COVID-19 tests can detect either SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, or antibodies that your body makes after getting COVID-19 or after getting vaccinated. The new COVID-19 variant, BA.2, has been spreading rapidly throughout communities all over Texas and the rest of the United States.
Fortunately, hospitalization rates have not increased. Almost 62% of Texans are fully vaccinated and therefore have stronger immunity to the virus. Being vaccinated is the safest and most effective way to stop the spread of the virus and limit the virus’ symptoms.
Regardless of vaccination status and the total number of COVID-19 cases, it’s still as important as ever to get tested if you experience any symptoms of COVID-19. One of the main reasons why you should continue to get tested is because getting tested can stop the disease from spreading into immunocompromised communities. Getting tested for COVID-19 can also help local public health authorities track the virus.
When to get tested
You should get tested if you experience any symptoms of COVID-19. Common symptoms can include: cough, fever, congestion, sore throat, fatigue, body aches, and loss of sense of smell and taste.
You should also continue to get tested if you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Where to get tested
Antigen tests, otherwise known as “rapid” tests, are an effective way to quickly find out if you are positive for the virus. However, in certain cases these tests are not the most reliable. The most reliable test is a PCR test.
You can get tested for COVID-19 at most local pharmacies, health labs, and clinics.
At Your Health Lab, you can get tested at our COVID-19 locations in Dallas, Houston, and Victoria. Our three COVID-19 testing locations all carry the gold standard COVID-19 PCR test.
Dallas
Buckner PSC
4801 South Buckner, Suite 1200, Dallas, TX
Open Monday to Friday, 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Houston
Sugarland PSC
11507 S Highway 5 North, Sugar Land, TX
Open Monday to Friday, 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Saturday, 9:00AM – 2:00PM
Victoria
Citizens Professional Building
2710 Hospital Drive, Suite 106, Victoria, TX
Monday to Friday, 7:00AM – 5:00PM
Saturday, 8:00AM – 12:00PM
If one of our locations closest to you has no availability, you can get tested at your local CVS, Walgreens, or check Google Maps Covid-19 Testing Near Me.
Why you should continue to get tested
Getting tested is important for many reasons, but two reasons in particular. Firstly, it warns the individual person that they are currently contagious with the disease. Secondly, it provides surveillance to local public health authorities so they can continue to learn the patterns of the disease and monitor it. Testing is a great indicator of where the virus is and where it is going.
What to do if you test positive
If you test positive, continue to monitor your symptoms and check in occasionally with your healthcare provider. If you are generally in good health, you should manage your symptoms as you would with a cold and flu. Remember to hydrate constantly and get plenty of good rest and nutrition.
If you are immunocompromised or high-risk, contact your doctor immediately and follow their advice and instructions.
For the most up-to-date information on isolating, continue to check the CDC website for isolation and quarantine mandates.