COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 testing is a process of detecting the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in individuals who may have been exposed to or have symptoms of the disease. Tests include RT-PCR, antigen, and antibody tests. These tests can be conducted at healthcare facilities or through home test kits. Testing plays a critical role in identifying and isolating infected individuals to prevent the spread of the virus. If someone tests positive for COVID-19, they should follow public health guidelines for isolation and seek medical attention if needed.

When should someone consider taking a rapid antigen test?

There are several different COVID-19 testing options available to Albertans, depending on the scenario and specific eligibility criteria.

In the current environment every « Cold » would be considered an Omicron variant and Covid-19. The testing will depend on different circumstances.

If a rapid testing kits is available ,then definitely do that .

These rapid testing kits can be picked up at these locations. Please note that Hospitals are not distributing rapid test kits and Rapid test kits cannot be used for travel.

find here Rapid testing at home | Alberta.ca How to use the rapid testing kits , Test results and next steps in the cases of positive, negative, invalid rapid tests , and more…

Documenting and sharing your rapid test result

We encourage you to document your positive rapid test result in the event you may need to share the results with someone.

To make this easier, complete the following form and share it along with a picture of the rapid test result with whomever you need to.

Alberta self-report of COVID-19 rapid antigen test result

We definitely want the patients most in need for

a PCR Test to benefit from it.

To ensure molecular testing is available to those who need it most, only people at high risk of severe outcomes or who work in high-risk settings need to book a follow-up molecular test if they get a positive result on a rapid antigen test.

Molecular Testing (e.g. PCR)

Free molecular (PCR) testing at an AHS Assessment Centre is available for eligible individuals. A physician referral may be required before booking an appointment. Find here Rapid testing at home | Alberta.ca the eligibility to Pcr-testing.

Unsure? Please use the respiratory illness assessment tool to find out if you are eligible for COVID-19 testing and if so, book a test online.

Advice for people tested for Covid-19 here you can find how to behave while waiting for the results , how to get the test results, The steps to follow in the cases of Positive results and Negative results , and more informations ..

Private Testing

If you require COVID-19 testing outside of the public testing program (e.g. for travel), a variety of fee-for-service options are available through the private sector, including DynaLIFE Medical Labs, Numi Health, Equity Health Services and some pharmacies

If you don't get tested

If you don’t get tested, stay home and away from other people until your symptoms get better.

If you test negative on an at-home rapid test but you still have symptoms, stay home and away from other people until you feel better, even if you have multiple negative at-home rapid tests.

For more informations

Testing for COVID-19: When to get tested and testing results

How to manage symptoms

If you have COVID-19 or think you might, you can expect the illness to go away on its own in about 10 to 14 days. Most people (about 80%) recover from COVID-19 without special treatment. But COVID-19 can cause serious illness. Older adults and people with other medical problems are more likely to get very sick. This can include trouble breathing and pneumonia.

There is a risk of death in severe cases of COVID-19.

If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should isolate following the recommendations .isolation recommendations.

If you are tested, follow instructions at Advice for people tested for Covid-19 based on your test results.

If you have any of the other symptoms, stay home and limit your contact with others until your symptoms go away.

While you’re isolating with COVID-19 symptoms, there are things you can do at home to help yourself feel better:

Stay home and get extra rest. Staying home will help stop the virus from spreading to others. Extra rest can help you feel better.
Drink plenty of fluids to replace those you lost from a fever. Fluids also make a scratchy throat feel better and keep nasal mucus thin. Water, soup, fruit juice, and hot tea with lemon are all good choices. Drink enough fluids to keep your urine pale yellow.
To help clear a stuffy nose, breathe moist air from a hot shower or a sink filled with hot water.
If the skin around your nose and lips gets sore from blowing your nose a lot, put a bit of petroleum jelly on the area. Always wash your hands after touching your face.
Raise your head with an extra pillow if coughing keeps you awake at night.
To help with body aches and headache or to lower fever, try acetaminophen (such as Tylenol). Carefully read and follow all directions on the package. Cough and cold medicines may not be safe for young children or people who have certain health problems.
Don’t smoke or breathe second-hand smoke. This is good advice anytime, but it’s especially important when you have an illness that can affect your breathing, like COVID-19.
If you have a dry, hacking cough, you can try cough medicine (cough suppressant) to help stop the cough reflex. Ask your pharmacist which one is right for you. Children under 6 years should not use cough medicine.
To soothe a sore throat, suck on throat lozenges or plain, hard candy. Don’t give these to children under 6 years.
Don’t take antihistamines. They don’t treat COVID-19 or flu symptoms and could make nasal drainage thicker.
If a fever is making you uncomfortable, sponge your body with lukewarm water to lower the fever. Don’t use cold water or ice. Lowering the fever won’t make your symptoms go away faster, but it can make you more comfortable.
For a stuffy nose, use salt water (saline) nose drops or rinses to loosen the dried mucus.
Follow the exact directions for taking any prescription medicines.

When to get medical advice

If you think you might have COVID-19, take the COVID-19 Self-Assessment. This online assessment will help you know if you need a COVID-19 test.

Call 911 if you are seriously ill and need medical help right away. Tell them that you may have COVID-19.

For example, call 911 if:

You have severe trouble breathing or severe chest pain.
You are very confused or not thinking clearly.
You pass out (lose consciousness).

Call your doctor or Health Link at 811 or get medical care right away if:

You have new or worse trouble breathing.
Your symptoms are getting worse.
You start getting better and then get worse.
You have symptoms of dehydration, such as:
- having a very dry mouth
- passing only a little urine
- feeling very light-headed