Just like any type of virus, COVID-19 affects each person differently. In some cases, you may not even be aware you have it because you’re not exhibiting symptoms. This makes spotting the signs early on and being tested as soon as possible extremely important. Limiting the spread of COVID-19 through proper testing helps identify at-risk communities and save lives.
As one of the area’s leading healthcare providers, Advanced Urgent Care of Pasadena wants to help highlight some of the early warning signs of COVID-19 and reasons to get tested. Below you’ll find all the info you need to determine if you’re at risk and should visit a health practitioner.
How is COVID-19 Transmitted?
The COVID-19 virus is transmitted, like most other flu viruses, by spreading via small drops of water an infected person produces when they speak, sneeze, or cough. When another person inhales the droplets, the virus enters the body. Another way the virus can be transmitted is when a person comes into contact with droplets from an infected person that are either in the air or have settled onto a surface, which is why regularly washing your hands is so important.
What are the Early Symptoms of COVID-19?
If you’ve contracted the COVID-19 virus, it can take up for two weeks to appear, although the average incubation period is around five days. Often, the symptoms will appear gradually at the onset of the virus, starting with a dry cough and shortness of breath. Other common early symptoms include:
- sore throat
- headache
- muscle pain
- repeated shaking with chills
- loss of taste or smell
- fever
It’s important to note that a fever is considered a body temperature of 100.4°F or higher. Usually, you can tell if someone is feverish by placing your hand on their back or chest; if it feels hot to the touch, they likely have a fever.
Dry coughing is when you cough but don’t produce any mucus. If you notice you’re having coughing attacks for more than an hour or several coughing attacks a day, this is a clear warning sign you may have contracted COVID-19.
Fatigue and shortness of breath are also important symptoms to keep an eye out for. If you find yourself lacking energy or feeling weak or sluggish, or are unable to catch your breath periodically, visit a COVID testing location near you.
Other less frequent symptoms include:
- blocked nose
- vomiting
- nausea
- diarrhea
- mucus
What Should I Do About Early Symptoms?
In most cases, those who are showing some early symptoms of COVID-19 can often take care of themselves and recuperate by getting lots of rest and self-isolating. Drinking plenty of liquid, as well as taking over-the-counter medicine for the flu will also help alleviate some of these early symptoms.
However, to be certain whether or not you’ve contracted the virus, it’s necessary to visit a testing center near you. Many, like the team from Advanced Urgent Care of Pasadena, now offer curbside COVID-19 testing that is simple and painless.
Other ways you can deal with early symptoms include:
- Regularly disinfecting surfaces throughout the home
- Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth without washing your hands first
- Follow local health department guidelines
- Keep your eating utensils separate from others in the house
- Wear a face mask when around other individuals
- Contact a doctor if your symptoms get worse
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you think you’re in dire need of COVID-19 testing or your symptoms have taken a turn for the worst, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you notice you’re having serious trouble breathing, constant pain or chest pressure, can’t wake up in the morning or have blue lips or discoloration in your face, seek medical attention immediately.
Contact 911 and tell the operator that you believe you’re experience drastic symptoms and suffering from COVID-19 and if possible, have a mask or face covering handy for when first responders arrive.
Prevention Tips
To avoid contracting COVID-19, there are some prevention tips you can take, such as:
- Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, sinks, desks, tables, and chairs
- Covering your nose or mouth with a tissue if sneezing or coughing
- Using a face shield or mask when around others
- Maintaining a distance of at least six feet when with others
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth without washing your hands
- Staying away from those who’ve contracted COVID-19
- Using hand sanitizer if it’s not possible to wash your hands
- Washing your hands properly (at least up to 20 seconds at a time)
Contact Advanced Urgent Care today for curbside COVID testing near you!
If you’re searching for a quick and reliable COVID testing center near you, the professionals from Advanced Urgent Care of Pasadena are currently offering curbside testing for those in need. When you arrive at our clinic, one of our medical technicians will come out to you so you can be tested; you can also pick up prescriptions, all from the safety of your own car.
In addition to our curbside testing solutions, Advanced Urgent Care of Pasadena is also offering telemedicine services for those unable to leave the home. You can have a consultation with one of our trained medical professionals, who can then send any prescriptions directly to your pharmacy or orders for lab results and imaging, all from your very own home.
For quick and easy urgent care services, contact our team online today or call (626) 304-0404 to schedule an appointment.
