I want to ensure that my cold symptoms are not associated with my contracting COVID19. Before going, I wanted to know what they need from me so I don't waste my time and gas.
None of the topics below fit this and I just want a COVID test. This is too complex for something so simple!
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Do you have any friends in education? The school districts in my state are able to get them on request. Two daughters have multiple tests for just in case.
As far as medically administered PCR and rapid tests - again specific to where we are - the lines are extremely long - we are experiencing terribly high numbers here unfortunately. Honestly unless you just have to know you are almost better of just assuming you have it and treating it as if you do. You can call your doctor and ask if they have testing available or check urgent care options. Locally most of ours do not have availability at all. The testing clinics they have opened have full day waits in most cases - the local news has shown people lining up and sitting in line for hours - not to scare you - as I said our area is just super bad right now.
For the at home tests - if you get one you probably need to get two - because I think they recommend that you test twice.
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If you get a test too early, it may not read correctly. My daughter thought she had a head cold on Friday by Monday she was losing her smell. This was Thanksgiving so rapid tests were available and she bought 2. Both tested positive. Her job required a PCR so she went to the hospital. Took till the next day to get results.
You need to call around to pharmacies in ur area to see if they have the tests or local Hospital or Express clinic.
Sorry we cannot be of more help but this is a forum of Caregivers from all over the US, Canada, UK and other countries. We cannot tell you what is available in a specific area.
I had a break-thru case last month, the cold came on quickly, I was so tired, had a slight fever, wasn't hungry, stuffed up, and spent the day sleeping. The next day, the cold had disappeared, no trace. The covid vaccine did it's job !!
I did quarantine for 5 days after that, as recommended.
Many drugstores will do testing you should make an appointment first.
Your local Health Department should either test of tell you where you can get tested.
Most places will test for free.
And there are some home tests that you can get but they sell out quickly
In NYC, no problem. Elsewhere, I dont know.
Given the above, I would not visit any seniors or anyone in the hospital with any symptoms. I'd wait at least five days and preferably 10 for all symptoms to go away.
Your best bet, if you're computer savvy is Google "covid tests near me".
If you're not computer savvy, either call your primary care physician, or contact your county health department.
You should be able to get a test free of charge, but you might have to make an appointment.
If you're experiencing symptoms, you really should call your PCP and be guided by what they suggest.
If one has covid, they need to quarantine for 5 days after a "positive" test result. And if others are living in the same household, everyone needs to wear a mask for those 5 days and also quarantine, and be tested.
My sig-other grown daughter and her two teen-age children, all 3 have tested positive for covid. None have been vaccinated. This is the 2nd time the grown daughter had gotten covid which had her down for the count for almost a month. She still had no sense of taste/smell when she caught it again.