COVID-19 testing helps detect this potentially serious disease. But when should you get it? At Passion Health Primary Care in Irving and Plano, Texas, Shyamala Arani Purushotham, MD, FACP, CPHQ, and Pooka Naik, MD, and the team provide COVID testing if you have symptoms or are planning travel. Call today to schedule your test, or use the online tool to set up an appointment.

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Why would I need COVID testing?

COVID testing can confirm whether or not your symptoms are due to a COVID-19 infection or another virus. The testing can also detect if you have a COVID infection without symptoms that you could potentially spread to others. In-office testing provides greater accuracy than at-home testing.

COVID-19 is caused by a virus and spreads when an infected person’s respiratory droplets invade the air through coughing, sneezing, or talking.

The severity of COVID-19 infections varies from person to person. Most people recover fully after a few days of symptoms, but people with compromised immunity may suffer long-term health effects or hospitalization.

The team at Passion Health Primary Care recommends testing before you’re going to be in a crowded location, visit with a compromised loved one, or if you have symptoms.

What symptoms suggest I should get COVID testing?

COVID-19 symptoms are much like other respiratory viruses, like the flu or the common cold. You benefit from getting a test if you have:

  • Fever and chills
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle aches
  • Chest pain and pressure
  • Persistent cough
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Loss of smell and taste
  • Shortness of breath or other breathing difficulties

Your COVID test takes place in the office. If you have COVID-19, your provider can offer symptom relief and monitor you just in case your symptoms worsen.

If you don’t have COVID-19, your provider may recommend another test, such as a flu test, to narrow down your diagnosis.

What are the types of COVID testing?

Passion Health Primary Care offers the PCR COVID-19 test. This type of test accurately diagnoses COVID-19.

PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction test. The test evaluates a small sample of your nasal fluid. It determines whether you currently have the virus but won’t detect past infections.

You may also request a COVID-19 antibody test to determine if you’ve had a past infection. Past infections may possibly offer some level of immunity. This test will not tell you if you currently have a COVID-19 infection.

The Passion Health Primary Care team can help you decide the type of test that is right for you.

Schedule your COVID testing through Passion Health Primary Care by calling the office or online through this website.