The COVID-19 pandemic has led to mass confusion and disruption of daily life. In fact, as cases now eclipse 3 million (as of July 2020) nationally, patients may believe that any illness symptoms are the result of a novel coronavirus infection. Determining the cause of any illness symptoms is crucial for preventing an infection and knowing when to seek out nearby urgent care.

COVID-19 symptoms include the following, which are extremely similar to cold, flu, and allergy/asthma symptoms:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Congestion

The novel coronavirus infects as quickly as other common illnesses and can be confused with a cold or flu infection. Even though a lot of patients are asymptomatic for COVID-19 at first, many patients can quickly panic once they start to have initial symptoms. The good news for patients is that there are a few ways in which they can actively evaluate their symptoms and when to seek out remote or in-person care:

Consider risk factors for COVID-19 and seasonal illnesses

COVID-19 risk factors may differ from seasonal illness factors and can help patients determine the likely cause of their illness. COVID-19 risks include contact with a patient that has a confirmed infection, travel to a COVID-19 hotspot within 14 days, and participation in a recent gathering of 10+ people. Usually, a patient that doesn't have any of these risk factors also does not have the coronavirus.

A patient may also have allergies and seasonal illness risks that they may have ignored previously. Exposure to pollen, seasonal illness triggers, and similar causes can lead to general illness symptoms. Asthmatic patients may also have more risk factors that cause asthma-related congestion and breathing difficulty. Be sure that you consider both seasonal illness risks and COVID-19 risks before determining your next step.

Book telemedicine to have a provider remotely evaluate symptoms

If you're not sure whether or not your illness symptoms are the cause of COVID-19, even after evaluating all potential causes, then it may be helpful to book a local telemedicine urgent care visit remotely. Telemedicine screenings allow a provider to remotely evaluate symptoms, exam your symptoms, and provide the best steps for follow up treatment.

A screening can allow you to maintain quarantine or reduce exposure to the coronavirus. Telemedicine visits are easy to book, convenient, and flexible so you can accurately make the best decision for your symptom needs.

Schedule COVID-19 testing if your risk factors and symptoms indicate an infection

COVID-19 testing is available at AFC Urgent Care Denver urgent care locations for patients if they strongly believe that they have COVID-19. Book an appointment online to get started with testing and follow our provider instructions.

COVID-19 testing includes diagnostic testing as well as antibody testing to see if you recovered from a previous COVID infection. However, symptomatic patients benefit more from diagnostic testing that uses a swab to analyze an active infection. If you have more questions, please call the AFC Urgent Care Denver team today!