Getting tested for Covid-19 will help you to protect yourself and your loved ones, since the symptoms of this disease may be different for each person, so getting tested will allow you to know with absolute certainty if you have the virus or not. It is necessary to understand the importance of this test and above all to be informed about the places where swab tests are performed in Guatemala.
How do I know if I have the Omicron or Covid-19 variant?
The arrival of the fourth wave of Covid-19 in Guatemala has generated an increase of positive cases at the beginning of February 2022. Studies show the Omicron variant spreads more easily than the original virus that causes Covid-19, people infected with the Omicron variant may have flu-like symptoms, so it is important to recognize the most common symptoms.
The following are the symptoms of Omicron in Guatemala
The symptoms produced by the Omicron variant can present as:
- Headache
- Body aches and sore throat
- Fatigue
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
The following are the symptoms of Covid-19
The most common symptoms are:
- Loss of taste and smell
- Difficulty breathing
- Tiredness
- Fever
- Cough
- Diarrhea
It should be noted that in Guatemala the typical cold and constipation season starts from November to February, which has also led to massive swab tests for Covid-19 in order to differentiate the diseases.
Importance of swab tests in Guatemala
Guatemala’s Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS) keeps emphasizing the importance of getting tested. Although many people with Covid-19 have mild or no symptoms, it is also possible that they could be infected and transmit the disease to their friends, family, and loved ones.
Early detection of this virus will prevent complications in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Covid-19 and in turn help you protect yourself, preventing future transmission and reducing the number of infections.
Early detection of this virus will prevent complications in patients with a positive diagnosis of Covid-19 and in turn, will help you protect yourself, preventing future transmission and reducing the number of infections.
Who should get tested?
Diagnostic tests are effective in detecting current infections in people and are used when a person has signals or symptoms that are similar to those of Covid-19, or when a person is asymptomatic, in order to be able to take measures to prevent further transmission.
These are some examples of people who can be swabbed in Guatemala:
- Anyone who wants to or is concerned about it.
- People with symptoms of the Omicron or Covid-19 variant.
- People who do not have symptoms of this disease (especially people who were exposed to someone with confirmed Covid-19).
- Anyone who has not yet received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.
Where can I get a swab test in Guatemala?
The types of Covid-19 tests that are currently performed in Guatemala are:
- PCR test
- Nasopharyngeal Antigen Test
- Nasal Antigen Test
Any of the three tests mentioned above are performed through a nasal swab. They also show the presence of the virus as soon as the patient presents symptoms.
According to the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance in Guatemala, there are centers and laboratories that are officially authorized to perform diagnostic tests for Covid-19.
These are some authorized Clinical Centers and Laboratories in Guatemala:
You can find the nearest Covid-19 testing center in your Department or Municipality here.
It is important to keep in mind that to reduce the risk of infection, preventive measures must be taken to protect your health and the health of others. It is the responsibility of each person to follow the recommendations provided by the WHO and the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance of Guatemala.
