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COVID-19 Testing Specialist

Wagon Healthcare

Primary Care Physician & Concierge Medicine located in Alpharetta, GA

With more Americans being diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19) every day, it’s essential to know the warning signs, so you know when to contact Ade Babalola, MD, and the team at Wagon Healthcare in Atlanta, Georgia, for testing and treatment. Having the right information can help you protect yourself and your family and help you get the care you need. Call the office to schedule an appointment today for expert medical care.

COVID-19 Testing Q&A

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is an infectious illness caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large collection of viruses that may cause a range of respiratory illnesses including the common cold and other more severe illnesses. COVID-19 spreads through the droplets of saliva or nasal discharge that you expel when you cough or sneeze. 

While these droplets are airborne, your chances of infection are low unless an infected person coughs or sneezes near you or if you touch a surface a sick person might have touched after sneezing or coughing into their hands. 

What are the warning signs of COVID-19?

Like other viral upper respiratory infections, coronavirus causes:

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Tiredness
  • Dry cough
  • Nasal congestion
  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat

COVID-19 symptoms usually develop slowly. It’s also possible to have the virus but not have symptoms. 

Around 80% of people who get a coronavirus infection recover without any special treatment and only one in six people with COVID-19 become very ill and experience difficulty breathing. 

Individuals with a high risk, such as those over the age of 65 or with an existing respiratory condition, should be especially mindful of the risk and practice social distancing and exemplary hygiene.

What should I expect during COVID-19 testing?

Two main types of COVID-19 testing include antibody tests and viral tests. An antibody test is an indicator of whether you’ve had COVID-19 in the past. It’s a simple blood test. A viral test lets your provider know if you’re currently infected with the COVID-19 virus. It involves a nasal or throat swab. You might receive your results the same day or after several days (or longer).

Am I a candidate for COVID-19 testing?

A fever is one of the primary warning signs of coronavirus. For example, if you get seasonal allergies and have a runny nose or sore throat, please don’t panic. 

However, if you or a member of your family develop a fever, shortness of breath, and other flu symptoms, like a dry cough, troubled breathing, and bodily aches and pains, call Wagon Healthcare for advice and to schedule an appointment for testing if necessary. 

Health care professionals can provide specific information on what you need to do to take care of yourself and your family. 

How can I avoid the spread of COVID-19?

First and foremost, frequently wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. For example, in addition to washing your hands after using the bathroom and before you eat, you should also wash them before and after taking the dog for a walk, making a grocery run, or picking up your mail. Soap and water, as well as alcohol-based hand sanitizers, can kill any virus or other germs that are on your hands. 

You should also avoid touching your face. When you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, any virus present on your hands can enter your body and lead to sickness. You should also maintain a distance of at least six feet from anyone, whether they are coughing or sneezing or not, as part of social distancing.

If you have a fever and other flu symptoms and want to know whether you need a coronavirus test, call Wagon Healthcare, or schedule a consultation online for expert medical care and advice. 

Dr. Babalola sees patients for foot care, women's health and men's health in Alpharetta, GA. Call us to book your appointment today.