Check Symptoms evaluates RSV, upper respiratory illness symptoms

Updated March 7, 2023

With increased flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases across the U.S., you may wonder if you should be tested. Remove the guesswork and get expert advice using Check Symptoms available in Patient Online Services.

When using Check Symptoms, you'll answer a series of questions about the symptoms you're experiencing. These are the same questions you would be asked if you called the Mayo Clinic Nurse Line. But you can avoid any wait time on the phone and do the assessment anytime it's convenient for you. After completing the online assessment, if testing is recommended, you can use online self-scheduling to book a test.

For most people, respiratory illnesses can be treated at home. Because confirming an infection often doesn't change treatment plans for the illness, tests for infections, such as influenza and RSV, are recommended only for those at high risk for severe illness.

Using Check Symptoms

Follow these easy steps to use Check Symptoms at a time and place convenient for you:

• Log in to your Patient Online Services account from the web or through the Mayo Clinic app.
• Go to the "Get Care Now" section.
• Select "Check Symptoms."
• Choose "COVID-19, Cold, Strep, or Flu-like Symptoms Screening."
• Answer the questions, then review and follow the care recommendations.

Check Symptoms is available to patients who have a Mayo Clinic primary care provider and have a home address in Arizona, Iowa, Minnesota or Wisconsin.

Beyond respiratory symptoms

In addition to respiratory illnesses, you can use Check Symptoms to assess other symptoms you're experiencing, such as:

• Anal or rectal concerns
• Back pain
• Bug bites and insect stings
• Digestive concerns, including diarrhea, constipation, nausea and vomiting
• Ear or hearing concerns
• Genital problems
• Mood concerns due to depression or anxiety
• Mouth problems
• Pain or injury to a hand, arm, foot, ankle or knee
• Pink eye
• Sexually transmitted diseases or infections
• Skin rash
• Sore throat
• Stomach pain
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Urinary pain
• Vaginal bleeding or menstrual concerns
• Wounds, such as cuts, scrapes or wound healing

Your health record

When you use Check Symptoms, the information you submit to get care recommendations is added to your health record. This can affect future medical treatment. Be sure to log into the Patient Online Services account of the person who's having symptoms. Or, if you have caregiver access, select the correct patient's name from the top right drop-down menu.

Patient Online Services account

You can easily create an account if you don't have one by going to Patient Online Services and clicking on "Create your account." You also can download the Mayo Clinic app from the Apple and Google Play app stores.

By Mayo Clinic Health System staff