Do you feel sick? Are you worried about being infected?
Do not worry, we have got you covered with this article. Please make use of the following information.
Why COVID-19 Testing is Important?
Taking measures to prevent the spread of infection will be the most effective strategy for getting us safely back to work and school.
A positive test early in the course of the illness enables individuals to isolate themselves – reducing the chances that they will infect others and allowing them to seek treatment earlier, likely reducing disease severity and the risk of long-term disability, or death.
Types of COVID-19 Testing
Viral Test
Viral tests use samples that come from your nose or throat to see if you have an infection at the time of the test. There are two types of viral tests available:
Rapid Test – This a quick test, where analyzing samples to assess the current presence of the coronavirus. It can be performed and you can get the results in minutes.
Laboratory Test – Laboratory test can take days to complete and include RT-PCR(Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction) and other types of NAATs (Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests). Some test results may need confirmatory testing.
Self Test
COVID-19 self-tests are also kind of rapid tests that can be taken at home or anywhere, are easy to use, and produce rapid results.
Self-tests are one of many risk-reduction measures, along with vaccination, masking, and physical distancing, that protect you and others by reducing the chances of spreading COVID-19. Even though it can get you faster results, they are roughly only 85% accurate.
The medical experts recommend “serial tests” to make self-testing more reliable and reduce your risk of spreading coronavirus, if infected. Repeating the test within a few days, with at least 24 hours between tests, will increase the confidence that you are not infected.
Antibody Test
When someone gets infected by COVID-19, it can trigger an adverse immune response releasing antibodies in the blood stream to fight against the virus.
An antibody test (also known as a serology test) can detect antibodies in your blood. Antibody tests should not be used to diagnose a current infection, but may indicate if you had a past infection.
How to get a COVID-19 Test?
Do NOT go to the ER (Emergency Room).
They are already overwhelmed and they still have to deal with patients from trauma, heart attacks, and other non-COVID cases.
The best thing you can do if you need your COVID-19 testing is, to visit your healthcare provider or public health department clinic provider to get tested or procure a self-test kit.
Who Needs COVID-19 Testing?
People who have the following symptoms are required to get tested for COVID-19. Symptoms may vary from mild to severe. Symptoms may also appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus.
Symptoms
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Fever or chills
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Cough
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Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
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Fatigue
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Muscle or body aches
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Headache
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New loss of taste or smell
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Sore throat
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Congestion or runny nose
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Nausea or vomiting
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Diarrhea
Exposure
If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, then it is necessary that you get tested as well.
What if the results come NEGATIVE
There is a chance that you may have received a false negative test result and still might have COVID-19 infection so, it is important that you stay isolated.
Continue with your daily activities with preventive measures like wearing mask, sanitize regularly, wash your hands, maintain social distancing, etc., to protect the people around you.
Let’s say you are truly negative for COVID-19, but still have symptoms. Then contact your healthcare provider or PCP (primary care physician) ASAP to find out the root cause of your symptoms.
What if the results come POSITIVE
If you test positive for COVID-19, follow the steps below to protect others regardless of your COVID-19 vaccination status:
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Be strong! Your mental health is very important to go through the whole process.
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Even though COVID-19 is very dangerous, the survival rate is 98+ percent according to the statistics.
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Isolate yourself for at least 5 days, if possible, up to 14 days.
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Contact your PCP. They may have further instructions or clarify your doubts.
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Monitor your symptoms carefully. If the symptoms get worse or develop emergency warnings, then get medical attention immediately.
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Wear a well-fitting mask when you are around others at home and in public for 5 additional days after the end of your 5-day isolation period.
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Take additional precautions on days 6 to 10, such as avoiding travel and situations where you will come in contact with individuals.
COVID-19 is the biggest healthcare threat today. There are a lot of social misinformation going on and they are being passed on by people who are not medical experts. There is a reason why 99% of doctors are vaccinated, because they do know what the average public does not know. Please get vaccinated, and by doing so, you may not only save your own life, but also the one that you love the most.
Dr. Perlmutter, CRO’s Director of Hand, Wrist, and Elbow Services invites everyone to email (goodbyehandpain@gmail.com) him directly and he will be happy to respond to you with facts about COVID-19 and its vaccination.
Takeaway
It is important to take care of yourself and keep your loved ones around you safe. Even if you or someone around you gets infected, do not panic, be strong, and remember, millions of people around the world are trying to help you overcome. Instead of acting after being infected, it is always best to follow the preventive measures recommended by CDC, NCDHHS, and WHO.
Carolina Regional Orthopaedics provides the most effective, modern, and innovative techniques in both Orthopedic Surgery and Pain Management using proven methodologies in both the surgical and non-surgical treatment of all conditions affecting the spine, upper extremities, and lower extremities. We specialize in hand and wrist surgery, joint replacements, sports medicine, trauma care, pediatric orthopedics, pain management, wound care, regenerative medicine, physical therapy, imaging services, and EMG testing.