Let’s be real: talking about STI testing can feel awkward. But getting tested? That’s one of the smartest things you can do for your health — and it doesn’t have to be complicated.

At Night Watch Urgent Care Winchester, we make it easy, fast, and completely confidential.

Why Testing Matters

Many STIs don’t come with obvious symptoms — which means you could have one and not even know it. Left untreated, infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can lead to serious health issues, including infertility, chronic pain, and increased risk of other infections.

The good news? Most STIs are highly treatable when caught early. Testing is the first step.

Who Should Get Tested?

If any of these apply to you, it’s time to get checked:

→ You’re sexually active with a new partner

→ You’ve had unprotected sex

→ You or a partner have multiple partners

→ You’re experiencing symptoms like unusual discharge, sores, or pain

→ You just want peace of mind — and that’s reason enough

What We Test For

Our on-site lab can screen for the most common sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and herpes. Testing is quick — often just a simple urine sample or blood draw — and results come back fast.

What to Expect

Walk in or book online. You’ll be seen by a provider in a private setting — no awkward waiting rooms, no unnecessary questions. If your results come back positive, we’ll talk through your treatment options right away. Most infections can be cleared with a simple course of medication.

Your visit. Your health. Your business.

Take Control of Your Health

Getting tested isn’t something to stress about — it’s something to feel good about. You’re taking charge, staying informed, and protecting yourself and the people you care about.

No referrals. No judgment. Just quality care when you need it.

One minute they’re fine. The next, they’re crying and clutching their ankle. Welcome to parenthood — where every day is a new adventure in “what just happened?“

So is it a strain or a sprain? And when should you actually worry?

Let’s break it down.

The 30-Second Breakdown

Sprain = ligament injury. Ligaments connect bone to bone. Sprains happen at joints like ankles, wrists, and knees. That awkward tumble off the monkey bars? Probably a sprain.

Strain = muscle or tendon injury. Tendons connect muscle to bone. Strains usually hit the back, legs, or shoulders — from stretching too far or moving too fast.

When to Bring Them In

Lots of swelling. Bruising. They won’t walk on it — or even let you touch it. These are signs to get it looked at. Severe sprains can be tricky to tell apart from fractures, and kids aren’t always great at describing what hurts.

That’s where we come in. Night Watch Winchester has on-site X-rays, Pediatric experts, and will get you answers before bedtime. Because the sooner we figure it out, the sooner they’re back to bouncing off the walls!

Sometimes the signs are subtle—a once-outgoing kid who’s now withdrawn, slipping grades, or comments like “nobody likes me.” At Night Watch Pediatric Urgent Care in Winchester, we help parents recognize when their child might need emotional support—and we make getting that support easy.

Introducing Emotional Wellness Visits

Our Emotional Wellness Visits are designed for children and teens ages 6–17 who may be experiencing self-esteem issues, social struggles, anxiety, or mood changes. No referral needed. No long wait for a specialist. Just compassionate, early support when your child needs it.

Signs Your Child Might Benefit

• Negative self-talk (“I’m stupid,” “I can’t do anything right”)
• Avoiding school, activities, or friends
• Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy
• Increased worry or tearfulness
• Difficulty making or keeping friends

How Our Wellness Visit Works

1. Enrichly Assessment: Your child completes a quick, age-appropriate self-esteem screening
2. Provider Check-In: We ask gentle questions about school, friendships, and feelings
3. Confidence Builder Plan: Together, we set 2–3 achievable goals (like daily journaling or affirmations)
4. 4-Week Follow-Up: We reassess and celebrate progress—or adjust the plan as needed

When More Support Is Needed

If our screening reveals concerns that need specialized care, we’ll connect you with trusted Winchester-area providers.

You’re Not Overreacting

Parents often wonder if they’re making too big a deal out of things. Trust your instincts. If something feels off with your child, it’s worth checking out. Our team will meet you with compassion—not judgment—and help your child build the confidence they deserve.

Catching it early can change everything.

Schedule an Emotional Wellness Visit at Night Watch – Winchester today

Your daughter wakes up at midnight with an ear infection. Your son takes a hard hit at football practice in Sherando. Your toddler’s fever is climbing and your pediatrician’s office closed hours ago. Parents, we know the drill.

For years, your only after-hours option meant a long drive and an even longer wait at the ER. Not anymore. Night Watch Pediatric Urgent Care on Pleasant Valley Road brings expert kids’ care right here to Winchester—so you can stop stressing and start healing.

When the ER Is the Right Call

Some situations are true emergencies. Head straight to the ER or call 911 if your child:

• Is struggling to breathe or turning blue
• Has a seizure or becomes unresponsive
• Shows signs of severe allergic reaction (throat swelling, can’t swallow)
• Suffers a head injury with confusion or loss of consciousness
• Has a bone that’s clearly broken or out of place
• Is bleeding heavily and it won’t stop
• Is under 3 months old with a fever
• Shows signs of severe dehydration (no tears, sunken eyes, lethargic)

Everything Else? That’s Why We’re Here.

Most childhood illnesses and injuries aren’t emergencies—but they still need care now, not in three days when your pediatrician has an opening. Our pediatric-trained team treats:

• Ear infections (yes, even the 2 AM screamers)
• High fevers, flu, colds, and croup
• Strep throat, tonsillitis, and sinus infections
• Cuts and scrapes needing stitches or skin glue
• Sprains, strains, and sports injuries
• Pink eye and eye irritations
• Rashes, poison ivy, hives, and bug bites
• Stomach bugs, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Asthma attacks and breathing treatments
• Rapid testing for COVID, flu, strep, and RSV

Pediatric Expertise—Right Here in Winchester

Night Watch was founded by a pediatrician, we’re not a chain, we’re not a franchise. We’re your neighbors—and we treat your kids like family.

• Kid Specialists: Our providers are trained in pediatric medicine. We know kids—how to examine them, how to calm them, and how to get them feeling better fast.
• Short Waits, Not ER Waits: Most families are seen in under an hour—often much faster. No more 4-hour ER marathons with a sick, cranky kid.
• Hundreds Saved: ER visits easily top $1,000. Urgent care? Usually $150-$300. That’s money for soccer cleats, not medical bills.
• All the Tools We Need: X-rays, lab work, stitches, breathing treatments, rapid tests—get answers and treatment in one visit.
• Open Late & Weekends: Because strep throat doesn’t care that it’s Sunday, and fevers love to spike after dinner.

Winchester’s Best-Kept Secret for Sick Kids

Next time your little one gets sick after hours, you’ve got a choice. You can sit in an ER waiting room watching the clock—or you can bring them to Night Watch and be home before bedtime. Walk in anytime. Reserve your spot online. Or call ahead. We’re here for Winchester families—because your kids deserve expert care without the wait.

Head injuries can happen to any child—whether it’s a tumble on the playground, a sports collision, or a fall at home. Here’s what Winchester parents need to know about recognizing and managing concussions in children and teens.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. While most aren’t life-threatening, they require proper care. Important: You don’t have to lose consciousness to have a concussion—most people don’t.

Recognizing the Signs

Symptoms can appear immediately or develop over hours or days. Watch for:

• Headache or pressure in the head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Confusion or feeling “foggy”
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability or mood changes
• Changes in sleep patterns

In young children: Excessive crying, changes in eating or sleeping, loss of interest in activities, or appearing dazed.

When to Seek Immediate Emergency Care

Go to the ER right away for:

• Loss of consciousness over one minute
• Severe or worsening headache
• Repeated vomiting
• Seizures
• Weakness or difficulty walking
• Slurred speech
• Unequal pupils
• Increasing confusion or cannot be awakened

When to Visit Urgent Care

Visit us if your child has a head injury with any concussion symptoms, or if you’re uncertain about severity. We’ll perform a thorough assessment, provide a diagnosis, and create a recovery plan. When it comes to your child’s head injuries, it’s always better to be cautious.

What to Do After Your Child’s Head Injury

First 24-48 hours:

• Monitor your child for new or worsening symptoms
• Allow rest and sleep (check on them every 2-3 hours)
• Limit screen time significantly
• Keep them from physical activities
• Use acetaminophen for pain if needed (avoid ibuprofen initially)
• No activities that could result in another head injury

Recovery Guidelines

Most children recover within 1-2 weeks with proper rest. The key is gradual return to activities.

Initial rest: No sports, limited school tasks, reduced screen time, and quiet activities only.

Step-by-step return:

1. Light activities at home
2. Return to school (with modifications if needed)
3. Light physical activity
4. Non-contact practice or exercise
5. Full activities with medical clearance

Critical rule: If your child’s symptoms return at any step, go back to resting. Never allow return to sports or high-risk activities the same day as the injury.

Age-Specific Considerations

Young children: Their developing brains are more vulnerable and may show different symptoms. They may not be able to communicate how they’re feeling, so watch for behavioral changes.

School-age children and teens: Young brains take longer to heal and are at higher risk for complications if they return to activities too soon. Academic accommodations may be needed during recovery.

Young athletes: Must be completely symptom-free and receive medical clearance before returning to contact sports. Second-impact syndrome, though rare, can be serious if another concussion occurs before full recovery.

The Bottom Line

Concussions in children should always be taken seriously. Don’t hesitate to seek evaluation after your child experiences a head injury—early recognition and proper recovery are crucial for their long-term health.

We’re here at Night Watch Winchester for your child when you need us—walk-ins welcome, no appointment necessary.

Flu season is here in Winchester, but with a few simple strategies, you can protect yourself and your family. Here’s what you need to know.

Get Your Flu Vaccine

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the flu. Everyone 6 months and older should get their annual flu shot, ideally in early fall before flu activity peaks. The vaccine takes about two weeks to become fully effective, so don’t wait.

Note: Children getting vaccinated for the first time may need two doses spaced four weeks apart.

Practice Good Hand Hygiene

Handwashing remains one of your best defenses against flu viruses. Encourage your kids to wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds—singing a favorite song helps pass the time and makes it more enjoyable.

Key times to wash: before meals, after using the bathroom, after playing outside, and after coughing or sneezing.

Teach Proper Cough and Sneeze Etiquette

Show your children how to cough or sneeze into their elbow rather than their hands. This simple habit significantly reduces the spread of germs. Practice at home so it becomes automatic—many kids find it fun to “catch” their sneeze like a vampire in a cape.

Keep Sick Children Home

We know it’s challenging, but keeping feverish children home from school protects other children and gives your child time to recover. Kids should be fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning to school or daycare.

Support Healthy Habits

A strong immune system makes a difference. Focus on the basics: adequate sleep, nutritious meals, regular physical activity, and plenty of water. These fundamentals help your child’s body fight off infections naturally.

Clean High-Touch Surfaces

During flu season, regularly wipe down frequently touched items like doorknobs, light switches, tablets, and toys. You don’t need to deep-clean constantly—just focus on these hotspots where germs tend to linger.

When to Contact Us

Most children recover from the flu at home with rest and fluids. However, call our office if your child has:

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• High fever over 104°F or fever lasting more than 3-4 days
• Signs of dehydration (no tears when crying, significantly decreased urination)
• Symptoms that improve then suddenly worsen
• Any concerns that something isn’t quite right

Trust your instincts—remember, you know your child best.

Stay Prepared, Not Worried

Flu season is manageable with the right approach. Get vaccinated, maintain good hygiene, keep sick kids home to rest, and support healthy habits. That’s really the foundation of flu prevention.

If your family does get sick despite your best efforts, remember that rest, comfort, and time usually do the trick and your Night Watch Winchester team is here to help if you need us.

At Night Watch Pediatric Urgent Care in Winchester, VA, we are transforming the way families approach mental health. With the introduction of Enrichly’s self-esteem screening platform, we can now offer proactive emotional check-ins during pediatric visits.

Children in Winchester now have access to tools that build resilience, identify emotional challenges early, and help parents take actionable steps. Our care team uses Enrichly to:

· Conduct simple yet powerful self-esteem assessments

· Pinpoint areas where children need support

· Develop custom strategies to encourage emotional wellness

Why It Matters

Self-esteem impacts everything from school performance to social relationships. Our proactive model allows us to:

· Detect potential issues before they worsen

· Empower families with personalized feedback and strategies

· Create a strong foundation for mental health in childhood

If you’re in the Winchester area and want to prioritize your child’s mental wellness, visit our clinic and ask about our Enrichly-powered screenings.

Learn how to keep your kids safe in Winchester’s summer heat! Tips from Night Watch Pediatric Urgent Care to beat dehydration & sunburn.

Whether you’re visiting Jim Barnett Park or camping in the Shenandoah Valley, Winchester summers mean outdoor fun. But our region’s heat can lead to dehydration and tick bites — here’s how to keep kids safe.

Tips:

√ Hydrate well for day trips & park visits

√ Use insect repellent & do tick checks after camping

√ Know signs of dehydration: dry mouth, no tears, fatigue

√ Keep sunscreen handy for outdoor sports

√ Carry a first aid kit in the car

When to Visit Us: For dehydration, heat exhaustion, or tick bite concerns, our kid-friendly urgent care is here evenings & weekends. IV fluids available for fast recovery.

Visit Night Watch Pediatric Urgent Care in Winchester, VA — we’re ready to help your family stay safe all summer.

At our Winchester, VA clinic, we’re expanding our mission of accessible, whole-child healthcare with the addition of four new services:

• STD Testing for Teens (13+) – We provide discreet, judgment-free STD testing and education—results return in just a few days via our trusted lab partners.

• IV Hydration Support – Now available for all ages, IV therapy can speed up recovery from flu, heat-related illness, or athletic fatigue.

• Emotional Wellness Visits (in partnership with Enrichly) – Preventative mental health is just as important as physical. Our new visits focus on building emotional strength and confidence in children and adolescents.

• Concussion Assessment & Follow-Up – We now offer concussion care services to evaluate symptoms and help guide safe return-to-school or sports.

Come see us in Winchester, VA—we’re open evenings and weekends with no appointment required!