At-Home COVID-19 Test in Long Island & The Hamptons
October 31, 2022
COVID-19 testing has come a long way since the early days of waiting in line for hours to take a test, followed by days of waiting to get your results. Today, it’s possible to get an accurate at-home COVID-19 test in Long Island and the Hamptons and get your results the same day.
You can get a test in the morning and have your results by the afternoon so you can make it to your evening social events without worrying about infecting others.
What Is COVID-19 and What Are the Symptoms?
COVID-19, also known as coronavirus disease 2019, is a viral infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus is thought to have originated in Wuhan, China in December 2019.
Since that time, the disease has continued to infect people around the world as different variants of the virus mutate in response to antibodies and vaccines.
COVID-19 is commonly associated with respiratory symptoms similar to those associated with pneumonia, the common cold, or the flu. The virus most commonly affects the respiratory system but may also cause symptoms in other parts of the body, particularly in people who are severely ill.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Fever or chills
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Muscle or body aches
- Runny nose or congestion
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
What Tests Are Available for COVID-19?
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists have developed two primary ways to test for the disease: nucleic acid amplification tests (known as NAATs or PCR tests) and antigen tests (sometimes referred to as rapid tests).
Both tests work to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the body.
- NAATs, orPCR COVID tests, are commonly performed in a doctor’s office or laboratory and may take up to several days to provide results. These nasal swab tests are considered the most reliable for detecting COVID-19 in people regardless of whether the individual is experiencing symptoms of the illness or not.
PCR tests detect the presence of genetic material associated with the virus, which can linger for up to 90 days after infection. Therefore, PCR tests are generally more appropriate for people who have not received a positive test result within 90 days.
- Antigen tests, also known as rapid tests, detect the presence of small parts of the COVID-19 virus and indicate an existing infection. These tests produce results in as little as 15 minutes, making them convenient for people who need an answer quickly.
However, antigen tests are not as reliable as PCR tests, particularly in people who do not currently have symptoms. Therefore, a negative antigen test result should be followed up with another antigen test or a PCR test in 24-48 hours to confirm the negative result, as a single negative antigen test does not guarantee that you are not infected.
Some people take COVID antibody tests to determine whether or not they’ve had COVID recently. These test kits are usually available for purchase or pick up at many in-store pharmacies, such as CVS.
Where Can You Get an At-Home COVID-19 Test in Long Island and the Hamptons?
For the first part of the pandemic, most people had two options for COVID-19 testing: visit a doctor, on-site laboratory, or testing site for a PCR test, or take a rapid antigen test at home.
Today, it is possible to get an at-home COVID-19 test in Long Island and the Hamptons that is just as accurate as a PCR test from a doctor’s office without leaving your home.
The best part? You can get results fast thanks to The I.V. Doc.
The I.V. Doc offersat-home COVID-19 tests in Long Island and the Hamptons.
Unlike most at-home tests that require you to administer the tests yourself, contributing to potential false negatives due to improper testing procedures, The I.V. Doc’s at-home COVID-19 tests in Long Island and the Hamptons are administered by trained nurses.
Because you have a medical professional administering the test under the direction of a healthcare provider, the results may be more accurate.
When you choose at-home COVID-19 tests from The I.V. Doc, you have your choice of PCR tests and rapid tests, both of which are administered by a nurse. You’ll receive your results the same day in Long Island and the Hamptons.
Accuracy plus quick results? That’s the benefit of at-home COVID-19 tests fromThe I.V. Doc. Plus, you can skip the long lines and wait times that come with walk-in clinics and urgent cares.
When Should You Get Tested for COVID-19?
In order to get the most accurate results for your COVID-19 test, it’s important to follow the CDC guidelines for COVID-19 testing, as well as those from the New York State Department of Health. First, people who have symptoms that may be related to COVID-19 should get tested immediately.
People who have been exposed to COVID-19 but do not have any symptoms should wait at least 5 full days after exposure to take a COVID-19 test, as the results may not be accurate otherwise.
If you plan to spend time with an individual who is considered to be at increased risk of severe COVID-19, such as an immunocompromised individual or the elderly, and you live in an area with a medium or high rate of COVID-19 transmission, consider taking a test prior to seeing the person.
Even if you don’t know of any recent covid exposure, the steady bustle of NYC means it’s always a possibility.
How Can You Prevent COVID-19?
Scientists have increased their understanding of COVID-19 since the virus was first discovered, contributing to better information on how to stop the spread. The best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 and minimize your risk of severe illness is to get vaccinated and keep up with your boosters.
Researchers are continuing to develop new vaccines that are more effective in fighting against the evolving variants of the disease, including the Omicron variant. TheCDC recommends getting vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 for most individuals.
If you are immunocompromised or believe you may be at risk for adverse effects from the COVID-19 vaccine, speak to your doctor about whether getting vaccinated is right for you.
While vaccines are a safe and effective way to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect yourself against severe illness, it’s also important to practice good hygiene, including washing your hands regularly. If you are in a crowded area, consider wearing a mask to help protect yourself and others.
Wearing a mask when you have any symptoms that could be associated with COVID-19, such as a cough or runny nose, can help prevent others from getting sick – especially if you’re at a testing location waiting for results.
The Bottom Line
Accurate and fastat-home COVID-19 tests are available from The I.V. Doc in Long Island and the Hamptons. Get results you can count on from nurse-administered COVID-19 tests that are safe, convenient, and effective.
Why risk spreading COVID-19 when you can have the reassurance you need?
Sources:
PCR Test for COVID-19: What It Is, How Its Done, What The Results Mean | Cleveland Clinic