COVID-19 Testing: What You Need to Know

What is COVID-19 testing?

COVID-19 testing involves taking a sample from your body to check for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19. There are two main types of COVID-19 tests:

• Viral tests detect the presence of the virus in your body. These tests are done using a sample of saliva, mucus, or blood.
• Antibody tests detect antibodies that your body produces in response to the virus. These tests are done using a sample of blood.

When should I get tested for COVID-19?

You should get tested for COVID-19 if:

• You have symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
• You have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
• You are traveling to or from an area with a high number of COVID-19 cases.

How can I get tested for COVID-19?

You can get tested for COVID-19 at a variety of locations, including:

• Doctor's offices
• Urgent care centers
• Hospitals
• Community health centers
• Drive-through testing sites

What are the benefits of getting tested for COVID-19?

Getting tested for COVID-19 can help you to:

• Know if you have the virus and need to isolate yourself to prevent spreading it to others.
• Get treatment if you have the virus.
• Help public health officials track the spread of the virus.

Conclusion

Getting tested for COVID-19 is an important way to protect yourself and others from the virus. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, please get tested as soon as possible.