COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) is a continuing concern for those who are at a high risk of developing serious complications if they contract this disease, and it’s even concerning for those who aren’t. The only way to slow the spread of the coronavirus is to get tested, and to self-quarantine temporarily if you test positive.
There was a lot of controversy and confusion surrounding the issue of getting tested for COVID-19 in the early months of this virus bursting onto the scene, but receiving a COVID test is now simpler than ever before. You can now receive COVID-19 antibody testing if you are asymptomatic: Simply call your express care clinic to schedule the test.
Let’s go over some frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about COVID-19 testing:
What Is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a novel virus, meaning that scientists have never identified this particular virus prior to the current pandemic. “Novel” means “new” in this context. This virus is a strain of coronavirus, which is a known series of viruses that cause respiratory infections. Most common colds are actually caused by a type of coronavirus.
COVID-19 is also termed SARS-CoV-2, because it is closely related to the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) coronavirus that appeared in 2003. There have been no new cases of SARS-CoV since 2004.
What Symptoms Does COVID-19 Cause?
If you contract the novel coronavirus, you may have a cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, loss of taste, loss of smell, sore throat, or head congestion. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also noted nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea as symptoms of the virus. The severity of symptoms varies from person to person.
Some people are completely asymptomatic, meaning they have no noticeable symptoms of the virus. On the other hand, some people have serious symptoms such as chest pain and trouble breathing, and these require immediate medical treatment.
Who Should Get Tested?
Not everyone needs to get tested for COVID. Your employer may recommend routine testing to avoid a large outbreak. If you were exposed to someone who had COVID-19 recently, you should visit an urgent care clinic to receive testing in order to avoid potentially spreading COVID to others.
How Does Testing Work?
During the test, a healthcare professional will insert a new nasal swab into your nasal passageway. The healthcare professional will then gently twist the swab several times to collect an ample sample. The person will then place the nasal swab into the other nostril and twist it there as well.
What Type of COVID-19 Test Will You Receive?
When testing for an active infection, you will either receive a molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or an antigen test. Antigen tests look for a protein located on the outside of the virus. You can also be checked to see if you’ve had this virus previously.
What Should You Do If You Test Positive?
If you test positive on a PCR or antigen test, you’ll need to self-quarantine for 14 days so you don’t spread the virus to others. If you have symptoms, you may take acetaminophen to alleviate your fever, cough medication to control your cough, or a decongestant to help with nasal or chest congestion. If you begin to have problems breathing, call 911.
Urgent Care for COVID-19 Testing in North Richland Hills, TX
At EMC Express Care, our urgent care clinic offers COVID-19 testing to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus here in the Greater Fort Worth region and beyond. If you have any questions, call us today at (817) 503-8800. You may also utilize our walk-in service and use our online check-in tool to let us know when you’re here. We look forward to serving you and your family.
