COVID-19 Symptoms, Rapid Testing, and Treatment in Dearborn Heights: A Clear Guide
What Is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. It spreads mainly through tiny droplets and particles people breathe out when they talk, cough, sneeze, or simply breathe. Those particles can linger in the air, especially in crowded indoor spaces with poor airflow.
Like the flu, the COVID-19 virus keeps changing. New versions, called variants, appear over time. That is why COVID-19 vaccines are updated and why you can catch COVID more than once.
For many people today, COVID-19 feels like a cold or a mild flu. For others, especially adults 65 and older and people with chronic health conditions, it can still lead to pneumonia, hospitalization, or symptoms that last for months.
COVID-19 in Dearborn Heights: Year-Round, With Winter Waves
COVID-19 can spread in Dearborn Heights and across Wayne County at any time of year, with waves that often line up with the colder months, when people gather indoors for school, work, and the holidays. If you live with or care for older parents, grandparents, or anyone with a chronic health condition, knowing quickly whether you have COVID-19 helps you protect them.
COVID-19 Symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms can range from barely noticeable to severe. Common symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Loss of taste or smell happens less often than it did earlier in the pandemic, but it still points more toward COVID-19 than flu or RSV.
How soon do COVID symptoms start?
Symptoms can appear anywhere from 2 to 14 days after exposure. With recent variants, many people notice symptoms within a few days.
How long is COVID contagious?
People with COVID-19 can spread the virus a day or two before symptoms start and are usually most contagious in the first several days of illness. Some people, especially those with weakened immune systems, can spread it for longer.
The CDC's current guidance for COVID-19, flu, and RSV is the same: stay home and away from others until you have gone at least 24 hours without a fever (without fever-reducing medicine) and your symptoms are improving overall. For the next 5 days, take extra steps like wearing a mask, washing your hands, keeping distance from others, and improving airflow indoors. You may still be able to spread the virus during that time.
COVID, Flu, or RSV? Why a Test Is Worth It
COVID-19, flu, and RSV cause many of the same symptoms, and a provider cannot tell them apart just by looking at you. Each one has a different treatment path:
- COVID-19 has antivirals that should start within 5 to 7 days of symptoms
- Flu has antivirals that work best within 2 days
- RSV does not have a routine antiviral, so care focuses on symptoms and watching breathing
A quick test answers the question so you and your provider can act on it. See our complete guide, Flu vs. RSV vs. COVID-19: How to Tell the Difference, for a side-by-side comparison.
Rapid COVID Testing at The Heights Urgent Care
The Heights Urgent Care offers walk-in COVID-19 testing around the clock at our clinic on Telegraph Road in Dearborn Heights. Your provider can also test for flu, RSV, and strep throat during the same visit. Learn more about our general illness care and diagnostics and lab services.
What to expect
- Walk in anytime. No appointment needed. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including overnight and weekends.
- Brief exam. Your provider asks about your symptoms and exposures and checks your vital signs, including your oxygen level.
- Nasal swab. It takes a few seconds.
- Results in minutes. Rapid results are typically ready in about 15 minutes.
- Next steps. If you are positive, your provider will talk through treatment options, symptom relief, and how to protect the people around you. On-site prescriptions are available.
Rapid Antigen Tests vs. PCR Tests
There are two main kinds of COVID-19 tests:
- Rapid antigen tests look for proteins from the virus. They give results in about 15 to 30 minutes. A positive result is very reliable. A negative result is less certain, especially in the first day or two of symptoms.
- PCR (molecular) tests look for the virus's genetic material. They are more sensitive and can pick up smaller amounts of virus. Depending on the test, results may take longer.
If you have symptoms and a negative rapid test at home, the FDA recommends testing again 48 hours later. Or you can walk into The Heights, where your provider can decide which test gives you the clearest answer.
When should you get a COVID test?
- As soon as you have symptoms
- About 5 days after a known exposure, if you do not have symptoms
- Before visiting someone who is high risk, like a newborn, an older relative, or someone going through cancer treatment
- When you need documentation for work, school, or travel
COVID-19 Treatment Options
Antiviral Medications
Antiviral medicines can lower the chance that COVID-19 becomes severe in people who are more likely to get very sick. According to the CDC, options include:
- Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir with ritonavir): Pills taken at home for adults and children 12 and older. Must be started within 5 days of symptom onset.
- Lagevrio (molnupiravir): Pills taken at home for adults. Must be started within 5 days of symptom onset.
- Veklury (remdesivir): An IV treatment given over 3 days at a healthcare facility. Can be started within 7 days of symptom onset.
People who may benefit most include adults 65 and older (especially 75 and older), people who are not up to date on COVID-19 vaccines, and people with conditions like diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, obesity, or a weakened immune system. Paxlovid can interact with some common medications, so bring a list of what you take to your visit.
Home care for COVID-19
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids
- Use over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers as directed
- Try honey (for anyone over 1 year old), warm drinks, or throat lozenges for a sore throat and cough
- Keep an eye on your breathing
- If you are having trouble staying hydrated, ask about IV hydration therapy at The Heights
Long COVID
Some people have symptoms that last weeks or months after the infection clears. This is called Long COVID. Common symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, and a fast heartbeat. Staying up to date on vaccines lowers the risk of Long COVID. If you still do not feel like yourself a month after COVID-19, follow up with a healthcare provider.
COVID-19 Vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines are updated regularly to better match the strains that are spreading. Protection from a vaccine or a past infection fades over time, which is why an updated dose is recommended.
Who should get a COVID-19 vaccine?
COVID-19 vaccine recommendations have changed in recent seasons. Current CDC guidance says COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for people 6 months and older based on individual decision-making, meaning a conversation between you and your healthcare provider about your own risks and benefits. Vaccination is considered especially important for:
- Adults 65 and older
- People with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems
- People who are pregnant (talk with your OB provider)
COVID vaccines at The Heights
Availability of the current season's COVID-19 vaccine can vary, so call The Heights Urgent Care at (313) 768-5446 before you come in. Our providers can answer questions about timing, eligibility, and insurance coverage, and you can get your flu shot on a walk-in basis 24/7. Visit our
preventive care and vaccinations page for more.
Can I get my COVID and flu shots at the same time?
Yes. The CDC says it is safe to get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine at the same visit. Many people find it easier to get both at once.
Common side effects
Sore arm, tiredness, headache, muscle aches, and a low fever are common for a day or two after a COVID-19 vaccine. Serious side effects are rare.
When to Go to the ER
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you or someone you care for has:
- Trouble breathing
- Pain or pressure in the chest that will not go away
- New confusion
- Trouble waking up or staying awake
- Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds
COVID-19 FAQs
Where can I get a rapid COVID test in Dearborn Heights?
The Heights Urgent Care at 3925 S Telegraph Rd offers walk-in rapid COVID-19 testing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No appointment is needed, and results are typically ready in about 15 minutes.
Can I get a COVID test in the middle of the night in Dearborn Heights?
Yes. The Heights Urgent Care never closes, so you can walk in for a COVID-19 test overnight, on weekends, or on holidays.
How soon after exposure should I test for COVID?
If you do not have symptoms, testing about 5 days after exposure gives the most useful result. If symptoms start, test right away.
Can a rapid COVID test be wrong?
A positive rapid test is very reliable. A negative test can miss an early infection. If you have symptoms and test negative, test again in 48 hours or see a provider for a more sensitive test.
How long does COVID last?
Most people with mild COVID-19 feel better within a week or two. Cough and fatigue can linger longer. Symptoms lasting more than a month should be checked by a provider.
Who can get Paxlovid?
Paxlovid is for adults and children 12 and older who have mild to moderate COVID-19 and are at higher risk of severe illness. It must be started within 5 days of symptom onset. A provider will review your medications before prescribing it.
Is COVID still dangerous?
For most healthy people, COVID-19 is now usually a mild illness. It can still be serious for older adults, people with chronic conditions, and people with weakened immune systems. Testing, treatment, and vaccination help lower that risk.
When can I go back to work after COVID?
You can return once you have gone at least 24 hours without a fever (without fever-reducing medicine) and your symptoms are improving overall. Take extra precautions, like wearing a mask, for the next 5 days.
Walk In Anytime for COVID Testing
A quick test turns guessing into a plan. Walk in anytime to The Heights Urgent Care in Dearborn Heights for rapid COVID-19 testing, same-day treatment decisions, and answers to your vaccine questions. We are open 24/7, and no appointment is needed.
The Heights Urgent Care (Open 24/7)
3925 S Telegraph Rd, Dearborn Heights, MI 48125
(313) 768-5446
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No appointment needed. Located on Telegraph Road and serving Dearborn Heights,
Garden City, Taylor, Inkster, Westland, and Dearborn.
Or walk into the nearest MedCare Urgent Care near you:
MedCare Urgent Care Wyandotte (Open 24/7)
1400 Eureka Rd, Wyandotte, MI 48192
(734) 888-4454
'
MedCare Urgent Care 7 Mile
26611 7 Mile, Redford Township, MI 48240
(313) 300-2549
Mon to Fri: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm | Sat to Sun: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
MedCare Urgent Care Redford
23405 Plymouth Rd, Redford Township, MI 48239
(313) 694-3101
Mon to Fri: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm | Sat to Sun: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
MedCare Urgent Care Eastpointe
18621 E 9 Mile Rd, Eastpointe, MI 48021
(586) 944-0099
Mon to Fri: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm | Sat to Sun: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. COVID-19 vaccine recommendations may change. Talk with a provider at The Heights Urgent Care or your primary care doctor about what is right for you.
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