Convenient & Reliable COVID-19 Testing in Laredo, TX
Residents of Laredo, Texas, have long depended on VitalMed Urgent Care for non-emergency health care, and we’re proud to add COVID-19 testing to our ever-expanding list of services. Whether you’re concerned that you might have been exposed to an infected individual or you need to test negative before you can return to work, you can feel confident turning to the qualified medical providers at our urgent care center.
What Exactly Is COVID-19?
The term “COVID-19” is short for the novel coronavirus 2019, a brand-new strain of a highly contagious respiratory virus that is currently spreading like wildfire around the world. COVID-19 symptoms can vary widely. Some people are completely unaware that they are infected, while others experience only mild and short-lived discomfort, such as a low-grade fever or dry cough. Even so, the long-term effects of COVID-19 are not yet known.
What’s more, certain individuals have a heightened risk of developing serious and potentially life-threatening complications of COVID-19, such as respiratory distress and pneumonia. Those especially at risk include older adults and anyone who has a certain underlying health condition, such as lung disease, heart disease or diabetes.
The symptoms of COVID-19 can include:
- Fever and chills
- Persistent coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Body aches
- Headache
- A sore throat
- A new loss of taste or smell
Our COVID-19 Testing Procedure
To test you for COVID-19, we can perform a relatively simple nasal swab (the same procedure we use to test for flu). A provider will ask you to tilt your head slightly back, then he or she will insert a special swab (a long stick with a soft brush at one end) into one of your nostrils. After twirling the swab a few times to help ensure the collection of an adequate sample of your nasal and throat secretions, the provider will remove the swab from your nostril, place it in a labeled vial and possibly repeat the process in your other nostril. Your sample will then be sent to a lab for evaluation, and your results should be available within 1-3 days.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to accept walk-in patients who need treatment for a non-life-threatening illness or injury. For more information about our COVID-19 testing and other services, contact VitalMed Urgent Care in Laredo, TX, today.
