What to Expect During Your COVID-19 Test

While there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, the COVID-19 pandemic is still a serious threat to the health of people around the world. If you think you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus and still aren’t vaccinated, it’s important that you get tested. 

Our team at Primary Care Walk-In Medical Clinic offers drive-up COVID-19 testing services to determine if you have an active infection. Testing helps prevent the spread of the virus to others, especially those who aren’t able to be vaccinated.

When to schedule a COVID-19 test

You can schedule a COVID-19 test with our team at Primary Care Walk-In Medical Clinic if you know you’ve been in contact with someone who’s infected with the virus, unless you’ve been vaccinated.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should also schedule a test. Symptoms might include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Muscle pain
• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath

If you’re not vaccinated, you might also need to schedule testing if you plan to travel or to meet the requirements of your employer or other organization.

What happens during your COVID-19 test

The viral tests we offer involve swabbing your nose to collect a sample. During the test, a technician will insert a long stick with soft bristles on the end up your nose. They twirl it around for a few seconds to collect an adequate sample for testing.

Because the sample needs to be collected from the passage that connects your nose to the back of your throat, the swab must go far back to reach the area properly.

This can cause some discomfort until the test is done. It’s normal to feel like you have to sneeze or for your eyes to water for a brief period of time. If you have a sensitive gag reflex, you might also feel like you’re choking for a moment.

Luckily, these reactions don’t last long. Once your test is complete, you can resume your usual activities without physical limitations, and our team will call you with your results as soon as they are available. While you wait for your results, you should continue to quarantine away from others in case your test is positive.

What your COVID-19 results mean

If your COVID-19 test is positive, you should continue to isolate away from other family members, especially if they’re not vaccinated. You will likely be able to recover at home without medical treatment. However, if you do develop symptoms that you can’t treat at home, call Primary Care Walk-In Clinic for more information.

If you test negative for COVID-19, it means you weren’t infected at the time of your test. If you develop symptoms later, you might need another test to confirm your results.

Even if you are fully vaccinated, it’s important that you continue following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19 to others who aren’t. This means washing your hands frequently, wearing a mask, and practicing social distancing.

Those looking for a vaccine should contact their state health department, hospital, or local pharmacy to schedule a time for vaccination.  While the vaccine won’t completely protect you from getting the virus, it can significantly reduce your risk for becoming seriously ill and dying.

To schedule a drive-up COVID-19 test, call the Primary Care Walk-In Clinic nearest you or book an appointment online today.