COVID, RSV and the flu

COVID, RSV and the flu can be devastating to the immunocompromised, the young and the elderly. At Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic, we're here to help identify which, if any, of these respiratory illnesses is making you sick and identify the best treatment plan to bring you back to good health.

If you have COVID symptoms and need to get tested, visit one of our urgent care centers. To get a COVID vaccination, see your primary care provider.

What are COVID, RSV and flu?

Respiratory illnesses come in many forms, some more serious than others. However, COVID, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza, or the flu, can lead to coughing, fever, extreme fatigue, aching and even death.

What causes respiratory illnesses like COVID, RSV and the flu?

Respiratory illnesses are spread from person to person. An infected person may not even realize they’re carrying a disease but expel germs into the air through coughing, sneezing and even talking. As more people become infected, the disease has more carriers to spread the virus throughout the community.

Symptoms of COVID, RSV and the flu

Respiratory illnesses such as COVID, RSV and the flu often cause similar symptoms including:

• Cough
• Decreased appetite
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headaches
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Sore throat

Diagnosing COVID, RSV and the flu

Testing for COVID, RSV and the flu involves rapid antigen tests or molecular testing.

Rapid antigen testing

• Rely on fluid samples
• Quick, results in as little as an hour
• Less accurate, particularly when detecting low viral loads

Molecular testing

• Rely on genetic material of a virus
• More accurate with low viral loads
• Results may take longer

COVID, RSV and flu risk factors

Risk factors for respiratory illnesses like COVID, RSV and the flu include:

• Age
• Cancer
• Cerebrovascular disease
• Heart and blood disorders
• Autoimmune status
• Obesity and diabetes
• Genetic, neurologic or metabolic conditions
• Social exposure or an inability to isolate

Vaccination for COVID, RSV and the flu

Preventing respiratory illnesses involves maintaining good health, avoiding exposure where possible and getting routine vaccinations. Your Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic primary care provider can answer any questions you may have about which vaccines are right for you and your family.

COVID vaccine

We’re distributing Moderna COVID shots to anyone 6 months to 11 years of age and Pfizer COVID shots to anyone age 12 and older.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about getting vaccinated. And if you’re immunocompromised, see the CDC’s guidance for immunocompromised people for more information.

Atrium Health Floyd Primary Care Family Medicine locations throughout our community are offering the COVID vaccine to eligible people age 6 months and older. Contact your provider to schedule an appointment.

The COVID vaccine also is being given at Atrium Health Floyd Cherokee Medical Center Rural Health Clinic Cherokee. To make an appointment, call 256-927-4900.

RSV vaccine

Getting vaccinated against RSV can be lifesaving, especially for older adults, pregnant people and young children. The RSV vaccine for adults is an active immunization, which means it stimulates the immune system to fight RSV infection.

Flu vaccine

The flu vaccine lowers your chance of getting the flu and reduces your change of falling severely ill if you get the flu. Anyone 6 months of age or older, with a few exceptions, should get the yearly flu vaccine. Your doctor will tell you if it’s unsafe for you to get the flu vaccine.