Is It the Flu, COVID, RSV—or Something Else? Why Your Symptoms Can’t Always Tell You

Fever. Cough. Body aches. Fatigue.

You may think you know what you have.

“It’s probably the flu.”

“It’s probably just a virus.”

“Everyone at work has COVID, so that's probably what I have.”

But respiratory illnesses can look remarkably similar—and symptoms alone don't always tell the whole story.

At Memorial Heights Emergency Center in Houston, our goal isn't to make decisions based on a hunch. When clinically appropriate, our emergency physicians can use advanced BIOFIRE® SPOTFIRE® PCR testing to look for multiple common respiratory pathogens and provide results in approximately 15 minutes.

Different illnesses can cause very similar symptoms

Influenza, COVID-19, RSV, rhinovirus and other respiratory infections can share symptoms such as:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Congestion or runny nose
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Decreased appetite

That overlap can make it difficult to determine what's causing an illness based on symptoms alone.

And sometimes the more important question isn't simply “What virus do I have?”

It's “Is there anything else going on?”

Shortness of breath, chest pain, dehydration, persistent high fever, confusion, severe weakness or symptoms that are rapidly worsening can warrant emergency evaluation.

Don't guess. Get answers.

The BIOFIRE SPOTFIRE Respiratory/Sore Throat Panel uses multiplex PCR technology to test for up to 15 respiratory and sore-throat pathogen targets, depending on the testing menu selected. Results can be available in approximately 15 minutes.

That can include common respiratory pathogens such as influenza A and B, RSV, rhinovirus/enterovirus, adenovirus, human metapneumovirus, parainfluenza virus, seasonal coronavirus and several bacterial pathogens.

Testing is ordered based on your symptoms, examination and the clinical judgment of your physician.

For a closer look at the platform itself, read our BIOFIRE® SPOTFIRE® testing overview — the technology authority page behind these answers.

Worried About the Cost? Don't Let That Keep You From Getting Care.

If you're sick or concerned about your symptoms, don't let an expensive copay keep you from seeking the care you need.

At Memorial Heights Emergency Center, we're going to take care of you regardless. Under our patient-friendly billing policy, we do not collect a copay at the time of your visit. We'll work with your insurance company on your claim and help navigate the billing process with the goal of keeping your financial responsibility as manageable as possible.

Your health comes first. Come in, let us take care of you, and let's focus on getting you better.

Insurance benefits, coverage and patient financial responsibility vary by health plan and services provided. Memorial Heights Emergency Center is an out-of-network freestanding emergency medical care facility. Please see our Insurance Information page for complete billing disclosures.

More than a swab

There is an important difference between simply obtaining a respiratory test and receiving an emergency medical evaluation.

If your physician is concerned that something more serious may be occurring, Memorial Heights Emergency Center has additional diagnostic resources available on site.

That means your evaluation doesn't necessarily end with the result of a swab.

When should you seek emergency care?

Seek prompt emergency evaluation for symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, blue or gray lips or skin, confusion, severe dehydration, fainting, significant lethargy, or rapidly worsening symptoms.

If you're simply unsure whether your symptoms require emergency care, don't let a home diagnosis substitute for medical evaluation when you're concerned.

Feeling sick? Don't make your next health decision based on a hunch.

Get evaluated. Get tested when appropriate. Get answers.

Memorial Heights Emergency Center is located at 4000 Washington Avenue, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77007 and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.

BIOFIRE SPOTFIRE testing is performed when clinically appropriate and does not test for every possible cause of respiratory illness. A positive or negative result must be interpreted by a healthcare professional in the context of the patient's symptoms and clinical evaluation.

Don't Guess. Get Answers.

Sick? Don't guess. Get answers. Advanced PCR testing. Results in about 15 minutes. Emergency physicians. 24/7.

Check In Online — no appointment needed. Walk in any time.