Can You Get a COVID-19 Test Without Symptoms?

When COVID-19 was at its peak, testing was rampant, with anyone who showed mild symptoms subjected to mandatory tests and quarantines. Rapid antigen tests such as the FlowFlex antigen test became a norm, with people conducting these tests in the comfort of their homes. But as the infection rates are dying down, the stringent measures have been relaxed, and testing rates have been reduced. This raises one question: Is it still important to go for a COVID-19 test without symptoms? However, before we answer this question, it's important to know some of the common COVID-19 symptoms to know if you need to get tested for COVID.

Common Symptoms of COVID-19

Here are the common symptoms of this virus:

Shortness of breath
Chills or fever
Loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Muscle pain and fatigue
Congestion or runny nose
Vomiting and nausea
Headache
Diarrhea

Can You Have COVID-19 Without a Fever?

Fever is one of the COVID-19 symptoms. The fever can also be accompanied by chills which make you feel extremely cold or hot at different intervals. However, it is not a must for you to experience a fever when you have this virus.

You might not experience fever, especially during the first days of infection, since some people only show mild symptoms of COVID-19 that look like those of the common flu. So, if you are unsure if you have the flu or COVID, one of the first steps you can take is to do a home test. One such reliable test is the Healgen rapid COVID-19 antigen self-test, which is easy to do and offers quick and accurate results.

Everyone is different, and the symptoms you might experience may not be the same with another person. For example, you might never experience a fever with COVID-19, while someone else might get a fever as one of the first symptoms.

Is It Necessary to Get Tested for COVID Without Symptoms?

Some people with the virus do not show any symptoms. This makes testing without symptoms essential. If you suspect you've been exposed to the virus, you should go for testing, especially if you work in environments with high infection risk, such as healthcare.

The same goes if you start showing symptoms that relate to COVID. Early testing helps you know your status and prevents you from spreading the infection.

When you go for a COVID-19 test with no symptoms, getting a second test is advisable, even if the first test shows a negative result. False negatives are common, so you should take another test two to three days later.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 virus is an infection that needs to be taken seriously. It spreads quickly and can adversely affect the vulnerable in our society, especially senior citizens. You can start by making a Lateral flow test purchase and doing a home test to know your status. However, if symptoms persist, seek medical care.