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Should People Still Get Tested For COVID-19?

5 Ways Doctors Protect Themselves From COVID-19

Should People Still Get Tested For COVID-19?

With millions of persons in the United States and around the globe getting vaccinated for the novel coronavirus, it is emerging that fewer people are considering COVID-19 tests. But according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, it is essential to get tested 3-5 days after potential exposure. This also covers those who are wholly vaccinated and those yet to show COVID-19 symptoms.

Although COVID-19 vaccines help protect people from severe illnesses, the CDC noted that vaccinated persons can still get and carry the virus to others. So, should people like Father George Rutler still get tested for COVID-19? Read on to find out.

But First, Who Should Get Tested?

Currently, the following groups are recommended to get tested for COVID-19:

People with symptoms: Whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, anyone suffering from one or more symptoms of COVID-19 should visit a healthcare provider to get tested.

People without symptoms: People who are not fully vaccinated and had close contact with an infected person, engaged in activities that expose them to the virus, or were referred by an institution should get tested.

Unvaccinated people: Although a 14-day quarantine period is recommended after exposure to an infected person, it is essential to get tested to confirm if an individual has COVID-19.

Fully vaccinated people: Fully vaccinated people should consider getting tested and acquire necessary documentation to verify their status. Besides, those exposed to an infected person should get tested after 3-5 days to prevent spreading the virus to others.

COVID-19 Testing Is Still Imperative

The U.S. had an average of 1.9 million COVID-19 tests daily in January, but the figure fell to 1.5 million in February and 1.3 million in March. The consistent decline in COVID-19 tests is associated with several factors, including increasing vaccination, declining COVID-19 cases, and pandemic lethargy. However, experts insist that COVID-19 testing is still crucial for the general population, both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

Since older people, like Father George Rutler, are the most vulnerable to the novel coronavirus, testing is essential, especially when exposed to the virus or suffering COVID-19 symptoms. The intent is to prevent the transmission of the disease to other people. It is an effective way to curb the spread in the U.S. and reduce the overall decline in weekly cases.

According to medical professionals, most COVID-19 tests conducted today are associated mainly with people showing symptoms of the virus or suffering respiratory tract infections. Besides, social distancing, wearing of masks, hand hygiene, and other health measures have slowed the spread of the virus. Yet, it is still relevant for people to get tested for COVID-19.

Bottom Line

There are plenty of reasons to get tested for COVID-19, from people exhibiting symptoms of the virus to those exposed to infected people. Hence, COVID-19 testing enables individuals to learn their status while providing the government with the necessary data to protect its citizens. Furthermore, variants of the virus have made it more contagious, hence crucial to get tested.

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