When to Get Tested for COVID and Why

Written by Leslie K. Hughes

Previously we chatted about the differences between each type of COVID test and what each one is used for. 

Now, it’s time to talk about when to get tested for COVID and why testing is important. 

The CDC outlines a few different scenarios that warrant getting a COVID-19 test. Read on to find out those situations.

When to get tested

Signs of symptoms

If you are showing any of the COVID-19 symptoms, seek testing right away. This is the case whether you’re vaccinated or unvaccinated. 

Some of the symptoms associated with COVID include:

• Shortness of breath or struggle with breathing

• Fever

• Chills

• Exhaustion

• Muscle aches

• Body aches

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Headache

• Loss of taste

• Loss of smell

• Nausea

• Congestion

If you notice any of these things come up in your body, head to a Sameday Health testing location near you to get tested ASAP. 

Risky situations

If you have been in a situation that seems risky in terms of potential COVID exposure or plan to be around a group of people, it is important to get tested. 

Some of these risky situations include:

• Large gatherings

• Events

• Travel

• Being in small spaces

Potential exposure

Another key time to get tested for COVID is if you were around someone who tested positive for the virus. This means being within 6 feet of someone for more than 15 minutes. It is better to be on the safe side and avoid potentially spreading the virus to others by getting tested and quarantining until you get the results. 

Travel

Any International travel currently requires that people returning from abroad get tested no more than 3 days before coming back to the states. This is the case regardless of your vaccination status. 

However, we think it is best practice to get tested before traveling anywhere, even if it’s within the United States, and we also think it is best practice to get tested before returning home. 

Work

Some companies are now requiring that employees get tested for COVID regularly, especially as things return to the office. 

To keep the risk of COVID as low as possible, your company should implement regular testing into COVID protocols. 

Why you should get tested

One of the proven ways to help stop the spread of COVID is regular testing. 

This is because testing helps to identify the people who test positive for the virus and need to isolate themselves from others. This reduces the chances of the infection passing further and also allows those who tested positive to seek treatment early, which likely means a less severe case of COVID. 

If you come into contact with someone who has the infection, it is important to protect yourself and others by isolating until you know for sure you do not have the virus. Sometimes this takes a couple of tests to ensure that enough time has passed since the potential exposure. Not everyone who contracts COVID shows symptoms, so keep in mind that symptoms are not always a reliable way to determine whether you have the virus. Testing is. 

Another reason to get tested is because it is quick and easy. Sameday Health offers convenient and reliable testing in the form of PCR tests, rapid tests, and antibody tests. All it takes is a simple swab that is sent to the lab for testing. Results from your COVID test are quick and convenient to get, so you can practice the highest level of safety. 

Together, the COVID tests offered by Sameday Health help to stop the spread of COVID.