The COVID-19 virus is spreading rapidly globally, meaning no one is safe, and you can be infected at any time. You can even contract the infection without your awareness, and that is why it is essential to seek testing, particularly if you suspect that you have been exposed to the virus. Daniel Maenner, DO, can help you with COVID-19 testing in West New York. Remember that Covid-19 testing and encouraging others to know their status is one of the many effective ways of controlling the coronavirus’s spread. There are many government approved corona test labs. The problem is how to find and choose a private coronavirus testing provider that offers reliable results along with good services at low cost.
Who should be tested?
Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to the coronavirus can be tested. However, some people are more required to be tested than others. If you show the common symptoms of COVID-19, you should contact Dr. Maenner for coronavirus testing. If you have had close contact for more than fifteen minutes, particularly with someone who has tested positive for the virus, you are at a higher risk of infection, and it would be best to be tested. However, if you get fully vaccinated, you may not require testing even after exposure to the virus.
How soon should testing be done?
Experts maintain that there is no straightforward answer to how soon you should be tested for the coronavirus. This is because the virus has an incubation period of five days, the exact duration it takes for symptoms to develop. However, CDC notes that the incubation period can be up to 14 days. That means that there is no defined time you should be tested for the virus unless you start showing the symptoms. However, testing a day after exposure increases your chances of getting a negative result but may not be accurate.
Types of Tests Offered
Several COVID-19 tests are available and can test current or past infections. At The Doctor’s House, Dr. Maenner offers coronavirus testing to determine if you have a current infection. This testing can involve two typical tests, the antigen tests and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs). If you need to be tested, it is good to contact your provider for guidance, including understanding what type of tests you will undergo. Your doctor can choose if you should visit the office, or you can get at-home testing depending on your symptoms.
What To Do With The Results
After a test, it is good you understand that testing positive is not a death sentence, and testing negative does not mean you are immune. Should you test positive, your provider will give you special instructions to help manage the condition and prevent others from contracting the disease from you. When you test positive, it only means that you were not infected at the time of sample collection and that you don’t have COVID-19 at the time of testing. However, you will have to continue with protective measures and take another test accordingly, as advised by your doctor.
Why COVID-19 Testing is Vital
As mentioned earlier, coronavirus testing is a significant way of controlling the spread of the virus. Through effective testing, those infected are identified, enabling isolation and treatment. Testing also provides information about the spread of the virus and its prevalence in a particular community. However, even for these reasons, health practitioners remain careful to ensure that not everyone gets tested, but only those who need it most.
Dr. Maenner can help you understand more about COVID-19 testing. Don’t hesitate to contact The Doctor’s House and book a consultation appointment today.
