COVID-19 Testing

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. It can easily spread from one person to the next through tiny, liquid particles that are released into the air from an infected person’s sneeze, cough, breathing, and speaking.

Most people can fight off the virus without becoming extremely ill. However, others can get very ill, and for a small number of people, COVID-19 can be fatal.

If you have other health issues, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, or are of advanced age, you’re more susceptible to becoming seriously ill. But COVID-19 can affect anyone, including young children and healthy individuals.

When should I get COVID-19 testing?

You should get tested if you experience symptoms of COVID-19, which include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Body aches
• Headaches
• Diarrhea
• Loss of taste and smell

You should go to an emergency room if you experience more severe symptoms like shortness of breath, loss of speech, confusion, loss of mobility, or chest pain.

The Carolina Urgent Care team also recommends that if you’ve been in close contact with an infected person, you wear a mask, isolate for at least five days, and then schedule or come in for a screening.

You might also need to get tested for work, a social function, or travel.

What are the different types of COVID-19 testing?

There are two types of tests:

Rapid antigen test

This test is for individuals with or without symptoms of COVID-19. Your provider collects a sample with a nasal swab. The test targets the protein of the virus and gets quick results, but it works best when administered at the peak of infection. 

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test

This test is similar to the rapid antigen test, but is more accurate because it works by identifying genetic material from the virus. It also takes at least 24 hours to get your results.

Your provider can give guidance on the right testing for you based on your condition or circumstances.

If you have questions about getting tested for COVID-19 at Carolina Urgent Care, or if you need to get tested, call or book an appointment online or walk in today.