COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 infections continue to persist within the United States, and testing is the first step in getting the care you need. Experienced providers at Maxlife Urgent Care, located between Whittier and Santa Fe Springs, California, are prepared to provide accurate COVID-19 testing for you and your family when symptoms or a suspected exposure occurs. Call Maxlife Urgent Care to schedule a COVID-19 testing appointment or request one online today.

How does COVID-19 spread?

COVID-19 is an infectious respiratory illness that continues to evolve with various strains. It comes from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is highly contagious and quickly spreads through airborne moisture droplets. Infected droplets come from saliva or nasal discharge that you expel when coughing or sneezing. 

Your chances of catching the illness are relatively low unless an infected person coughs or sneezes near you. You can also pick up the virus by touching a surface a sick person might have touched after sneezing or coughing into their hands. 

What are the most common COVID-19 symptoms?

The symptoms of COVID-19 vary in their severity. You might even have no signs of infection.

COVID-19 symptoms are typical of upper respiratory infections in general, including:

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

Most people who get COVID-19 recover without any clinical treatment, but it’s possible to experience a severe COVID-19 infection with breathing difficulties. You’re at a higher risk of severe infection if you’re over 65 or have an existing respiratory condition. 

What does COVID-19 testing entail?

Maxlife Urgent Care offers two different types of COVID-19 testing you and your family can get based on your needs and goals:

Diagnostic COVID-19 tests

Diagnostic COVID tests determine if you have an active infection, which is highly contagious and requires you to isolate yourself from others. 

Antigen tests find the proteins on the surface or shell of COVID-19. Your provider can use a nasal or throat swab or a saliva sample to diagnose active COVID-19; results are available within minutes. 

Antibody tests

Antibody tests can detect antibodies in your blood specific to COVID-19. They involve finger sticks or blood tests and can determine if you’ve had and recovered from COVID-19.

When should I get COVID-19 testing?

A fever and severe respiratory symptoms are two primary warning signs of COVID-19. If you get seasonal allergies and have a mild runny nose or sore throat, please don’t panic. 

However, if you or a family member develop a fever, shortness of breath, dry cough, troubled breathing, or bodily aches and pains, call the Maxlife Urgent Care team for advice and to schedule an appointment for COVID-19 testing. 

If your test detects an active COVID-19 infection, the Maxlife Urgent Care team can make personalized recommendations to help alleviate your symptoms as you recover.

For more information on COVID-19 testing or to schedule a test for yourself or a family member, call Maxlife Urgent Care or schedule a consultation online right away.