AFC Urgent Care Washington Heightsprovides COVID-19 testing and updates to patients in Washington Heights, TX and the surrounding areas.
What is the novel coronavirus?
The coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is a virus that originated in China and was first detected in late 2019. COVID-19 is an upper respiratory infection and has led to closures and shutdowns of businesses, schools and organizations worldwide. Over 47,000 confirmed cases have been reported in the state of Connecticut as of July 2020.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Because COVID-19 is such a recent virus, the full scope of its symptoms are still being researched and studied. While some patients may experience mild symptoms similar to a cold or flu, many patients have wound up hospitalized due to the extent and severity of their symptoms. Patients with COVID-19 may also be completely asymptomatic and not realize they are sick or even contagious. Some of the range of symptoms associated with COVID-19 include:
- Dry cough
- High fever (102 F or higher) or chills
- Recent loss of taste and/or smell
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Chest and nasal congestion
- Chronic fatigue
- Muscle aches and headaches
Some patients are considered to be higher risk for complications than others. Patients over the age of 60, pregnant women or patients with underlying conditions or compromised immune systems may be more prone to developing serious to fatal symptoms or complications from COVID-19. Patients considered to be high-risk should be taken to the emergency room immediately for care, especially if they have difficulty breathing or feel pressure in their chest.
How does COVID-19 spread?
COVID-19 is airborne and can survive on surfaces for several days, which is why wearing a mask in public areas is recommended by the CDC as well as frequently washing and sanitizing your hands and frequently touched objects.
What tests are offered at AFC Urgent Care Washington Heights?
AFC Urgent Care Washington Heights offers two types of tests to diagnose an active case of COVID-19 or to detect a past infection.
Diagnostic NAAT/PCR testing is done to diagnose the active COVID-19 virus. A gentle swab is taken to acquire a sample and sent to our lab for analyzing. Results are returned to the patient in 3 business days, depending on lab capacity or any unforeseen circumstances. It is important you wait a couple of days after exposure to be tested because you could have a false negative in the first 3-5 days.
Antibody testing is a blood test performed to detect a past infection with COVID-19 through the presence of antibodies, an immune response developed after an infection has healed. Antibody testing requires a blood draw with results available in 4-7 business days, depending on lab capacity or any unforeseen circumstances. It is important to note that if you have the active virus, your antibody test will show up with a negative result due to the time it takes to develop antibodies (10-14 days after an infection has healed). Negative results indicate no exposure to COVID-19.
