Dehydrated From The Summer Heat? Here’s How Urgent Care Can Help You! 

You’ve been out for just 30 minutes. Maybe running errands, walking the dog or catching up with friends outdoors. 

But by the time you’re walking home, suddenly your legs feel heavier, your mouth’s dry, and you’ve got this strange, dizzy feeling you can’t quite shake. 

You grab a glass of water… but it doesn’t help much. Ever happened to you? This is how heat exhaustion and dehydration often creeps in during the rising summer heat. 

And if you’re thinking, “It’s probably nothing,” that’s exactly when it might be something. 

Here’s what most people don’t know: urgent care can give IV fluids for fast, professional dehydration treatment, often faster and cheaper than the emergency room. 

In this quick guide, we’ll walk you through the signs you shouldn’t ignore, how urgent care can help you feel better fast and wrap it up with some smart summer survival tips straight from our lead provider, Dr. Sheikh. Let’s cut to the chase! 

What Makes Summer Dehydration Worse? 

Here’s what catches most people off guard: you can lose up to 3 litres of fluid per hour in high heat and humidity, even when you’re not actively sweating.

Here’s what makes summer dehydration hit harder and faster:

1. Humidity traps heat

When the air’s already full of moisture, sweat doesn’t evaporate the way it should. That means your body struggles to cool down, and you end up overheating even faster.

2. Outdoor Activities

Whether you’re going for a jog, chasing your kids around the park, or just walking to the train that added movement in high temps pulls more fluids from your body than you think.

3. Caffeine and alcoholfruits 

Summer drinks are fun… until they’re dehydrating you. Iced coffees, energy drinks, and cocktails act as diuretics, making your body lose even more water. You can replace them with fresh juices and drinks. 

4. Kids and older adults are more vulnerable

Little ones and seniors don’t always recognize thirst or symptoms of dehydration and by the time they do, things can get serious quickly.

Dr. Sheikh, the lead provider at Family Urgent Care, adds:
“We see a lot of patients who thought they were doing everything right, staying in the shade, sipping water, but they didn’t realize how fast the heat was draining them.”

The takeaway? Even if you’re not doing an outdoor activity, summer heat amplifies everything. Your body’s working overtime and it needs more support than you think.

When To Visit Urgent Care For Dehydration? 

By the time you feel dizzy, nauseous, or lightheaded from the heat… your body’s already running on empty. A glass of water might not be enough. But how do you know it’s serious enough for a trip to urgent care?

Here’s a simple rule of thumb from our lead provider, Dr. Sheikh:

“If symptoms aren’t improving with rest, water, and shade or if they’re getting worse, it’s time to get medical support. Pushing through dehydration rarely ends well.”

Urgent care is the right call when:

• You can’t keep fluids down
• You feel dizzy, foggy, or confused
• Cramps, racing heart, or nausea come in waves
• There’s little to no urine output for hours
• A child or elderly family member shows signs of exhaustion
  

The good news? You don’t need an appointment for urgent care. Walk in, get checked by a provider, and if needed, receive IV fluids to help you feel better fast. Treatment usually takes less than an hour and it’s much more comfortable (and quicker) than waiting in an ER.

How Can Urgent Care Help with Dehydration? (And Why It’s So Fast)

If you’re dragging from the heat and nothing’s helping, urgent care can help you with fast hydration. 

Here’s what happens when you walk in:

Step 1: A fast, focused check-up
Our licensed providers check your vitals, blood pressure, and hydration levels right away. No waiting rooms packed with emergencies, just you and a team who knows what to look for.

Step 2: IV hydration (If necessary)

If you’re showing signs of dehydration, we’ll start IV fluids with electrolytes. It’s the fastest way to rehydrate in severe dehydration and it goes straight into your bloodstream. 

Step 3: Cool, calm recovery

You’ll relax in a cool, comfortable room while we monitor your response.

 “When you’re dehydrated, timing matters. IV fluids deliver hydration directly and most patients feel noticeably better within 15–30 minutes”, adds Dr. Sheikh.

Why urgent care beats the wait: Unlike primary care (which can take days) or the ER (which can take hours), urgent care bridges the gap. You get same-day care from experienced providers and walk out feeling like yourself again.

Can Urgent Care Help With IV Fluids?

If you’re feeling nauseous, dizzy or tired due to heat exhaustion or any other reason, your body needs to refuel fast. That’s when a doctor might advise you to have IV fluids. 

These fluids deliver water and electrolytes directly to your bloodstream, making sure that you start feeling better within minutes. 

IV fluids at urgent care are especially helpful:

• After extended exposure to heat or sun
• If you’re vomiting or unable to keep fluids down
• When you feel faint, foggy, shaky, or weak
• If you’re an athlete, outdoor worker, or travelling and feeling depleted

At our urgent care clinics in Chicago and Schererville, we’re equipped to provide IV hydration on the spot safely. Whether it’s mild heat exhaustion or more serious dehydration, you’ll be in good hands (and back on your feet) in no time.

Doctor Recommended Summer Survival Tips to Dodge Heat Exhaustion This Season

Here are Dr. Sheikh’s go-to strategies to keep you and your loved ones, safe this summer:

1. Don’t Wait Until You’re Thirsty to Hydrate

Thirst means you’re already behind. Start sipping water early in the day, especially if you plan to be outside. Electrolyte drinks (low in sugar) help too.

2. Avoid Direct Sun During Peak Hours (11 AM – 4 PM)

Try to plan your walks, workouts, or errands earlier or later in the day. If you must be out, find shade, wear a hat, and take breaks often.

3. Watch What You Drink

Iced coffees, energy drinks, and cocktails might feel refreshing, but they can dehydrate you faster. Mix in water or electrolyte drinks (especially ones low in sugar) to stay balanced.

4. Keep Your Cooling Tricks Handy

Carry a cold bottle, wear breathable clothes, and use a damp cloth or cooling towel on your neck when needed, as it can cool off your body. 

5. Pay Extra Attention to Kids and Seniors

“They often don’t speak up until symptoms get worse, so keep an eye on their energy, behaviour, and fluid intake.”  Make sure they’re resting in cool spaces, staying hydrated, and not overexposed to the sun.

Takeaway

Heat exhaustion can hit fast but urgent care helps you bounce back even faster.

If you’re feeling dizzy, nauseous, or drained after time in the sun, don’t wait. Urgent care can give IV fluids on the spot, rehydrating your body quickly and safely without the long ER wait.

At our clinics in Indiana and Illinois, we offer same-day treatment for dehydration, heat exhaustion, and early heat stroke. You’ll get fast, professional care from trusted providers without an appointment.