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COVID-19

Our clinics offer rapid and PCR testing for COVID-19

Reasons to Get Tested

  • If you have COVID-19 symptoms

  • At least 5 days after known or suspected close contact to COVID-19

  • For screening (schools, workplaces, congregate settings, etc.)

  • Before and after travel

  • When asked by a healthcare professional or public health official

Types of Viral Tests

Laboratory Test

  • Sample can either be a nasal swab or saliva

  • Results usually in 1-3 days

  • Results are reliable for people with and without symptoms

  • No follow-up test required

  • Common example: PCR test

 

Rapid Test

  • Sample is usually a nasal swab

  • Results usually in 15-30 minutes

  • Results may be less reliable for people without symptoms

  • Follow-up test may be required

  • Common example: Antigen test

Actions After Result

If Positive Result

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If Negative Result

  • If up to update on vaccines: return to normal activities. Wear a mask indoors in areas where the COVID-19 Community Level is high.

  • If not up to date on vaccines and have symptoms or exposure: quarantine for at least 5 days.

  • If not up to date on vaccines and have no symptoms or exposure: return to normal activities. Take steps to get up to date on vaccines to protect yourself and others.

  • What are COVID-19 treatments?
    a. Medications that can stop COVID-19 illness from getting serious. b. They are free, widely available, and highly effective. Some can be taken at-home by pill and others are given by IV.
  • Why should I take a COVID-19 treatment?
    a. Scientific evidence shows that COVID-19 treatments work to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19 by up to 50-88%. b. Early evidence also suggests they may lower the risk of developing long COVID symptoms. c. Treatments like the Paxlovid pill can also prevent the virus from multiplying in your body and infecting more of your cells, which can help you test negative sooner.
  • When should I take a COVID-19 treatment?
    a. Treatments must be taken within 5-7 days of when symptoms begin. So if you start to feel sick, act fast to get a COVID-19 test and free treatment. b. Get treatment while your illness is mild – don't wait until your illness gets worse
  • Who should take COVID-19 treatment?
    The vast majority of adults are eligible for COVID-19 treatments, which are recommended for anyone 12 years old and older who has COVID-19 symptoms, has tested positive, and may be at higher risk for worse illness. These include being 50 years of age and older, being unvaccinated, and having common conditions like obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, asthma, diabetes, mental health conditions like depression, and more.
  • How do treatments work?
    a. Currently authorized treatments are antiviral treatments, which stop the virus from multiplying in your body and infecting more of your cells, which can stop COVID-19 illness from becoming serious and also help you to test negative sooner. These include pills called Paxlovid and Molnupiravir that can be taken at-home. There is also Remdesivir, which is usually given by a health care provider by IV. b. A health care provider can tell you what is right for you.
  • Are treatments free?
    a. Yes! The pill medications are free (the IV medications might have a charge). You do not need to have insurance or be a US citizen. Call the State COVID-19 Hotline if you were incorrectly charged for COVID-19 pills at 833-422-4255.
  • What are the side effects?
    a. Most people have no side effects. The most common side effects for Paxlovid, the most commonly prescribed COVID-19 medication, are mild, such as nausea or a bitter taste.
  • What is rebound?
    a. A return of mild symptoms and a new positive test a few days after testing negative. This can happen with COVID-19 regardless of if you take treatment. b. Most people do not have rebound with treatment. c. Rebound is NOT treatment failure as the medications still work to prevent severe illness.The benefits of treatment outweigh the risks of rebound.
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