24/7 Emergency Care. Our patients are first.
If you or your child has COVID-like symptoms with trouble breathing, chest pressure, dehydration, or a fast-worsening illness, do not wait it out. Get checked right away.
Post Oak ER treats adults and children 24/7 with no appointment needed. Our board-certified emergency physicians can evaluate serious respiratory illness with on-site CT, X-ray, ultrasound, lab testing, IV treatment, and cardiac evaluation when needed.
Go to the ER now if COVID or flu-like symptoms come with:
For life-threatening symptoms, call 911.
Not sure if it’s COVID, flu, RSV, or just a cold?
The symptoms often overlap. Flu usually starts abruptly with fever, body aches, and exhaustion. RSV often looks like a cold, but it can become serious in babies, some young children, older adults, and people with higher-risk conditions. COVID can look similar, which is why testing matters — especially if early treatment may be needed.
Common COVID-19 symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms can include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, body aches, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, and sometimes loss of taste or smell. Symptoms vary from person to person, and not every case feels the same.
When COVID symptoms need emergency care
Brutally honest answer: not every positive test needs the ER. Many mild respiratory illnesses can be managed at home. The ER is the right choice when breathing is affected, fluids are not staying down, chest symptoms are involved, the patient looks significantly worse, or the illness is hitting someone at higher risk for complications.
When testing matters most
Testing is not just about getting a label. It can help guide what to do next, reduce spread, and identify people who may qualify for treatment. For current infection, viral tests are used. PCR/NAAT tests are more sensitive than antigen tests, while antigen tests are faster but a single negative result may not rule out infection.
Who should get checked sooner
Do not delay evaluation if you are 65 or older, pregnant, immunocompromised, or living with conditions such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease. These groups face a higher risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses. For eligible higher-risk COVID patients, treatment works best when started as early as possible and within 5 to 7 days of symptom onset.
For children
Children can get COVID, flu, and RSV with similar early symptoms. Bring your child in right away for trouble breathing, worsening illness, poor fluid intake, dehydration, unusual sleepiness, or any symptom that feels more severe than a routine cold. RSV, in particular, can be serious for babies and some young children.
Do you need the ER or just a test?
If you only need routine screening and you are otherwise feeling well, an at-home, pharmacy, or clinic-based test may be enough. But if you are short of breath, dehydrated, weak, high-risk, or clearly getting worse, you need medical evaluation — not just a test result.
What Post Oak ER can do for COVID-related illness
At Post Oak ER, evaluation may include a focused emergency exam, oxygen and vital-sign assessment, lab testing, imaging when needed, IV fluids, IV medications, and cardiac evaluation if chest symptoms raise concern. We treat both adults and children, and if a higher level of inpatient care is needed, transfer can be coordinated to the appropriate hospital. No appointment is needed.
Whether you’re in Westchase, Midtown, or the Heights, getting to Post Oak ER is simple. We’re centrally located near major Houston routes like I‑610 and San Felipe — just a short drive from Memorial Park and River Oaks. Many patients reach us via Westheimer or Woodway Dr., depending on their neighborhood.
We accept most major insurance plans and also welcome self-pay patients with transparent, upfront pricing. Many Memorial-area patients visit us using Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Molina, and United Healthcare.
Yes. We’re open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our freestanding ER model is designed to minimize or eliminate wait times so you’re seen fast.
No. Walk in anytime. If it’s an emergency, come straight in or call ahead and we’ll be ready: 832-581-2277.
5018 San Felipe St, Houston, TX 77056 — near The Galleria/Uptown. Free, convenient parking right by the entrance.
Yes. Our board-certified emergency physicians care for all ages, including pediatric emergencies.
Chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache/migraine, abdominal pain, injuries and fractures, cuts requiring stitches, high fever, dehydration, allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and more. If you believe it’s life-threatening, call 911.
Yes. We offer on-site CT scans, digital X-rays, and a full laboratory, so most tests and results are done during your visit.
Absolutely. We routinely see patients from Uptown, The Galleria, River Oaks, Tanglewood, and Memorial.
A photo ID, insurance card (if available), a list of medications/allergies, and any recent medical records you have.
We accept most major private insurance plans. Coverage varies by plan; our team will help verify benefits and discuss any out-of-pocket costs. Questions? Call 832-581-2277.
Urgent care handles minor illnesses/injuries. ERs have advanced imaging, lab, medications, and emergency physicians for time-sensitive or severe conditions (e.g., chest pain, severe abdominal pain, serious injury, difficulty breathing).
Yes. If inpatient care or surgery is required, we coordinate a direct transfer to the appropriate hospital.
Times vary by condition and testing, but our no-wait intake and on-site diagnostics help you get answers and treatment as quickly as possible.