COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19, or Coronavirus, is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The outbreak of this virus began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and had a significant impact on public health worldwide.

COVID-19 symptoms may range from mild to severe and usually appear two to fourteen days after exposure. Some of the most common signs include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

It is diagnosed through the collection of respiratory specimens by a swab test. Although no specific antiviral treatment exists for this disease, pain relievers, medication, and lifestyle changes may help deal with the symptoms.

Preventing the spread of COVID-19 involves personal and community actions that range from wearing masks, regularly disinfecting hands and surfaces, vaccinating, and especially keeping a social distance when infected.

Early diagnosis and social distancing are highly encouraged to prevent this virus's transmission. At Carolina Urgent Care, we provide our patients with all the needed lab and screening tools for a concise diagnosis. Our walk-in clinics allow you and your family to receive medical attention without waiting for an appointment.

If you’d like to be tested for COVID-19 or any other condition, please visit our facilities or call us for any inquiry. 

COVID-19 is spread through tiny liquid particles from an infected person's sneezing, coughing, breathing, and speaking. Due to its highly contagious nature, this virus can affect anyone regardless of their age, sex, or health status.

People with correlated health issues like cardiovascular problems or respiratory conditions are more likely to suffer from COVID-19 complications. These may range from acute respiratory syndromes to pneumonia, kidney failure, and death.

To stop the spreading of COVID-19, infected people are greatly encouraged to stay home even if no symptoms appear. 

COVID-19 symptoms may vary from person to person depending on their age and overall state. Some of these symptoms usually don’t require intense medical attention other than over-the-counter pain relievers and avoiding strenuous activities. The most common signs of this virus include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

More severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, speech loss, confusion, mobility, or chest pain, require immediate medical attention.  

If you are experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms, we recommend you get tested. 

Getting medical attention promptly and identifying this virus is crucial to avoid further complications and stop its spreading. You should also look to be tested for COVID-19 if:

• You have been in close contact with an infected person: COVID-19 is highly contagious and can easily spread through the transmission of saliva droplets. If you have been in touch with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus, it is recommended to be tested to identify contagion.
• You need medical proof to miss school or work: To take some days off from school or work and isolate yourself, you may be asked to provide a COVID-19 test. 
• Due to flight restrictions: Some specific airlines and destinations may ask you to provide a recent COVID-19 test.

We understand that having your test results available as soon as possible is crucial to start with a treatment plan or to continue with your responsibilities.

Carolina Urgent Care offers lab testing for COVID-19 and other diseases without needing an appointment. 

Carolina Urgent Care offers multiple kinds of tests for different needs:

Rapid Antigen Test

Rapid antigen test is performed on individuals with or without symptoms of COVID-19 by collecting a sample with a nasal swab. This type of test targets the virus's protein to provide quick results that work best when administered at the peak of infection.

These tests are especially helpful when you need a prompt diagnosis. Rapid antigen tests, however, can’t detect asymptomatic cases as accurately as a PCR Test.  

PCR Test

PCR tests, although similar in procedure to rapid antigen detection, offer more accurate results since it focuses on identifying the genetic material from the virus. Once it is performed, the final results may take up to 24 hours.

Our team will make sure to guide you through the available tests and help you choose the best one, depending on your specific needs and symptoms. 

The process to be tested for COVID-19 at Carolina Urgent Care is as follows:

• Personal information: Your doctor may ask you to provide information regarding your habits, lifestyle, medical history, current medications or treatments, and family history. This will be crucial to identify if you risk developing complications due to COVID-19. 
• Sample collection: One of our team members will collect a sample of your nasal fluids by inserting a cotton swab through your nose. 
• Analyzing the results: Depending on the type of test performed, your results will be available within a couple of minutes or by the next day.

No matter the type of test you choose to undergo, all our diagnostic procedures are completely confidential and conducted with discretion.

If you have a positive test result for COVID-19, we will provide you with tips on how to manage your symptoms and isolate while infected. While you await your results, remember to keep preventative measures like wearing a mask, washing your hands, disinfecting surfaces constantly, and keeping social distance.

Our doctors will provide you with tips on the best way to manage your symptoms. If your symptoms persist or worsen, you can always contact us or visit our walk-in clinics without needing an appointment. 

If you or a loved one have COVID-19-related symptoms, our team at Carolina Urgent Care is ready to welcome you. Let us help you recover your health.

Don’t hesitate to contact us. You can visit our clinics in Chapel Hill, Durham, or schedule an appointment online.