COVID-19 Testing
Watertown, NY COVID-19 Testing
Have you been exposed to coronavirus? Find out today with a COVID-19 Test.
Black River Medical Center offers Rapid and PCR COVID-19 testing in Watertown. The PCR test results typically take 3 days. This test is performed by swabbing your nose for a fluid sample to determine if the sample contains proteins found on the surface of the coronavirus. We recommend this test if you are currently experiencing symptoms consistent with those of COVID-19, such as cough, fever, breathing issues, sore throat, gastrointestinal distress, body aches, fatigue, headache, or recent loss of taste/smell. Results of this test are most accurate when the test is administered within 1-5 days after symptom onset.
Call 315-782-2221 to schedule a COVID-19 test.
Understanding COVID-19
COVID-19 is a new virus strain that has only spread in people since December 2019. It belongs to the same family of virus as the common cold, SARS and MERS. However, it seems to be more contagious than these related coronaviruses. According to current evidence, COVID-19 virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets among people who are in close contact with each other.
Reported cases of COVID-19 range from mild illness to severe pneumonia that requires hospitalization. Older adults and immunosuppressed persons are at higher risk of complications and even death. Some carriers experience no symptoms at all.
There is not a treatment for COVID-19, other than supportive care. Vaccines are starting to arrive, but until the virus is under control, we will need to utilize wide-spread testing, quarantines, and social distancing to minimize the number of people who contract the disease.
COVID-19 Symptoms
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is handwashing important to prevent COVID-19?
Washing hands for 20+ seconds with soap and clean water is one of the most effective ways to slow the spread of COVID-19. This is because the disease can live on surfaces for hours or days. If you touch a contaminated surface, you can infect yourself and/or spread the virus to other surfaces.
Learn more about the importance of hand washing and the best techniques to use.
Can I use hand sanitizer in place of soap and water?
Learn more about how to use hand sanitizer and other related issues.
Should I wear a face mask when I go out in public?
The CDC does recommend that you wear a cloth face covering in public settings. Wearing a mask or other covering provides a degree of protection to help you avoid infection, and also helps make sure you do not spread the disease. This is especially important because the disease can be spread by people who are not experiencing any symptoms.
How do I sanitize the mail?
After receiving a delivery or collecting your mail, the CDC recommends washing with soap or using hand sanitizer. Specifically, they say:
- After receiving your delivery or bringing home your takeout food, wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- After collecting mail from a post office or home mailbox, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Why is Flattening the Curve Important?
By flattening the curve, we slow the rate at which people are exposed to COVID-19. This is important because the disease has the ability to spread very fast, overwhelming hospitals and other resources. By taking steps to slow things down, we give our systems the best chance possible to provide the treatment and care that will be needed.
Can I take ibuprofen if I think I have COVID-19?
You may have heard that taking ibuprofen is not advised for patients who have, or may have, COVID-19. This was reported in mid-March based on a report that stemmed from a post on Twitter by the French Health Minister. After doctors and scientists from the WHO and CDC weighed in, it became clear that there is no compelling evidence that connects ibuprofen with worsening symptoms from COVID-19, or any other related complications.