Why Should You Keep a Rapid COVID Test with You When You Travel?

Since the beginning of 2020, the COVID-19 virus has permanently changed the way we travel around the world. As the number of travellers begans to rise following the end of global lockdowns, it became more important than ever to take precautions to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Carrying a rapid antigen COVID-19 test with you when you travel is a precautionary measure that can help provide you with peace of mind. In this blog post, we'll be going over why you should keep a rapid antigen COVID-19 test on hand, whether you're travelling internationally or domestically!

Screening for COVID-19

One of the primary reasons to travel with a rapid antigen COVID-19 test is to screen for the virus if you begin to experience symptoms. Fever, cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea are all symptoms of COVID-19. If you develop any of these symptoms while travelling, testing yourself can help you determine whether you have contracted the virus. In the event you test positive, you should stay home, seek medical attention and adhere to local health guidelines for isolation and treatment.

Meeting Travel Requirements

Another reason to carry a rapid antigen COVID-19 test with you when you travel is to comply with travel requirements. Some countries or airlines still require proof of a negative COVID-19 test result before allowing travelers to enter or board a flight. Having a rapid test on hand can help you meet these requirements without having to find a testing location at your destination. However, we strongly recommend checking the travel requirements for your destination as these rules and guidelines are different from country to country and can evolve with the current global circumstances.

Rapid Test = Peace of Mind

Travelling is incredibly stressful, and having a rapid antigen COVID-19 test with you can provide peace of mind that you’re taking precautions to protect yourself and others. While a rapid test is not as accurate as a laboratory-based PCR test, it is still able to provide useful information about your COVID-19 status.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

In summary, bringing a rapid antigen COVID-19 test with you when you travel can be a useful precautionary measure to protect yourself and others. A rapid test can provide valuable information about your COVID-19 status, whether you're screening for the virus, complying with travel requirements, or simply seeking peace of mind. If a rapid test results in a positive result, seek confirmation with a PCR test and follow local health guidelines for isolation and treatment.