How To Know If A COVID-19 Test Is Needed
Posted on: 15 November 2021
Share
If you're finding yourself in bed, exhausted, feeling like you just got ran over by a truck, you may be worried that you have COVID-19. The only way to know for sure is to get tested. There are several places that offer COVID-19 testing. Should you take the test or just wait it out and see if you feel better by morning? These are important questions to consider. Read more to find out if you should take a test or not.
Know the Symptoms
Allergies, the seasonal flu, and upper respiratory ailments are all common toward the end of the year but can pop up any time. That is why it's important to know the signs of COVID-19 so that you can get proper care and treatment. The main signs according to the CDC are:
- Fever and chills
- Trouble breathing
- Body aches, including headache
- Sudden loss of smell and taste
- Sore or scratchy throat
- Cough and congestion
- Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and diarrhea
If you feel very run down and are having trouble breathing or concentrating, call 911 right away. Fever, along with multiple other symptoms, point to COVID-19, but you should call your doctor for further instructions on what to do.
Safely Get Tested
If you've been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, you should definitely get tested. In addition, if you feel you may have it, set up a test appointment. Your doctor or local health department is a good starting point. Most offer drive-thru testing that is safe and effective. You can generally get results within 24 to 48 hours. Be sure to avoid others when you travel out in public and always wear a mask.
How to Quarantine
If you are exhibiting symptoms of coronavirus, it's important to stay away from others until you are symptom-free. Even if you were exposed, but not showing signs, you should stay home, away from others for at least 14 days after your last contact with the person who has COVID-19. Be sure to isolate yourself from others in your household who may not have yet been exposed. Try to get tested as soon as possible and visit your doctor. They can check your lungs and vitals to make sure the virus has not started to affect your core health.
Your local health department is a good resource if you feel you've been exposed to COVID-19. They make the final call regarding quarantine times. It may be shorter if you have a negative test result and are not showing signs of the virus.
COVID-19 testing is the best and most reliable way to determine if you carry the virus. If you do, take care of yourself. Monitor your temperature and drink plenty of fluids. Take any medications as directed by your doctor. As long as everyone is diligent, the world will get through this!
For more info, contact a local testing center.