Covid -19 is a global pandemic. Many people have died since its first outbreak in Wuhan City in China. What symptoms should you look out for to know if you are infected? Who should get tested for covid-19? Why should you go for testing? What are some of the tests done to determine if you are infected?
Covid testing
When testing for Covid-19, a blood sample or swab sample from the back of your nose or throat is taken. Covid testing helps to know if a person has or was initially infected with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.
Symptoms of Covid-19.
- Headache.
- Fever or chills.
- Body aches.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Nausea.
- Diarrhea.
- Congested or runny nose.
- Sore throat.
- Fatigue.
- Cough.
- Pneumonia.
Who should get tested?
- People with the above symptoms.
- Anyone in contact with confirmed infected people. The following are excluded:
- People who are fully vaccinated against covid-19 and show no symptoms.
- People who tested positive for covid-19 within the past three months, recovered and don’t show any signs of infection.
- People taking part in activities like travel, attending social gatherings, or being in poorly ventilated rooms are most likely to be exposed to the virus. It is because social distancing is not observed in such activities.
- The healthcare providers ask you to get tested.
- Healthcare providers showing symptoms.
Types of covid-19 tests
- Antigen test.
It is called a rapid test since it has a quicker turnaround time. It is used to screen lots of people at the airports since it is cheaper to produce. A swab sample from the back of your nose or throat gets tested. The results are produced within an hour or less. These tests are highly accurate but they can miss an active infection.
- Antibody test.
When attacked with the coronavirus, your immune system will react by producing antibodies to fight this virus. This test cannot diagnose an active coronavirus infection. It only shows if you were infected before. The blood sample used for testing is taken from the vein in the arm or fingers. This test is done at least 14 days after the onset of symptoms.
- Molecular test.
This test is highly accurate when it comes to detecting an active infection. To prove to your college or employer that you are not currently infected, you will have to undergo this test. A specialized swab retrieves mucus or saliva samples from the back of your throat or nose. Its turnaround time ranges from minutes to days or even longer depending on the facilities present onsite.
Conclusion
Covid-19 is a global pandemic that has left many dead and the country’s economies crumbling. Look out for symptoms like headache, pneumonia, difficulty breathing, fever, body aches, diarrhea, and sore throats. Certain people like healthcare providers, those with symptoms, those in contact with infected people, and those asked to be tested by a healthcare provider should get tested. Antigen, molecular, and antibody tests are the common types of tests done.