As the late fall is coming to a close, the winter season produces a rise in various respiratory illnesses. From flu to RSV, respiratory illnesses can cause mild to moderate symptoms for people of all ages. It’s important to know the signs of each virus in order to best prevent any potential complications.
At AFC Urgent Care Toms River, your family’s health is our top priority. Read about some of the common respiratory illnesses that are on the rise, and plan a trip to our walk-in clinic whenever you need medical care. Our healthcare providers specialize in diagnosing and treating these illnesses, no appointment necessary.
COVID-19
Although cases of COVID-19 have decreased from a pandemic status, the viral illness is still continuing to impact our communities. Anyone can get COVID, but some people can suffer from severe symptoms that can lead to hospitalization if left untreated. It can be difficult to distinguish COVID-19 from other illnesses as there are various overlapping symptoms.
Symptoms of COVID-19 can cause fatigue, congestion, fever, nausea, coughing, sore throat and more. To get a rapid COVID-19 test, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Toms River for fast results. It’s important for patients to know the root cause of their symptoms. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understand how your respiratory illness is properly treated.
Influenza
Flu season begins to peak in November and can continue to spread into the late spring. Influenza is a contagious virus that affects millions of people each year, with some infections causing life-threatening complications. Each year, it’s important for families to get their annual flu shot as variants of the virus change annually. Influenza causes similar symptoms to both COVID-19 and RSV, so it’s important to visit AFC Toms River to be properly diagnosed and discuss treatment options. Untreated flu infections can lead to a lingering cough, congestion, headache, fever, sneezing, sore throat, and more.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Recently, cases of RSV have begun to rise rapidly nationwide. This emergent respiratory illness is commonly diagnosed in children, and can cause mild cold-like symptoms. While most RSV infections are mild and pass on their own, the symptoms can lead to severe infections for some groups of people. It’s important to get tested for RSV and have symptoms monitored closely for children with weakened immune systems and older adults with chronic health conditions. For same-day diagnosis and comprehensive treatment options, visit AFC Toms River today.
Prevention Measures Against Respiratory Illnesses
To help your family prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, like the flu, COVID-19 and RSV, there are strategies you can implement in your daily routine. Visit AFC Toms River for more health and wellness guidance.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water
- Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes
- Clean and sanitize things that are touched often, like doorknobs and countertops
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
- Stay at home if you’re feeling sick and avoid contract with others
- Visit an urgent care center for more preventive health services
Visit AFC Urgent Care Toms River for Care
If you or your loved ones begin to experience respiratory symptoms, but you’re unsure what illness you have, visit AFC Urgent Care Toms River today. Our medical providers specialize in diagnosing respiratory illnesses and can offer treatment options for mild to moderate infections. We are experienced in pediatric urgent care and family care services for all patients in the area.
It’s always a good idea to get tested – for COVID, RSV, or other illnesses that can easily spread to others. We accept many insurance carriers and offer low costs for our self-pay patients. Protect yourself and your loved ones by booking an appointment online today.
