Why you should be tested

Bass Coast Health is urging anyone with the even the slightest of symptoms to get the Covid test, to help prevent the threat of a third wave.

Louise Sparkes, Chief Operating Officer, addresses some concerns and misconceptions about when and why you should take the Covid test.

I had a test a month ago and it was negative, so why would I need to go again?
The test result shows whether you were COVID-19 positive or negative at the time it was taken only. After you have had your test you could be exposed to and contract COVID-19 or your body may not have had time to convert, and therefore give a positive result in the few days prior to the test.

I’m scared the test will hurt.
The test only takes around a minute and involves taking a sample from the back of your throat and nasal passage. This can be slightly uncomfortable for a few seconds to ensure that an adequate sample can be taken.

There’s no cases in Bass Coast, so even if I’ve got a sniffle, it won’t be the virus, so what’s the point of testing?
We know that there is community transmission and that some people don’t get tested. Additionally, many people are asymptomatic and positive for COVID-19 and therefore may not get tested. These people, because they are asymptomatic and are not aware that they are positive and infectious, are out and about in the community. We all must assume that we or others could have COVID-19, so even with the mildest of symptoms we need to get tested

I can’t afford to take the time off work to wait around for the test and then self-isolate.
There are opportunities to apply for funding for people that do not have adequate personal leave entitlements whilst isolating. Going to work without knowing your test result can put your co-workers and customers at risk.

It’s spring and I get hay fever. I can’t get a test every time I sneeze or have a runny nose.
Some people will experience conditions, such as hay fever, that have symptoms that are similar to COVID-19. It is best to talk to your doctor about how you should manage medical conditions, such as hay fever, in relation to COVID-19 testing.

I always wear a mask and practice social distancing, so I don’t need to get a test.
Wearing a mask and social distancing are great protection against contracting COVID-19. However, these methods are not 100 per cent in providing protection and if you have symptoms you must be tested.

I feel fine, except for a slight sore throat. It’s not sore enough to be Coronavirus (COVID-19).
We know that people can have very minor or even no symptoms of COVID-19 and test positive, you are encouraged to be tested no matter how mild your symptoms are.

It’s just a slight cough. My friend had the same symptoms and their test came back negative, so there’s no point me having one.
You may not have contracted your cough from your friend, it may have been another source, therefore it is always best to be tested to be sure. Testing ensures that you get the best care if you test positive and means that you can protect your family.

I’ve got a cold. I know it’s not Coronavirus (COVID-19) because I haven’t lost my sense of smell and I don’t have a fever.
The symptoms of COVID-19 can be varied from person to person, some people have all the symptoms, some just one or two symptoms, some people who test positive have no symptoms. Even if you have just one symptom you should still be tested.

I’ve read that the best thing we can do is get the virus and develop herd immunity, so there’s no point getting tested.
After infection, the extent or duration of any immunity is still unknown. Further studies are needed to indicate whether antibodies form a protection against future infection. This virus is life threatening for members of our community, if you don’t get tested, we can’t stop the spread.

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