The Covid-19 pandemic has taken a toll on everyone’s health. With the world still in a pandemic, the danger of the disease still exists.
That is why everyone should be vigilant and careful. Some of the necessary precautions are isolating when you feel the symptoms. You should also test to get an exact diagnosis.
It is necessary to get tested when you feel the symptoms. The reason for this is to prevent the disease from spreading.
A rapid COVID test kit must be FDA approved to ensure quality. Beware of those kits selling at a much lower price. The indicaid covid test price is one of the standard and easy-to-use kits in the market.
In this article, you will learn how and when to get a test for COVID-19:
Getting to know COVID-19 and its symptoms
When you experience the symptoms of COVID-19, you should get a test. The CDC enumerated the following as the known symptoms of COVID-19:
- Cough and colds
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Congestion, sore throat, fever, or chills
- Fatigue, headache, or body aches
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Loss of taste or smell
COVID-19 symptoms may range from mild to severe. It can show and manifest within 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus.
It is necessary to know when the seek immediate medical care when you have these warning signs:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- Difficulty walking
- Difficulty in staying awake
- New confusion
- Pale or bluish-colored skin, lips, or fingernails
Many say that COVID-19 is similar to influenza. However, these respiratory illnesses are from different viruses. COVID-19 is from a deadly virus called SARS-CoV-2.
During the height of the pandemic, many people succumbed to the virus and unfortunately died. That is because there was still no vaccine development during that time.
Unlike COVID, flu is an infection from influenza viruses. Though some rare cases can result in the same, there is currently a flu vaccine that can help a human’s immune system to combat the virus.
Getting tested for COVID-19
COVID is a no ordinary illness. You need to get tested not only when you feel the symptoms but when you go out of the country or somewhere with the COVID-19 outbreak. It is also a must-test when you plan to travel somewhere else.
Getting a test is necessary when you live in an area that is a hotspot for COVID-19. The possibility of contracting someone with the virus is high, so you should be very careful. As much as possible, get the test for COVID-19 and be in isolation when you feel the symptoms.
Get a test when you have close contact with someone positive for COVID-19. Or if your nature of work is high-risk, especially when it is in the hospital. It is recommendable for doctors, nurses, and health care professionals to get tested from time to time. This way, they can protect themselves and their patients from contracting the virus.
What COVID-19 test should you get?
There are two main types of viral tests for COVID-19. First is the nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), and second is the antigen tests.
The NAATs, like the Polymerase Chain Reaction or PCR-based, are laboratory tests. Their accuracy is reliable when testing patients that have or do not have COVID-19 symptoms. Only accredited laboratories should perform the PCR test. Thus, expect the test can be more expensive than the antigen test.
The second test is the antigen test. The test is a rapid test that typically gives results within 15 to 30 minutes. Though the antigen’s accuracy is not that of a PCR test, it is relatively cheaper than taking the latter.
When should you get both COVID-19 tests?
Getting both tests is necessary when you feel like your antigen test seems to be not accurate. For instance, your body can get a false positive for antibodies during an antigen test and return a negative result. The result is highly possible when you do not have the symptoms. During this, you should get a second opinion or a PCR test, especially when exposed to a COVID-19-positive patient.
The guidelines from the WHO recommend testing when you feel symptoms. The PCR test gives an accurate diagnosis, even a history of whether you have contracted the virus.
If by chance, you have gone through a PCR test but eventually get exposed to a COVID positive, you should have a retest. Retesting is necessary when you also develop symptoms after taking the PCR test. This way, you can guarantee to receive actual and accurate viral infection results.
Why should you get vaccinated for COVID-19?
COVID-19 vaccines protect you from the severe effects of viral infection. The vaccine is an effective way to prevent hospitalization when contracting the virus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone get a vaccine. Ages six months and up should receive a vaccine against COVID-19. Booster shots are also necessary.
Once you take a shot of the vaccine, your body produces antibodies to fight the virus. Thus, the COVID-19 vaccine reduces your risk of infection.
Though you may still be COVID-positive, the risks of losing your life will be significantly lower due to the vaccine.
In Conclusion
COVID-19 is yet a deadly virus that the world has overcome through innovation. With the availability of vaccines, we can say we are past the worst part. However, the world should never be complacent.
Early detection of the virus is still necessary to prevent it from spreading. That is why isolation is essential when a person feels the symptoms of COVID-19.
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is a way to protect yourself and your family. The vaccine protects the human body against severe illness from the virus.
With the recent opening of establishments and the economy, it is necessary to know how you can prevent the disease from contracting you. Thus, being cautious and getting tested right away can help the virus to be under control.
