December 21, 2020
The 2020 flu season is upon us as coronavirus simultaneously spreads like wildfire. If you or your loved ones develop upper respiratory symptoms, how do you determine whether it’s the flu or COVID-19? And what interventions are necessary? Read on to learn more about the similarities and differences between the common cold/flu and COVID-19, and what the myDoc Urgent Care medical team recommends you do if you develop symptoms or believe you were exposed.
Both the flu and COVID-19 are upper respiratory infections, but COVID-19 symptoms can be more severe, requiring a longer recovery period. The flu and COVID-19 are both contagious diseases that spread from person to person, but COVID-19 spreads much easier. Both infections can be transmitted before symptoms develop (asymptomatic spread), but COVID-19 remains transmittable for a much longer period of time (about 10-14 days).
As COVID-19 continues to spread and positive cases reach records highs, what should you do:
Let’s first review some of the major symptoms of an upper respiratory infection which both flu and COVID-19 patients experience:
• Fever, or chills and sweat
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Running nose and/or congestions
• Fatigue, body aches, or headache
• GI issues, such as vomiting or diarrhea
COVID-19 patients may also experience loss of taste or smell.
If you’re experiencing any upper respiratory symptoms, the myDoc Urgent Care medical team recommends:
If you have no symptoms (asymptomatic) but have been exposed to someone that tested positive for COVID-19, we recommend getting tested as soon as possible as we have seen a lot of asymptomatic positive test results. Asymptomatic people with COVID-19 are just as contagious as someone with symptoms.
Positive COVID-19 Patients Care Plan:
• Stay quarantined for 10 days, whether you are symptomatic or asymptomatic.
• Inform everyone you have been in contact with in the past 5-7 days that you
have tested positive so they can all be tested.
• Manage minor symptoms with OTC medication, rest, and fluid.
• Go to emergency room and contact your healthcare provider if your fever
rises above 102 or you experience shortness of breath.
• Get another COVID-19 test before returning to work or school.
myDoc Urgent Care urges the public to please wear a mask and get tested if you experience any symptoms or have been potentially exposed to someone with COVID-19. With locations in Center City, University City, Chinatown, and Progress Plaza (Temple), myDoc Urgent Care is providing both rapid and PCR test 7 days a week. Appointments are required and can be booked on our website: myDocUC.com
