With the current health challenge facing the world at the moment, the entire world is taking measures to prevent any further spread of the disease. One of the major and most important steps taken by countries of the world, including the U.S., is to ensure that everyone who shows any sign or symptom is properly tested and if found to have the disease be treated using the best procedures as directed by the CDC.
There are two types of tests that have been made available for the coronavirus disease; they are “viral and antibody tests.” The viral test helps you and the doctor to find out if you currently have the infection. The antibody test, however, might show that you have had a past infection.
It may not be possible to detect if the virus is currently inside your body using an antibody test, since it can take up to 1–3 weeks after you have been infected for your body to make antibodies. The antibodies could be responsible for protecting an infected person from contracting the virus a second time after treatment. However, if it does, it cannot be specifically stated how strong the protection is or how long it could stay in the body.
How Do You Get Tested for COVID-19?
According to the CDC and FDA, not everyone who is sick or has signs related to that of COVID-19 should be tested for it. However, to learn if you currently have the infection, viral tests are administered. For most people, the symptoms are mild and will not require medical attention in a hospital. However, you will need to contact your healthcare service provider if you find out that your symptoms are becoming worse.
● The state and local external icon health departments are responsible for making decisions regarding testing and what kind of test is required.
● If you want to learn more about testing locally, you should ensure you visit your state or local health department, check their websites if you can, and make inquiries about the latest information on testing.
● In cases where you have found out that you may already have the symptoms of COVID-19, you should call your healthcare provider first.
● Do not leave your house if you are having the symptoms and have not yet been tested.
Results
In a case where you undergo the viral test and the result comes out that you’re positive, you should take caution and learn about preventive measures so as to not infect your loved ones.
It is possible to test negative after a viral test, but it doesn’t mean that you will not get sick or that you haven’t already been infected. It only means that you do not have the virus at the time that you were tested. It is possible that the sample was collected too early into the infection, which could become more evident after some days or two weeks. It is also possible that you could contract the infection days after your test due to interactions with people who have it. Either way, stay home, stay safe, and wear a mask!