The best way to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic is to err on the side of caution. But in addition to wearing a mask and using hand sanitizer, getting medical testing could help you take better care of your body. If you’re not sure whether to get tested, review these three tips for a clearer understanding.

When Should You Get Medical Testing for COVID-19?

1. Show any Symptoms

While COVID-19 is different for everyone, a few symptoms are routinely present among those who test positive. The primary indications are a dry cough—meaning one without phlegm—and shortness of breath. However, some people don’t experience these symptoms at a recognizable level, and may instead have a fever, body aches, sore throat, or a loss of taste or smell. Others may experience gastrointestinal symptoms, like vomiting and diarrhea. If you’re experiencing two or more of these symptoms, you owe it to yourself to get tested.

2. Contact With COVID-19 Positive People

If you haven’t experienced any of these symptoms, you should still arrange for a test if you’ve been in physical contact with anyone who received a positive COVID-19 test. Sometimes, symptoms don’t appear for up to 14 days after the virus is contracted. Or, you may be asymptomatic, which means your body is still carrying the virus and may be able to spread it. At least once a week, check-in with friends and family that you’ve seen in person, and stay abreast of their COVID-19 testing results.

3. Work in the Frontlines

If you are a frontline worker or a first responder, the CDC recognizes that you are in contact with more people, individuals who may or may not be wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like masks. While health care workers have a higher risk of being in contact with COVID-19 patients, non-medical personnel like prison guards and residential community managers are also at an elevated risk. Therefore, if you work in any of these industries, it might offer you peace of mind to receive a test and find out where you stand.

If you’re hoping to get a COVID-19 test, head to Robertsdale Urgent Care of Alabama. This walk-in clinic is currently offering medical testing for adults who are starting to feel under the weather, or are worried about contracting the virus from a positive individual. Whatever your results may be, their friendly staff can offer you clear answers and peace of mind. To learn more about their convenient urgent care services, visit the website. You can also call (251) 947-3591 for answers to your pressing COVID-19 questions.