COVID-19 Testing Specialist

What is COVID-19?

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease caused by a virus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

This highly contagious virus spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets released into the air after someone with the infection coughs, sneezes, breathes, sings, or talks. Infections occur during close contact, within six feet.

Symptoms of COVID-19 vary from mild to severe and affect people of all ages. Older adults and people with pre-existing medical conditions are at greater risk of developing more serious symptoms.

COVID-19 testing can help prevent further spreading of the disease.

When do I need COVID-19 testing?

You need COVID-19 testing if you have COVID-19 symptoms or were in close contact with someone who tested positive.

Some of the common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle aches or headache
• Sore throat
• Chest pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Lost sense of taste or smell

You can have COVID-19 without any symptoms and spread the virus to other people. 

You also need COVID-19 testing before and after traveling and for screening before engaging in large group activities. You also need testing if a health care provider or public health official requests a test.

What are the types of COVID-19 testing?

The types of COVID-19 testing include viral tests and antibody tests. 

Viral tests

Viral tests check for an active COVID-19 infection. There are rapid COVID-19 tests that check for COVID-19 antigens; they provide results within 15 minutes. Rapid COVID-19 testing may not provide accurate results in asymptomatic individuals. 

There are also lab COVID-19 tests that check for genetic material associated with the virus. This is known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Lab tests may take up to 48 hours to complete.

The team at South Florida Care Center may recommend a PCR COVID-19 test if your rapid test results are inconclusive.

Antibody tests

Antibody testing checks for antibodies against the virus that causes COVID-19. This test can’t diagnose a current infection, but can determine if you had a previous infection. 

What happens after COVID-19 testing?

The team at South Florida Care Center provides specific instructions about what you need to do after COVID-19 testing.

If you test positive, or it’s possible you may have the virus, you need to isolate yourself for five days and monitor symptoms. If you test negative and have no symptoms, you can resume your usual activities.

If you’re not up-to-date on your vaccines and have symptoms or close contact with someone who has tested positive, you still need to isolate yourself for five days

To schedule COVID-19 testing at South Florida Care Center, call or book online today.