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When Should You Get Tested For Covid-19?

by Stella Robinson

COVID-19 is a very real and very serious pandemic affecting the entire world, and although it's been around for several months now, there are still a number of questions concerning this virus. One of the questions you may have asked yourself is when should you go and get tested. With the symptoms presenting like a cold, allergies, the flu, or even a sinus infection, you may question if you have COVID-19. Even if you aren't presenting symptoms, you may have the virus, so symptoms shouldn't be the only thing you rely on to get tested. If you aren't sure when to get tested, read on for helpful information.

You've Been Around Someone With The Virus

If you've been in direct contact with someone that has the virus or if you've been around someone that has now tested positive for the virus, you should get tested. If you get tested and test negative, there's still a chance that you could test positive later for the virus. You should get tested a second time for the virus after a few days just to be sure that you don't have it. Anyone else that was around this same person should also get tested for the virus.

You Are Presenting Concerning Symptoms

Some of the symptoms that you may present with may feel more like a cold, but some of the telltale signs of this virus include a fever and a loss of your taste and smell. Other symptoms you may have include a dry cough, muscle or body aches, extreme tiredness, issues breathing, a runny nose, and a scratchy or sore throat. If you aren't feeling like yourself, and you still aren't sure if you should get a COVID-19 test, you should contact your medical professional to see if you should get tested. Write down all of your symptoms, including temperature information.

You Are Scheduled For A Medical Procedure

If you are scheduled for any medical procedure, you are most likely going to be ordered to take a test. You should have one done in order to prevent infecting anyone in the medical office or hospital in the event you do have the virus. 

To keep yourself safe from this virus, be sure you are wearing a mask in public, avoid large groups of people, social distance whenever possible, and wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds. If you aren't feeling well or if you've been around someone with COVID-19, get tested to be sure you don't have it.

For more information on COVID-19 testing, contact a local health professional or testing site.

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