What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is the disease caused by the coronavirus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
The virus that causes COVID-19 is highly contagious, passing from person to person through droplets released into the air when someone with the infection breathes, talks, laughs, sings, coughs, or sneezes.
Once infected, symptoms may appear within 2-14 days. And a person infected with the virus is contagious two days before they show symptoms.
When do I need a COVID-19 test?
The team at Prestige Clinicians LLC can help you decide when you need a COVID-19 test. People should get tested:
- When they have COVID-19 symptoms
- When exposed to someone who tested positive within the past five days
- Before and after travel
- Before a big event
- When required by work or school
- When advised by a health professional
Getting tested may help prevent further spreading of the disease.
What are the types of COVID-19 tests?
There are two types of COVID-19 tests:
Laboratory test
For the laboratory test, your provider obtains a sample through a nasal swab or saliva sample. Lab test results take 1-3 days and are reliable, even in people without symptoms. There’s no follow-up test needed following a laboratory test.
Rapid test
For the rapid test, your provider conducts a nasal swab to collect secretion samples. Results take no more than 30 minutes. For asymptomatic patients, results from a rapid test aren’t as reliable as the laboratory test. You may need a follow-up laboratory test after a rapid test.
What do I do after I get results from my COVID-19 test?
The Prestige Clinicians LLC team talks to you about the results of your testing and what you should do next. If you test positive, the team recommends you isolate yourself for five days to prevent others from getting sick.
You can also follow up with a second test to confirm your results and monitor your symptoms.
The Prestige Clinicians LLC team talks to you about your results and the necessary steps for your specific situation. Call the office nearest you, or schedule an appointment online today.
