Even with the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, there are still many new cases of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. If you suspect that you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, you may be wondering where you can go to get tested. Navigating care during the COVID-19 pandemic can all be overwhelming when need helps the most.

While telemedicine has increased during this pandemic, in-person care is still necessary and relevant in some cases. Knowing how to access care is a crucial aspect of managing your health. One of the things that you may be pondering is if you can visit an urgent care for COVID testing?

AFC Urgent Care Stoneham provides COVID testing to all patients in need. Visit our center today to get tested.

COVID Testing for Travel, Symptomatic, or Asymptomatic Reasons

People get tested for COVID-19 for different reasons, including travel and symptomatic or asymptomatic reasons.

• Travel Testing: If you plan on traveling internationally, chances are you’ll be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test result before you can board an international flight. Check all travel restrictions before leaving for vacation or a family visit to another country to prevent unwanted surprises. Different countries accept particular COVID-19 tests, so ensure that you get the correct test done. For instance, European foreign destinations, France, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Belgium require a negative PCR. Countries that accept antigen tests include Austria, Bulgaria, Belize, Croatia, Jamaica, Panama, the USA, and Turkey.
• Symptomatic Testing: This is typically done for a person experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, including but not limited to fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, and sore throat. If you are experiencing acute symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, or decreased awareness, don’t opt for COVID testing. Call 911 for help.
• Asymptomatic Testing: Asymptomatic testing is done for individuals who do not have any COVID-19 symptoms. This helps to identify individuals who may be unknowingly transmitting COVID-19.

COVID Symptoms

COVID-19 symptoms differ from person to person and can be mild to severe. Persons with chronic conditions are at an increased risk of serious illness from COVID-19. According to the CDC, symptoms of the COVID-19 may include, but are not limited to:

• Cough
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Congestion or runny nose
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Nausea or vomiting

Many people who get infected only show mild symptoms that begin gradually. Several of these symptoms are similar to the flu or common cold, and you may be tempted to overlook them. People with chronic medical conditions and older adults appear to have an increased risk for developing more severe illnesses when infected.

Treating COVID

How you go about treating COVID-19 depends on the nature of the infection-mild, moderate, or severe.

• Milder symptoms of COVID: A patient suffering from a mild case of COVID-19 is usually instructed to isolate and rest at home, where the patient would take medications to minimize the fever.
• Severe symptoms of COVID: Patients with a severe case of COVID-19 are typically hospitalized, with treatment that could involve supplemental oxygen, assisted ventilation, along further supportive measures.