You may not be able to cure a viral infection but understanding its nature can help you alleviate its symptoms, and prevent it spreading.
Viral infections – why should you test?
Viruses are parasitic living organisms. They can infect any living thing, from plants to animals to bacteria, and need a host to survive. Viruses thrive by reproducing within the cells of the infected host. Sometimes, depending on the virus, that effect will be unnoticeable. Sometimes it can be deadly. Some viruses can have a different effect depending on the host – which is why some conditions affect animals but not humans, or cows but not pigs etc.
Viruses cannot be cured, but they can be contained and their spread minimised through vaccination. If you are suffering the effects of a viral infection, understanding the nature of the virus through testing can help prevent it spreading and help you alleviate its symptoms until it passes.
Better2Know’s viral infection testing includes:
Measles Testing
- What does this test do? Indicates whether you have or have recently had measles.
- What is measles Measles is a highly contagious virus, easily spread through coughs and sneezes. In most UK cases, measles symptoms are unpleasant but not long lasting, but in rare cases -particularly during pregnancy – effects can be serious.
- Why take this test? We recommend taking this test with the measles immunity test (below) for a complete picture of the risk measles presents to you now and in the future.
Measles Immunity Testing
- What does this test do? It checks for a specific type of antibody which may indicate that you have previously had measles.
- Why is that important? Knowing the risk measles presents to you could be important if you are planning to fall pregnant or visit a part of the world where measles is still common. It is especially important if you know you have a weak or impaired immune system.
- What if you test positive? If you test positive for the antibody you are considered immune to measles. We recommend taking this test with the measles test (above) for a complete picture of the risk measles presents to you now and in the future.
Rubella Testing
- What does this test do? It checks to see whether you are, or have recently been, infected by rubella.
- Why is that important? Rubella is rarely serious, but if you contract rubella in pregnancy and pass it to your unborn baby, the virus can cause miscarriage or stillbirth, or a wide range of developmental defects.
- How can testing help me? We recommend taking this test with the rubella immunity test (below) for a complete picture of the risk rubella presents to you now and in the future. If you are planning to fall pregnant, testing can help you understand your immunity, plan more effectively and put your mind at rest.
Rubella Immunity Testing
- What does this test do? It tests your level of rubella immunity.
- Why is that important? Not all people respond to the rubella vaccine in the same way. It is possible to receive the vaccine and for it not to be effective. So, if you are planning to get pregnant, you will want to know that you have a high level of immunity to rubella, to protect you and your unborn child.
- How can testing help me? We recommend taking this test with the rubella test (above) for a complete picture of the risk rubella presents to you now and in the future. If you are planning to fall pregnant, that can help you build immunity, plan more effectively and put your mind at rest.
Mumps Testing
- What does this test do? It tests for a type of antibody which may indicate that you have mumps.
- Why is that important? Mumps is usually a mild illness, but although complications are rare, they can be serious. Additionally, many of its symptoms can be like other conditions.
- Why should I take this test? If you cannot get an appointment with your GP, or if you are unsure whether your symptoms indicate mumps or something else (for example glandular fever).
How do I get tested?
To get tested, please contact Better2Know on the number above.