Coronavirus Test: Who Should Undergo, What To Do If You Feel Unwell?

Not feeling well? Well, you might want to walk in an urgent care clinic in Alexandria, VA, to see a doctor. Wait! In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, it is important to avoid rushing to the clinic when you feel unwell. You may have Covid-19 and spread the virus to others.

This new respiratory disease has no treatment as of now. Its symptoms are similar to common cold and flu. So, if you are suffering from such symptoms, it is better to call the doctor than to visit the clinic.

The first thing to do at home is to isolate yourselves from family members. People with mild Coronavirus cases are found to recover at home.

Who should undergo Covid-19 test?

Test kits are limited. So, let the doctor decide whether you must undergo Covid-19 test. If you have fever, runny nose, sore throat, chills, headache, muscle pain, cold, even vomiting or diarrhea, you must talk to the doctor from home. Please do not visit the clinic.

As per CDC recommendations:

• Health care workers, especially those attending to Covid-19 patients, people admitted in the hospital, and people who have symptoms are in the top priority list of getting tested.
• The next in the list are senior citizens above 65,first responders, and people suffering from co-morbid conditions like hypertension, heart, kidney, or lung disease, cancer, diabetes, and those on immune-suppressants (drugs that slow down body’s immune response).
• The last in the priority list are first responders and health care workers with no symptoms, people living in high-risk areas but with no symptoms, and people showing mild symptoms who can recover at home.
• People who are healthy and show no symptoms are not in the list of testing for Coronavirus.

How to undergo test for Covid-19?

If you are sick and wondering whether you have Novel Coronavirus, call a doctor at an urgent care clinic in Alexandria, VA. Tell them about the symptoms.

The doctor may ask you whether:

• You have cough or fever
• You experience shortness of breath
• You came in contact (less than 6’ distance) with somebody having Covid-19
• Somebody suffering from Covid-19 sneezed or coughed on you
• You traveled recently
• You learned from a healthcare official that you came in contact with a Covid-19 patient

The doctor at DC immediate and primary care center will guide you where to go for testing. Please follow the protocol and wear a mask when stepping out of home.

According to CDC, nasopharyngeal swab test is common for Covid-19. Other tests include swabs of your throat and mouth and the front and the middle of your nostrils.

Doctor may recommend blood or serology test to look for antibodies.

Test results

It may take 24 hours or a few days for the test results to arrive. Please follow home quarantine strictly until then.

Chances of getting a false negative or a false positive are bleak, say doctors.

If you come out negative, you still need to follow social distancing. Wash hands frequently and wear a mask when stepping out of the home.