As infectious as the Omicron variant is, it's important to get tested for COVID-19 with a same-day test if you have symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive. A same-day test will give you results the same day instead of having to wait several days to a week or longer for results. That way, you can take all necessary precautions should your test results come back as positive. There are a lot of misunderstandings and misconceptions regarding COVID-19 and the various tests involved. Hopefully, this article will clear a few of the most common ones up. 

Myth 1: The Swab Touches the Brain 

You may have heard or read horror stories from people about having a long swab put far into their nose when having a COVID-19 test. Some people worry that the swab touches the brain. It does not. Tests that use a nasopharyngeal swab may feel like they are touching or scraping your brain, but they don't. However, if you have a deviated septum or another anomaly in your nostril or nasal cavity, you may experience pain and/or discomfort if a nasopharyngeal swab is used. You can discuss this with your tester if you have any concerns. 

Myth 2: The Tests Say Positive For Any Virus 

Another myth that has gotten perpetuated is that the tests will say you are positive if it finds any type of virus, not just SARS-CoV-2. This myth generally started when the Centers for Disease Control announced that it was withdrawing the PCR COVID-19 test to replace it with a multiplex assay that tests for both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. That way, only one test is necessary instead of having you take two different tests. 

Myth 3: If You Are Vaccinated, You Don't Need To Be Tested

When vaccinations were first available, many people got the vaccines so they wouldn't get infected. Unfortunately, you can get infected and be infectious, even if you've been fully vaccinated. Fortunately, vaccines can help prevent serious diseases if you do get infected with the virus. Even if you are vaccinated, it's still important to know whether or not you are sick or asymptomatic with a SARS-CoV-2 infection so you can take appropriate measures to protect your family, friends, and coworkers by isolating and wearing a mask. 

Important notes: PCR tests do not return results on the same day, but many testing locations have same-day testing capabilities. If you need results the same day, be sure to look for information regarding same-day test results. For more information regarding same-day COVID testing, contact a local service.

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