Everything You Need to Know About COVID-19 Testing for Omicron

Omicron infections are surging globally and countries are adapting to new testing guidelines to deal with the new variant. If you are considering getting tested for Omicron, here is everything you need to know.

When should I get tested for COVID-19?

Due to the high number of cases, there is a strain on the number of testing kits at the moment. But you should not take symptoms lightly and if you face any of the following symptoms, a test is recommended:

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

Do RT-PCR tests detect Omicron?

In December, the Centre asked Indian states to adopt a dual RT-PCT testing strategy for Omicron detection. On the detection of Omicron variant through COVID testing, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said, “The widely used PCR and antigen-based rapid diagnostic tests continue to detect infection of COVID-19, including Omicron.

Are false negative results more likely with Omicron?

The UK Health Security Agency investigations suggest that lateral flow tests (LFTs) are not more likely to offer false negative results for Omicron than other variants. But it is possible that LFTs that involve only swabbing the nose can offer false negatives.

What is the isolation period after testing positive for the Omicron variant?

The Omicron variant of COVID-19 is deemed less dangerous but it is still deadly. The isolation period of seven days is unchanged. It is recommended to take proper rest and follow a proper diet during isolation to speed up the recovery process.

Why do people test positive even after recovery and isolation?

It is possible that you recover from your symptoms and still test positive for COVID-19. Symptoms do not always reflect if the virus is present in a person’s throat or nose. People can continue to test positive even after physically recovering from COVID-19 due to viral loads present in the body.

Where can I get tested for COVID-19 in Siliguri?

Mahabir Doctor’s Hub offers extensive testing for all COVID variants in a safe environment. Contact us at +91 9933868686 or 035 3252 5600 for booking an appointment today.