COVID-19

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is an infectious disease currently spreading worldwide in a global pandemic. The virus that causes the disease, called SARS-CoV-2, causes respiratory illness symptoms that can range from mild to severe. Some people get no symptoms even though they test positive. 

Consider getting a COVID-19 test if you know you’ve been exposed to the virus, even if you’re asymptomatic. You should also get a test if you have symptoms. Two to 14 days after you’re in contact with the virus, you can experience symptoms like:

• Fever
• Chills
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Dry cough
• Shortness of breath
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of taste or smell

The symptoms of COVID-19 affect everyone differently, so you might notice different symptoms than someone else with the same infection. 

While you can manage some of the symptoms at home, you should seek medical attention right away if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, sudden confusion, or if your lips or face are turning blue.

How does COVID-19 testing work?

Healthy Horizons Clinic conveniently offers COVID-19 testing so you can find out if you have the infection. There are several types of COVID-19 testing, including one for active infections and another that shows if you’ve been infected in the past. Your options include:

Viral COVID-19 testing

A positive viral COVID-19 test result indicates an active infection. If you test positive, you need to take steps to avoid spreading the infection, such as self-quarantining and encouraging those you’ve been in close contact with to get tested. 

COVID-19 antibody testing

COVID-19 antibody testing shows whether your immune system has developed antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The test doesn’t diagnose a current infection, so you don’t need to quarantine if you get a positive result. 

With both tests, the team at Healthy Horizons Clinic tells you if you need to take any other steps due to your result. 

What are COVID-19 vaccinations?

There are currently several COVID-19 vaccinations available. The vaccines are free for everyone, and getting them protects you against serious COVID-19 infections. 

Vaccination doesn’t protect you from the virus altogether, but being vaccinated protects you from getting seriously ill. 

Specific COVID-19 vaccines vary in how many doses you need and when you should get booster shots. Keep in mind that you can still get symptoms of COVID-19 after getting the vaccine, but it is rare. 

Call Healthy Horizons Clinic today for COVID-19 testing or vaccinations or book an appointment online.