COVID testing facility King NC

Who Can Benefit from COVIDTesting in King, NC?

Are you concerned about the spread of COVID-19 and want to know if you need to get tested? Testing is a key component in helping us protect ourselves, our families, friends, and communities, and preventing further transmission of the virus. Understanding who can benefit most from covid testing is essential for any decision related to fighting this pandemic together.

Let’s talk about who can benefit from covid testing and where you can go for a COVID-19 test in King, NC.

Understanding the Different Types of COVID-19 Tests

COVID-19 has affected the world in countless ways. As such, several types of COVID-19 tests have been developed to help diagnose those who have been infected. It is important to understand the differences between these tests to help determine the best course of action for slowing the spread of the virus. Some tests, such as PCR tests, are highly accurate but may take several days to return results. Other tests, such as the antigen test, can provide results in as little as 15 minutes but may have lower accuracy rates.

Who is Most at Risk for Serious Illness from COVID-19?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adults, especially those over the age of 65, and people with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes are at higher risk of developing complications from COVID-19. In addition, individuals with weakened immune systems or those who are pregnant may also have a higher risk of serious illness. It is important for everyone to take precautions to protect themselves and those around them, especially those who may be at higher risk.

Testing for Long-Term Care Facilities and Nursing Homes

With the elderly and those with underlying health conditions at a heightened risk for severe illness or even death from COVID-19, it is crucial that long-term care facilities and nursing homes have efficient and effective testing protocols in place. We must prioritize the health and safety of our most vulnerable populations. By investing in testing and other preventative measures, we can help to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep our loved ones safe.

Expanded Testing for Group Living Settings and Homeless Shelters

To better protect vulnerable populations, expanded testing efforts have been implemented to ensure that the virus does not spread undetected in these environments. This means that individuals in these settings can receive regular testing, which helps identify cases early on and allows for prompt and effective isolation and treatment. By prioritizing testing in group living settings and homeless shelters, we can work towards a safer and healthier future for everyone.

Testing Before Traveling to Restart Business Activity and Reopen Schools

While testing is just one layer of protection against the spread of the virus, it is especially true for businesses and schools looking to restart their operations. By ensuring that individuals are tested and cleared before entering a workspace or classroom, we can mitigate the risk of transmission and get back to some sense of normalcy.

COVID Testing in King, NC

COVID testing is quick, easy, and can provide you with the peace of mind to stay healthy, happy, and safe. So, if you need a COVID test, please do not hesitate to visit us at Cardinal Urgent Care. Our services include quick COVID-19 tests, as well as prompt tests for flu, strep, and mono. With accurate diagnoses, we can provide you with the appropriate treatment to help you recover quickly.

We are open from 8 AM to 8 PM on weekdays and 9 am to 5 pm on weekends. Additionally, you can schedule an appointment by calling us at (336) 983-9111 or through our online scheduler. We are committed to helping you feel your best, and we look forward to serving you.

Reasons to Get COVID Testing After the Pandemic

As the world slowly returns to normalcy, many wonder what the future holds. One certain thing is that COVID-19 will still be a major health concern for the foreseeable future. This means getting tested for COVID-19 even after the pandemic can be beneficial.

Let’s talk about why you should get tested for COVID and where you can go for a COVID test in King, NC.

You Have Mild Symptoms of COVID-19

Even if you are experiencing mild symptoms, getting tested for COVID-19 is vital. Fever, cough, and fatigue may seem minor, but they could be warning signs of the virus.

Being infected can cause severe illnesses in vulnerable individuals. Remember, SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted before symptoms even appear.

Post-COVID or Long Covid Conditions

Post-COVID conditions refer to health issues that can emerge or persist following a COVID infection.

While many individuals recover within a few days or weeks after infection, some may experience symptoms.

You may develop a new set of conditions following the initial encounter with the virus. Most individuals who develop these symptoms do so shortly after being diagnosed with COVID. However, some people may not realize when they were initially infected.

Your new symptoms may be falsely attributed to other causes without getting tested.

Post-Intensive Care Syndrome

People who suffer from severe illness, hospitalization, or treatment may develop health problems such as post-intensive care syndrome (PICS).

PICS are health effects that may arise during a stay in an intensive care unit (ICU). These effects may continue even after they return home and can include:

  • Muscle weakness
  • Cognitive difficulties
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a long-term reaction to a very stressful event

While PICS is not exclusive to SARS-CoV-2, it may still occur and contribute to post-COVID conditions. Individuals who experience PICS after COVID-19 don’t know if it’s due to a severe illness, the virus, or both.

Prevention is one reason for getting tested. Another is to keep a detailed medical history record, ensuring everything is noticed.

This will invariably help healthcare professionals understand your situation better, whether at present or for future consultations.

For the Prevention of Future Outbreaks

While vaccines are highly effective, getting tested for COVID-19 post-pandemic can help identify potential new variants that may be spreading. This can help prevent future outbreaks and protect yourself and those around you.

The importance of early detection cannot be overstated when it comes to COVID-19.

Testing promotes the identification of cases and exposure, helping people take necessary precautions to limit the spread of the virus. It also ensures that those infected receive the appropriate treatment as early as possible, leading to better health outcomes.

For Early Treatment

Early detection through COVID testing can lead to earlier treatment, which can improve your chances of a full recovery.

Testing may also lead to further evaluation, identifying underlying health conditions that make you more susceptible to severe illness.

With early treatment, you can help prevent the sustained transmission of the virus in your area. It enables taking appropriate measures to avoid infecting people, particularly vulnerable populations, such as the following:

  • Children
  • The elderly
  • Immuno compromised individuals
  • People with comorbidities

Responsible behavior can go a long way and even save lives.

As Part of Travel Requirements

Travel is a crucial reason for COVID-19 testing. On December 30, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an order.

They require air passengers traveling to the United States from China, Hong Kong, or Macau to provide negative COVID-19 tests. This test must have been taken no more than two days before their flight.

Passengers who have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days can also provide documentation to meet this requirement. This measure aims to prevent the spread of COVID-19 across borders and reduce the risk of transmission.

By requiring tests and documentation, the CDC ensures the safety of travelers and prevents the further spread of the virus.

Some might think that COVID-19 testing is less important than before. However, you are doing the community a huge favor by getting tested.

If you carry the virus, you help prevent its spread, protect vulnerable populations, and enable yourself to receive treatment.

COVID Testing in King, NC

COVID testing is quick, easy, and can provide you with the peace of mind to stay healthy, happy, and safe. So, if you need a COVID test, please don’t hesitate to visit us at Cardinal Urgent Care. Our services include quick COVID-19 tests, as well as prompt tests for flu, strep, and mono. With accurate diagnoses, we can provide you with the appropriate treatment to help you recover quickly.

We are open from 8 AM to 8 PM on weekdays and 9 am to 5 pm on weekends. Additionally, you can schedule an appointment by calling (336) 983-9111 or through our online scheduler. We are committed to helping you feel your best, and we look forward to serving you.

Types of COVID Tests

COVID tests are essential to prevent the spread of COVID-19. There are different types of COVID tests, and it is important to know when it is appropriate to use which test. Let’s discuss the different types of tests, what information they provide, and where you can go in King, NC, to receive any COVID test you may need and personalized care.

Rapid Tests

“Rapid” tests, clinically known as antigen tests, identify whether or not you are currently infected with Coronavirus. It works by detecting if proteins made by the virus are present in your body.

During a rapid test, a healthcare provider will swab your nose to collect a sample of your nasal/respiratory fluid, where the virus resides in sick individuals. Your provider will then process the sample and let you know the result. Rapid tests are named this way because they only take 15 minutes to develop and display results.

Rapid tests are a good option if you need quick results, such as needing to test to travel. However, they are not as accurate as other tests.

At-Home Tests

“At-home” tests are also antigen tests. They are the same as the rapid tests you can get at an urgent care clinic, except you can buy them at your local pharmacy and take them without leaving your house.

The testing process is the same as a rapid test at the healthcare provider’s office, except you have to swab your own nose, put the swab into a solution, and use a dropper to apply the solution to a test card. The test card displays a result after 15 minutes.

At-home tests are a good option because you get quick results, but there is a higher chance of user error and, therefore an incorrect result because the test is not being performed by a healthcare professional.

PCR Tests

PCR tests are a type of COVID test that looks for viral genetic information in a sample. These tests are commonly performed at a pharmacy or urgent care clinic and also involve a nasal swab. Unlike at-home/rapid tests, it takes 24-72 hours for PCR tests to determine if you are infected.

PCR tests are a good option when you want to know if you have COVID, as they are more accurate than antigen tests such as at-home tests or rapid tests. However, they can be somewhat inconvenient in that results are not immediately available.

COVID Test Near Me

If you are looking for experienced, caring providers that can diagnose and treat COVID-19, look no further than Cardinal Urgent Care. We offer rapid COVID-19 tests as well as rapid flu, strep, and mono tests so that we can identify exactly what is making you sick and give you the correct treatment, so you feel better in no time. We are open 8 am-8 pm Monday through Friday and9am-5 pm Saturdays and Sundays. Walk-ins are always welcome, and we also schedule appointments at 336-983-9111 or through our appointment scheduler. We look forward to helping you get back to feeling your best!

The Importance of COVID Testing

COVID testing plays a significant role in protecting yourself and others and in helping to prevent the virus from spreading. A positive COVID test early on not only allows you to isolate, reducing the chance of infecting others, it also enables you to seek suitable treatment sooner, which can help to reduce the severity of the disease and the risk of long-term complications.

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. It is easily transmitted between people, and although it often causes minor symptoms in most people, the virus can cause serious illness and long-term disability in others.

In April 2020, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) launched the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics Initiative to develop rapid, accurate, and easy-to-use COVID testing nationwide. Testing allows people to determine if they are infected with COVID-19, regardless of whether they have symptoms. It can help to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others, particularly to those that are most vulnerable of becoming seriously ill from the virus.

Types Of COVID Testing

There are two main types of COVID-19 tests available, viral tests and antibody tests. Viral tests are designed to check for current infection, while antibody tests are used to detect if you have antibodies present in your body, which indicate you had COVID in the past.

Viral Tests

Viral tests work to detect if you are infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. They include:

  • Rapid tests – such as antigen tests, are easy to use and usually involve taking a nasal swab sample. They provide fast results, typically within 15-30 minutes, and are a useful screening tool. However, they are generally less sensitive than lab tests and may not be as reliable for people without COVID symptoms. Follow-up tests may be required.
  • Lab tests – such as PCR tests, involve taking a saliva or nasal swab sample. The test is reliable for people with and without symptoms, as it is highly sensitive to detecting even very small amounts of the virus. Test results take longer than rapid test results and are usually available within 1-3 days. No follow-up test is usually required.

Antibody Tests

An antibody test, also known as a serology test, is used to detect antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the blood. Antibodies are proteins created by the immune system to help fight infection and protect you from illness in the future. They can develop either from a previous infection of COVID-19 or after getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

Antibody tests are not used to identify current infection but can help to indicate a previous infection and check whether a person has any immunity to the virus. The test involves taking a small sample of blood, which is then tested in a lab. Results of the test are usually available within 24-48 hours.

When COVID Testing Is Necessary

COVID can cause a range of symptoms, and in some people, it can lead to severe, long-lasting damage to the body and organs. COVID testing, along with other risk-reducing measures, such as wearing a face mask, plays a significant role in protecting people and reducing the spread of COVID-19.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that you should have a COVID test if you:

  • Have symptoms of the virus, such as fever, cough, headache, the new loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
  • Are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and have had known or suspected close contact to someone with the virus. If the test is negative, you should test again 5-7 days later or immediately if symptoms develop.
  • Are fully vaccinated and have had known or suspected close contact to someone with COVID-19 (test 5-7 days after contact).
  • For screening purposes (school, workplace etc.).
  • Are due to travel.
  • Are asked to do so by a healthcare professional/public health official.

What You Should Do If You Test Positive For COVID-19

If you test positive for COVID, you should isolate for at least 5 days and follow the necessary precautions to prevent spreading infection regardless of whether you are vaccinated or not. Day 0 is the first day of symptoms or the day of the positive test, if asymptomatic.

You can end isolation after 5 full days if you are fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and if other symptoms have improved, aside from loss of smell/taste. You should wear a face mask in public and around other people for 5 additional days and you shouldn’t travel. If symptoms persist after 5 days, you should continue to isolate until day 10 or until symptoms have improved.

If your result is negative, it is likely that you were not infectious at the time the sample was collected, but you should continue to take suitable steps to protect yourself and others and re-test if/when necessary.

Where To Go For COVID Testing

COVID-19 testing is widely available at a number of different settings nationwide, including pharmacies, urgent care centers, health centers, and rapid testing facilities. If you are unsure where your nearest COVID testing facility is, contact your healthcare provider or local health department for more information. The CDC website also has up-to-date information on COVID-19 testing.

Urgent care centers offer fast, convenient, COVID-19 testing and no appointment is necessary. However, you should always check the testing protocol with your provider before attending the center in person to prevent spreading the virus to others.

If you have symptoms or know you have been exposed to the virus, some healthcare providers may recommend a self-test or self-collection kit, which are often available over the counter or by prescription from pharmacies and certain retail stores.

COVID Testing in King, NC

Visit Cardinal Urgent Care for fast, safe, and convenient COVID testing. We provide a range of health care services for patients of all ages, including urgent care, routine physicals, occupational health, and rapid testing via nasal swab to allow you to know your COVID-19 status as soon as possible.

To learn more about COVID-19 testing or about any of our other services, call us today at (336) 983-9111. We offer extended hours and are open 7 days a week to ensure you get the care you need, when you need it. Alternatively, if you’re not in a rush, you can request an appointment online.