covid testing near me

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.

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.

Why Go to an Urgent Care for Covid Testing?

Urgent care centers have quickly become the go-to healthcare solution for getting a fast checkup, quick treatment, and overall convenient healthcare for the whole family. During this time of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) pandemic, people have also sought out special testing for the virus.

At an urgent care center, you can walk in and get care without an appointment – and at many walk-in clinics like these, you can also be tested for Covid. Let’s talk about some of the main reasons why an urgent care clinic is your best option for getting tested for the novel coronavirus, and where you can go in King, North Carolina, to get heathcare for anyone in your family today.

Why Choose an Urgent Care Clinic to Be Tested for Covid?

There are many reasons to opt for COVID-19 testing at an urgent care center, including the following:

Fast Test Results

If you want to safely visit family, to protect others at home or work, or to fulfill a Covid test requirement that is necessary to participate in an event, you can get fast COVID-19 test results from an urgent care center. Because these walk-in clinics offer significantly shorter wait times overall, you will enjoy fast testing and fast results – which can be produced in as little as 15 minutes after the test is performed.

Minimally Invasive Testing

A rapid Covid test is a simple process in itself: You will give a mucus sample from your nose or throat. Rather than from the deep nasal cavity, a sample can be taken at the mid-nose point, causing less discomfort.

No Appointment Necessary

You can walk right into an urgent care center for relatively fast Covid testing, whether you think you may have contracted the conronavirus or you want the test for another reason. At an urgent care clinic, you’ll be seen by a healthcare provider within minutes after walking in.

This is how an urgent care clinic provides the perfect intermediate solution between an emergency room and the doctor’s office. You can be seen and treated without an appointment at an emergency room, but it has a triage system (which prioritizes more serious cases first) and usually costs quite a bit more; and you almost always need to make an appointment before you can see your doctor, you cannot simply walk in and see the physician.

An urgent care treats nonemergency cases, so there is no triage system – it’s first-come-first-served. Costs are kept low by offering basic yet important healthcare services, such as Covid testing and immunizations.

Convenient Hours

Most urgent care centers offer healthcare services 7 days a week with extended hours. This makes it easier for you to receive Covid diagnostic testing services within your schedule.

Urgent Care Covid Testing in King, NC

If you are having symptoms of COVID-19, think that you might have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, or want to be tested for Covid for another reason, come in and have a rapid Covid test at Cardinal Urgent Care. We will take a simple nasal swab to identify or rule out the presence of COVID-19 in your system.

If you are tested positive, our skilled staff will guide you on caring for yourself, protecting others, and taking medications. Cardinal Urgent Care is open 7 days a week, including many holidays.

To get yourself tested for Covid, simply walk in during our regular business hours, or set up an appointment. If you have any questions, call us today at (336) 983-9111. We look forward to serving you!

 

FAQs About COVID-19 Testing

While there are some people who believe that the we’re now close to the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, some scientists assert the virus is here to stay, and it could just take on a similar ebb and flow to the flu.

Regardless of which school of thought you adopt, one thing that cannot be refuted is that COVID-19 testing remains crucial for preventing and mitigating the spread of the disease that has already upended the lives of billions of people the world over.

Learn more about COVID-19 testing through the answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions about it, as listed below:

Q: When Do I Need A COVID-19 Test?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people get tested for COVID-19 if any of the following circumstances applies to them:

  • Have symptoms of the virus (e.g., fever, chills, sore throat, cough, difficulty breathing, etc.)
  • Have had known or suspected close contact with someone who’s been diagnosed with COVID-19- Even if the person is fully vaccinated, they should be tested 5 to 7 days after their exposure.
  • Not fully vaccinated and had known or suspected exposure to someone who’s confirmed to have COVID-19- If the test is negative, they should test again 5 to 7 days later or immediately if symptoms develop.
  • Starting an academic year or returning to work
  • Need to travel
  • Have been required to do so by a public health official or healthcare professional

Q: What Type of Covid Test Should I Have?

There are two types of COVID-19 viral tests available that are designed to check for current infection:

  • PCR test- This involves taking a sample which can either be a nasal swab or saliva. It is reliable for people with and without symptoms as it is highly sensitive to detecting even very small amounts of the virus. Test results are usually available within 1 to 3 days, and no follow-up test is usually required.
  • Rapid test (Antigen test)– Rapid tests usually involve also taking a nasal swab sample. They provide quick results (within 15 to 30 minutes) and are useful screening tests, but they are generally less sensitive compared to PCR tests and may be less reliable for people without symptoms. Follow-up tests may therefore be necessary.

Q: What If I Don’t Have Symptoms, Do I Still Need to Get Tested?

COVID-19 symptoms may take 2 to 14 days to appear after a person’s exposure to the virus. If you suspect you may have been exposed to the virus, you should take the correct precautionary measures right away.

One recent study estimated that 35 percent of all COVID-19 infections are asymptomatic, meaning the virus could be potentially transmitted to others unknowingly. Regular antigen testing is a quick and effective way to help identify asymptomatic cases of COVID-19.

Q: Where Should I Go for a Covid-19 Test?

You can get a COVID-19 test from an urgent care facility near you. However, you have to call the provider beforehand, so they can tell you how to safely go about the process—without the potential risk of disease transmission.

COVID-19 Testing in King, NC

At Cardinal Urgent Care, we are your one-step destination for your healthcare needs. In addition to providing top-notch urgent care, we offer a vast array of ancillary services—including COVID-19 testing, occupational health services, and diagnostic services—as part of our goal of delivering comprehensive health care for the men, women, and children in our community.

If you would like to find out more about COVID-19 testing or our other healthcare services, call us today at (336) 983-9111. Got an urgent medical situation? Simply walk in! We offer convenient extended opening hours, so you can get the care you need, when you need it.