Longer wait times due to surge in seasonal illnesses

You can expect extended wait times at Allina Health primary care clinics, urgent care centers and hospital emergency departments due to a sharp increase in patients with influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other seasonal illnesses.

We appreciate your patience and apologize for any frustration or inconvenience you may experience as we work to provide care to everyone who needs it.

Do not let wait times prevent you from seeking medical treatment if you or your child need urgent care or emergency care.

When to seek care

If you or a family member is experiencing severe symptoms (high fever, difficulty breathing, bluish skin color), call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Mild symptoms may be treated at home with fluids and rest. If symptoms worsen, use 24/7 online care or virtual urgent care, visit an urgent care center or schedule a virtual or in-person appointment with your primary care provider.

Please note that an urgent care location may stop checking in new patients when it reaches its daily capacity. If you plan to visit urgent care within two hours of closing time, please call ahead to confirm that you can be seen.

If you or your family member has any of the following symptoms, it is recommended that you seek medical attention.

Age group

Symptoms

Infants one month old or younger

High fever

Children more than one month old

High fever that does not break with fever-reducing medications, or fevers that continue to come back after fever-reducing medications wear off

All ages
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Skin, lips or fingernails looking blue
  • Drowsiness
  • Wheezing
  • Cough or other respiratory symptoms getting worse
  • Signs of dehydration, such as thirst, dry mouth, headache, itchy skin and less frequent urination. In babies, watch for fewer wet diapers than usual.

How to find care

You can use Allina Health’s Get Care to:

  • Start a visit with Allina Health Virtual Care, our 24/7 online care service
  • Start a video visit with the Allina Health virtual urgent care team, available 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on weekends
  • Search for locations and view estimated wait times for walk-in urgent care centers and hospital emergency departments
  • Schedule an in-person and virtual care appointment with a primary care provider