COVID-19
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Meta Medical Center
Ronnie C. Parker, D.O.
Family Medicine & Substance Abuse Treatment located in Pikeville, KY
COVID-19 has affected millions of people across the United States. At Meta Medical Center in Pikeville, Kentucky, Dr. Ronnie Parker, DO, provides COVID-19 testing and COVID-19 vaccinations to help protect the community and prevent further spread of the disease. To schedule a COVID-19 test or vaccine, call the office or book an appointment online today.
COVID-19 Q & A
What is COVID-19?
Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. The coronavirus is a family of viruses that affect the respiratory system. These viruses often cause the common cold.
SARS-CoV-2 is a newly discovered and highly contagious coronavirus that quickly spread around the world, causing a pandemic. Unlike other coronavirus types, SARS-CoV-2 spreads quickly through droplets when someone infected with the virus coughs, sneezes, or talks.
The virus causes symptoms that range from mild to life-threatening. Symptoms typically appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Not everyone with COVID-19 has symptoms.
When do I need a COVID-19 test?
Dr. Parker is a dedicated family medicine physician committed to keeping the community he serves safe and healthy. He recommends that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms get tested.
Common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches or headaches
- Loss of sense of taste or smell
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Rash
Dr. Parker also recommends COVID-19 testing if you had close contact with someone who recently tested positive for COVID-19. He also provides COVID-19 testing for unvaccinated people who need testing for community, work, or school screenings.
Meta Medical Center provides the rapid COVID-19 test, which is an antigen test that provides results within 30 minutes. Though a positive rapid COVID-19 test is accurate, if your results are negative, Dr. Parker may suggest a molecular COVID-19 test.
Both tests require secretion samples from your nose. However, the rapid COVID-19 test may provide false negative results if you have a low viral load. The molecular test is more accurate.
Who needs a COVID-19 vaccine?
Meta Medical Center is a family medicine practice that cares for adults starting at age 20. Any unvaccinated adult benefits from getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
The vaccine helps your body build a defense system against the virus, which may protect you from getting sick or developing life-threatening symptoms. Even if you had COVID-19, Dr. Parker recommends you get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Older adults and adults with chronic health conditions may also benefit from a COVID-19 booster shot.
To find out more about a COVID-19 test or vaccine, call Meta Medical Center or schedule an appointment online today.
