Everyone has a responsibility to help stop Covid-19. From wearing a mask to avoiding crowds and constant handwashing, everything you do to help slow the spread will contribute to keeping the country safe. NHS coronavirus testing is part of this strategy.

 

Here’s why coronavirus testing is important.

Types of Coronavirus Testing

There are multiple tests available for testing for coronavirus. In the UK, you have the option of the PCR test or the rapid lateral flow test. Both tests are free to take. They may be administered by a health professional, or you may be given a kit to test yourself at home.


PCR

The PCR test is usually taken by those who already have symptoms or who have been exposed to the virus. The test involves using a swab that is rubbed over the tonsils or the back of the throat, as well as inside the nose. The test is placed in a tube and sent to a lab for testing. You should take a PCR test if you have a fever, a new cough that is constant, or a change to your sense of smell or taste. You should also take it if you know you have been exposed or if your rapid lateral flow test shows positive. If your PCR test comes back negative, you need to talk to a doctor. A good option for this, if you have mild or no symptoms, is a GP online consultation. This allows you to discuss the issue with your GP, but you don’t need to expose anyone at the office.


Rapid Lateral Flow Test

This test is meant for those who do not have symptoms, but which to ensure they do not have coronavirus. The test is quite simple and gives a rapid result. You’ll need to fill the tube with the provided liquid, though some come with a pre-filled tube. You should blow your nose before the test. Rub the swab over your tonsils or the back of your throat and then inside your nose. Some tests use only the nose swab. The end of the swab is then dipped in the liquid and then squeezed onto a test strip. You’ll need to wait the allotted amount of time and then look at the result. This test should be repeated every three or four days until your exposure window is over if you have been exposed. 


Why We Need Covid-19 Testing

Testing is the only way to know for certain if someone has the virus. The test can check whether the person has symptoms or not. It’s important to know if you are positive. However, remember that even if the test is negative, you could still have the coronavirus. This means, if you are exposed to someone who is definitely positive, you need to take extra precautions for the next couple of weeks.

 

If you have been exposed, you should follow COVID-19 advice:

-      Wash your hands frequently

-      Practice physical distancing

-      Wear a face mask


After a test that comes up positive, you’ll need to isolate yourself and have those who have been in contact with you tested.


Here are some reasons you should consider regular testing to ensure you’re negative:


Prevent Spreading Infection

It’s essential that everyone do their part to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. This means you need to know if you are infected. Testing for the virus allows us to improve everyone’s health and ensure that fewer people become ill. Whether you are vaccinated or not, it’s important to continue testing to be certain you’re not carrying the virus without knowing it.


Take Pre-emptive Measures

Even if you don’t have symptoms or only have mild symptoms, you can begin treatment for COVID-19 as soon as you know you are positive. Since one-third of those infected with the virus don’t have symptoms, it’s important to check regularly if you are out and about. The moment you are aware of a positive test result, you should self-isolate, so you don’t pass the virus on to others. Anyone who is living in the same house or flat should also be tested to see if they are positive. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, you can still be contagious.


Protect the Vulnerable

If you have been able to get vaccinated, you may feel more confident about your health. You know that you’re less likely to develop serious symptoms even if you are infected. However, it’s important that you still take care not to infect other people. Not everyone can get the vaccine, and this means they are vulnerable to the virus. Small children and those with health issues that make it impossible to vaccinate them can be in danger if others are carrying the virus and expose them. To prevent this, test yourself regularly and be sure to avoid exposing anyone else if you test positive.


Slow the Use of Resources

One of the biggest issues with COVID-19 is the possibility of a health system collapse. To ensure the NHS doesn’t overexert itself or use up all resources, it’s important that people are tested and treated as soon as they test positive. This reduces the chances of a patient requiring more intensive care and using up valuable resources. Those resources may then be used for other reasons, since the usual diseases and accidents still occur.


Save Lives

Everyone is capable of saving a life or even multiple lives. By testing, you ensure that you know when you are sick, despite being asymptomatic. You can then take extra care not to infect someone else. This may seem simple or irritating, but it makes a huge difference to those who are not exposed because of your actions.


Help the Country Get Back on Track

Everyone is frustrated with the restrictions and lockdowns that have become a normal part of life. With the pandemic stretching on, there is definitely some pandemic fatigue, but it’s important to continue taking measures to control the virus. It’s only possible to reduce the restrictions if everyone is testing and taking precautions.


What to Do If You Test Positive

Whether you are testing at home or at a testing site, be aware that if you do test positive, you need to isolate yourself. This is the first thing you should do, to limit exposure to others around you.


Next, you can schedule a GP online consultation, which you can do via NHS online. This will allow your doctor to talk to you about the options for treatment and to provide you with details on when to seek outside help. In many cases, you can remain at home to recover. This is one of the reasons NHS coronavirus testing is so important, as it helps people get the test results early on. They can then take the first steps toward recovery before the virus has really taken hold.

 

You’ll need to monitor your symptoms and talk to your doctor if they get worse. The doctor may make suggestions for medications to help ease any symptoms you have. These can be delivered by a pharmacy, so you never need to leave the house, for a consultation or getting your medication.

 

The ability to see a doctor online has changed the way we treat coronavirus. It’s now possible to stay home for the entire process, including getting a test to do at home. If you’re interested in getting more Covid-19 advice, you can look at the NHS online page to learn more about the available tests, doctor’s appointments online, and advice for staying safe during the pandemic. 

How to Tell if You Have Diabetes

by Jahan Mahmoodi • 28 September 2022
Diabetes isn’t an uncommon illness, but it can be serious and result in your having to change your lifestyle. There are two different kinds of diabetes, and the main difference between them is that type 1 is genetic, whereas type 2 diabetes can be down to your lifestyle and will develop over time, rather than showing up in an earlier stage of your life. It is important to know what the symptoms of diabetes are so that you can address the problem sooner rather than later, so below are some of the key things to look out for and when you should see a doctor. What are the Symptoms? If you want to know how to tell if you have diabetes, these are common indicators that you might have developed this problem. The need to urinate frequently, or feeling thirsty and/or hungry a lot. You might also notice that you experience extreme fatigue, weight loss, tingling sensation, or pain in your hands and feet. Cuts and bruises might also take longer to heal than they have done in the past. Some people might also experience blurred vision or find that they are getting thrush in the genital area repeatedly. You may want to refer to a self help service to check symptoms if you are concerned. What Should You Do? If you are concerned that you have diabetes, the first thing to do is make an appointment with your doctor. They can arrange a blood test to check your blood sugar levels, as this can be a great indicator of whether or not you have diabetes and can be one of the first warning signs. High blood sugar can be treated with lifestyle changes, and you may need to take insulin at times too. Your doctor can talk you through how to manage your diabetes more effectively, or look at NHS GP for more information. They may even refer you to specialist centers for disease control for further support and guidance. Who is at a Higher Risk? If you do have a history of type 1 diabetes in your family, then you are more likely to develop this condition, too. However, for type 2 diabetes, those at a higher risk include people who have a diet that is high in fats and sugars and are overweight. Your risk also increases the older you get, with a lot of people developing this when they are over 40. This is why it is important to monitor high levels of blood sugar and get this tested if you are concerned. Lifestyle Changes for Diabetics If you do have type 2 diabetes, there are some things you can do at home to help this. The first step is to look at moving to a healthier lifestyle and eating a more balanced diet with reduced sugar. Remember to be careful with carbs, too, as these can turn into sugar in your body. You might also want to think about getting more exercise to help you lose weight which can be beneficial.  If you are worried about whether or not you have developed diabetes, contact your doctor as soon as possible to take the necessary tests.

What Are the Symptoms of PTSD?

by Jahan Mahmoodi • 25 August 2022
What is PTSD? Learn about the symptoms of PTSD and what to do if you think you or a loved one has this psychiatric disorder. PTSD, which stands for post-traumatic stress disorder, is a psychiatric disorder that occurs after a traumatic event or prolonged trauma over time. Historically, it became known as “shell shock”, which many soldiers experienced after combat in the world wars. However, any kind of trauma can lead to this disorder, such as: Accidents Assault Abuse Illness or injury (either yourself or a loved one) The death of a loved one Going through these experiences does not being you will definitely experience PTSD. A traumatic event or prolonged trauma might trigger the disorder in one person and not another, and it has not been determined exactly why. One suggestion is that those suffering from PTSD have high-stress hormone levels, though this isn’t always the case. If you think you or a loved one might have PTSD, it’s crucial to understand the symptoms and seek medical help to process the memories and reduce symptoms over time. Below are the most common symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder PTSD. Flashbacks of Trauma After experiencing a traumatic event, many people feel sad, scared, and anxious, and these symptoms tend to improve naturally over a few weeks. In people with PTSD, these symptoms last far longer and can produce one of the most common symptoms associated with post traumatic stress disorder: flashbacks. Flashbacks make a person with PTSD experience the traumatic event over and over again in their mind. Often, the flashback is very vivid and causes high levels of panic and anxiety, and can even become debilitating in severe cases. Frequent Nightmares People with PTSD usually experience frequent nightmares, often of the traumatic event or events that they have been through. These nightmares cause elevated stress levels and can lead to further issues, like sleeping difficulties and insomnia. Extreme Anxiety Anxiety is a symptom of multiple mental health issues, including PTSD. After experiencing trauma, a person with PTSD will often feel extreme anxiety in their day-to-day life. They Avoidance It is common for people living with PTSD to avoid anything associated with the traumatic event they experienced, which often includes people, places or activities. It is common for sufferers to even withdraw from their friends and family. Over time, this can make their symptoms even worse as they continue to isolate themselves. Intrusive Thoughts Intrusive thoughts involve upsetting and confusing thoughts that those with PTSD wish would disappear. Typically, these thoughts lead to feelings of guilt and upset. Without treatment, these intrusive thoughts are difficult to manage and might worsen over time in some cases. Irritability or Anger Many people with PTSD become irritable or angry, which can lead to reckless behaviour. This behaviour might cause them to damage their relationships. Extreme anger may also be a sign of complex PTSD, which is caused by long-term trauma rather than a single event. PTSD in Children Children can get PTSD just like adults. The symptoms may look different, though. If you suspect your child has PTSD, here are the signs to look out for: Reliving the traumatic event Angry outbursts Nightmares Fear and/or sadness Seek Help for PTSD When experiencing symptoms like this, it’s important to see mental health specialists in order to determine the cause. Then, these mental health professionals can provide appropriate treatment to help the patient manage and improve their symptoms over time, whether through therapy or medication, or a combination of both. If you think you or your loved one is experiencing PTSD, book an appointment with your NHS GP as soon as possible. Help is available, and nobody has to carry on suffering with their symptoms.

How to Improve Student Mental Health

by Jahan Mahmoodi • 18 August 2022
Student life can be rough. If you feel as though your mental health is beginning to suffer as a result, here are some tips that may be able to help.