What is COVID-19?
According to researchers, COVID-19 is an infectious disease that has not previously been detected in humans. It is a new virus and has spread across the globe in a relatively short period of time.
The majority of people who contract COVID-19 will experience mild symptoms or have no symptoms at all. Most will recover within a few weeks, with little disruption to their normal routines.
For a portion of the population, however, COVID-19 infection can have far more serious ramifications. Some will struggle with symptoms for weeks or even months before recovering, and a number of people will die from the disease. Researchers are still not sure what the long-term effects of COVID-19 might be.
COVID-19 spreads through close person-to-person contact. It is believed that your risk level rises when you spend more than a few moments within six feet of an infected person.
You can catch COVID-19 by coming into contact with respiratory droplets, which are released during coughing, sneezing, or even normal breathing. Touching a surface that an infected person has touched can also spread COVID-19.
When should I be tested for COVID-19?
Current guidelines for COVID-19 testing suggest that people should get tested if they:
- Have symptoms of COVID-19
- Have taken part in large gatherings or crowded indoor events
- Have been exposed to someone with COVID-19
- Are asked to be tested by their health care professional
You might also be asked to get tested before participating in school or social events, prior to certain forms of travel, or by your employer.
It’s important to know the symptoms of COVID-19 to determine if and when you should be tested. Some things to keep an eye out for include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Congestion or runny nose
- Cough
- Changes in taste or smell
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle or body aches
Not everyone will experience all of these symptoms, so it is important to listen to the messages your body sends and get screened if you feel something is off.
What kinds of COVID-19 testing are available?
Nashville Health Pro understands the importance of learning your COVID-19 status. The practice offers COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, which is also called a molecular test.
This test looks for genetic material known to be linked to the virus. A small sample of cells is collected using a nasal or throat swab, which is then analyzed in a lab. Results are available within 24 hours, so you’ll know if you need to quarantine or let others know you’ve tested positive for COVID-19.
If you receive a positive test result, sharing this information with those you’ve come in contact is a critical public health matter. Self-quarantining is among the best ways to fight this disease and to keep everyone as safe as possible as we move closer to readily available vaccines.
If you test positive for COVID-19, you have access to outpatient treatment to help you manage symptoms as your body fights off the infection. Your care team will assess your condition and let you know if more advanced treatments are needed or if you should seek inpatient care.
Booking your COVID-19 screening is as simple as a phone call. Online booking is an option for less urgent care needs.
