When to get tested for COVID-19

The number of positive COVID-19 cases detected in Hood county nearly doubled in the past ten days-- going from 95 positive cases on June 30th to 183 positive cases on July 9, 87 of which are active.

Hood County Public Health Authority Dr. David Blocker published that Hood County remains at a substantial risk of COVID-19 transmission. The only way to keep case numbers from rising is for residents to  implement social distancing measures such as wearing masks when out in public, maintaining a 6-foot distance from others, and washing their hands regularly and thoroughly.

Blocker said if you think you’ve been exposed to the virus, monitor closely for symptoms and self isolate for 14 days. Don’t go out unless you have to, and when you do go out, wear a mask.

Blocker does not recommend getting tested if you are not showing symptoms and have no underlying health conditions, even if you think you’ve been exposed.

“If you get tested too early, you may get a false sense of security and stop taking precautions,” Blocker said. “Infection can be mild or asymptomatic, and infection can develop for up to 14 days after exposure.”

If you are not sure whether or not to get tested, the Texas Department of State Health offers an online self-checker: a questionnaire that helps you decide if you should be tested for COVID-19.

The CDC and the Texas Department of Health and Human Services recommends getting tested if you think you’ve been exposed and are older than 65 years, are pregnant, or have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, chronic lung disease, asthma, obesity or heart disease.

Blocker said people who are elderly or have a compromised immune system should consult with their doctors on how to be safe and when to get tested.

“There is still no specific vaccine or medication to prevent or treat COVID-19,” Blocker said. “But you may want to ensure other conditions are treated appropriately and watch closely for complications.”

Granbury’s local testing center, Lakeside Physicians Express Care Walk-In Clinic in front of Kroger, offers nasal swab testing. It is walk-in only. Once a patient goes inside, a nurse will evaluate that patient and decide if they can get tested in the office or if they should wait in their car.

The Lakeside Physicians Clinic accepts health insurance, including medicaid. For self pay, they charge $85.00 if you are showing symptoms, and $145.00 if you are not; although, like Blocker, they do not recommend getting tested if you are not showing symptoms.