DO YOU HAVE COVID-19?
A.J. Brickler - Testing
You wake up in the morning and you’re not feeling right. You have a fever, or a persistent dry cough, or your stomach might be upset. Should you be tested for COVID-19?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a Coronavirus Self-Checker to help you decide if you need to get a test for COVID-19.
Leon County also offers a list of COVID-19 symptoms.
If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, you should be tested.
In Florida, you can find out where to get tested here: Testing Sites. Leon County government also offers a map of testing sites and a list of sites.
Capital Health Plan suggests that its members contact their primary care provider to get a test. An at-home COVID-19 swab test kit also is now available.
Two types of tests are available:
- Viral testing, which can tell you if you currently have the disease.
- Antibody testing, which can tell you if you had the disease in the past.
What should I do if I am told I have tested positive, or someone I’m caring for has tested positive?
- According to the Florida Department of Health, self-isolate at home. Don’t go outside unless for medical visits. Don’t go to school, work, or social gatherings. Don’t use public transportation or ride-sharing services.
- Stay away from others. As much as possible, stay in one room away from others in your home. Use a separate bathroom if possible. Avoid contact with pets or other animals.
- Wear a facemask. You should wear a face covering whenever you go out, but you should especially do so if you have tested positive for COVID-19 or have been caring for someone who has tested positive.
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or by coughing into your elbow.
- If you touch your face, eyes, nose, mouth, or mask, you should wash your hands again for at least 20 seconds.
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