Your Health | Mount Sinai Today

He’s Helping Raise Awareness of Prostate Cancer: A Long-Haul Driver Is Back on the Road After Treatment

Updated on Oct 29, 2026 | Community, Featured, Your Health

A photo of Frank Steed and Ash Tewari, MBBS, MCh, FRCS (Hon.), DSc (Hon.), Chair of the Milton and Carroll Petrie Department of Urology.

“If delivering this mobile unit helps more people get screened and find their cancer early, that’s a good thing,” says Frank Steed, who stands with Ash Tewari, MBBS, MCh, FRCS (Hon.), DSc (Hon.), Chair of the Milton and Carroll Petrie Department of Urology, beside Mount Sinai’s newest Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening Unit.

Frank Steed, a 69-year-old truck driver from Arizona, recently delivered a state-of-the-art mobile prostate screening unit to Mount Sinai Health System. For him, it was more than just another job, it was personal.

Each week, he crisscrosses the country making deliveries. But this run was special for Mr. Steed because he, too, has been affected by prostate cancer.

Mr. Steed was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022. He had been scheduled to deliver Mount Sinai’s first Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening Unit. But he was unable to complete the run because he was still recovering from his cancer treatment.

Back then, he experienced some discomfort and loss of sensation. He spoke with his doctor and took a PSA test. He was diagnosed with stage IV prostate cancer. He received radiation therapy treatment from his health care team in Arizona.

He was not a patient of Mount Sinai. But he became part of the Department of Urology’s expanding initiative to raise awareness of prostate cancer and expand testing and care of high-risk men in the community when he delivered the second New York-based mobile unit to Ash Tewari, MBBS, MCh, FRCS (Hon.), DSc (Hon.), Chair of the Milton and Carroll Petrie Department of Urology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

“We are so grateful to Frank for driving and delivering this unit across the country and for Thomas Milana and the Milana Family Foundation for providing a portion of the funding for this new mobile prostate cancer screening unit,” says Dr. Tewari, who launched the initiative in 2022. “Together, we will screen and educate thousands more men and their families annually, and that’s the most effective way to beat prostate cancer: early detection.”

Mr. Steed says he’s just thankful to be here.

“If delivering this mobile unit helps more people get screened and find their cancer early, that’s a good thing,” he says.

He is back on the road, and he still monitors his PSA levels. When he delivered the new unit in October, he also took a few minutes to sit down for a free PSA screening (blood test) in the first unit, which was parked near The Mount Sinai Hospital.

“I got my results back and my PSA numbers are really good.”

Prostate Cancer by the Numbers

About one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. The American Cancer Society estimates about 333,830 new cases of prostate cancer in the United States in 2026.

“Our vision has always been to bring screening into the community and meet people where they are rather than expecting every patient to come to us. — Ash Tewari, MBBS, MCh, FRCS (Hon.), DSc (Hon.)

Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among men in the United States after skin cancer. Black men face a significantly higher risk of developing and dying from the disease than men of other racial and ethnic groups.

Early detection can improve treatment options and outcomes, making access to screening an important component of prostate cancer care.

“When prostate cancer is found early, we have the greatest opportunity to successfully treat it while preserving quality of life,” says Dr. Tewari.

Since its launch in 2022, Mount Sinai’s mobile prostate cancer screening program has screened more than 15,000 men in the New York City area (and an additional 3,000 in collaboration with the Atlanta-based unit at Emory University), with approximately one in five men requiring follow-up evaluation.

The newest Mount Sinai Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening Unit is made possible through the support of The Milana Family Foundation’s Man Cave Health and will bring community-based prostate cancer screening, education, and follow-up care to men across Long Island. Both units will continue to serve the wider New York City area.

“Our vision has always been to bring screening into the community and meet people where they are rather than expecting every patient to come to us. Expanding this program to Long Island is an important next step in making prostate cancer screening more accessible, particularly for areas where barriers to care persist,” Dr. Tewari says.

The expansion to Long Island reflects Mount Sinai’s continued commitment to bringing preventive care beyond traditional clinical settings and into the communities it serves.

Through partnerships with local organizations and health care providers, the mobile screening program aims to increase awareness of prostate health, encourage informed screening decisions, and improve access to timely specialty care. Dr. Tewari wants to reach and screen 1 million men for prostate cancer.

Learn more about Mount Sinai's Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening Unit

What Vaccines Do You Need This Fall? An Infectious Disease Expert Answers Your Questions About COVID-19, Flu, and RSV

Oct 27, 2026 | Featured, Your Health

Photo of bandage being placed on arm after vaccination.

Respiratory viruses such as influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can lead to serious illness, especially in older adults, young children, and people with chronic medical conditions.

In this Q&A, Rebecca Choudhury, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine (Infectious Diseases) at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, discusses the latest guidance on who should get COVID-19, influenza, and RSV vaccines and other steps you should take to reduce the risks of infection this season.

Who should get the updated COVID-19 vaccine?

Vaccination is most strongly recommended for adults age 65 and older, young children between six months and two years old, and people who are at risk of developing a severe disease. Those at risk include people with chronic medical conditions, such as lung disease, asthma, and diabetes, and those with weakened immune systems, which includes people being treated for cancer.

Rebecca Choudhury, MD

COVID-19 no longer feels like the threat it was during the pandemic. Why is vaccination still important?

We’ve seen a decline in the severity of COVID-19 over the past several years, Dr. Choudhury says. One reason is that vaccines have been widely available, which has helped reduce the risk of spreading disease. We also know that today’s circulating variants generally cause less severe illness than earlier strains. But COVID-19 can still cause serious complications for older adults, very young children, and others at higher risk. Vaccination is still recommended.

What should people do if they’re unsure whether a COVID-19 vaccine is right for them?

If you’re uncertain, talk with your primary care physician, Dr. Choudhury says. There is a lot of information available, and some of it can be a bit confusing about who should get vaccinated. Your primary care physician can help you determine whether vaccination is right for you. Local health departments can also be a good source of information.

This year there has been a lot of discussion about vaccine recommendations. How should patients evaluate the guidance they’re hearing?

There is plenty of data and recommendations from medical organizations to get vaccinated that can help you decide what is right for you. We now have several years of data about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines. We know very well what the benefits are and what the possible side effects are. Professional organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Practitioners, along with state and local health departments, including those in New York City and New York State, have drawn on that extensive evidence to develop the recommendations they are now making to get vaccinated.

What steps can people take to reduce their risk of getting COVID-19 or other respiratory viruses?

All the things you remember from the height of the pandemic are still true. Good hand hygiene remains one of the most important tools. Wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizer, particularly after being in public places. Masking can also be helpful in crowded settings, especially when virus activity is elevated or if you’re at higher risk for complications. And if you’re feeling sick, stay home if possible and avoid exposing others. Wearing a mask when you have symptoms can help reduce the spread of infection.

Who should get a flu shot this season?

The flu vaccine is recommended for nearly everyone six months of age and older. While older adults and people with chronic medical conditions are at highest risk for severe flu complications, healthy children and younger adults can also become seriously ill. Vaccination also helps protect vulnerable people around you who may be at greater risk for severe disease.

When is the best time to get a flu shot?

October is generally considered the official start of the flu season. Fall is an ideal time to get vaccinated, before cases begin rising significantly. Cases usually start to peak around December. It takes about two weeks for your immune system to develop full protection after vaccination, so it’s best not to wait until flu activity peaks, according to Dr. Choudhury. Based on the strains of influenza we are seeing, and the flu activity this winter in the southern hemisphere, we anticipate this may be a severe flu season here in the United States, she says.

Is it safe to get the COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time?

Getting both vaccines during the same visit is safe. There is no evidence that getting them together increases the risk of serious side effects. However, people who get both vaccines at the same time may be somewhat more likely to experience temporary flu-like side effects such as fever, fatigue, chills, or body aches when the vaccines are given together, Dr. Choudhury says. These symptoms usually go away within a couple of days.

Why do some people feel sick after getting vaccinated?

It feels like you’re getting sick after you get vaccinated because the vaccine is revving up your immune system, in the same way as if you were exposed to the illness. But you don’t actually get sick. You just get that brief immune response.

What is RSV?

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) commonly causes mild, cold-like symptoms in most people, but can cause very severe symptoms, including difficulty breathing, in very young infants and older adults. The RSV “season” typically starts in October in the Northeast, and cases tend to reach a peak in December. Babies and young children are more at risk to develop severe RSV.

Who should get the RSV vaccine?

The group of people who should get the RSV vaccine is more limited than for the flu, according to Dr. Choudhury. RSV vaccination is recommended for adults age 75 and older. It is also recommended for many adults ages 50 to 74 who have chronic health conditions that increase their risk of severe RSV illness. Another important group is pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. It’s not so much to protect the mother. Rather, it’s to protect very young infants who are at the highest risk of getting RSV and can become very sick.

How can you tell the difference between a cold, the flu, COVID-19, and RSV?

It can be difficult to tell the differences because the symptoms often overlap, but there are several distinctive symptoms for each, Dr. Choudhury says. Testing is the only way to know for certain which virus is causing an illness. Here are some key points:

In general, the common cold tends to cause a mild upper respiratory illness, which produces nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and a sore throat with a mild cough.
Fever, severe fatigue, and body aches point to influenza or COVID-19.
RSV is known for causing more significant respiratory symptoms, including severe bronchitis, which is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes that carry air to the lungs, particularly in infants and older adults. Warning signs can include shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness, which we typically don’t see with a common cold.

Family Planning With Multiple Sclerosis: What to Know About Pregnancy Before, During, and After

Updated on Oct 29, 2026 | Neurology, Your Health

For many people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), one of the first questions after diagnosis is whether they can still have a family. The answer is yes. MS does not make it harder to get pregnant, and labor and delivery outcomes match those of women without MS; however, pregnancy with MS goes best when it is planned.

The Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis has launched a pregnancy planning program for people with MS. It was developed and is led by Anastasia (“Stacie”) Lyras, RN, a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner at the Center, where she provides compassionate, evidence-based care to people living with MS and other complex neurological conditions.

A member of the Center’s multidisciplinary Wellness Program, and she has a special interest in healthy lifestyle, mental health, and wellness in MS care. She serves as each patient’s main point of contact, working closely with the patient’s neurologist at every step of their pregnancy journey.

In this Q&A, she answers questions about the new program and what it means for patients planning a pregnancy.

Why is pregnancy planning so important for people with MS?

For some people, some MS treatments are not recommended during pregnancy, while other people may need a treatment-free interval before trying to conceive. Planning ahead means each patient has a clear, safe medication plan, and well-controlled MS before pregnancy begins. It is also a chance to address symptoms such as fatigue, spasticity (a stiffening of muscles), bladder problems, and mood changes. We also like to answer one of the common questions we receive from our patients: Will my child get MS? The reassuring answer is that most children born to parents with MS do not inherit the condition.

Anastasia (“Stacie”) Lyras, RN

How are MS medications handled around pregnancy?

Our program follows an evidence-based approach; however, every plan is individualized. A growing body of evidence supports safely transitioning patients to a high-efficacy treatments before conception, and some of these therapies provide long-lasting coverage throughout pregnancy. The team also reviews symptom medications ahead of time. If a relapse does occur during pregnancy, safe treatment options are available.

Does MS affect fertility or treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

No. Ovulation, egg supply, and egg quality are normal, and MS does not cause miscarriage or birth defects. For patients who need fertility treatment, studies of women taking medications that help manage MS have found that IVF does not increase the risk of relapses. The MS team co-manages care with the patient’s fertility specialist.

How can patients prepare before trying to conceive?

Preparing for pregnancy with MS largely follows the same recommendations as for anyone else, and the program provides education on each aspect, including the use of folic acid, prenatal vitamins, vitamin D, and vaccines. If a patient’s DMT affects vaccine timing, the team coordinates with the patient’s obstetrician.

What should patients expect after delivery?

MS is often quieter during pregnancy, thanks to natural hormonal and immune changes. After delivery, those changes shift back, so the program sets up the plan to restart treatment before the baby arrives. Breastfeeding is encouraged, and in most cases, patients do not have to choose between breastfeeding and their MS treatment.

Why does the MS team ask about mood after delivery?

Mood changes are common for all new parents, and for those living with MS, these changes can be harder to recognize, since exhaustion, brain fog, and poor sleep can have many causes. Because the MS team knows each patient’s baseline, the team is well positioned to notice changes. The team checks in at every visit and connects patients directly with mental health care if needed.

What if a pregnancy is unplanned, or ends in a loss?

Unplanned pregnancies are common and can be managed well. Patients should not stop their medication on their own and should contact the MS team, who will guide next steps and bring them into the pregnancy planning program. MS does not raise the risk of miscarriage. If a loss does occur, the team supports the patient, restarts treatment promptly, and offers referral for counseling.

Why did the MS Center create a family planning program?

Routine obstetric visits rarely are long enough to discuss MS medications, possible complications during pregnancy, or breastfeeding and MS treatment. The Center’s family planning program gives patients dedicated time to discuss these questions and make a plan with their MS care team. The visits begin before pregnancy and continue into the postpartum period, just as routine obstetric care is ending. This allows the team to plan for changes in treatment and care, and to address questions about symptoms, mental health, medications, and breastfeeding. For many patients, these appointments may be the only visits where their MS and their pregnancy are discussed together. The program also supports patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) with a plan tailored to their individual needs.

What happens at each visit?

The preconception visit reviews the patient’s MS history, stability, and MRIs, and maps out a medication plan for conception. It also covers symptom medications, a mental health check-in, and what to expect after delivery. The third-trimester visit gets ahead of the postpartum period. Treatment, labs, and MRIs for after delivery are ordered and scheduled in advance, and patients receive breastfeeding guidance with support from the Center’s registered dietitian, who is also a lactation specialist. The four-week postpartum check-in is designed to ensure the plan is on track and includes another mental health check-in.

What makes Mount Sinai’s program different?

The program offers patients one shared, evidence-based starting point for medication and timing guidance, tailored to each patient’s disease activity, treatment history, and goals. Most importantly, a plan is made before pregnancy, not after a medication has been stopped abruptly.

How do patients learn more about the MS Center’s new Family Planning Program?

To learn more about the program, patients can call the Center at 212-241-6854 or email Belenmarie Mixon, Administrative Coordinator, at Belenmarie.Mixon@mountsinai.org.

This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Patients with MS who are thinking about pregnancy should talk with their MS care team before making any changes to their treatment.

How Is Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosed? An MS Expert Explains

Updated on Oct 21, 2026 | Featured, Neurology, Your Health

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system, damaging the myelin, the protective covering around certain nerves.

Over the last 20 years, multiple sclerosis has become a highly manageable disease. While there is no cure, new therapies can lessen the effects of MS and improve your quality of life, according to Mount Sinai’s Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis.

In this Q&A, Ilana Katz Sand, MD, the Center’s Associate Director and Professor of Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, explains why it can be difficult to diagnose MS and what you can do if you are misdiagnosed.

How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed?

Unfortunately, there is no single diagnostic test for MS. Rather, an MS diagnosis is made by considering all available data and appropriately applying the diagnostic criteria. Clinicians review a patient’s medical history and symptoms, perform a neurological examination, and use magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, to make a non-invasive scan of the brain and spinal cord. They will sometimes recommend a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) for additional information.

Other testing, such as examining the optic nerves, and blood tests to appropriately rule out other conditions, may also be performed. Any potential “red flags” to an MS diagnosis must be considered and the diagnostic criteria must then be carefully applied.

What are some overlapping symptoms between MS and other conditions?

What can sometimes make the diagnostic process difficult is that symptoms of MS can overlap with those of other conditions. For example, optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve that can cause pain and vision loss, is a common presenting symptom of MS. It is also a common presenting symptom of other inflammatory conditions such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disorder.

These conditions are also associated with lesions in the brain and spinal cord like MS. Other symptoms that are common in MS, such as fatigue and cognitive fogginess, are common in many other illnesses and are not specific to MS. Clinicians need to use clues from the way the symptoms present, the pattern of lesions on the MRI scan, blood and spinal fluid testing, and sometimes additional diagnostic tests to help differentiate MS from other conditions when it is not initially clear.

How common is it to misdiagnose MS?

Misdiagnosis of MS is not that uncommon. Research suggests that among referrals to medical centers that specialize in multiple sclerosis and offer advanced care, the rate of MS misdiagnosis may be as high as 20 percent. This is consistent with my personal experience over the years.

In my experience, misdiagnosis most commonly occurs when the clinician has not considered a diagnostic “red flag” carefully enough or has inappropriately applied the MS diagnostic criteria when a patient’s history, exam, or MRI findings are not typical for MS.

A change in clinical impression can also occur when new technology becomes available that causes the clinician to see things a different way. However, the numbers we see in research studies do not necessarily mean that one in five people who currently have an MS diagnosis have been misdiagnosed. Patients who are referred to advanced care centers tend to be more challenging cases, so this likely introduces some bias into this figure. The rate of misdiagnosis in the overall population is probably lower.

What should someone do if they have been misdiagnosed with MS but are still experiencing symptoms?

For someone who previously received an MS diagnosis but has since been told the diagnosis was not correct, the most important action is to understand why the clinician has changed their impression.

The next steps will be different depending on whether a new lab test result became available, clinical symptoms have changed (for example, there has been a lack of expected response to treatment), or the MRI scan has evolved in a way that was different than anticipated.

The clinical reasoning should drive next steps for further evaluation of the patient’s ongoing symptoms. The other action item I recommend is focusing on symptom management, taking a holistic view of care that incorporates optimizing things like nutrition, exercise and physical activity, and mental health. Attention to these parts of care can make a really big difference in the way a person feels regardless of their diagnosis.

Learn more about The Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis

Eight Tips for a Happy, Healthy Halloween: Helping Kids Enjoy Candy Without the Stress

Updated on Oct 21, 2026 | Your Health

Halloween is an exciting time for kids, from choosing costumes and decorating pumpkins to trick-or-treating and enjoying candy. It’s natural for parents to have questions about sugar, artificial food dyes, and other ingredients while wanting to help children build healthy eating habits.

Halloween can be about enjoying treats without making candy the center of attention or a source of stress, according to Raquela Adelsberg, RD, a pediatric dietitian in the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology.

“A healthy relationship with food isn’t built in a single night. It develops over time through balance, flexibility, and positive experiences around food—and Halloween can absolutely be part of that,” she says.

Here are eight tips to help families enjoy Halloween while supporting a healthy, balanced relationship with food.

Start with dinner

Before trick-or-treating, offer your child a satisfying meal with protein, fiber-rich carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Think chicken, beans, whole-wheat pasta, fruits, vegetables, avocado, or olive oil. Want to make dinner a little more festive? Try one of these fun, Halloween-themed ideas:

Worms and eyeballs: Spaghetti and meatballs with a side of broccoli (aka zombies).
Ghost pizza: Make homemade pizza in the shape of a ghost, with olives for the eyes and mouth.
Jack-o’-lantern sliders: Top sliders with cheese cut into little triangles to resemble a pumpkin face.
Silly apple mouths: Sandwich peanut butter between apple slices and add a few white chocolate chips for funny-looking teeth.
Witches’ brew: Serve up a warm bowl of lentil soup with a spooky name.

Remember that one day doesn’t define nutrition

It’s easy to worry about how much candy your child eats on Halloween, but one evening of extra sweets won’t undo healthy habits practiced throughout the year. Focus on the bigger picture: regular meals, a variety of foods, and enjoyable family eating experiences. Halloween is just one day, so give yourself and your child permission to enjoy it.

Avoid labeling foods as “good” or “bad”

The language we use around food matters. Instead of calling candy “bad,” “junk,” or “unhealthy,” try using neutral language. No single food defines a child’s diet, and all foods can have a place in an overall balanced eating pattern. Taking guilt and judgment out of food can help children feel more comfortable around different foods and develop a healthier relationship with eating.

Let children enjoy their Halloween candy

Allowing children to enjoy their treats without guilt can make Halloween more positive for everyone. Being overly restrictive can sometimes make candy seem more desirable and encourage children to eat more when it becomes available. It’s okay to set reasonable boundaries, but they don’t need to involve shame or stress. Whenever possible, include your child in decisions about their candy to help them practice making choices and build confidence around food.

Get creative with the candy

After trick-or-treating, sit down with your child and explore their candy haul together. Encourage them to identify their favorites and consider what to do with the extras.

Try these ideas:

Create a candy trade-in tradition: Offer the option to exchange some candy for money or a small toy. Keep the exchange positive, not punitive.
Save favorites for later: Set aside treats to enjoy over the coming days, during a family movie night, or on another special occasion.
Put extra candy to creative use: Use individually wrapped candies for holiday crafts, gingerbread house decorations, or activities that help younger children practice counting and sorting.

The goal is to involve children in the process and help them feel empowered rather than making candy a source of conflict.

Return to your usual routine

After Halloween, simply return to your family’s regular meal and snack routine. Continue offering a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein-rich options. There’s no need to compensate for Halloween by restricting food, skipping treats, or making a big deal about what your child ate. Consistency over time matters much more than trying to make up for one day.

Help children recognize hunger and fullness

Halloween offers an opportunity to help children tune in to their bodies’ cues. Encourage them to notice how they feel while eating and remind them that they can save candy for another time. They don’t have to eat everything at once.

Avoid pressuring children to finish their treats or criticizing how much they eat. Instead, offer gentle reminders that they can take a break and return to their candy later. If your child is still hungry, offer other satisfying foods, such as fruit, yogurt, or a favorite snack. The goal is to help children recognize what their bodies need without judgment.

Keep the focus on the experience

Halloween is about much more than candy. It’s about choosing costumes, carving pumpkins, decorating the house, spending time with friends, and making memories with family. When we make room for all the fun Halloween offers, candy can be part of the celebration without becoming the main event. This Halloween, give yourself permission to relax, enjoy the spooky fun, share a few treats, and focus on making memories together.

Learn more about Pediatric Gastroenterology at Mount Sinai

Learn more about the Pediatric Celiac Disease Program at Mount Sinai

Emergency Room, Urgent Care, or Pediatrician: When and Where to Take Your Child and Tips to Help You Make the Right Decision

Updated on Oct 15, 2026 | Pediatric Care, Your Health

A young Black girl sits in an emergency room as two health care workers attend to her.

When your child is hurt or sick, it can be very hard to know where to go and when to take them to a doctor. It’s common for an eight-month-old’s fever to spike and not feel playful or for a two-year-old to refuse to eat and be cranky. Your reaction might be that it’s not a big deal, or maybe you decide to run to the closest urgent care. The right choice is not always obvious, and situations are not always clear-cut.

Hetal Patel, DO, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, and General Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and a pediatrician at Mount Sinai-Union Square, explains what is typically defined as an emergency room (ER) versus urgent care scenario, when it’s recommended to visit your pediatrician, and tips to help you make the right decision.

It’s understandable that parents sometimes fear the worst when it comes to their children and may choose to take a “better to be safe” approach. While many situations don’t require a trip to the ER or urgent care, there are cases that clearly require emergency or urgent care attention, and there are also cases that are less clear.

In general, you should take your child to urgent care for minor issues that need prompt attention and aren’t life-threatening, such as a common cold, a minor cut, a sprain, or ear infection. You should go to the ER for serious or life-threatening conditions like a high fever in a baby under two months old, trouble breathing, excessive bleeding, head injuries, or suspected broken bones. It’s important to understand that urgent care offers a more convenient, quicker, and often less expensive alternative to non-emergency types of care when you can’t get an appointment easily with your pediatrician. In addition, a visit to the ER is generally more expensive, and because emergency departments are designed to care for the sickest patients first, those with less severe illnesses will have longer waits. A visit to the ER can also expose your already sick kid to more germs and infections carried by ER visitors.

Here is a comprehensive list that defines when to go where.

Go to the ER for the following:

Fever: A fever of 100.4F or higher in an infant under two months old is always considered a medical emergency. This is less of a concern in toddlers and older children.

Dehydration: Signs include no tears when they cry or very few wet diapers, especially when a child is not able to keep fluids down.

Breathing Problems: Severe trouble breathing (this includes fast breathing, retractions, head bobbing), bluish lips, or a severe asthma attack that doesn’t respond to standard treatment.

Bleeding: Ongoing bleeding or deep cuts or injuries that won’t stop bleeding after applying pressure for 5-15 minutes.

Head Injuries: Any type of head trauma with loss of consciousness, vomiting, confusion, vision problems, or difficulty waking up.

Burns: A second or third-degree burn, or if the burn is larger than the child’s hand, is in a very uncomfortable place, such as the face, hands, feet, genitals, or a burn that wraps around a body part, such as the arm or finger, is an important reason to go to the ER. Other reasons include signs of infection, electrical or chemical burns, or signs of smoke inhalation.

Broken Bones: A bone breaking through the skin or multiple fractures.

Seizures: Any type of seizure activity with loss of consciousness, muscle spasms, confusion, or inability to arouse.

Allergic reactions: A severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis with swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or difficulty breathing.

Poisoning: Swallowing a dangerous object, including a button, battery, magnet or sharp item, food or poison. Please call the New York Regional Poison Control Centers at 1-800-222-1222.

Severe Pain: Any type of abnormal and intense, sudden, or severe pain in the abdomen or chest, especially if it causes a child to not move.

Go to urgent care for the following (or when your pediatrician is not available):

Common Illnesses: Colds, flu, other viruses, ear infections, sore throats, pink eye, etc.

Minor Rashes or Skin Irritations: Issues that are not part of a severe allergic reaction, including rashes, mild allergic reactions, or bites.

Minor Cuts: Cuts that may need a few stitches or can be treated without the need for extensive surgery or stitches.

Minor Burns: Burns without signs of severe or life-threatening damage.

Minor Sprains and Strains: Injuries that don’t involve severe pain or obvious deformities.

Lower-grade or Persistent Fevers: Fevers in children over three months old that don’t have other alarming symptoms.

Go to Pediatrician for the following:

Routine care, including vaccines, wellness visits, and check-ups.

Non-urgent or common illnesses, including colds, flu, other viruses, ear infections, sore throats, pink eye, etc.

Lower-grade or persistent fever.