Cases of COVID-19 across the United States have been rising even as the summer is about to end. According to doctors, many complain of a sore throat, sniffles, and other flu-like symptoms – which are a hallmark of coronavirus infection. So, does that mean you should get tested?

Over the years, COVID-19 has morphed from a global pandemic to a virus that experts are now calling “endemic”, meaning it is a constant and predictable presence in our lives. Even though it is deadly and continues to cause long-term symptoms for some, most people now recover without complications, and that is why it is also viewed as similar to the flu and other common respiratory illnesses.

Here’s what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends.

According to experts, before you think of getting tested, it is important to be aware of the symptoms you have. According to the CDC, while most colds do not give you a fever, but COVID-19 can. With the current circulating strains, doctors say sore throat is quite common, along with sinus congestion. Other common COVID symptoms include:

• Loss of taste or smell
• Fatigue
• Muscle and body aches
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhoea

Doctors say those who develop more severe cases may have symptoms like breathlessness, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, or even trouble staying awake.

The current stance of the CDC around testing is now softer than it once was. Even though the health agency earlier urged testing, it now says that testing “can help you know if you have COVID-19 so you can decide what to do next, like getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and taking steps to lower your chances of spreading the virus to others.” However, it doesn’t say that you should test, but it lays out some information on what to do if you decide to test yourself.

However, many doctors feel that you must get tested for the virus if you feel the symptoms so that you are aware of what you are dealing with if you get a more severe illness.

Many experts say COVID-19 is still more lethal than influenza and no one is above the risk.

Even though the CDC says anyone can get tested for the virus if they develop the symptoms – high-risk people like older adults, those on immunosuppressive medications, and those with conditions like asthma, diabetes, obesity, and pregnancy should make sure to get the tests done, to be safe.

There are several testing options easily available including a PCR test - considered the gold standard for COVID-19 testing. However, many experts and the CDC recommend getting a rapid test from your local drugstore or your doctor’s office.

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