Cold, flu or COVID-19?5 tips to clear your doubts about taking exams at home

Now, COVID-19 has been added to the flu and winter colds as another virus that causes common symptoms of infection that can leave us incapacitated for 3 to 4 days.

Apart from the fact that all three viruses cause similar symptoms such as cough, sore throat or fever, in any case it is imperative not to spread the virus and avoid infection, especially in the most vulnerable people.

The doctor has invited us recovery mask No matter what virus you have, if it’s COVID-19, it’s available in pharmacies test at home And find out if it affects you.With it you can also see Your test result is no longer positive This is when your viral load is lower and This way you will be less contagious.

How to perform an antigen test correctly

During the worst days of the pandemic, finding ways to test was no easy task, and tutorials on how to do so spread like wildfire online and in WhatsApp groups.Now that we have more experience, it’s good to know certain techniques Less annoying and more reliable.

To clear all doubts, we spoke to Trini Fernández Cordero, a nurse with extensive experience in the field of public health and director of Nurseonset, a company specializing in health insurance for film and other projects in the audiovisual sector.

Tip 1: Don’t blow your nose before the exam

If you blow your nose before inserting the long wand (medically called a swab) included in the self-test In the nasal cavities, you deprive them of hydration and humidity Mucus will be produced.

Remember, the nasal cavity is not hydrated enough they are more sensitive to touchso the swab may cause you more trouble when you go through it.

Tip 2: Tilt your head slightly back

If you keep your head straight, you have to insert the stick upward.On the other hand, if you lean back slightly and lift your chin slightly, the swab will The trajectory is more horizontal and comfortable

When extracting samples.

“If you enter above the nostril, the path is straighter and less troublesome”experts tell us.

Tip 3: Inhale while inserting the stick into your nose

passage of air through the nasal cavity Helps reduce possible discomfort This may result in contact with the swab.

Tip 4: 2 or 3 cm is enough

Some major concerns may arise after taking a PCR test because the swab needs to be inserted a considerable distance into the nasal passage.But through antigen testing Samples were collected in more external areas Of the nasal mucosa.

“No need for full insertion”features Trini Fernández in the audio below, where she gives us more keys to doing a good job with antigen testing at home.

So just insert the swab into your nasal passage About 2 or 3 cm.

In fact, this is one of the reasons why antigen tests can be done at home and PCR tests require medical personnel.

Tip 5: Draw a circle on your nose and count to 5

In order to make the sample size collected reliable and correct, You have to make circles with your finger to move the stick.

• “This way you can ensure Excellent access to the entire nasal mucosal wall“The nurse clarified. The secret is that the swab goes smoothly across the entire area without you having to drag or press hard.
• While drawing these circles Count to 5.After this, gently remove it and Repeat the process with the other nostril.