Rapid RT-PCR Covid-19 Testing

Check-in
Menu

common allergies

Young woman suffering from cold

Strep Throat, Flu. COVID-19, or Allergies-Which is it?

, , ,

Let’s face it: Being sick is never fun or convenient. However, this time of year, being sick is even more challenging because diagnosing the specific illness isn’t always easy. From Strep Throat to the Flu, to COVID-19, or just everyday allergies, knowing what is keeping you down and how to treat it properly requires assistance.

In our latest blog article, we’ve put together an insightful resource to help you become more familiar with your illness, such as determining what it is and the best way to recover from it. Take a look!

What’s Got You Down?

As mentioned above, myriad illnesses often share similar symptoms, making it difficult to determine what is causing you to suffer and how to heal from it. In particular, Strep Throat, the Flu, COVID-19, and common allergies can all appear as one another. As such, we’ve broken down each ailment to offer you a better understanding.

Signs and symptoms of Strep Throat can include:

  • Throat pain that usually comes on quickly
  • Painful swallowing
  • Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
  • Tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth (soft or hard palate)
  • Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Rash
  • Nausea or vomiting, especially in younger children
  • Body aches

Strep Throat is treated with antibiotics and rest. 

People who have Flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

  • Fever or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue (tiredness)

Some people may also experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The Flu is treated with antiviral medications and supportive care. 

Possible COVID-19 symptoms include:

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms.

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

Difference between Flu and COVID-19:

Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2, and Flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. You cannot tell the difference between Flu and COVID-19 by symptoms alone because some of the symptoms are the same. 

What are common seasonal allergy symptoms?

  • Congestion
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
  • Runny nose and eyes
  • Post nasal drip (drainage in the throat)
  • Fatigue
  • Coughing

Allergies are treated with antihistamines, decongestants, and other medications. 

The only way to accurately diagnose and treat an illness is to see a healthcare provider, like Victoria ER. Our skilled, professional, and friendly team can conveniently test for Strep Throat, Flu, and COVID-19. Victoria ER 24-Hour Emergency Center is dedicated to providing our local community with access to fast and accurate testing at our facility 24/7. We offer 15 Minute Rapid COVID-19/FLU/STREP Testing & 2 Hour RT-PCR COVID-19 Testing with same-day results. 

Young businesswoman using a tissue while sneezing in the office.

April Showers Bring May Flowers . . . And Allergies!

As we welcome the arrival of spring, we also welcome the rainy days, new blooms, and fresh leaves. While the sight of blooming flowers and trees may be beautiful, it can also bring about a not-so-pleasant season for many—allergy season. Allergies can range from mild symptoms, such as sneezing, itching, hives, and watery eyes, to more severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis.

Victoria ER has a team of experienced physicians and nurses who can provide you with personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific allergy needs. We understand that a reaction can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, and we are committed to providing the best possible care.

Symptoms of Allergies

Allergies can present themselves in various forms, and the severity of symptoms can differ from person to person. Some common allergy symptoms include:

  • Sneezing
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Watery, itchy, or red eyes
  • Scratchy throat
  • Coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Hives or rash
  • Swelling of the face, throat, or tongue
  • Anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction that can cause breathing difficulties, a drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness)
  • Headaches/Migraines

Treatment for Allergies

If you are experiencing allergy symptoms, there are several steps you can take to alleviate them.

The first step is to identify the allergen causing the reaction and try to avoid it. Over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays can also help to relieve symptoms. For hives, rashes, or other skin-related allergies, a topical cream may be used. If your allergies are severe or persist despite taking over-the-counter medications, your healthcare provider may prescribe stronger medications or recommend immunotherapy.

If your allergy symptoms are interfering with your daily activities, it is best to see your healthcare provider. They can help identify the allergen and prescribe appropriate medications to manage your symptoms. If you have a history of severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider. Together, you should develop an emergency action plan.

When to Visit an Emergency Center

While most allergy symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter medications, severe allergic reactions can be life-threatening and require emergency medical attention. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek emergency care immediately:

  • Fever
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Wheezing
  • Rapid or weak pulse
  • Heart palpitations
  • Severe swelling of the face, throat, or tongue
  • Confusion
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Chest pain
  • Asthma attacks

At Victoria ER, we are equipped to handle severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. Our team of board-certified emergency physicians and nurses is available 24/7 to provide prompt and effective care. In fact, in previous blog articles, we’ve discussed the seriousness of allergic reactions—specifically, how you can identify and treat anaphylaxis, as well as when visiting the ER is necessary. Above all else, your health and safety are our main priorities.

In conclusion, as we enjoy the beauty of spring, it is essential to remember that allergies can also accompany this season. While mild allergy symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter medications, severe reactions require emergency medical attention. At Victoria ER, we are here to provide you with high-quality emergency care whenever you need it.

young child wearing mask

When is an Allergic Reaction an Emergency?

, , , , , ,

Today more than ever, allergies affect our kids’ health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) counts over 5.6 million kids as allergic to pollen and more than 4.8 million with food allergies. 

As parents, it’s up to us to be vigilant and keep our kids safe from anything that might cause a severe allergic reaction. More and more kids travel with an epinephrine auto-injector, or EpiPen, to keep a reaction under control. 

However, some reactions require much stronger treatments. Your child may need medical intervention if his or her allergy is too intense and triggers a life-threatening case of anaphylaxis, essentially a hypersensitivity reaction.

Common Allergens

wheat

One of the most common allergens is pollen. Also known as Hay Fever, this looks like a sneezing fit combined with an asthma attack. The floating spores make kids wheeze, itch, or experience some swelling in their mouth and throat, and possibly break out into a rash. 

The ragweed plant and its relatives, like chamomile, can also trigger intense allergic reactions. Pay attention to any plants that produce high amounts of pollen, have toxic leaves or flowers, or kill surrounding plants, as they tend to trigger reactions in kids sensitive to pollen. 

Wheat, dairy, eggs, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts can all trigger reactions after they’re eaten. Anything from an itchy throat to diarrhea and vomiting can be a sign that a child is allergic to a specific food.

You’ve likely heard horror stories about people who have allergies to bee stings, (about five percent of the population have abee deadly allergy to bee stings), but what about cockroaches? This common pest can cause asthma attacks. Dust mites, mosquitoes, bed bugs, and other common bugs can also cause redness, itchiness, and swelling.

When to see a doctor

Be aware of any symptoms in your child the moment he or she reports feeling ill. Your child may wheeze, feel an itchy mouth or throat, or develop a rash. Normally, you can treat these symptoms with over-the-counter medication. If symptoms don’t die down or appear to get worse after your child takes treatment, it’s time to go to the hospital. 

Extreme reactions may include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea 
  • Chest pain
  • Heart palpitations
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Extreme swelling in the face or throat

Tell your doctor about anything your child ate or may have touched before the reaction occurred. Also, let your doctor know if you have already tried an EpiPen or other medications. 

The staff at Victoria ER helps children manage allergic reactions 24/7, no matter what. If you ever feel your child may be in danger, come and see for assistance. In the meantime, have your child tested for any potential allergies and learn more about how to manage them from your pediatrician.