While COVID-19 testing may be a tedious process, it's worth it to keep your friends, family and co-workers safe.
Fever. Cough. Shortness of breath. These are just a few potential symptoms of COVID-19.
And, as spring colds and allergies uptick, more and more people will need to get tested to verify whether or not their illness is COVID-19 or something else.
If you have symptoms like the ones mentioned above, it’s important to get tested to keep your friends, family and co-workers safe — because even though our country is making great gains, half of the United States population is not fully vaccinated, creating the possibility for a late spring COVID-19 surge.
Though COVID-19 testing can be a little bit uncomfortable, it’s worth it to stop the spread of the illness and get our country back on track. (And to have a more normal summer this year!) Your local Midwest Express Clinic is working to make the testing process as easy as possible.
Here are three steps to navigate COVID-19 testing, no matter where you live. And remember, if you have been in direct contact with a COVID-19 positive person, you need to get tested if you’re not already fully vaccinated.
1. Figure out the closest testing location to your home.
Search online to find the nearest testing location to your home. Midwest Express Clinic has more than 20 convenient testing locations across Illinois and Indiana. Simply go online and schedule your testing time.
2. Once you’ve booked your slot, fill out the online form to upload your personal and insurance information.
At clinics like Midwest Express Clinic, all patients interested in COVID-19 testing must register and submit ID and insurance information online. This will also guarantee you get the right test when you arrive. Most testing locations, like the ones offered by Midwest Express Clinic, offers both the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) nasal swab and rapid testing for COVID-19.
To break it down for you: PCR tests, considered the gold standard of testing, are required for many schools and businesses. PCR tests provide more accurate results than rapid tests.
Rapid tests, with results that are returned the same day, have an 85% accuracy when used to test symptomatic patients.
3. Be prepared for the appointment.
When you arrive at your testing location, it’s advised that you stay in your vehicle if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. At Midwest Express Clinic, for example, you will need to call the office and be pre-screened prior to receiving service. This will determine if you will be seen curbside or in the office.
One thing to know: The medical staff may ask you a series of questions about why you are getting tested. Answer honestly. It helps compile important data about this illness.
Also, know that coronavirus testing for adults almost always includes a nasal swab, which can often be slightly uncomfortable. Be mentally prepared for a few seconds of feeling uncomfortable, but know that millions of people have experienced the same thing, and everyone makes it through just fine.
Yes, getting tested for COVID-19 might be vexing, but it’s worth it to keep your family, friends and coworkers healthy in what we hope is the final stage of this pandemic. The finish line is on the horizon!
To learn more about COVID-19 testing at Midwest Express Clinic, click here.
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