A Dire Question – Should You Get Tested For Coronavirus?

Everyone was quite optimistic about this new decade until it hit the world with coronavirus. It took 90 days for this virus to turn into a global pandemic, putting the entire world on hold. Educational institutes, offices, and even malls were shut down to limit the outspread of this disease. As per epidemiologists, this virus is not going anywhere, which means people have to learn to live with it. After months of lockdown, the world is resuming operations again by adhering to the new normal.

It has become mandatory to wear facemasks in public spaces and maintain a distance of at least six feet from others. Despite precautions, many people are thinking of getting tested for Covid-19 to ensure they are safe. Earlier, due to the shortage of test kits – testing was only an option for people with severe symptoms. The emergence of private laboratories boosts the healthcare infrastructure and makes testing available for everyone.

However, before jumping to conclusions – use virtual screening or consult a physician to assess your symptoms. If you are unsure about it, have a look below. Here are six signs you should consider before opting for a Covid-19 test.

1. Dry Cough & Fever

Everyone is now aware of the symptoms of coronavirus – cough, and fever. Assess your body temperature regularly and ensure it is below 100. Indulge in some breathing exercises and monitor if you are having any difficulty. At times, people witness these symptoms due to seasonal changes in weather conditions. Instead of rushing for a Covid-19 test, self-monitor yourself for three days since this what health professionals suggest. Stay home and see if you can handle your symptoms with over-the-counter drugs and medicines.

If you don’t see any progress after three days, look for labs open for Covid-19 testing. Public hospitals already have an influx of Covid-19 cases, opt for private ones like Primex labs to receive optimal care and attention. Alongside checking the safety precautions, inquire how long it will take for the test results.

2. Shortness of Breath

Although the most common symptoms are flu and cough, as the outbreak progresses, every individual shows a different sign. Some people face the loss of sense of taste and smell, while others are having problems breathing. It makes your chest feel tight to inhale and exhale, leaving you gasping for air. If you notice this happening even once, immediately go for a Covid-19 test. It is not the initial symptom of Covid-19 as shortness of breath occurs when the infection is spreading into the lungs. However, it essential to determine that this is not happening because of anxiety or stress. In these uncertain times, everyone has some mental illness.

3. Exposure to Infected Person

If anyone of your friend or family member was unfortunate to contract the virus, chances are you can contract it too. You might not show any symptom because they take a while to become visible. Hence, please consult a medical professional and see what they have to say. In some cases, doctors ask people to self-quarantine for 14 days while monitoring their temperature throughout. In other cases, they would recommend having a test. The center for disease control – CDC provides guidelines for who should opt for testing, but you have to make the final decision.

4. Traveling History

Unfortunately, there is ongoing transmission of Covid-19 throughout the world. If you have traveled recently, then you have fair chances of getting exposed to Covid-19. Whether the flight was domestic or international – germs and bacteria transmit through objects. You might feel well and not have any symptoms, but you can be contagious even without symptoms. Go over your travel activities to determine the risk of contracting the virus.

• Were you in a city with a high amount of Covid-19 cases?
• Did you attend social events or weddings with large gatherings?
• Were you in a lot of crowds – concerts, restaurants, parades, etc.?

If your answer is yes to the above statements, you have two options. You can either opt for a test or stay indoors for 14 days. It is imperative to isolate yourself rather than leaving others at the threat of contracting the virus.

5. Screening Sites Results

In this tech-savvy world, some credible websites and apps let people screen themselves for Covid-19 symptoms. All the tools are in partnership with the CDC, making sure the assessment is accurate. It includes a questionnaire and information about coronavirus, helping you with self-monitoring. After screening, it would show you the results too. If it suggests you to self-isolate or, opt for professional advice – go for a Covid-19 test. Whereas, if it says you are good to go, then follow safety precautions and resume your life.

6. Exposure to Unsafe Environment

Unfortunately, work from home is not possible for everyone, especially healthcare professionals. If you are a frontline warrior, treating corona patients round the clock – don’t mind getting tested for Covid-19. Although you are wearing protective gowns, face shields, masks, and whatnot, germs can transmit through anything. Whether you have any symptoms or not – health officials suggest all workers in contact with Covid-19 patients take the tests.

Recommendations to Curb the Threat of Covid-19

Alongside considering Covid-19 testing, you have to protect yourself against the virus. As the world is resuming, focus on adhering to the new normal. If you are wondering how? Here are some recommendations.

• Use facemasks when in public spaces. If you are reusing masks, make sure to wash it every time. Refrain from touching the masks from either side and if you want to make adjustments, fix the straps.
• If you have a habit of touching surfaces, and objects, wear gloves. Sanitize your gloves after every 20-minutes, and don’t touch yourself with it.
• Maintain a distance of six feet when in a public place.
• Avoid going to crowded places and try to stay indoors as much as possible.

These precautions can’t remove the coronavirus but can reduce the chances of transmission.

Final Thoughts,

With increasing cases of Covid-19, more people are giving a thought to Covid-19 testing. Previously, this wasn’t an option since tests were only for people with severe systems. As more test kits are available now, anyone can get themselves tested – with or without symptoms. If you don’t wish to waste the test kit, then self-monitor yourself and look for signs.