Many patients that contact our clinic frequently ask if they should get tested for COVID-19 or not. Some patients need a negative test for work, travel, or school, some have symptoms, while others are just simply concerned about having COVID.
Over the last several months, we are finding that symptoms for COVID can vary greatly from person to person. We have seen patients with simple symptoms, such as a runny nose or a slight cough, some report body aches, loss of taste and smell, while others display GI symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Frequently patients do not have fever, or maybe only run a low grade temp (between 99-100). Since the beginning of the COVID-pandemic, scientists have learned a lot about the virus: symptoms vary a lot per individual.
Back to the question; "To COVID-Test or not to COVID-test ...", understand that this COVID virus can be asymptomatic. If one has been exposed to a confirmed COVID-patient, or works/lives with those that have compromised immune-systems, are very old, very young, have respiratory problems, pregnant women, or battling with other diseases, it might be beneficial to get tested to rule out possible illness. However, as with any other test, keep in mind that when an individual tests negative (no COVID) that this test only pertains to that moment in time. If symptoms worsen or change, it is highly recommended that the patient is retested.
At Premier Healthcare in Oklahoma City, we focus on patient safety. Although walk-ins are always welcome, we make appointments with patients in 15 minute intervals so that we do not have too many patients in the waiting room at one point in time. We even allow patients to choose to be swabbed in their cars if requested. Patients that have COVID symptoms enter our building through the side-door to avoid contact with others. All staff members and patients are asked to wear masks. When a patient has a positive test, we shut down that particular exam room for 45 minutes and extensively sanitize the room before it can be used again for other patients.
Call us today (405-735-3135) to make an appointment or visit our website.