When You Should Get A COVID-19 Test

Posted on: 27 October 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic is still going strong. Getting tested is a great way to fight against the pandemic because it allows you to know when you are sick so that you can take precautions to not spread the virus to others. It can be hard though to know all the circumstances in which you should get tested. This article will help you understand when you should get tested for COVID-19. 

Get Tested If You Have Been Exposed or Come in Close Contact with a Positive Case

Close contact is defined as having been within six feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes. This would mean that you have been exposed to the virus and need to quarantine until you know for sure that you have not been infected.

Though you will need to be tested after exposure, in the first few days after your exposure, viral loads of COVID-19 may be too low to yield a conclusive positive result. This does not necessarily mean that you do not have the virus. Because of this, it is a good idea to wait to get your COVID-19 test until a few days later. This ensures your test result is more accurate.

Get Tested If You Are Showing Any Symptoms

When you begin showing any of these symptoms, get tested:

  • Fever or chills

  • Sore throat

  • Cough

  • Shortness of breath or a hard time breathing

  • Loss of smell or taste

  • Fatigue

  • Achy muscles

  • Persistent Headaches

  • Runny nose

  • Congestion

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

If you have any of these symptoms, after you are tested it is important to stay isolated at home until you know that your test result is negative. 

Get Tested When You Are Traveling

Traveling during a pandemic can feel scary. Getting a negative test result before you travel will guarantee that those you are traveling with, as well as those in the place you are visiting, stay healthy.

Be sure to look up the COVID-19 travel restrictions of the places you are traveling to and from. Everyone flying into the US from another country is required to submit a negative COVID-19 test. Even though every country's regulations are different when it comes to the COVID-19 tests needed to travel, it is smart to get a test before traveling anywhere.

Get Tested Before a Big Event

Lots of venues are events are requiring either a vaccine card or a negative Covid test prior to attendance. If you are not vaccinated, you will need to show a recent negative test result upon entry. And if you are vaccinated but want to be extra careful, it is still a good idea to get tested.

The uncertainty of the pandemic can be draining. Getting a COVID-19 test gives you answers. Follow safety protocols to keep yourself and others safe.

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