COVID Testing Clinic in Wendell, NC

At Wendell Family Medicine, we understand that our patients have many questions about COVID-19 testing—especially about when it’s safe to end isolation and return to work, school, or family activities. After being infected with COVID-19, the timeframe for testing negative can vary based on the test you use and personal factors like your immune response, the severity of your illness, and your vaccination status.
 
For most people with mild to moderate COVID-19, you typically stop being contagious and may test negative on a rapid antigen test around 5 to 10 days after symptoms begin. However, some patients may continue to test positive for several days—or even weeks—since PCR tests are highly sensitive and can detect non-infectious viral fragments long after you’re no longer contagious.
 
Rapid antigen tests tend to turn negative sooner because they only detect higher levels of the virus present during the period you’re most likely to be contagious. PCR tests, on the other hand, may stay positive even when you’re feeling better and are no longer a risk to others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends that you isolate for at least five days after your symptoms begin. You can end isolation if you have been fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and your other symptoms are improving.
 
For most patients at Wendell Family Medicine, it’s normal to test negative on a rapid antigen test about 7 to 10 days after their symptoms start, but this can vary from person to person. If you’re still testing positive after 10 days but have no symptoms, you are unlikely to still be infectious. We recommend following local public health guidelines or making an appointment with one of our providers for personalized advice. If you have questions about COVID-19 testing, your symptoms, or when it’s safe to be around others, our team is here to help. Please call our office for guidance or to schedule a follow-up visit.

At Wendell Family Medicine, we understand that our patients have many questions about what to expect if they or a loved one contracts COVID-19. The duration of COVID-19 symptoms can vary greatly from person to person and depends on factors such as age, overall health, vaccination status, and the specific variant of the virus. For most of our patients with mild to moderate COVID-19, symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell usually appear within two to fourteen days after exposure and typically last around one to two weeks. Some people may begin to feel better sooner, while others may notice lingering symptoms for several weeks.
 
In more severe cases—especially among older adults or those with chronic health conditions—symptoms may continue for several weeks or even longer. A small percentage of patients may experience what is commonly referred to as “long COVID” (post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, or PASC), where symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, and muscle aches can persist for months beyond the initial illness. It’s important to remember that you may still be contagious even after your symptoms begin to improve. Most people are considered less likely to spread the virus about ten days after symptoms start, as long as symptoms are improving and you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines. If you are a Wendell Family Medicine patient and your symptoms persist or worsen beyond the typical recovery window, or if you develop new or severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or bluish lips or face, please contact our office right away for further evaluation and care. Our team is here to support you throughout your recovery and to answer any questions you may have about COVID-19 and your health.

At our primary care clinic, we want to ensure our community stays informed about the signs and management of mild COVID-19. Mild COVID symptoms are often similar to those of a common cold or mild flu. You may experience a low-grade fever, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, fatigue, or headaches. Some patients also notice muscle aches, mild chills, or occasional sneezing. A sudden loss of taste or smell can occur, even if other symptoms are minimal. Less commonly, mild gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea or nausea may be present. It’s important to know that mild COVID-19 generally does not cause difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
 
Most people with mild COVID-19 can recover at home with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications for symptom relief. However, if your symptoms worsen or you have concerns about your health, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We are here to help you monitor your symptoms, answer your questions, and provide guidance on when further evaluation might be needed.
 
If you are experiencing symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19, call Wendell Family Medicine to discuss testing, treatment options, or to schedule a telehealth visit. Your health and peace of mind are our top priorities. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are located at 2839 Wendell Blvd Suite 100, Wendell, NC 27591. We serve patients from Wendell NC, Archer Lodge NC, Hocutts Crossroads NC, Zebulon NC, Eagle Rock NC, Shotwell NC, Middlesex NC, and BEYOND.