Although the days of the COVID-19 pandemic are behind us, many healthcare professionals have warned that COVID-19 is here to stay. With COVID-19 still circulating this cold and flu season, COVID-19 is very much still an illness to be aware of. Although the COVID-19 virus is thought to mutate every year like the flu, the symptoms of COVID-19 seem to continue to mimic other minor illnesses such as the common cold. If you’re feeling under the weather, should you be testing for COVID-19? Learn about the current threat that COVID-19 poses and when to seek medical diagnosis for COVID-19. Visit AFC Urgent Care Southcenter for same-day rapid COVID-19 testing.
How To Identify COVID Symptoms
During the pandemic, COVID-19 caused intense panic. With notoriously severe illness caused by the virus, COVID-19 almost always required medical care during the pandemic. However, as time has passed, the way we manage COVID-19 and the virus itself has changed. COVID-19 is caused by a virus. Since 2019, the COVID-19 virus has mutated and changed over time. This occurs with many other viruses, such as the flu which has multiple strains which can cause infection. This means that the symptoms of COVID-19 and the severity of the illness caused by COVID-19 are not the same as in 2019.
Common COVID-19 symptoms:
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Congestion
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Body aches
When To Test For COVID-19
In many cases, COVID-19 causes symptoms similar to a cold or the flu. Compared to 2019, COVID-19 is much less likely to cause severe illness in healthy individuals. However, like many illnesses, COVID-19 can still pose a serious health risk to those who are elderly, young children, those with underlying health conditions, and immunocompromised individuals. If you are suffering from cold-like symptoms, it is important to test for COVID-19 to ensure that you are not putting others at risk of developing severe illness caused by COVID-19, even if your symptoms are not severe.
Catching COVID-19 early can help you protect the people around you from getting sick. It can also prevent severe symptoms from developing. You should always seek medical attention for COVID-like symptoms. Luckily, COVID-19 tests are now accessible over-the-counter in most pharmacies. Rapid COVID-19 tests are also accessible without long wait times at many walk-in clinics and doctors' offices.
Tips For Preventing COVID-19
COVID-19 is caused by a viral infection. Although the virus that causes COVID-19 has mutated over time, it is still highly contagious regardless of the strain. You can catch COVID-19 through direct contact with an infected individual, including delayed contact through touching the same surface. You can also catch COVID-19 by breathing in the same air as an infected person as microscopic droplets with the COVID-19 virus linger in the air after an infected individual breaths, talks, sneezes, or coughs.
The best way to avoid severe illness caused by COVID-19 is to take preventative actions to lessen your chances of contracting COVID-19. Some tips for avoiding illness this winter include:
Wear a mask: Wearing a facemask is a great way to prevent airborne droplets from reaching your lungs. Facemasks must fit well and be snug to the face to be effective. Wearing a facemask in public where there may be poor air circulation such as while traveling and in crowded indoor spaces can help protect yourself in high-risk environments.
Practice good hygiene: Viruses can live on your hands after you touch common surfaces such as doorknobs for over 24 hours. As a result, washing your hands regularly and using hand sanitizer can help prevent the virus from getting you sick. Avoiding touching your face is also a good way to reduce the risk of the virus traveling from your hands to your respiratory tract.
Disinfect surfaces: Although it isn’t always possible, disinfecting common surfaces is always a good idea to kill bacteria and viruses. This is especially true in the home, where others may accidentally bring in the virus on their hands without knowing it.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Southcenter For Rapid COVID-19 Testing On A Walk-In Basis
If you’re suffering from illness symptoms, you may have contracted COVID-19. However, COVID-19 does not present the same risk that it did during the pandemic. Regardless, in order to protect yourself and others from contracting severe illness, it is important to get tested for COVID-19 if you’re experiencing illness symptoms. At AFC Urgent Care Southcenter, we offer rapid COVID-19 testing 6 days a week. Visit our website to schedule an appointment, or contact us directly by calling 425-291-3300.
Our COVID-19 tests are performed by utilizing a painless nasal swab test. The test is quick to conduct and painless to the patient. We accept most medical insurance plans at our clinic. With our rapid molecular testing, you’ll receive your test results quickly. Your healthcare provider will walk you through the treatments available for you if your test is positive, based on your symptoms and medical history. If you’re experiencing illness symptoms, visit AFC Urgent Care Southcenter for rapid COVID-19 testing. For more information regarding our clinic, please call 425-291-3300.
