What Does a Sports Physical Consist Of? If your child is due for a sports physical, you may be wondering what exactly this exam will consist of. For example, how does it differ from an annual physical, and why is it necessary? Let’s take a closer look at what happens during a sports physical. First, your child’s clinician will review
The Fast Track Blog
The Importance of STD Testing
STD Testing: Why Is It Important? Sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing should be a regular part of your healthcare routine if you are sexually active. This is due in part to the asymptomatic nature of many STDs (also referred to as sexually transmitted infections). Often, STDs don’t cause noticeable symptoms in their initial stages—or ever! The only way to
Is it Allergies or COVID-19?
Is it Allergies or COVID-19? You’re enjoying the balmy, late-spring weather when boom, it hits—your throat is a little scratchy, your head feels off, and your nose starts to run at an alarming rate. Is simple allergy symptoms, or is it COVID-19? Only a medical professional with COVID-19 testing capabilities can definitively answer this question. This is because COVID-19 symptoms
What Does a Nebulizer Treatment Do?
What Does a Nebulizer Treatment Do? A nebulizer is a small piece of medical equipment that covers a person’s mouth and nose. It turns liquid medicines into an ultra-fine mist that is easily inhaled. Nebulizer treatment may be appropriate for patients with respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as pediatric patients who have difficulty
How Early Can Coronavirus Antibodies Be Detected?
How Early Can Coronavirus Antibodies Be Detected? SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus responsible for the respiratory disease COVID-19, is a relatively new virus that researchers are learning more about every day. One of the many questions that’s currently being investigated is how early coronavirus antibodies can be detected in COVID-19 patients. First, a little background. An antibody is a special protein
Antigen vs. Antibody Testing
Antigen vs. Antibody Testing: What’s the Difference? You’ve likely expanded your vocabulary over this past year—for example, you may have learned the definitions of quarantine and incubation, and you probably found out where your nasopharyngeal cavity is. But, do you know the difference between COVID-19 antigen and antibody testing? Let’s take a closer look. Antibody Testing COVID-19 antibody testing—or serology
PCR vs Rapid COVID-19 Test
PCR vs. Rapid COVID-19 Test: What’s the Difference? As the COVID-19 crisis continues, you’ve undoubtedly heard plenty about coronavirus testing and what types are available. You’ve likely also learned the location of your nasopharyngeal cavity and can probably list all of the major coronavirus symptoms at a moment’s notice. But, do you know the differences between PCR and rapid COVID-19
Is the Flu Curable?
Is the Flu Curable? While flu season continues to be overshadowed by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the flu is still a real threat that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), affects up to 20% of the American population every year. With such a widespread impact, you may be wondering if the flu is curable. Technically, the
Do Flu Shots Weaken Your Immune System?
Do Flu Shots Weaken Your Immune System? No, flu shots do not weaken your immune system. This common flu myth has been debunked by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Harvard Health, and countless other reputable sources who conduct extensive research on the matter. While a 2012 study suggested that a flu shot may leave people more vulnerable
What is the Difference Between a Cold and COVID-19?
What is the Difference Between a Cold and COVID-19? Uh oh—you’ve woken up with sore throat and runny nose. This ordinarily would not be a cause for panic, but 2020 has changed the way we think about sniffles and scratchy throats. So, can you spot the differences between a common cold and COVID-19? It’s important to note that it’s impossible
