HealthKey: Your Guide to Coronavirus, COVID Tests, and Tips

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The outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease, also known as COVID-19, has left the world in a state of turmoil. People are struggling to adjust to the new normal of social distancing, wearing masks, and constant sanitization. With so much information and misinformation circulating about COVID-19, it can be overwhelming to figure out what's true and what's not. In this blog post, we'll cover everything you need to know about COVID-19, COVID tests, and tips to stay healthy during these trying times.


What is Coronavirus?

Coronavirus is a family of viruses that cause respiratory illnesses in humans and animals. The current outbreak, COVID-19, is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted through respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces, and close contact with an infected person.


Symptoms of Coronavirus infection

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms.

Possible symptoms include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. Symptoms may change with new COVID-19 variants and can vary depending on vaccination status. Older adults and people who have underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's essential to get tested for COVID-19 and self-isolate until you receive your test results.




COVID Tests

At HealthKey, we offer several types of COVID-19 testing to help you stay safe and healthy.

Rapid Antigen Tests

Rapid antigen tests are a type of COVID-19 test that provides results quickly, usually within 15-30 minutes. These tests detect proteins from the SARS-CoV-2 virus in respiratory specimens. Rapid antigen tests are less sensitive than RT-PCR tests, meaning they have a higher rate of false negatives. However, they can be useful for identifying COVID-19 cases quickly, especially in settings where RT-PCR testing is not readily available.

RT-PCR Tests

RT-PCR (Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests are the gold standard for COVID-19 testing. These tests detect the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in respiratory specimens. RT-PCR tests are highly sensitive and specific, meaning they have a low rate of false negatives and false positives.

COVID Antibody Tests

COVID antibody tests, also known as serology tests, detect antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus in blood specimens. These tests can determine if someone has been infected with COVID-19 in the past, even if they didn't have symptoms. However, these tests are not useful for diagnosing active COVID-19 infections. At HealthKey, we offer COVID antibody testing to help individuals determine if they have been exposed to the virus in the past.



Tips to Stay Healthy During COVID-19

In addition to getting tested for COVID-19, there are several things you can do to stay healthy during these challenging times. Here are some tips:

  • - Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • - Wear a mask when you're in public or around people who don't live with you.
  • - Practice social distancing by staying at least six feet away from others.
  • - Avoid large gatherings and crowded places.
  • - Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly.
  • - Stay home if you're feeling sick or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.


Conclusion:

COVID-19 has changed the way we live our lives, but we can take steps to stay healthy and protect ourselves and those around us. At HealthKey, we're here to help you with COVID testing and other diagnostic services. If you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19, please don't hesitate to contact us. Stay safe and healthy!

Call / Whatsapp us on 9112258900 for covid testing services in Goa, India.

For Appointments / Home Collection 

Call / Whtasapp - 9112258900




Location: Elite Tower, Opposite El Capitan Centre, Near Mapusa Court, Dangui Colony, Mapusa, Goa 403507, India

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