Coronavirus Symptoms: Do You Need Urgent Care?

The COVID-19 pandemic took the world by storm and quickly became one of the fastest and potentially deadly viruses the public has seen in decades. During the early stages, it overwhelmed hospitals and medical facilities everywhere.

Now that more is known about the virus and safe and highly effective treatments have emerged, there’s no need to rush to the emergency room or hospital if you or a loved one suddenly develops symptoms or suspects they have the virus.

Solar Urgent Care urges anyone with suspected a fever, cough, headache and loss of taste or smell or other symptoms to stop by for quick and effective coronavirus testing and treatment at their earliest convenience. We are here to provide the quality of medical care and support you need during a health crisis.

Please review the following information on Coronavirus symptoms and how to know when it’s appropriate to get urgent care for COVID-19.

• Going to the ER or Urgent Care During COVID-19
• Emergency Care and When to Seek It
• In the Case of Non Life-Threatening Symptoms, What Should You Do?
• Do Urgent Care Centers Prescribe COVID Medications?
• Is it Possible to Get the New COVID-19 Pills and How Do They Work?
• What Covid Test Does Urgent Care Use?
• Urgent Care for COVID-19 Nearest You

Going to the ER or Urgent Care During COVID-19

To many, COVID feels worse than the flu and symptoms may seem worse before they get better. Even if your COVID symptoms don’t seem too serious or if you’re unsure if they are, it’s best to head to Solar Urgent Care to discuss your symptoms with one of our medical providers for immediate testing/diagnosis and treatment.

In most cases, patients with mild COVID symptoms can manage their health at home with lots of rest, self-care, and over-the-counter medicines. When managing COVID symptoms at home, follow all doctors orders and the CDC’s social distancing guidelines to help protect your loved ones from the illness.

Emergency Care and When to Seek It

However, if you experience signs that indicate you symptoms are more severe and related to COVID-19, you should head to the nearest emergency department.

If you or a loved one experience any of the following Coronavirus symptoms, head to the nearest emergency room.

• Chest pain
• Pressure and discomfort in the chest
• Trouble breathing
• Lethargy
• Bluish lips or facial coloring
• Confusion

Although COVID affects everyone differently, and the risk of serious complications varies per individual, the following risk factors make severe and life-threatening medical concerns more likely.

• Obesity
• Asthma
• Kidney disease
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Cancer
• High Blood Pressure
• Autoimmune disorders
• Pregnancy
• Sickle cell disease
• Diabetes
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD

It’s important to seek out treatment early on to prevent additional complications.

In the Case of Non-Life-Threatening Symptoms, What Should You Do?

In the event of non life-threatening symptoms, there’s nothing wrong with heading to the urgent care for COVID-19 if they become difficult to manage or worse. In fact, we encourage you to visit our clinic any time you experience urgent health concerns or medical issues, besides COVID like the following:

• Cuts and lacerations
• Allergies
• Sprains or strains
• Headaches
• Coughing
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sunburn and other skin irritations
• Mild burns
• Broken bones
• Fever
• Pink eye
• Sinus infections
• Ear and throat infections
• Chronic pain
• Autoimmune flare ups

Before you pay us a visit, check out our hours of operation on our website and don’t forget to isolate to protect others from possible infection until you know for sure the nature of your condition.

Do Urgent Care Centers Prescribe COVID-19 Medications?

Many are not aware, but yes, urgent care centers do offer COVID medications for patients with mild to moderate symptoms. Currently, two medications Paxlovid and Lageviro are the only two FDA-approved medications that can prevent people from developing severe symptoms and complications. There are also monoclonal antibodies available by intravenous therapy.

These antiviral medications are no substitute for COVID vaccines, nor are they provided to everyone. However, individuals with weakened immune systems, certain medical conditions or advanced age have a higher risk for complications and poor outcomes may benefit from antiviral medications used to treat COVID. For the best outcome, these medications must be taken within a few days of symptom development.

Is It Possible to Get the New COVID-19 Pills and How Do They Work?

Paxolvid and Lagevrio are antiviral COVID-19 pills that can significantly decrease the risk of hospitalization and death for those with severe symptoms and high risk individuals. However, Paxlovid is the standard and is suitable for patients 12 years and older. Treatment requires patients to take the medication three times a day for several days. Lagevrio is not suitable for patients under the age of 18. Lagevrio treatment requires individuals to take several capsules, twice a day for several days.

The risk of hospitalization and death is significantly reduced when these medications are taken during the earliest stages of a COVID-19 infection.

What Covid-19 Test Does Urgent Care Use?

Solar Urgent Care offers both PCR and rapid antigen testing for COVID-19. PCR tests are available for anyone who is asymptomatic but needs testing because of recent exposure, work, school or travel. PCR tests are quick and easy and results are available within 24 hours. Both tests are FAA approved for airline travel. Rapid antigen testing is reserved for patients with suspected COVID-19 symptoms. Results are available within 15 minutes.

All urgent care COVID-19 tests are performed on a walk in basis. All you have to do is head to Oxnard location when it’s convenient for you! Masks are required to help protect patients and staff and prevent the spread of infection.

Urgent Care for COVID-19 Nearest You

If you or a loved one is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, look no further than Solar Urgent Care in Oxnard. We offer fast and convenient COVID-19 testing and treatment and utilize the CDC’s sanitation and spread prevention guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are a few common questions we receive about urgent care COVID-19.

How can I protect others from my symptoms?

Individuals with symptoms should wear a mask, wash their hands with soap and water and maintain a distance of six feet or greater to prevent spreading the infection to others. COVID-19 vaccines are also available to minimize the risk and severity of infection.

When do symptoms start?

COVID-19 symptoms can start any time within two to 14 days after the most recent exposure.

How long do COVID-19 symptoms last?

Symptoms on average last one to two weeks. Some people may experience symptoms longer.

How can I manage my symptoms?

Mild symptoms can be managed with over the counter pain and cold medications. If these offer little to no relief, prescription antiviral treatment is available at our urgent care for COVID-19.

Solar Urgent Care provides COVID-10 testing, treatment and other medical services for urgent health and medical issues. No appointment is necessary and all services are available on a walk-in basis. No matter your medical concerns, we go above and beyond to provide immediate care and treatment to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy. Visit our Oxnard locations today!