COVID-19 Testing

A Group Medical Practice & Adult Primary Care located in Lehigh Acres, Saint Petersburg, Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs, Tampa and Fort Myers, FL

COVID-19 Testing services offered in Lehigh Acres, Saint Petersburg, Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs, Tampa and Fort Myers, FL

COVID-19 testing helps contain and prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Galenus Group in Lehigh Acres, Florida, is dedicated to keeping the community healthy and offers in-house COVID-19 testing. The group medical practice has a team of great physicians and provides quality care you can trust. To schedule your COVID-19 test, call or book an appointment online today.

COVID-19 Testing Q & A

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the highly contagious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. The virus enters your body through your mouth, nose, or eyes from droplets you inhale in the air or from your hands after touching something with the virus and then touching your face.

Though most people with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms, for some people the infection is life-threatening. COVID-19 testing may help control the spread of the virus and protect those at high risk.

What are the types of COVID-19 testing?

COVID-19 testing includes tests that look for an active infection and tests that check for previous infections. Common types of COVID-19 testing include:

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test

The PCR test checks for an active COVID-19 infection. This test looks for genetic material associated with the virus. Results from a PCR test may take a day or more.

Antigen test

An antigen test also checks for an active infection. But this test looks for specific proteins associated with the virus. The antigen test is a rapid test that gets results in 30 minutes or less.

Antibody test

The COVID-19 antibody test checks to see if you had COVID-19 by looking for antibodies, which are the substances your immune system creates to help you fight off the virus.

It takes the body a few weeks to create the antibodies for COVID-19 so you shouldn’t have this test if you currently have COVID-19.

When do I need COVID-19 testing?

You need COVID-19 testing if you have symptoms of the virus. Common symptoms include:

Achy body
Fever
Sore throat
Cough
Runny nose
Congestion
Headaches
Loss of sense of taste or smell

You also need COVID-19 testing if you were in close contact with someone who recently tested positive. If you don’t have any symptoms, wait at least five days after exposure to get tested.

What do I do after COVID-19 testing?

Your provider at Galenus Group explains what to do after COVID-19 testing. They may recommend you isolate yourself and take other precautions to prevent further spread of the virus until you get your results.

Your provider also provides recommendations on how to manage symptoms. High-risk individuals who test positive for COVID-19 may qualify for monoclonal antibody therapy to prevent serious sickness.

Call Galenus Group or schedule your COVID-19 test online today.

Offering COVID-19 Testing

Edgardo Castillo Nieves, MD