What Is Covid-19?
Covid-19 is a virus that spreads from one to another person very fast. According to the WHO, the virus was originated in China. It affects the upper respiratory tract and the lower respiratory tract of our respiratory system. When an unhealthy person coughs or sneezes, droplets from him travel 6 feet and affect healthy people who are near to him.
Common symptoms of the virus are;
All covid patients will not have the same symptoms as others, some patients will have mild symptoms and some patients will have severe symptoms. Worst symptoms include breathing problems, pneumonia, and even death.
Follow precautions to prevent from covid;
- Wash your hand every one-hour using soap and sanitizer.
- Wear a mask when you leave the house.
- Keep a distance of 6 feet from person to person when you go out of the house.
- Take vitamin supplements to boost your immunity.
- Do exercises daily to boost immunity.
Some people who are having mild symptoms can quarantine at home, treat at home without special treatment. People who are having the worst symptoms should be admitted to the hospital.
Types Of Tests Done For Covid-19
Different types of tests for covid-19 are;
1. Molecular (RT-PCR) Tests
To perform the test, a lab technician collects swabs from the throat or nasal. Results are not given on the same day; it takes 2 to 3 days to get results. The first step in this is, they convert this RNA to DNA using an enzyme called reverse transcriptase. PCR then detects the DNA. This test diagnoses coronavirus infection. When the virus is present in the sample, the test gives positive and negative. The cost of the RT-PCR test is around 2000 to 3000.
2. Covid-19 Antigen Tests (Swab Test)
In this test, a swab is collected from the person and delivers results in one hour. These tests are highly accurate if the tests are positive, if tests are negative it takes time, need to confirm using the molecular test. The cost of the Antigen test is Rs.500.
3. Covid-19 Antigen Tests
In this test blood samples are collected to check whether the immune system is affected by the infection or not. Results delivered on the same day or sometimes it takes 2 to 3 days for the result. The cost of the test is 500 to 600.
Why Should You Get A Post Covid Test Done?
After recovery of severe infections from the body of covid patients, it Is necessary to monitor the patient’s health to avoid the risk of additional concerns. After getting negative tests it is important to get post-tests done, it is recommended by doctors to avoid side effects.
Tests You Must Take If You Recovered From Covid-19
As per the observation’s virus leaves many long-lasting side effects for a long time after the viral load has cured. Some tests after COVID recovery are performed to know that virus has completely gone from the body, they are;
1. IgG Antibody Test
An antibody test is used to know the level of antibodies developed in the body after a patient recovered from covid-19. If antibodies developed that person is eligible for donating plasma to patients who are suffering from severe symptoms.
2. Complete Blood Count (CBC) Tests
CBC test gives us an idea of how well you have cured the infection. This test gives us RBC, WBC, and platelet count to know the infection levels in the body.
3. Glucose, Cholesterol Tests
After recovering from the covid, patients who are suffering from pre-existing diseases like diabetes and cholesterol will be prone to cardiac complications. The doctor advises them to go for frequent checkups.
4. Nero Function Tests
Patients who recovered from covid should undergo this test after a month. This test tells how well neurological functions after recovery of covid-19.
5. Vitamin D Test
Vitamin D test is important to know the immunity of the body after post-recovery of covid-19.
6. Chest Scans
This test is taken 3 to 6 after post-recovery of covid-19. This CT scan tells how well a covid patient recovered from the infection.
Precautions To Be Taken Post Covid-19
Some symptoms still persist after COVID. We should perform the above tests after covid, on doctors’ advice. Intake of vitamin food after recovery and regular exercise will boost your immunity.
Maintaining a healthy active lifestyle, having healthy food, having good sleep, regularly monitoring bodily changes, and following up regularly with the doctors are few steps to stay safe. If needed, taking the tests after COVID recovery would be helpful in understanding your health.
Pre-COVID or post-COVID, wearing a mask, washing hands after coming from out, and maintaining social distance is the must protocol to be followed.
Sudheendra is a passionate blogger for 8 years and holds a Degree in Journalism & Mass Communications. His writings particularly focus on health, medicine, diet & lifestyle. For him, everything that interlinks and relates to health & medical world entices him. His write-ups aim at educating people not by just giving facts but by infusing human touch.
