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Sometimes a corona test at the doctor is better
Many people do not make an appointment for a corona test in the test street if they suffer from a cold, cough, increase or sudden loss of taste and smell. What not everyone knows is that testing is often better at the GP. For example if you are 70+.
A test street 25 kilometers away, no car, unable to cycle, not wanting to sit in the bus with a cold nose – there are many reasons people don’t want to make an appointment for a corona test on the test street. This is apparent from the responses to our statement about whether or not to test.
We review the four most frequently mentioned reasons. And guess what? It is often important that you get tested, but it is not always the intention that you go to the test street.
Reason 1: ‘I can’t come to the test street’
What not everyone knows is that risk groups do not have to go to the test street, but can get a test from the GP. Have you passed 70? Or are you very overweight and/or have an underlying condition? Then you are in a risk group and you call the doctor in case of minor complaints and not the national 0800 1202 number for an appointment in the test street. See in this overview which risk groups there are, and whether you belong.
In addition, the general practitioners and the GGD the following appointments made about tests at the GP:
– In case of severe corona-like complaints. These tests are there to determine the medical treatment. (See also reason 2)
– For people who need intensive informal care or home care. This test is there to see whether the auxiliary troops need protection against corona contamination.
– When admitted to a healthcare institution. (residential group, hospice, care hotel) This test is mainly to ensure that the virus does not enter the home together with the new resident.
– In people who are hospitalized.
Reason 2: ‘I only go to the test street when I have a fever’
The test line is intended for people with minor complaints, such as a cold and/or cough and/or a mild fever (up to 38°C) or sudden loss of taste and smell. If you have a higher fever and a severe pneumonia, it is the intention that you do not go to the test street, but to the doctor. A supportive course of antibiotics (against additional bacteria) or a lung X-ray in the hospital may be required. The test street is for checking whether your cough or runny nose is caused by corona or not. So you don’t infect other people. See also reason 4.
Reason 3: ‘I have hay fever or COPD’
Many people suffer from coughing complaints due to COPD or a runny nose due to pollen in the spring. If they had to go to the test street with every sneeze or cough, it would be very busy there. On the other hand, a respiratory disease can make you more vulnerable to covid. People with chronic respiratory diseases fall into the risk groups, which means that if symptoms increase, they should immediately call their GP for a possible test for corona.
Reason 4: ‘I don’t think a test is necessary’
Testing is not mandatory. It is a way that the government has used to contain the epidemic. Some people disagree with government policies. But there are also people who go into quarantine for 14 days themselves, if they would get mild complaints. That actually works just as well against the further spread of the coronavirus. You only miss the source and contact research into the people you may have already infected, or who have infected you. But it remains a personal choice. Yesterday, the GGD directors made an appeal to test in case of minor complaints: ‘AOnly together can we get corona under control. The GGDs work together to achieve this. But it won’t work without you. Stick to the measures and have yourself tested in case of complaints that fit the coronavirus.’