Pulling up to the drive-thru testing center for COVID-19, I started to think about, what if I am positive? I’ve had a head cold, or so I thought. A quick and somewhat uncomfortable swab and I’m on my way. Two to Three days for the result of this test, as I swallow mucinex and an occasional shot of Johnny Walker (grandpas cough syrup).
I get my result on the portal, negative, after a 72-hour processing/lab period. It’s Thursday and I’m COVID free. When should I get tested again? If I go to the grocery store, I could be exposed. Hell, any place I go, any surface I touch, I could be exposed. Do I need to get tested every day? NO.
The CDC has released considerations for who should be tested.
Considerations for who should get tested
- People who have symptoms of COVID-19.
- People who have had close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more) with someone with confirmed COVID-19.
- People who have been asked or referred to get testing by their healthcare provider, local external icon or state health department.
Not everyone needs to be tested. If you do get tested, you should self-quarantine/isolate at home pending test results and follow the advice of your health care provider or a public health professional.
How to get tested for current COVID-19 infection
- You can visit your state or local external health department’s website to look for the latest local information on testing.
- If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and want to get tested, call your healthcare provider first.
Results
- If you test positive, know what protective steps to take to prevent others from getting sick.
- If you test negative, you probably were not infected at the time your sample was collected. The test result only means that you did not have COVID-19 at the time of testing. Continue to take steps to protect yourself.
These guidelines are subject to change as the situation with COVID and the Flu is changing.
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