Although the pandemic is behind us, medical professionals have confirmed that COVID-19 is here to stay. This being said the COVID-19 virus has mutated, causing it to present with different symptoms than in 2019. Learn about the 2024 COVID-19 symptoms. Visit AFC Urgent Care Bedford for same-day illness care, including COVID-19 testing, available on a walk-in basis 7 days a week.
Is COVID-19 Still Dangerous?
News regarding COVID-19 is not nuanced anymore. Although we may pay less attention to news surrounding COVID-19 than we did in 2020, COVID-19 cases are still very common. Health officials say that COVID-19 is here to stay. Luckily, the death rate of COVID-19 has been declining since 2020. The CDC found that only 2.1% of recorded COVID-19 deaths in 2023 were idviduals who were under the age of 45.
Although the death rate of COVID-19 is not what it was when the pandemic first started, COVID-19 is still a very prevalent illness. COVID-19 is a virus, which makes it very contagious through both direct and indirect contact. This makes it very easy for COVID-19 to spread, especially in the winter months when we spend most of our time indoors and in close proximity to others.
Current Symptoms of COVID-19
Undoubtibly, COVID-19 looks much different in 2024 than it did in 2023. This includes the presenting symptoms as well as the way that COVID-19 progresses. Today, COVID-19 is a generally more mild respiratory illness that looks similar to a cold or the flu, depending on the strain.
COVID-19 symptoms in 2024:
- Sore throat
- Congestion
- Headaches
- General fatigue
- Cough
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
Generally, the JN.1 variant is the most common variant that has been seen this winter. This variant appears to cause cold like symptoms, or mild flu like symptoms in some cases. This trend is partly because most people have been vaccinated for COVID-19 in the past or already had the virus, which helps your body build up immunity.
Does COVID-19 Require Medical Treatment
In 2024, COVID-19 appears to bring mild illness that often does not require medical treatment for healthy adults. However, if you have a compromised immune system, have underlying heart or lung conditions or are at-risk for severe illness due to your age, it is important to seek medical care if you suspect you have COVID-19. Unlike most viral infections, there are multiple medical treatments available for severe COVID-19 infections.
If you experience severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, trouble breathing, wheezing, or a high fever, you should seek medical care for your symptoms. Seeking a medical diagnosis can identify whether COVID-19 is the cause of your symptoms, or if you are suffering from a more severe illness. Understanding the cause of your symptoms can also help you better manage your symptoms at home.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Bedford For Same-Day Rapid COVID-19 Testing
If you suspect you may have COVID-19, it is always a good idea to confirm your suspicions by getting evaluated by a medical professional. At AFC Urgent Care Bedford, our clinic offers same-day rapid COVID-19 testing 7 days a week from 8am-8pm. We never require you to schedule an appointment, simply walk into our clinic when it’s convenient or schedule an appointment online in advance.
At AFC Urgent Care Bedford, we offer a variety of COVID-19 services. This includes COVID-19 testing, COVID-19 antibody testing and electronic COVID-19 test results. Our clinic is conveniently located and open for walk-in patients in Bedford, MA and the surrounding communities seven days a week. Walk in today for same-day COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment. Please contact our clinic directly for additional information by calling (781) 430-8161.
