Should I Get a Rapid Test for a Possible Respiratory Illness?

Although it’s extremely encouraging that COVID-19 cases have been steadily decreasing, experts are finding that other respiratory illnesses are on the rise due to less mask-wearing and more open businesses. Luckily, our AFC center offers accurate rapid tests that provide quick results!

Our AFC Urgent Care Mooresville team provides some further information on respiratory illnesses below, so keep reading.

What Kind of Respiratory Illness Is on the Rise?

According to the CDC, they are seeing “increased Interseasonal Respiratory Syncytial Virus [RSV] activity in parts of the Southern United States.” North Carolina is one of the states that CDC sites as having a spike in RSV activity.

But what is RSV, you ask? Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract. In fact, it’s so common that most children have been infected with the virus by age 2. Additionally, adults are susceptible to getting the virus, and most of the symptoms are similar to the common cold, which we’ve listed below.

Common RSV Symptoms

  • Congested or runny nose
  • Dry cough
  • Low-grade fever
  • Sore throat
  • Sneezing
  • Headache

How Necessary Is It to Get a Rapid Test?

If you experience symptoms or have been in close contact with someone that shows RSV, strep, flu or COVID-19 symptoms, you need to get a rapid test at our AFC center to confirm your diagnosis.

Our rapid test kits provide accurate results in 15 minutes or less, and you don’t even need an appointment to get tested! Remember to exercise the health-safety precautions that we’ve listed below before getting tested if you believe you’re sick.

Ways to Avoid Spreading Germs

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose.
  • Discard used tissues in the trash as soon as you can.
  • Always wash your hands for at least 20 seconds after sneezing, blowing your nose, coughing or touching used tissues or handkerchiefs.
  • Use warm water and soap to wash your hands. If you don’t have soap and water, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Stay home if you have a cough and fever.

Feeling under the weather? Don’t wait to get a rapid test at our AFC Urgent Care Mooresville center!