Covid-19 Test Specialist
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Sunset Urgent Care Medical Center
Isidore Kwaw, MD
Internal Medicine - Primary Care and Urgent Care Center located in Pacific Palisades, CA
With more Americans being diagnosed with COVID-19 every day, it’s essential to know the warning signs so you know when to contact Isidore Kwaw, MD, at Sunset Urgent Care Medical Center in Palisades, California, for a COVID-19 test and receive expert 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, or request one online today for expert medical care.
Covid-19 Test 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. The virus 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, COVID-19 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.
When should I get a COVID-19 test?
A fever is one of the primary warning signs of COVID-19. 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 Sunset Urgent Care for advice and to schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 test if necessary.
What happens during COVID-19 testing?
Although there are a few types of COVID-19 tests, the most common is the nasal swab test, also called the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. During this quick, painless test, Dr. Kwaw inserts a long, soft medical swab into your nose to take a sample of the fluids in your nasal cavity. He gently turns the swab to ensure he collects enough cells for testing.
Dr. Kwaw can also perform a saliva test, which involves collecting fluids and mucus from the back of your throat for testing.
Once Dr. Kwaw has your sample, he can test it in his office. You should receive your results within minutes for the rapid test and within a week for the PCR test.
Health care professionals can provide specific information on what you need to do to take care of yourself and your family.
For rapid COVID-19 testing, call Sunset Urgent Care Medical Center or schedule an appointment online today.
