Three Family Members at Urgent Care.

The new puppy has been home for one week.

Your daughter has scratches up and down her arms. Your son has a bite mark on his hand that’s looking puffy and red. And you? You’ve got a puncture wound from breaking up their “tug of war” that the puppy thought included your fingers.

Nobody told you this part of pet ownership.

Why Animal Bites Get Infected So Easily

Here’s the truth: animal mouths are bacteria factories.

Dogs, cats, puppies, kittens – their saliva contains dozens of types of bacteria. When they bite or lick an open wound, those bacteria get pushed deep into your tissue.

The result? Infection. And animal bite infections can get serious fast.

Infection rates by animal:

• Cat bites: 30-50% infection rate (high!)
• Dog bites: 10-20% infection rate
• Human bites: Actually the highest risk—but that’s another blog

Signs of Infection You Can’t Ignore

Come to Night Watch immediately if the bite or scratch shows:

• Redness spreading from the wound
• Red streaks going up the arm or leg
• Swelling, warmth, or increased pain
• Pus or drainage from the wound
• Fever
• Difficulty moving the affected area
• Swollen lymph nodes

These are signs your body is fighting an infection – and may be losing.

⏰ Time Matters

Here’s what people don’t realize: the sooner you get treatment, the better.

Within 8 hours of injury: Wound can be thoroughly cleaned, greatly reducing infection risk. May be able to close with stitches.

After 8 hours: Infection risk increases. May need to leave wound open. Antibiotics almost always needed.

After 24+ hours: If untreated, infection may have already started. Requires aggressive treatment.

Don’t wait. Come in the same day you’re bitten.

🐾 High-Risk Bites

Some bites are higher risk than others:

Hand Bites

Highest infection risk. Lots of small spaces for bacteria to hide. Close to tendons, joints, and bones. Always need medical evaluation.

Face Bites

Risk of scarring, nerve damage, and infection. Need immediate care.

Puncture Wounds

Look small on the surface but push bacteria deep into tissue. High infection risk. Often from cat bites.

Bites Through to Bone/Joint

Can cause bone or joint infection (osteomyelitis, septic arthritis). Serious. Need immediate treatment.

Treatment at Night Watch

We treat animal bites and scratches for all ages:

• Thorough wound irrigation (high-pressure cleaning to flush out bacteria)
• Examination for deep tissue damage
• X-rays if needed (to check for bone involvement)
• Stitches or wound closure (depending on type/location)
• Preventive antibiotics (especially for high-risk bites)

Preventing the Next Bite

• Supervise all pet interactions with children
• Start training immediately (puppy classes, bite inhibition)
• Don’t let pets mouth or play-bite people
• Keep kitten nails trimmed
• Redirect biting to appropriate toys
• Teach children to respect pet boundaries

New pets are adorable, infected animal bites are not. Get it treated before it gets serious.

“They’re just a teenager. Teenagers are tired.”

That’s what you’ve been telling yourself for weeks. Maybe months.

But deep down, you know this is different. This isn’t “stayed up too late scrolling TikTok” tired. This is “can barely function” tired.

So what’s actually going on?

🔬 The Power of Testing

Here’s what many parents don’t realize: extreme exhaustion in teens almost always has a medical cause, and most of them are diagnosable with simple blood work.

🩸 What We Test For

1. Mononucleosis (Mono)

The Test: Monospot test (quick, simple blood test)

What It Shows: Whether they have active Epstein-Barr virus infection

Why It Matters: Mono causes weeks of extreme fatigue. Knowing they have it means they can rest properly and avoid complications (like enlarged spleen rupture from sports).

2. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

The Test: Basic blood work checking red/white blood cells

What It Shows: Anemia (low iron), infections, blood disorders

Why It Matters: Anemia is incredibly common in teenage girls and causes crushing fatigue. Treatment is simple – iron supplements, but you need to know it’s there first.

3. Thyroid Panel (TSH, T3, T4)

The Test: Blood test measuring thyroid hormone levels

What It Shows: Whether thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism)

Why It Matters: Thyroid problems are surprisingly common in teens and cause fatigue, weight changes, mood issues, brain fog. Highly treatable with medication.

4. Vitamin Deficiencies (D, B12, etc.)

The Test: Blood work checking vitamin levels

What It Shows: Whether they’re deficient in key nutrients

Why It Matters: Vitamin D deficiency causes fatigue, depression, weakened immune system. B12 deficiency causes exhaustion and cognitive issues. Easy to fix with supplements.

🏥 What Happens at Your Visit

Here’s what to expect when you bring your teen to Night Watch:

• Walk in—no appointment needed
• Complete medical history (symptoms, duration, other concerns)
• Physical examination (checking for swollen lymph nodes, pale skin, other signs)
• Blood work (depending on symptoms—often CBC, mono test, thyroid panel)
• Results & treatment plan (many tests give results same-day)
• Referrals if needed (to specialists for further care)

⏰ When to Come In

Stop waiting for it to “get better on its own.” Come in if:

• Exhaustion has lasted more than 2 weeks
• It’s interfering with school, activities, or social life
• They’re sleeping 10+ hours and still tired
• Other symptoms are present (sore throat, weight changes, mood changes)
• You’ve tried better sleep hygiene and nothing’s improving

You can’t fix what you can’t diagnose. Let’s find out what’s really going on.

When Holiday Leftovers Turn Into a Family Health Crisis

You hosted the holiday gathering. The food was delicious. Everyone had seconds. Some people took leftovers home.

Now it’s three days later and your phone is blowing up:

“Hey, I’ve been throwing up since yesterday…”

“My kids are sick too…”

“Did anyone else get food poisoning from dinner?”

Uh oh.

When One Meal Takes Down Multiple People

Food poisoning doesn’t always happen because food was “old.” Sometimes it happens because:

• Food wasn’t cooked to the right temperature (undercooked poultry, stuffing)
• Food sat out too long (buffet style for 3+ hours)
• Cross-contamination happened (raw meat juice on veggies)
• Someone sick was handling food (norovirus spreads easily)
• Leftovers weren’t refrigerated quickly enough

If multiple people from the same meal get sick, it’s likely something at that dinner was contaminated.

Food Poisoning vs. Stomach Flu

Wait—how do you know it’s food poisoning and not just a stomach bug going around?

FOOD POISONING:

• Symptoms start suddenly (often within hours of eating)
• Everyone who ate the same thing gets sick
• Usually resolves in 24-48 hours

STOMACH FLU (NOROVIRUS):

• Spreads person-to-person over days
• Can be passed even without eating together
• Often includes fever and body aches

Either way? If symptoms are severe, come see us.

When to Seek Urgent Care

For Children:

• 🤢 Vomiting for more than 12 hours
• 💧 Can’t keep any liquids down
• 😴 Extreme lethargy or confusion
• 🚽 No wet diapers in 6+ hours

What We Can Do

At Night Watch, we treat food poisoning in children:

• IV fluids for rapid rehydration
• Anti-nausea and anti-diarrheal medications
• Stool testing to identify the bacteria
• Antibiotics (if bacterial infection is confirmed)
• Guidance on recovery and when to follow up

Prevention Tips for Next Time

• Use a meat thermometer: 165°F for poultry, 145°F for most other meats
• Don’t leave food out: Refrigerate within 2 hours (1 hour if it’s hot outside)
• Separate raw and cooked: Use different cutting boards and utensils
• Wash hands thoroughly: Before and after handling food
• When in doubt, throw it out: If it smells off or you can’t remember when you cooked it, toss it

What Every Parent Should Know About Concussions

Kids fall. It’s what they do. Off swings, off bikes, off trampolines, off each other.

Most of the time, they’re fine. A little cry, a quick hug, and they’re back to playing.

But sometimes, even when they seem totally fine, that bump on the head is more serious than you think.

What Actually IS a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or even a hit to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth.

This movement causes the brain to bounce or twist inside the skull, creating chemical changes and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.

Concussion Myths vs. Reality

MYTH: They have to lose consciousness.

REALITY: Most concussions don’t involve loss of consciousness.

MYTH: Symptoms show up immediately.

REALITY: Symptoms can appear hours or even days later.

MYTH: If they seem fine, they’re fine.

REALITY: Kids often downplay symptoms or don’t recognize them as abnormal.

MYTH: It’s just a headache, they’ll be fine by tomorrow.

REALITY: Returning to normal activities too soon can delay recovery or cause serious complications.

When to Seek Care

Come to Night Watch if your child:

• Had any blow to the head (sports, fall, accident)
• Is showing ANY concussion symptoms
• Needs clearance to return to sports or school
• Had a head injury days ago and symptoms are appearing now

Better safe than sorry when it comes to your child’s brain.

Signs Parents Should Watch For

• 🤕 Headache or “pressure” in head
• 😵‍💫 Dizziness, nausea, or balance problems
• 😶‍🌫️ Feeling “foggy” or slow
• 😡 More irritable or emotional than usual
• 😴 Sleeping more or less than usual
• 📚 Trouble concentrating or remembering
• 👀 Sensitivity to light or noise

What Parents Can Do

• Get a proper evaluation even if symptoms seem mild
• Keep them out of sports until medically cleared
• Monitor symptoms for 24-48 hours after injury
• Limit screen time during recovery
• Follow return-to-learn and return-to-play protocols

We’re Here to Help

At Night Watch, we provide:

• Thorough concussion assessments
• Return-to-play medical clearances
• School accommodation letters
• Recovery plans & parent education

It’s not “just a bump.” Get it checked.

Asthma Attack Warning Signs & When to Get Help NOW

Your chest feels tight. Breathing is getting harder. You reach for your inhaler—but it’s not helping like it usually does.

Is this just asthma, or is this an emergency?

Here’s how to know—and what to do about it.

⚠️ Early Warning Signs: Your Asthma Is Getting Worse

Asthma attacks don’t always come out of nowhere. Your body usually gives you warning signals:

• 😤 Increased breathlessness during normal activities
• 💨 Wheezing or whistling sounds when you breathe
• 😮‍💨 Coughing more than usual (especially at night)
• 💪 Chest tightness or pain
• 💊 Needing your rescue inhaler more often
• 😴 Waking up at night because you can’t breathe

👉 If you’re noticing these signs, don’t wait for it to get worse. Walk into Night Watch in Manassas for evaluation and treatment adjustment.

🚨 Asthma Attack: Get Help IMMEDIATELY

Some symptoms mean you need urgent medical care right now:

🚨 SEVERE ASTHMA ATTACK 🚨 Come to Night Watch Manassas NOW or Call 911 Extreme difficulty breathing — can’t speak in full sentences Lips or fingernails turning blue/gray Using stomach muscles to breathe (chest is pulling in) Rescue inhaler isn’t working Peak flow in red zone (if you use a meter) Feeling confused or very drowsy Symptoms getting worse fast

🏥 Night Watch vs. Emergency Room: Which One?

Not sure where to go? Here’s how to decide:

🚑 Go to the ER If:

• Lips/fingernails are blue or gray
• You can’t speak more than a few words at a time
• You’re becoming confused or losing consciousness
• Your rescue inhaler has no effect at all

✅ Come to Night Watch Manassas If:

• You’re having trouble breathing but can still talk
• Your inhaler helps a little but not enough
• Your asthma is getting worse over hours/days
• You’re wheezing and coughing more than usual
• You need evaluation and stronger treatment

💊 What We Can Do at Night Watch

We treat asthma attacks every day. Here’s how we help:

• 🫁 Breathing treatments (nebulizers) — Fast-acting medication to open airways
• 💉 Steroid medications — Reduce inflammation quickly
• 🩺 Oxygen monitoring — Check your blood oxygen levels
• 📋 Updated asthma action plan — So you know what to do next time
• 💊 Prescriptions — Sent to your pharmacy before you leave

⏰ Don’t Wait Until You Can’t Breathe

Asthma attacks that go untreated can become life-threatening. The earlier you get help, the faster you’ll feel better—and the less likely you’ll end up in the hospital.

If you’re using your rescue inhaler more than twice a week, your asthma isn’t well-controlled. Come see us.

📋 Quick Action Plan MILD symptoms (wheezing, coughing): → Use rescue inhaler, rest, monitor closely MODERATE symptoms (trouble breathing, inhaler not helping much): → Come to Night Watch Manassas NOW for treatment SEVERE symptoms (can’t talk, blue lips, extreme distress): → Call 911 or get to ER immediately

We’re Open When Asthma Strikes in Manassas

Asthma doesn’t care if it’s 9 PM or Saturday morning. That’s why we’re here!

When you can’t catch your breath, don’t wait.

Walk into Night Watch Urgent Care – Manassas. We’ll help you breathe easier.

Do You Really Have to Wait 9 Hours?

Your child is burning up. You’ve given them medicine twice. They’re miserable, crying, and you’re Googling “when to take a kid with 104 fever to ER” for the third time tonight.

Your options seem to be:

• Spend 4+ hours in the ER
• White-knuckle it until your pediatrician opens at 8 AM
• Keep refreshing Google and spiraling

What if we told you there’s a third option?

🚨 Symptoms That Can’t Wait for Morning

Some things genuinely can wait. A low-grade fever with a runny nose? Probably fine until tomorrow. But these? These need attention tonight:

Come In Now If Your Child Has:

• 🌡️ Fever 104°F or higher that won’t come down
• 🔥 Any fever in a baby under 3 months (this is always urgent)
• 😤 Struggling to breathe – fast breathing, chest pulling in, wheezing
• 💧 No wet diapers/pee for 6+ hours or signs of dehydration
• 🤢 Can’t keep fluids down and getting worse
• 😖 Severe pain – ear, stomach, head, anywhere
• 🔴 Rash with fever that’s spreading or doesn’t blanch when pressed
• 😶 Acting very lethargic or “not themselves”

⏰ Why “Waiting It Out” Is Risky

Kids aren’t just small adults. Their bodies respond to illness differently—and things can escalate fast.

What can happen overnight:

• Dehydration worsens → Mild becomes moderate becomes dangerous
• Infections spread → Ear infection → ruptured eardrum. Strep → complications.
• Fevers spike higher → What was 102° at bedtime becomes 105° at 3 AM
• Breathing worsens → Croup and respiratory issues often get worse at night
• You lose the treatment window → Cuts heal better with early stitches, antibiotics work best early

Bottom line: The thing that seems “manageable” at 10 PM might not be manageable at 3 AM.

💡 “What If It’s Nothing?”

We get asked this constantly. Parents worry they’ll come in and we’ll say “it’s just a virus, go home.”

And you know what? Sometimes that’s exactly what we say.

But here’s what else we say: “You did the right thing by bringing them in.”

Because ruling out the scary stuff is valuable. Knowing you don’t need antibiotics is valuable. Going home with a plan and peace of mind? That’s valuable.

You’re not bothering us. This is literally what we’re here for.

🏥 Why Night Watch > ER (for Most Things)

Unless your child needs emergency life-saving care, coming to Night Watch gets you:

• ⏱️ Shorter wait times – We’re urgent care, not a crowded ER
• 👶 Kid-focused care – We specialize in pediatrics
• 🩺 Full diagnostic tools – Rapid strep, flu tests, X-rays, labs
• 💊 Immediate treatment – Prescriptions sent to your pharmacy tonight
• 💰 Lower cost – Urgent care copay vs. ER bill

We’re Open When Panic Hits

Sick kids don’t wait for business hours. Neither do we.

Extended evening & weekend hours means:

• No waiting until Monday
• No tossing and turning all night wondering if they’re okay
• No choosing between “overreacting” and “waiting too long”
• Just walk in and get help

🌡️ When their fever spikes at 10 PM, you don’t have to wait until 9 AM.

Walk into Night Watch Pediatric Urgent Care – Manassas. We’re here now.

Is It the Flu or Is It December?

Monday: “Mom, my tummy hurts.”

Wednesday: “Mom, it still hurts.”

Friday: “MOM. MY TUMMY.”

No fever. No vomiting. Nothing visibly wrong. You’ve checked for appendicitis symptoms six times. You’re wondering if they’re faking it to avoid the holiday concert.

Plot twist: it’s probably stress. And yes, kids’ stress can absolutely cause real physical pain.

📚 Stress Stomachaches Are a Thing

Adults get stress headaches. Kids? They get stress stomachaches. Same mechanism, different target.

Why December hits different:

• Schedule chaos (goodbye, routine)
• Sensory overload (lights! music! crowds!)
• Performance pressure (concerts, plays, being “good”)
• They’re absorbing YOUR stress like a sponge
• Excitement mixed with anxiety = body confusion

🚨 How Stress Shows Up in Your Kid’s Body

• 🤢 Recurring stomachaches (especially mornings or before events)
• 🤕 Random headaches
• 😴 Sleep is a mess — can’t fall asleep, nightmares, waking up constantly
• 🍽️ Food weirdness — not hungry or constantly snacking
• 💤 Exhausted no matter what
• 😣 Tense muscles (tight shoulders, clenched jaw)

😤 And the Emotional Signs

• 😭 Meltdowns over tiny things
• 😡 Attitude for days
• 😰 Suddenly clingy
• 🧸 Reverting to younger behaviors
• 😶 Withdrawing from normal activities

⏰ When to Actually Worry

Most kid stress is normal. But some symptoms need a professional to rule out other issues:

• 🤢 Stomach pain that won’t quit or is getting worse
• 🤕 Headaches disrupting their day
• 😰 Chest pain or breathing trouble (even if it screams “anxiety”)
• 🚫 Not eating or drinking for hours
• 😢 Extreme emotional symptoms that aren’t improving

🎯 Parent gut check: If something feels off, it probably is. We’d rather see them and reassure you than have you up at 3 AM googling symptoms.

🎄 Survival Mode: Activated

How to Help Your Kid Cope

• 🕐 Protect the routine — Bedtime and mealtimes are non-negotiable anchors
• 🏠 Schedule nothing time — Pajamas, Legos, no agenda
• 🗣️ Validate their feelings — “The holidays can feel like a lot”
• 🎁 Lower all expectations — Pinterest can wait. Your kid’s nervous system can’t.
• 🚶 Get outside — Nature resets their stress response
• 🧘 Check yourself — Stressed parent = stressed kid. Always.

🏥 When You Need Real Answers

If your kid’s symptoms aren’t improving or you just need someone to check them out, walk into Night Watch Pediatric Urgent Care. We’ll help you figure out what’s stress and what needs treatment.

What you get:

• Walk-in care (no appointment circus)
• Providers who actually listen
• Help sorting stress from sickness
• Evening & weekend hours

👂 When your kid keeps saying it hurts? Believe them—and get answers.

Walk into Night Watch Pediatric Urgent Care – Manassas. We’ll help you figure it out. 💚

😰 “Mom, My Throat Really, Really Hurts.”

Yesterday, your kid was fine. Today? They’re feverish, refusing breakfast, and clutching their throat like it’s betrayed them. You check their tonsils with a flashlight—yep, angry and red. Your gut says strep.

Trust that gut. At Night Watch Pediatric Urgent Care in Manassas, we see strep throat often. And we know exactly what to do about it—fast.

📚 Strep 101: What Parents Need to Know

Strep throat is caused by bacteria (not a virus), which means your child needs antibiotics to get better. You can’t just ride this one out with chicken soup and Netflix.

🎯 The kicker? You can’t diagnose strep by looking. The only way to know for sure is a test.

🚨 Classic Strep Symptoms

• ⚡ Sudden, intense throat pain (not gradual—it hits hard)
• 🌡️ Fever over 101°F
• 👅 Bright red tonsils sometimes with white spots or streaks
• 💢 Swollen, tender neck glands
• 🔴 Tiny red dots on the roof of the mouth
• ❌ No runny nose or cough (those usually mean it’s a virus)

⏰ Why You Can’t Just “Wait and See”

Untreated strep throat isn’t just painful—it can cause serious, long-term problems. We’re talking heart damage, kidney issues, and infections that get worse instead of better.

Real Risks of Skipping Treatment

• 💔 Rheumatic fever → Can permanently damage heart valves (yes, really)
• 🫘 Kidney disease → Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis
• 🦠 Peritonsillar abscess → A painful pocket of pus that may need drainage
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Spreading to siblings and classmates → Strep is wildly contagious

💊 Good news: Start antibiotics today, and your child will feel dramatically better by tomorrow. Most kids are back to normal within 48 hours.

⚡ One Quick Test = Same-Day Treatment

Our rapid strep test is exactly that—rapid. One quick throat swab, a 10-minute wait, and you’ll have a definitive answer. If it’s positive, we’ll prescribe antibiotics on the spot and send the prescription to your pharmacy before you leave.

The Process Is Simple

• 🚶 Walk in—no appointment needed
• 🩺 Quick throat swab (your kid barely notices)
• ⏰ Results in about 10 minutes
• 💊 Prescription sent immediately if positive
• 😊 No longer contagious after 24 hours on antibiotics

🌙 Open Evenings, Weekends, and When Strep Strikes

Strep doesn’t care that it’s 7 PM on a Thursday or Saturday morning. That’s why we offer extended hours—so you don’t have to watch your child suffer while waiting for Monday morning.

👂 When your kid says it really, really hurts? Believe them.

Walk into Night Watch Pediatric Urgent Care – Manassas.

Get answers. Get antibiotics. Get relief. 💪

Cookie swaps. Potlucks. The holiday season is a minefield for kids with food allergies — and sometimes allergies show up for the first time at a party.

The Sneaky Holiday Culprits

Common allergens hide everywhere: Peanut butter cookies. Egg nog. Milk in mashed potatoes. Tree nuts in stuffing. Shellfish in dips.

Even safe-looking dishes can be contaminated if shared utensils or cutting boards were used. Cross-contact is real — and dangerous.

Mild Reaction or Emergency?

MILD (watch closely):

→ Itchy mouth or throat, hives, mild stomach upset

SEVERE (ACT NOW):

→ Difficulty breathing, wheezing, throat tightness

→ Swelling of lips, tongue, or face

→ Severe vomiting, diarrhea, or dizziness

What to Do

EpiPen? USE IT IMMEDIATELY. Then call 911. Even if they feel better, they need hospital evaluation.

No EpiPen + severe symptoms? Call 911 and get to the ER.

Mild but concerning symptoms? Come to Night Watch. We’ll assess and monitor.

Stay Safe

✓ Always carry EpiPen and antihistamine

✓ Ask hosts about ingredients

✓ Bring safe snacks for your child

✓ Teach kids to ask before eating anything

Remember, Night Watch is here if things go sideways this holiday season.

Kids and rashes go together like PB&J. One day their skin is fine — the next, there’s a mystery rash and you’re deep in a Google spiral. Sound familiar?

Most rashes are harmless. But some need attention. Here’s how to tell the difference.

Probably No Big Deal

Heat rash. Tiny red bumps in sweaty areas — neck, chest, diaper zone. Keep them cool and dry.

Eczema. Dry, itchy patches that come and go. Common in kids with allergies or sensitive skin. Moisturizer is your best friend.

Contact rash. Red, irritated skin where something touched — new soap, plants, that mystery substance at the playground. Usually fades once you remove the culprit.

Worth a Closer Look

Hives. Raised, itchy welts that move around. Could be an allergic reaction. If it’s spreading fast or paired with swelling or trouble breathing — come in right away.

Rash with fever. This combo can signal infections like roseola, hand-foot-mouth, or something that needs treatment. Don’t wait it out.

Blisters or oozing. Could be impetigo or another bacterial infection. These spread easily and often need medication.

Red Flags — Come In Now

Rash that looks like bruises or tiny purple/red dots that don’t fade when pressed. Rash with high fever, stiff neck, or your child seems very sick. These need immediate attention.

When in doubt, let us take a look — Night Watch Manassas has your back when skin does weird things.