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!

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.

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!