Respiratory Viruses (COVID, Flu, RSV)

Respiratory viruses are viruses that cause illnesses in the respiratory system. These illnesses share similar symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies. Each year, respiratory viruses such as , , and cause hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths during the fall and winter virus season.

Symptoms

Respiratory viruses may cause both upper respiratory tract symptoms (the vocal chords and above) and lower respiratory tract symptoms (below the vocal chords). Some viruses also affect the nose, throat and lungs, and can lead to serious lung infections, such as pneumonia.

Examples of respiratory virus symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Fatigue
  • Cough
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Decrease in appetite
  • Sore Throat
  • Vomiting
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Headache, muscle or body aches
  • Diarrhea
  • Weakness

If you have an emergency warning sign (like trouble breathing or chest pain), seek emergency medical care immediately.

Respiratory Illness Infographic

What to do when you test positive for COVID-19, Flu, RSV

AUCC has adopted CDC’s COVID-19 guidelines, please follow the general guidance below:

  • Individuals who test positive for COVID will self-isolate for 2 days (from the day you test positive, or day symptoms began).
  • Individuals can resume normal activities once their symptoms have improved and are fever-free — without fever-reducing medications for at least 24 hours.
  • Individuals must take added precaution over the next 5 days (such as wearing a mask) when around others in doors.
  • Report your positive test results by completing the

What to do when you are sick

CDC when people get sick with a respiratory virus (COVID-19, flu, RSV) that they stay home and away from others.

  • You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours:
    • Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
    • You have not had a fever (and are not using fever reducing medication).
  • When you go back to your normal activities, take added precaution over the next 5 days, such as , , and/or when you will be around other people indoors.

Preventing Respiratory Viruses

Respiratory Illness Infographic

CDC recommends that people use core prevention strategies. These are important steps you can take to protect yourself and others:

  • Staying to protect people against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. This includes flu, COVID-19, and RSV if eligible.
  • Practicing good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
  • Taking steps for cleaner air, such as bringing in more fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors.

Resources for free individual COVID-19 test

Pre-registration for testing at the kiosks is not required but is available at . There is no out-of-pocket cost for tests provided through a DPH kiosk, but for those individuals with insurance, their insurance will be billed for the test.

A map of kiosk locations and a short video about using the kiosks can be found at . Free test kits are also available statewide at county health departments.

Please use this link to get your Free at Home Covid Test Kits .

 Pharmacies and Clinics near AUCC for Immunizations

Neighborhood Union Health Center Walmart Pharmacy CVS Pharmacy
186 Sunset Avenue NW
Atlanta GA 30314
835 M.L.K. Jr Dr NW
Atlanta, GA 30314
895 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW
Atlanta, GA 30310
770-520-7351 404-460-2703 404-755-1511
8:30-5PM, Mon-Friday
(closed Sat and Sun)
9AM-7PM, Mon-Sat
10AM-6PM, Sun
9AM-9PM, Mon-Sat
10AM-9PM, Sun
(closes 1:30-2PM for lunch)

CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What if I need a medical appointment after normal office hours?

    SHWC has extended hours of operation on Monday and Wednesday until 8pm. Students can contact SWHC at 404-756-1241 to schedule an appointment.

    Schedule COVID-19 Telehealth visit

  • What if I have a medical issue after SHWC is closed?

    Students can contact a SHWC after hours nurse line for assistance at 404-756-1241.

  • What to do if I Have a Non-Life-Threatening Medical Problem?
    • Student should contact SHWC after hours line for guidance at 404-756-1241 or
    • Student may seek medication attention at nearest urgent care facility
    • Symptoms that can be evaluated and treated at an urgent care clinic include:
      • Fever without a rash
      • Vomiting or persistent diarrhea
      • Abdominal pain
      • Wheezing or shortness of breath
      • Dehydration
      • Moderate flu-like symptoms
  • When should I call emergency services 911?
    • Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if your illness is severe or you are at high risk.
    • Seek medical attention if you have any of the signs below:
      • Trouble breathing
      • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
      • New confusion
      • Inability to wake or stay awake
      • Pale, gray, or blue colored skim, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
  • Where can I find COVID-19 testing outside of the SHWC?

    For COVID-19 Testing through the

  • Where can I seek urgent care services?

    Urgent Care

    Address

    Contact

    Hours

    450 14th Street NW Atlanta, GA 30318

    (404) 480-9797

    Mon-Fri & Sat. Sun

    8:00 am - 8:00 pm

    1220 Caroline Street Suite A-230 Atlanta, GA 30307

    (678) 710-3980

     

    Mon-Fri & Sat. Sun

    8:00 am - 8:00 pm

    1025 Veterans Memorial Hwy SE #720 Mableton, GA 30126

    (770) 732-0720

     

    Mon-Fri & Sat. Sun

    8:00 am - 8:00 pm

    882 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

    (770) 809-3034

     

    Mon-Fri & Sat. Sun

    7:00 am - 7:00 pm

    2292 Peachtree Rd, Atlanta, GA 30309

    (404) 996-0120

     

    Mon-Fri & Sat. Sun

    8:00 am - 8:00 pm

    3515 Camp Creek Pkwy East Point, GA 30344

    (404) 344-7337

     

    Mon-Fri & Sat 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Sun 8:00 am-5:00 pm

    2140 Peachtree Rd NW #232, Atlanta, GA 30309

    (678) 805-7425

     

    Mon-Thurs 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Friday 8:00am-7:00 pm

    Sat & Sun 9:00 am -6:00 pm

    2429 MLK Jr Dr SW CVS Pharmacy Atlanta, GA 30311

    (404) 691-3344

     

    Mon-Fri 8:00 am - 1:30 pm | 2:30 pm - 6:30 pm            

    Sat 9:00 am - 1:30 pm | 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm       

    Sun 9:00 am - 1:30 pm | 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm

    1170 Cleveland Ave Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30344

    (404) 466-7900

     

    Mon-Fri & Sat. Sun

    7:00 am - 7:300 pm

    3730 Carmia Drive SW Suite 110 Atlanta, GA 30331

    (404) 344-7286

     

    Mon-Fri & Sat. Sun

    8:00 am - 7:30 pm

    3580 Atlanta Ave, Hapeville, GA 30354

    (404) 768-3351

     

    Open 24 hours