COVID-19 continues to affect our lives, families, and communities each day. And, even though vaccines for this respiratory disease are steadily becoming more available, it’s up to all of us to keep those infection numbers down. That’s why Hendrick Urgent Care offers rapid COVID-19 testing to our patients. The sooner you know whether you have COVID-19, the quicker you can take action to protect yourself and others. Learn what you can do to better protect yourself against COVID-19. And find out how you can schedule COVID-19 rapid testing if you believe you’ve been exposed to the virus.
Ways to Stay Safer
COVID-19 is believed to be transmitted primarily through respiratory droplets. But it can also become airborne and may spread through contact in certain situations. So it’s important to always be on your guard and take measures to protect your health. There are three main ways of helping you lower your risk.
1. Wear a Mask
COVID-19 can spread from one person to another through sneezes, coughs, breathing, and even talking, which is why cloth masks can make a difference. But, for masks to be effective, they must fit tightly over the face and cover the mouth and nose at all times. Also, the material should be multi-layered for better protection. And remember to wash your mask daily and when it gets dirty to prevent bacteria buildup. However, for children under two and those with conditions that affect breathing, masks are not recommended. Instead, isolation may be the best method of protection for children and adults in those categories.
2. Stay Socially Distanced
Another effective way to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 is social distancing. This means staying at least six feet apart (about two arm lengths) from others when you’re outside of your home. And social distancing is still important even if you and those around you are wearing masks. If everyone practices social distancing and proper mask usage, it can make a big impact in reducing COVID-19 infections.
3. Wash Your Hands Often/Avoid Touching Your Face
Routine hand washing is another great way to keep yourself and others safer from COVID-19 and several other diseases. It’s always a good idea to wash your hands once you’ve returned home after being out and about. Sometimes we may touch contaminated surfaces and then touch our faces, which can give illnesses an entry point. Therefore, it’s best to avoid touching your face as much as possible, especially if you’ve been out. And thorough hand washing for 20 seconds with soap and warm water can further reduce your risk. Also, remember to get those sometimes neglected areas, such as the fingernails, the areas under the fingernails, and the spaces between the fingers.
Need COVID-19 Rapid Testing? Hendrick Urgent Care Is Ready to Help You
If you believe you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you want to know if you’ve been infected as soon as possible. This is why we provide rapid COVID-19 testing services to help you get your results sooner. Simply call us or check-in online. And be sure to mention that you believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19 and you want to get tested. Let us help you get the answers and assistance you need.