The world around us has changed since we got hit by Corona Virus. From our living styles to travelling, everything has changed tremendously. Therefore, you have to be super observant about your health. Most people infected by the virus can experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without being admitted to the hospital. However, older people with medical conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer may suffer from severe illness and may die at any stage.
Viral Test
You can get your test done at any testing centre near you and there are many options across the UK. Samples can be taken from nostrils or mouth. Testing is one of the safety measures in reducing spread of the virus.
A rapid test can be done by an individual, which can be easily taken at home. It needs swabbing your nose and takes about 30 minutes to display the result.
PCR tests are more accurate but more involved, and must be administered at a testing centre, like those found in London, Edinburgh, Manchester and more. You can now get PCR tests in Croydon for those who are close by.
Antibody Tests
An antibody test is not conducted to diagnose current infection, but it helps detect the presence of antibodies used to fight off virus in the past. It even helps learn how the human body’s immunity system helps fight the virus and can even help us understand population-level protection. If you get an antibody test after the vaccination, you might get a positive result, so make sure you leave enough time after vaccination.
If you have been exposed to the virus while travelling or socialising, a positive antigen test is enough evidence that you have the virus. As for the PCR test (more info), availability depends on demand in your community. Some testing facilities face few appointments and longer waiting hours, while the situation at other centres can be the opposite.
What must you do while waiting for the PCR result?
If you have symptoms and are waiting for your PCR test report, you must act quickly and quarantine yourself.
According to doctors, if you have been exposed but have no symptoms, you can wear a full protective mask if you are vaccinated and boosted. However, those not vaccinated should quarantine after a known exposure until the result comes out.
Once your test comes out positive, doctors suggest quarantining yourself for the period of 5 to 7 days with prescript medicines. Therefore, quarantine can be prolonged in rare cases depending on the patient’s health condition and negative PCR test report.
PCR test before travelling
Just as our lifestyle changed since Covid19 entered our lives, so have the rules of travelling. Most countries ask for a negative PCR test 72 hours before travel. You have to act wise and responsible while socialising or travelling, making sure to keep yourself and the people around you safe and healthy.