PCR Testing - vs - Antibody Testing
PCR Diagnostic Testing
A PCR test can show if you have an active coronavirus infection and should take steps to quarantine or isolate yourself from others. Currently there are two types of diagnostic tests which detect the virus – molecular tests, such as RT-PCR tests, that detect the virus’s genetic material, and antigen tests that detect specific proteins on the surface of the virus.
Antibody Testing
This test checks for antibodies to COVID-19. If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, your body produces antibodies as part of the immune response to the virus. This test cannot tell if you have an active infection. If you suspect you have COVID-19, follow up with your healthcare provider about getting a PCR test.
Who should get a COVID-19 antibody test?
Have been diagnosed with COVID-19, it has been at least 14 days since your diagnosis, and you want to know if you have antibodies.
Have had or suspect you’ve had COVID-19 but have not experienced any new symptoms in the past 10 days (these symptoms include cough, difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell).
Have had or suspect you’ve had COVID-19 but have not experienced a fever in the past 3 days.
Who should not get a COVID-19 antibody test?
Are feeling sick or have had a fever within the last 3 days.
Are trying to see if you have active COVID-19.
Have been diagnosed with COVID-19 less than 10 days ago.
Were directly exposed to COVID-19 with in the past 14 days.
Have a condition that weakens your immune system
Check for symptoms
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of these symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have mild illness.
This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
For more information, please visit cdc.gov
Who is at higest risk?
COVID-19 is a new disease and there is limited information regarding risk factors for severe disease. Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Based on what we know now, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 are:
People 65 years and older
People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
People of all ages with underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, including:
People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
People who have serious heart conditions
People who are immunocompromised
Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications
People with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher)
People with diabetes
People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
People with liver disease
For more information, please visit cdc.gov.
What is social distancing
Two people with masks on 6 feet apart
Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social or physical distancing:
Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people
Do not gather in groups
Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings
In addition to everyday steps to prevent COVID-19, keeping space between you and others is one of the best tools we have to avoid being exposed to this virus and slowing its spread locally and across the country and world.
When COVID-19 is spreading in your area, everyone should limit close contact with individuals outside your household in indoor and outdoor spaces. Since people can spread the virus before they know they are sick, it is important to stay away from others when possible, even if you have no symptoms. Social distancing is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
For more information, please visit cdc.gov.
WHERE CAN I GET TESTED FOR COVID-19?
Locations coming soon…
