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COVID-19 Testing Specialist

Southwest Urgent Care

Southwest Urgent Care

Internal Medicine & Urgent Care located in Chicago, Evergreen Park, IL & Oak Lawn, IL

If you suspect you have contracted the COVID-19 virus, confirm your diagnosis so you can care for yourself and reduce the risk of spreading the virus. At the first sign of breathing problems, fever, sore throat, cough, or nasal congestion, consider COVID-19 testing at the Southwest Urgent Care’s location in Oak Lawn, Illinois. The office is open from 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday. Call the office at (708) 262-9975 or book an appointment online for COVID-19 testing today.

COVID-19 Testing Q & A

What is COVID-19 testing?

COVID-19 testing is a type of diagnostic test that lets you and your doctor know if you are infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. There are several types of COVID-19 testing available at Southwest Urgent Care’s Oak Lawn location. 

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Common symptoms associated with COVID-19, which can range in severity from mild to severe or even life-threatening, include:

  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Headaches
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea or vomiting

Symptoms can appear within 2-14 days after being exposed to the COVID-19 virus. If you suspect you have COVID-19, see the Southwest Urgent Care providers for COVID-19 testing.

What are the different types of COVID-19 testing?

Types of COVID-19 testing your provider might recommend include:

Rapid tests

Rapid COVID-19 testing is a diagnostic that can determine if you have an active coronavirus infection. To administer the test, your medical provider swabs the inside of your nose or the back of your throat. You can usually receive results the same day, in as little as 15-30 minutes in some cases.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests

During PCR tests, or molecular tests, your Southwest Urgent Care specialist swabs the inside of your nose or back of your throat to determine if you’re currently infected with COVID-19. You can expect to receive the results in as little as 24-48 hours.

Antibody tests

A COVID-19 antibody test lets you know if you’ve had COVID-19 in the past and if your body has developed antibodies to protect against contracting the virus in the future. Your provider uses a sample of blood (a finger stick or blood draw) to complete antibody tests. You may receive your results the same day or within 1-3 days.

What if I test positive for COVID-19?

If you test positive for COVID-19 or you suspect you have it, take precautions to avoid spreading the illness to other people. Isolate yourself as best you can until your doctor says you’re no longer contagious.

Wear a mask when around other people, wash your hands often, and take good care of yourself at home. Drink plenty of fluids, eat nutritious foods, and get a lot of rest. Keep your fever under control as directed by your doctor. Call Southwest Urgent Care if you have difficulty breathing or experience other severe symptoms.

Don’t let COVID-19 go undetected and untreated. Consider COVID-19 testing at Southwest Urgent Care’s Oak Lawn location. Call the office at (708) 262-9975 or book a COVID-19 test online today.