COVID-19

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is an infectious illness that has sparked a global pandemic. While there are now multiple variants of the disease, they share similar primary symptoms. An active COVID-19 illness may not cause symptoms at all, or it might involve:

• Shortness of breath
• Muscle aches
• Headaches
• Cough
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Chills
• Nausea

Symptoms of COVID-19 range from mild to severe. It’s important to note that the risk of serious COVID-19 illness gets higher with age and that you’re more likely to experience long-term complications if you have certain underlying medical conditions like cancer or coronary artery disease. 

Do I need COVID-19 testing?

COVID-19 testing is a quick way to find out if you have an active infection even if you don’t have any symptoms but have been exposed to someone who is sick. A rapid antigen test takes just minutes to produce results using a fluid swab from your nose. 

Another type of COVID-19 test is a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. While they take a little longer than rapid antigen tests to produce results, the findings have a higher degree of accuracy. 

You should get COVID-19 testing if you have symptoms, have been around someone else who tested positive, or are in certain high-risk settings. You may be asked by an employer or other entity to get tested regularly or on occasion.  

How can COVID-19 vaccinations help me?

COVID-19 vaccinations can greatly reduce your chances of having a severe illness with complications. Multiple vaccines and boosters are available to boost your immunity to COVID. While you can still get sick, your symptoms are milder after vaccination. 

The team at Heacock Urgent Care helps you stay up-to-date on your COVID-19 boosters and can advise you on how and when to get vaccinated based on your age and medical risks. There are separate recommendations for those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, but vaccination is available for children at least 6 months old.

Call Heacock Urgent Care, schedule an appointment online, or walk in for COVID-19 testing or vaccinations today.