Urgent care centers address immediate medical needs that are not life-threatening. They offer a convenient alternative to emergency rooms for conditions requiring prompt attention, providing walk-in services and extended hours. Urgent care fills a distinct role by bridging the gap between primary care physicians and emergency departments.
COVID Testing at Urgent Care
Urgent care facilities offer several types of COVID-19 tests for diagnostic purposes. Rapid antigen tests detect specific viral proteins and provide results quickly, usually within 15 to 30 minutes. While faster, antigen tests may have a higher chance of false negative results, especially if symptoms have been present for more than five days.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests are also widely offered and are considered more accurate for detecting the virus’s genetic material. PCR test results typically take 24 to 48 hours, though rapid PCR tests can yield results in about 30 minutes. These diagnostic tests are crucial for confirming an active infection, guiding treatment, and helping prevent further spread. Some urgent care centers also offer antibody tests, which determine if someone has been previously exposed to the virus, though these do not confirm current infection.
Managing COVID Symptoms
Urgent care centers manage mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms. Healthcare providers assess symptoms, monitor vital signs, and offer guidance for at-home care. This includes recommendations for rest, hydration, and using over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to alleviate fever and body aches.
For eligible individuals, urgent care centers may prescribe antiviral medications, such as Paxlovid or molnupiravir. These oral treatments help fight the virus, reduce symptom severity, and shorten illness duration. To be most effective, these medications typically need to be started within five days of symptom onset, particularly for individuals at higher risk of severe illness. Providers review a patient’s medical history and current medications to determine eligibility and ensure safe prescribing, as some antivirals can interact with other drugs.
When to Seek Urgent Care for COVID
Seeking urgent care for COVID-19 is appropriate when symptoms are concerning but not life-threatening. Common reasons include persistent fever, a worsening cough, general fatigue, body aches, sore throat, or congestion.
Urgent care is also a suitable option if there is concern about recent exposure to someone with COVID-19 and a need for testing. This allows for timely diagnosis and guidance on isolation to prevent further transmission. It is recommended to contact the urgent care center ahead of time to inform them of potential COVID-19 symptoms, allowing them to prepare for the visit and maintain safety protocols.
When to Go Elsewhere
Certain severe COVID-19 symptoms indicate a medical emergency requiring immediate attention at an emergency room (ER). Urgent care facilities are not equipped to handle life-threatening conditions. If symptoms escalate rapidly or become severe, seeking emergency medical care is necessary.
Symptoms that necessitate an ER visit include significant difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, especially if it feels like working hard to breathe. Persistent chest pain or pressure is another serious indicator that requires emergency evaluation. New confusion, an inability to wake up or stay awake, or a bluish or dusky discoloration of the skin, lips, or nail beds are signs of dangerously low oxygen levels and require immediate emergency care.