How Do I Know If It Is COVID-19 or Another Infection?

Getting sick is always inconvenient no matter what you come down with. A scratchy throat, lingering cough and a fever can make it really hard to get anything done!

Feeling better is everyone’s top priority in these situations, but it can be hard to find the right treatment if you don’t know what you have. Since many illnesses cause similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell what illness you have on your own.

Our AFC Urgent Care Hixson team is here to help! We can test you for COVID-19, strep throat and the flu with a simple visit to our center.

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

Yes and no. They are all infections, but they are caused by different things. COVID-19 and the flu are caused by two different viruses while strep throat is caused by a bacteria. The transmission possibilities are similar amongst all three, however. Interacting with an infected person or by touching an infected surface and then touching your face can make you start to feel sick in a matter of days.

When you do start feeling sick, a fever, sore throat, headache or body aches could appear for all three illnesses. Coming to see us for a rapid test is the most reliable way to know what you are sick with! We can give you results in as little as 15 minutes.

Tests We Offer at AFC

  • COVID-19
  • Influenza
  • Strep throat

How Do You Treat COVID-19?

COVID-19 and the flu are viral infections, so unfortunately they cannot be treated by a simple round of antibiotics. There are some antiviral drugs on the market to help manage your symptoms, but they need to be taken right at your symptom onset to work properly. Rest and fluids remain the most reliable way of supporting your body through the healing process.

Treating strep throat is a bit easier! If your rapid test comes back positive for strep, we can prescribe some antibiotics to help knock out your infection in just a few days. Be sure to take your entire round of antibiotics, otherwise the infection may come back.

Symptoms That Could Indicate Either COVID-19 or the Flu

  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Runny nose
  • Fever

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