COVID-19 Testing & Vaccines
The nose swab PCR for COVID-19 analyzes material from your upper respiratory system for genetic material (ribonucleic acid) of the virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2. It has been established by the World Health Organization and the CDC as an accurate and reliable test for diagnosing COVID-19. A positive PCR test means you have COVID-19 at the time of testing, and a negative test means you probably did not have COVID-19 at the time of the test. If you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to someone who received a positive COVID-19 test, it is important to get tested yourself. It typically takes 24 hours to a few days for test results to come back.
COVID-19 Symptoms
If you have any of the following symptoms, you should get tested for COVID-19:
Cough
Fever or chills
Muscle or body aches
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Nausea or vomiting
Fatigue
New loss of taste or smell
Headache
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Diarrhea
Remember, COVID-19 can be asymptomatic and not everyone who has COVID-19 may develop all the symptoms listed above. Even if you’ve been vaccinated, you should still get tested if you experience any of these symptoms.
PCR vs. Antigen Test
The two main types of accepted COVID-19 tests are the PCR test and the antigen test; our clinic offers both. PCR testing detects the virus’s genetic material in your body, and is the most accurate test for detecting an active infection. Antigen tests detect bits of proteins on the surface of the virus known as antigens. Antigen tests usually only take 15-30 min to perform and are less sensitive than PCR tests.
COVID-19 Vaccines
While research is still ongoing, COVID-19 vaccines show some clear benefits. The Benjamin Wellness Center offers the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. If you’re unsure whether the vaccine is the right choice for you, consider the following benefits the vaccine could offer you and the ones you love:
Reduces your chances of infection: After you receive the initial shot, your body starts producing antibodies that help your immune system combat the COVID-19 virus if you are exposed to it, thus lowering your risk of contracting the disease. All three vaccine types The Benjamin Wellness Center offers have been shown to lower the risk of infection. While you can still contract COVID-19 after vaccination, the risk of infection continues to go down as more and more people get vaccinated due to herd immunity. Being properly vaccinated not only makes it less likely for you to be infected with COVID-19, but also helps protect the community.
If you are pregnant or a new mother, the vaccine may be able to help your child: Studies have shown that pregnant mothers who are vaccinated create antibodies to the virus and pass those crucial antibodies to their unborn baby through the placenta. Breastfeeding mothers were also shown to pass antibodies through breast milk, creating a certain amount of immunity for newborns.
Contact Us Today
The Benjamin Wellness Center offers COVID-19 testing and vaccine services that are fast, safe, and effective. Call The Benjamin Wellness Center to schedule an appointment today!