Respiratory illnesses that include a cold, the flu, RSV and COVID-19 have overlapping symptoms, so it might be hard to identify what you’re dealing with. Don’t worry – you can talk to your provider to identify your symptoms and receive the care you need for a quicker recovery. Visit your health care provider or an urgent care near you and feel better soon.
COVID-19 and the common cold are caused by different viruses, but are spread in similar ways. They also cause similar symptoms. Both usually include a sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose. But, a headache is usually present with COVID, but rarely with a cold. COVID-19, cold, allergies and the flu: What are the differences?
Then there is Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes an infection in the lungs and respiratory tract. Symptoms in adults and older, healthy kids, are usually pretty mild and are much like the common cold. But in people with compromised immune systems or very young children, RSV can cause a severe infection. More about RSV in our health library.
At Beacon Health System, we are committed to exceptional, safe care for patients and support of our frontline healthcare heroes who work to meet our community’s critical medical needs. Our key experts continuously review new care guidelines and regional case status while ensuring our staff has the necessary equipment to provide the safest care possible.
If you need to test for COVID-19, Beacon encourages you to contact your county health department for testing availability near you, to order free tests through the government or to buy a test at a drug store. If you are having complications related to coronavirus symptoms, contact your Primary Care Provider for an appointment. Should you need immediate attention, your provider can put in an order for you to be tested through one of our MedPoint Urgent Care locations.
Please visit the Centers for Disease Control website for the most current information on testing and what to do if you have a positive result.
If you need an updated vaccine for the flu, RSV or COVID-19, you can get one at various locations in the community.
Vaccine and immunization schedules can be found on the CDC website.
Where to get vaccinated:
If you have questions, contact your primary care provider.
Note: COVID-19 vaccines are not available at MedPoint locations.
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