COVID-19 Testing

What is COVID-19 testing?

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that results from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This viral infection is highly contagious and spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets that leave the body through a sneeze, laugh, or cough.

While many people infected with COVID-19 experience mild to moderate respiratory symptoms, elderly and immunocompromised individuals can develop life-threatening illnesses requiring hospitalization and ongoing medical care.

COVID-19 testing is an effective tool for preventing the virus’s spread. HealthyU Clinics offer rapid COVID-19 tests at all of their locations to confirm you have an infection. This diagnosis allows you to take necessary precautions to stop the virus from spreading to your family and others in your community.

You can also get a single-swab test for the triple threat of contagious viruses – COVID-19, seasonal flu, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) – infecting people throughout the United States. The single-swab test is only available at certain HealthyU Clinics, so call the office for more information.

When should I schedule COVID-19 testing?

You should schedule COVID-19 testing at HealthyU Clinics if you have symptoms of the viral infection such as:

• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Muscle aches
• Nasal congestion
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of smell or taste

You should also get tested for COVID-19 if you’ve been around people who are positive for the infection. Ideally, you should wait at least five days after exposure before testing to get the most accurate results.

What happens during COVID-19 testing?

During rapid COVID-19 testing, the HealthyU Clinics providers collect a sample of fluids from inside your nasal cavity or throat. The on-site medical lab looks at the fluid sample under a microscope to identify genetic material that occurs in the COVID-19 virus.

If you’re having a single-swab test, the providers can determine if your symptoms relate to COVID-19, RSV, or the flu virus.

After testing is complete, the physicians discuss what you should do moving forward. If you’re positive for COVID-19 or other viral infections, they recommend that you isolate yourself away from others. The provider also suggests strategies you can use to recover at home, such as getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms.

If you experience serious respiratory issues, you can meet with the physicians online through the telehealth platform without leaving home. They can refer you to medical specialists or a local hospital for additional care.

Call the HealthyU Clinics office near you to schedule COVID-19 testing or book an appointment online today.