As the winter months approach, health experts say cases of the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 are on the rise. While it is unfortunate that these viruses are sticking around, testing options have definitely improved to help pinpoint which virus may be making you or your loved ones ill.
The rapid PCR test is one test with four test results: COVID, Flu A&B, and RSV. This test is available curbside at all Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine’s clinics across the Denver metro area. Testing is available without a doctor’s visit, but if you feel unwell, consider a visit at Advanced Urgent Care.
We now offer a rapid flu test. For more info and pricing, click here.
Why is the All-In-One Test Important?
Viruses such as flu A, flu B, RSV, and COVID-19 all share similar symptoms. It is for this reason that companies created an RSV, COVID, and flu test combo to isolate these viruses that have been affecting our communities.
In the past the flu test, RSV test, and COVID test were all individual assessments. Now, patients are able to have one test conducted to distinguish the virus that is making them sick, and determine which steps need to be taken to treat the illness.
The all-in-one test is available through Rapid Testing LLC’s partnership with Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine in Colorado. Click here for a list of the urgent care’s clinics and to schedule testing. The RT-PCR test is also a widely accepted test for travel.
What You Need To Know About These Viruses
To better understand which symptoms flu A, flu B, RSV, and COVID share, it is important to know each of these viruses on an individual level. All of these illnesses are respiratory viruses so it can be worrisome when you or your loved one develops symptoms without knowing which virus they contracted.
Flu A and B
The flu or influenza is a virus we are all familiar with. The Mayo Clinic describes the flu as “a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system.” There are many different types of flu viruses as well. The most common being flu A and flu B.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC, flu A and B cause “seasonal epidemics,” or flu seasons. As Norton Children’s also points out, flu A spreads very quickly from person to person and is found to affect communities early in the sick season, whereas flu B makes its appearance later in the year.
You may have flu A or B if you are experiencing the following symptoms:
- Body aches
- Fever
- Chills
- Body sweats
- Headache
- Lingering cough
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Exhaustion
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sore or scratchy throat
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Eye discomfort or pain
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV is a virus that many assume is only associated with children but it can also infect adults. RSV season varies and the Mayo Clinic describes this virus as an illness that affects the lungs and respiratory tract. While most cases resolve on their own, young children and older adults infected with RSV can sometimes get a more severe infection, and even develop pneumonia (in which case a chest x-ray may need to be completed).
The American Academy of Pediatrics explains that, “severe RSV disease occurs primarily in infants younger than 6 months during their first fall and winter season of life.”
Typical RSV symptoms include:
- Nasal congestion
- Cough
- Dry, scratchy, or sore throat
- Sneezing
- Headaches
- Fever
- Lack of appetite
- Exhaustion
- Difficulty breathing (in serious cases)
- Bluish skin (in serious cases)
COVID-19
Like flu A, flu B, and RSV, COVID affects the respiratory tract. Although, the CDC mentions that COVID spreads more easily. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, COVID symptoms may include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Chills
- Body aches
- Sudden loss of taste or smell
- Shortness of breath or labored breathing
- Sore or scratchy throat
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Unusual tiredness or fatigue
- Vomiting or nausea
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
Unlike other viruses included in the four-in-one test, the COVID-19 virus is unique in that people have reported a loss of taste and smell. Not only does COVID have that distinct symptom but Children’s Hospital Colorado also states that it does not affect children as severely as adults over 65.
What Do These Viruses Have in Common?
Since all of these illnesses share so many symptoms, it is obvious why came out with a test to diagnose RSV, COVID, and flu infections. As Labcorp explains, all four of these viruses include symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Chills
- Persistent cough
- Body aches or muscle aches
- Vomiting or nausea
- Tiredness
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
- Sore, scratchy throat
At-Home COVID Test Kits vs. The Rapid RT-PCR Test
As convenient as the COVID home tests have become, they are still an antigen test, which proves to be not as sensitive as the rapid RT-PCR test. The New York Times explains that rapid antigen tests are not “amplification tests” and they do not pick up on early traces of the virus.
The rapid RT-PCR tests, on the other hand, are highly sensitive laboratory tests and can pick up “minute traces” of the virus for accurate results even in the beginning stages of the virus. Not only that, but the rapid RT-PCR test can test for all four of the viruses it advertises, with just the same accuracy.
What To Do If You Have Symptoms
If you or someone you know is experiencing COVID, flu, or RSV symptoms, the best course of action is to get tested. Rapid Testing LLC offers curbside testing at Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine’s clinics in Colorado. The rapid RT-PCR test is available at all Advanced Urgent Care clinics. Click here for a list of locations and to schedule.
If feeling unwell, consider an in-clinic or telehealth visit with Advanced Urgent Care’s providers. Their clinics are located across the Denver metro area and are open 7 days a week. Click here for a full list of their locations.