Should I Be Tested for COVID-19?

At Urgent Care of Ada, our compassionate providers are committed to helping residents in and around Ada, Oklahoma, get reliable information and access to COVID-19 testing. We’ve put together this helpful guide so you can better understand whether you should come in for a COVID-19 test. 

Read on to learn more about COVID-19 testing and the questions to ask so you’ll know when it’s time to get tested!

Do you have symptoms of COVID-19?

If you’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, you should be tested. 

Symptoms typically appear 2-14 days after exposure. People report getting different symptoms, but if you have any of the following, call our office to schedule a test:

• Fever or chills
• Muscle or body aches
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Changes in your sense of smell or taste
• Headaches

Some people also experience digestive symptoms, like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Keep in mind that you may experience one or many of these symptoms. 

NOTE: If you experience trouble breathing, seek emergency medical care right away by calling 9-1-1 or going to the nearest emergency room. 

Have you been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or attended a high-risk activity?

Not everyone who gets COVID-19 develops symptoms. In fact, though more information about COVID emerges all the time, current data shows between 40-50% of all COVID carriers are symptom-free. 

This means that even if you don’t develop any symptoms, you should be tested. 

If you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or attended a high-risk activity (e.g., large social gathering), you may have the virus and be able to spread it to others. Schedule a COVID-19 test, and self-isolate until you receive your results. 

If you don’t get tested, you should self-isolate for 14 days after your exposure. 

Do you work at a high-risk job?

Certain occupations come with a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 because of high exposure to the disease or to many people. If you have a high-risk job or live with people who do, you may need more frequent COVID-19 testing or your employer may require it. 

Are you having surgery or traveling?

If you are undergoing surgery or are traveling, you may be required to have a COVID-19 test. Be sure to schedule your test at the right time to avoid problems or delays.  

Which type of COVID-19 test should I get?

There are different types of COVID-19 tests available, including rapid testing, PCR testing, and the COVID-19 antibody test. Each test serves different purposes and has pros and cons. Here’s a quick look at each:

• Rapid testing: Offers quick results, but comes with a higher false negative rate for asymptomatic carriers
• PCR testing: Tests cells for the presence of COVID-19 through a nasal swab, throat swab, or saliva test; results take about two business days
• Antibody testing: Determines if you’ve had a past infection of COVID-19 by checking for the presence of antibodies

Your provider at Urgent Care of Ada evaluates your symptoms and COVID-19 exposure to recommend the best test for your needs.  

To learn more about COVID-19 testing or to schedule an appointment, call Urgent Care of Ada at 580-215-6975. Non-urgent appointments may be requested online!