treated right away and sent home with my medication. I wish more facilities would practice this without you having to make an additional stop at a pharmacy for medication. I know five stars is the highest I can give but they deserve 100+ stars.
Lizette M. ★★★★★
I was skeptical about going to the Emergency room, because for me ER’s have a bad reputation. My experience here was one of the best experience I’ve ever had. Keith at the front desk was very nice and went above and beyond for me. I forget my insurance card and wanted to know how much my co pay would be. He looked me up with no issue, brought my a wheelchair to ease my pain, as well as started
Mecia T. ★★★★★
My first time coming here, was greeted immediately by Keith and Debbie and helped. When in the back, Nichole wasted no time getting my vitals, checking on how I was feeling, and was super friendly and comforting while doing so. Dr. Erdner was very nice, and informative. Johnny got my CT scan quickly and made the process easy, and fast. All together the staff made my visit a great experience.
Nicole D. ★★★★★