Flu, cold and coronavirus often share certain symptoms, but differences in intensity and how they appear can offer clues to which one is causing the misery. Doctors can test for the flu and get results within a day, but coronavirus testing is still limited by availability in the United States.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU'RE SICK

Don't go straight to your doctor's office -- that just risks making more people sick, officials urge. Call ahead, and ask if you need to be seen and where.

Fever, cough and noticeable shortness of breath -- "if you have those three components, especially if it's associated with some recent travel or someone you know who's been exposed to COVID-19, those things should prompt you to call for medical attention," said Dr. Gary LeRoy, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

“Mildly ill patients should be encouraged to stay home,” the CDC's Dr. Sue Gerber told doctors on a conference call last week. People having difficulty breathing should seek care, and older people or those with other conditions should contact their doctors early in the course of illness, she said.

In Arizona, if you're experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, you can contact the following healthcare companies about getting a test:


Statewide

COVID-19 Surge Testing - Register for appointment: AZHealth.gov/SurgeTesting

Registration for COVID-19 Test - https://doineedacovid19test.com

CVS

On https://cvshealth.com/covid-19/testing-locations, enter your zip code for a list of nearby locations. You must register in advance at CVS.com to schedule an appointment.

"For the safety of patients and providers, we are currently limiting testing to drive-up patients only."

More information: https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing

Walgreens

Complete a screening survey to see if you're eligible for testing at https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/covid19/testing and follow the instructions they provide.

"At testing locations, patients must remain in their vehicle with the window rolled up and follow instructions from the staff. A Walgreens pharmacist will instruct patients on the self-administration of the COVID-19 test using a nasal swab."

Health worker administers a test to a motorist at a coronavirus (COVID-19) drive thru testing location. (File photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

Banner Health - Phoenix metro and Tucson

Call 1-844-549-1851 Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. If a team member determines you meet the criteria for testing, you'll be scheduled for an appointment at one of their drive-through sites. The sites do not accept walk-ins and appointments must be made in advance.

MORE: https://www.bannerhealth.com/patients/patient-resources/covid-19

Abrazo Health

On https://www.abrazohealth.com/our-response-to-COVID-19, click on the COVID-19 Assessment Tool link to determine if you qualify for coronavirus testing. If so, they will recommend a virtual consultation at https://tenethealth.amwell.com.

Honor Health

If you have a fever of 100.4° or higher, a cough, or shortness of breath, call the nurse line at 480-587-6200 to be directed to the most appropriate place for care.

"If you believe that you may have Coronavirus: Call ahead before going to any HonorHealth location. Please do not go to the emergency department for testing unless you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency."

Symptom checker, live chat, testing information:

https://www.honorhealth.com/coronavirus-covid-19

Glendale

Rapid COVID-19 testing is available at the CVS near 43rd Avenue and Bethany Home Road. It is open by appointment only, beginning Friday, August 7.

MORE: https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/cvs-offering-free-rapid-covid-19-testing-in-glendale

Mesa

Drive-up testing available for Maready Medical's existing and new patients. They require symptomatic patients to be seen first by virtual visits and if you meet the criteria, you can drive to their office located at 4135 S. Power Rd. #113. To schedule, call the office at 480-626-2444 or book online.

MORE: https://www.mareadymedical.com

Embry Women's Health is offering free 24/7 drive-thru testing at Mesa Community College.

MORE: https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/covid-19-testing-location-at-mesa-community-college-open-24-7

Phoenix - Maryvale

Events will be held each Saturday and Sunday through August at the Watts Familly YMCA at 3825 N 67th Ave. from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is required: https://embrywomenshealth.com/covid-19-testing-at-watts-family-maryvale-ymca

Phoenix - South Mountain Park and Maryvale High School

COVID-19 testing events will be held at these two locations and more information on how to be tested can be found here http://doineedacovid19test.com

Phoenix

Surge testing for COVID-19 begins on July 17.

"Appointments are available for drive-thru testing at two sites: South Mountain Park, 10919 S. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85042, and Maryvale High School, 3415 N 59th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85033. Arizonans can pre-register at AZHealth.gov/SurgeTesting. Testing is free of charge and everyone who gets tested will also receive five cloth face coverings. Each site can accommodate 2,500 tests per day (5,000 per day combined). Appointments are open for the next 12 days," stated Gov. Ducey's Deputy Communications Director, Ben Petersen.

Read more about the event.

Scottsdale

AllCare is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. No appointments are necessary. Call 480-941-4400 for more information. The testing site is located at 6401 E. Thomas Rd., southeast corner 64th Street and Thomas Road.

MORE: http://www.allcaremedicine.com/

Tempe

Coconino County

Call 928-679-7300 Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The specimen collection site is 446 Fort Tuthill Loop in Flagstaff starting March 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. as supplies last.

MORE: https://www.coconino.az.gov/2317/Call-Center---928-679-7300

Pima County

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.