Getting sick can happen at any point, and it is frustrating every time that you start to get a runny nose or a sore throat starts creeping in. Knowing what you are sick with is always helpful because you can be treated faster as a result.

Unfortunately, many different illnesses share similar symptoms so it can be hard to know what you are suffering from on your own.

That’s where AFC Urgent Care Arden comes into play! Our team can diagnose you accurately any day of the week. Read on to learn more.

How Are COVID-19, the Flu and Strep Throat Similar?

The flu and COVID-19 are both caused by respiratory viruses, while strep throat is caused by a bacterial infection. All three illnesses can be contracted by interacting with infected people or by touching something that is infected and then touching your face. You can start to experience symptoms a few days after exposure for all three illnesses.

All three can make you feel really sick in a short amount of time once your symptoms begin, and a sore throat, fever, body aches and headaches are all possible across all three illnesses.

Illnesses That Our Rapid Tests Can Detect

• COVID-19
• Influenza
• Strep throat

What Are the Differences Between COVID-19, the Flu and Strep Throat?

Thankfully, it can be a bit easier to diagnose strep throat because of other common throat symptoms. Pain when swallowing, swollen tonsils and white patches on the back of the throat are all telltale signs of a strep infection.

COVID-19 and the flu are a little harder to tell apart. One difference is the time it took for symptoms to appear after exposure. The flu can cause symptoms one to four days after exposure while COVID-19 can appear as early as two days or as late as 14 days after exposure. Come see us for a rapid test any day of the week so we can diagnose and treat you faster.

Symptoms That Influenza and COVID-19 Share

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Runny nose
• Fever

Need help determining what is making you sick? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Arden for a rapid test.