When should you get tested for COVID-19? We have the answer for you

<p>COVID-19 tests are again gaining focus as the nation experiences the biggest surge of the coronavirus pandemic. With cases rising rapidly across India, not only are more people being tested but more people are seeking out tests or wondering if they should get tested because of potential exposure.</p> <p>Tests for COVID-19 include the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic test, which is a nasal swab. There&rsquo;s also an antibody test that can tell whether you had the infection in the past.</p> <p>It should be noted that some people infected with the virus have no symptoms. When the virus does cause symptoms- it includes fever, body ache, dry cough, fatigue, chills, headache, sore throat, loss of appetite and loss of smell. In some people, COVID-19 causes more severe symptoms like high fever, severe cough and shortness of breath, which often indicates pneumonia.</p> <p>If youve been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or begin to experience symptoms of the disease, you should get yourself tested and isolate yourself till the results are out. But, if you get tested too early after exposure, it can be possible that you have a false-negative test.</p> <p>If youve been exposed to someone with a confirmed case but do not experience any symptoms, get yourself tested because you might be an asymptomatic patient.</p> <p>If you haven&rsquo;t been exposed to the virus and don&rsquo;t show any symptoms of COVID-19, you don&rsquo;t require a test.</p> <p><em>Disclaimer:&nbsp;editorji does not provide medical advice. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained in this story are for informational purposes only. No material in this video is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have related to Covid-19.</em></p>