You should not be exposed to COVID-19 while you wait for your test results or if you have COVID-19 symptoms. Additional information about when you should have a COVID-19 testing is available below.
You can get the best advice from your healthcare provider regarding the need to be tested for COVID-19 . If you have COVID-19 symptoms, or were exposed to the virus recently, it is a good idea to get tested.
According to the CDC vaccine recipients should wait five days after their last contact with a COVID-19 carrier before testing. Day 0 is the date of first contact with a COVID-19 carrier. It is likely that you will not be able to tell if you have an infection before day 5. Avoid all contact with others during the five-day period, even your family. If you have to be around other people, make sure your mask fits well. You should continue wearing a mask until you get a positive test after five days.
Experts in the field of health stress that COVID-19 testing does not reveal your current status. You may have been exposed to the virus just a few hours prior to the test, but you have not yet reached the viral level that can be detected by the COVID-19 test. Follow the isolation guidelines if you are positive.
Signs
A COVID-19 test is recommended if you feel unwell. You may experience symptoms such as fever, headache, shortness or no breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches and loss of taste or aroma.
Even if you feel mild symptoms, it is important to get checked. Some people with COVID-19 are not very ill. To reduce the risk of the virus spreading to others, it is important to know if you are infected. It is important to avoid working or sending your children into daycare until you have your results.
Exposure
You should be tested if you suspect you were in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 even though they weren’t wearing a mask. Even if you don’t have symptoms, the person is likely to pass it to you. Family members, friends and coworkers could be at risk.
Your mask should always be worn in public, and with other people. You should seek medical attention if you have any symptoms, participated in a demonstration, or were among others without a mask. Coronavirus is still spreading in our area and will likely spread more as people return to work, shopping, and other social activities.
It is okay to wear a mask when you are out in public, and wash your hands frequently. If symptoms persist, contact your doctor immediately.
It is not a good idea to get tested just because you are curious. A negative test result doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t have coronavirus. It is rare for people to test negative for the virus. This is called a false-negative result. It is best to keep a mask on you outside of your home. This protects you and those around you.
After Exposure
It can take a few days for the virus in your system to accumulate enough to allow the test to be able to identify it. False-negative results are possible if you wait too long to get tested. Even at this stage, even before symptoms develop, you are still contagious. You should immediately get isolated and call your doctor. Once you tell them the date you believe you were exposed, they will arrange a time for you. Until you get your results and test, please remain at home. Other family members are advised to refrain from working during this time. You can also request a work exemption from your doctor. You should wear a mask if you live in a shared home.
If you are positive, it is a good idea to notify anyone with whom you have been in contact within the last two weeks. It is possible that you have passed the infection on to them. This helps to prevent the spread of the disease. Your friends and coworkers should be aware that they should limit contact with people outside their homes.
Re-Testing
A positive test result does not mean that you need to be tested again. The second test will not provide you with any meaningful information. A second test will not determine if you are immune or have recovered from the coronavirus. Even though symptoms have subsided, positive test results may persist for several weeks. A test should not be required by your employer or child’s daycare to show that you are fully recovered. If they insist, contact your doctor for more instructions.
