As the fall season progresses, many of us here in the Northeast are enjoying the crisp air and beautiful foliage, and more family time together, it also means cold and flu season is upon us.
This year, earlier reports already predict a worse than average flu season, and COVID-19 continues to spin up a host of new Omicron subvariants, but now a surge in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases is sending children and adults rushing to their primary care physicians.
The Philadelphia region is feeling the impact of RSV and has begun to feel the impact of flu as well. RSV, flu, and COVID-19 have overlapping symptoms, which makes it hard to tell the difference among the infections without a test. COVID-19 rapid antigen tests can detect SARS-CoV-2. Many urgent care clinics have rapid tests for influenza and COVID-19. In addition to symptom management, antiviral medications are available for treatment of COVID-19 and influenza, but not for RSV.
RSV is a seasonal respiratory virus that causes a range of symptoms. It has arrived earlier than usual this fall. In babies and young children, RSV can cause bronchiolitis, which can be quite serious requiring hospitalization in a fraction of cases.
We encourage everyone to schedule your flu vaccine and COVID booster shot as soon as possible, ideally by mid-November.
myDoc Urgent Care is here to help you 7 days a week should you in need of testing, evaluation, or answering questions.
Center City
1420 Locust St Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: 215.800.1909
University City
3717 Chestnut St. Philadelphi, PA 19104
Phone: 215.921.8294
Temple University Main Campus
1501 N. Broad Street, Phila, PA 19122
Phone: 267.457.5553
Chinatown
1008 Arch St. Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: 267.881.9111
