Omicron Threat: Who Should Get COVID-19 Testing Done?

Omicron variant b. 1. 1. 52, corona virus, covid-19 testing

Omicron is the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529 designated by WHO on 26 November 2021. It was an evidence-based decision presented to WHO’s Technical Advisory Group that proved the different mutations of Omicron and its impact. Tests and research on Omicron are still being conducted worldwide to understand its many aspects better. 

As per research conducted by CDC, the Omicron variant is more likely to spread faster than its original counterpart, SARS-CoV-2. However, it is unknown whether it spreads more quickly than the Delta variant. CDC suspects that anybody infected with the Omicron virus can transmit the virus to others, even those vaccinated and asymptomatic. Therefore, COVID-19 testing is now more critical than ever.

Who Should Get Tested?

COVID-19 testing is a mandate if you are undergoing any symptoms, have been exposed to anybody suffering from COVID-19, or even if you are traveling. It is always recommended that you be responsible and receive routine testing once every month. The Omicron variant might be significantly weaker but nonetheless deadly and should not be underestimated.

Why Is It Important To Get Tested?

Routine testing is of utmost importance. A larger population of people with the COVID-19 virus have mild or no symptoms due to a large population now being vaccinated. However, it does not mean that they are not carriers of the disease despite the weak new variant Omicron. These individuals are more likely to spread the disease to people close to them, their family, friends, and loved ones. 

Symptoms That Require Mandate COVID-19 Testing

Get tested if any of these symptoms persist:

  • Fever or feverish chills
  • Coughing
  • Soreness in the throat
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Loss of smell or taste 
  • Fatigue, body aches, and headache
  • Chest congestion, runny nose
  • Vomiting or nausea
  • Diarrhea

Who should get tested for COVID-19?

The following individuals should consider getting themselves tested to determine if they are positive or not and isolate or get treated in accordance.

  • Individuals in close contact with COVID-19 patients: Individuals in close contact with another COVID-19 patient should get tested first. If the test results are positive, it is mandatory to stay quarantined at home. The quarantine period usually lasts up to 7-10 days. However, it is prone to change if you live in the same household. 
  • Asymptomatic individuals who frequent the community: If you frequently go out, you should opt for routine COVID-19 testing, such as rapid COVID-19 testing. You should definitely get tested if you cannot follow the required safety steps like social distancing and wearing a mask.
Same day rapid rt-pcr travel testing

If you are not ill or haven’t had any contact with someone afflicted with COVID-19, isolation at home is not required till test results come back. However, the test result coming back positive is possible; hence, it is mandatory to practice preventive actions like social distancing, wearing a mask while outside, and avoiding close contact with anyone. If the COVID-19 test result is positive, you are required to complete a ten-day quarantine period commencing from the date the test was collected. In addition, advise anyone with close contact with you before the test will need to quarantine themselves for 7-10 days and get tested as well.

However, suppose the test comes negative for COVID-19. In that case, you are not required to quarantine yourself but continue social distancing and always wear a mask outside to prevent future exposure to the virus.

Should You Take A Test After Full Vaccination? Here’s What The CDC Has To Say

Anyone showing COVID-19 symptoms should mandatorily get tested even if they are fully vaccinated. CDC has officially informed that fully vaccinated people do not require to be tested or quarantined unless they show the symptoms. Full vaccination status is defined as being COVID negative after fourteen days from the day of the last shot. However, exceptions like nursing home personnel are needed to be isolated and tested. Other exceptions include healthcare workers and workers in high-density environments like meat processing units still requiring testing to avoid spreading. Despite getting fully vaccinated, proximity to anyone severely suffering from COVID-19 should also get tested.

Conclusion

COVID-19 testing is beneficial because it makes surveillance of the disease activity comparatively easier. It also helps track the severity of the other variants coming up and how to contain them. Affordable Rapid Testing is a reliable provider of the most affordable same-day RT-PCR COVID-19 tests in Phoenix, Arizona.

Locations where you can avail RT-PCR COVID-19 test and Rapid COVID-19 Test:

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