Healthy New Jersey

Governor Mikie Sherrill • Lt. Governor Dr. Dale G. Caldwell

World Cup NJ

If You Feel Sick

If You Feel Sick

Knowing where to get the right level of care can save time and money. Use this page to find the right option for your situation.

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately. Do not wait.

Know When to Get Care

The right level of care depends on how serious your symptoms are. When in doubt, call 911.

Call 911

Life-threatening emergencies

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Loss of consciousness or confusion
  • Stroke symptoms — face drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech
  • Heat stroke — stopped sweating, body temperature above 103°F
  • Severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis
  • Uncontrolled bleeding
  • Suspected drug overdose

Go to urgent care

Non-emergency illness or injury

  • Fever without severe symptoms
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Minor cuts, burns, or sprains
  • Heat exhaustion — heavy sweating, dizziness, muscle cramps
  • Cold or flu symptoms
  • Rash or mild allergic reaction
  • Ear or throat pain
  • Urinary tract symptoms

Call 211

Help finding care and resources

  • Help locating the nearest urgent care or hospital
  • Language or translation assistance
  • Community health resources
  • Locating the nearest pharmacy
  • Mental health support referrals
  • Social services and non-emergency assistance

Find Care Near You

New Jersey has a strong network of hospitals, urgent care centers, and community health centers. Use these resources to find the right facility.

Hospital Search

Search for licensed hospitals and health systems across New Jersey.

Search hospitals

Emergency Department Status

Check current wait times and diversion status at NJ emergency departments.

Check ED status

Federally Qualified Health Centers

Federally Qualified Health Centers provide care regardless of ability to pay.

Find a health center

Local Health Departments

Your local health department can connect you to services and information.

Find your local department

NJ 211

Call or text 211 for help finding health and social services near you, available 24/7.

Visit NJ 211

STI Testing

Find confidential STI testing and treatment locations across New Jersey.

Find testing sites

What to Know Before You Go

A few things that will help you get care quickly and without unnecessary stress.

  • You do not need insurance. Most New Jersey hospitals and FQHCs provide care regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. You will not be turned away for emergency care.
  • Bring your medications. If you take prescription medications, bring them or take a photo of the labels. This helps providers understand your health history quickly.
  • Translation services are available. Most hospitals in New Jersey offer translation and interpretation services. You have the right to ask for one.
  • Good Samaritan Law. New Jersey's 911 Good Samaritan Law protects people who call for help during a drug overdose. You will not be arrested for calling 911 in good faith.
  • Urgent care does not require an appointment. Most urgent care centers accept walk-ins and are open seven days a week. Search for "urgent care near me" on your phone to find the closest location.

Common Symptoms

Use this as a general reference. If you are unsure about your symptoms, seek care — do not wait.

Respiratory

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough or sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue or body aches

Call 911 if breathing becomes severely difficult.

Gastrointestinal

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea or stomach cramps
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dehydration symptoms

Stay hydrated. Seek care if symptoms are severe or persistent.

Heat-related

  • Heavy sweating and dizziness
  • Muscle cramps or weakness
  • Cool, clammy skin
  • Nausea or headache

Move to a cool place and drink water. Call 911 if sweating stops or confusion develops.

Allergic reaction

  • Hives or skin rash
  • Itching or swelling
  • Runny nose or watery eyes
  • Difficulty swallowing

Call 911 immediately for throat swelling or difficulty breathing.

World Cup 2026

Not Sure What Type of Care You Need?

Our Medical Care page explains the difference between emergency rooms, urgent care, and other options so you can make the right call quickly.

Find the right level of care

Medical emergency?  Call 911  ·  Mental health crisis:  Call or text 988  ·  Find care:  Call 211