Thanksgiving is a time of year that many people look forward to. From making traditional family recipes to gathering with loved ones, the holiday season has a way of bringing out the best in us.

This brings up a big question: how do I have the safest Thanksgiving for both me and my family?

At Live Urgent Care, we specialize in fast, accurate covid-19 test results. With locations in Princeton, Bellmawr, Morris Plains, and Somerset, you can easily get a covid test with same-day results to make this holiday season covid-safe for every member of your family.

As you prepare for the holiday season, here are 5 big questions to ask yourself. By answering each question, you can plan a safe, healthy holiday.

Is It Safe to Gather for Thanksgiving?

Every person has a different comfort level when it comes to covid. Some may not be comfortable with exposing themselves to extra risk because of the spread of covid. Others may worry about the possibility of spreading covid to elderly family members.

Ultimately, this question comes down to your specific situation. The CDC recently put out guidelines that include recommendations for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. By reviewing these guidelines, you can begin to put together your covid plan.

It is also worth noting that not every Thanksgiving guest will have the same comfort level. If you are creating a holiday plan, it is important to make sure each guest agrees on the plan. This communication may lead you to get a covid test before your holiday gathering.

Do I Need to Get Tested?

Part of preparing for a safe Thanksgiving may include getting a covid test. Even if you do not feel symptomatic, getting a negative covid test is the most reliable way to know whether you currently have covid.

There are two main covid testing options. The first is a rapid antigen test. This is the test commonly referred to as the rapid test.

Rapid tests are between 85% and 90% at detecting current covid infection. These tests usually give you results in 1 hour or less.

The second type of test is the RT-PCR test. These tests are roughly 98% at detecting current covid infection. In many instances, PCR tests take 3-5 to yield results.

At Live Urgent Care, we offer RT-PCR tests with same-day results. This means you can take your PCR test the day before Thanksgiving and have your test results before your family gathering.

What If I Am Vaccinated?

While vaccination remains the best way to prevent serious illness from covid, it does not fully eliminate the possibility of catching or spreading it.

If you can get vaccinated between now and Thanksgiving, that will go a long way in keeping you and your loved ones safe. That said, vaccinated individuals may still want to get a covid test before their holiday gathering.

If you are not sure if you need to get a covid test, think about the exposure you may have to covid in the two weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. Those working from home with little covid exposure may be less inclined to get a covid test as those who work in service industries.

When Should I Get My Test?

When you get your covid test depends on what your travel plans are and which test you plan to get.

If you are staying local, you should try to get your covid test done as close to Thanksgiving as possible. Live Urgent Care will be open from 8am to 12pm on Thanksgiving Day making it possible to test the day of your gathering.

If you are flying to your gathering, aim to get your PCR test 1 to 2 days before your flight. This is close enough for your results to stay relevant but early enough to ensure your results come back in time.

What Do I Do After Thanksgiving?

After your Thanksgiving gather, communication with your fellow guests will be crucial. By sharing your current health status, you can quickly respond should anyone become ill after your gathering.

Even if everyone feels healthy, getting a covid test 3 to 5 days after Thanksgiving will detect covid illness that may be asymptomatic. Should you test positive, communicate with those you gathered with so they can take necessary steps.

Get Holiday Ready Today

By putting together your covid plan, you can ensure the safest, healthiest Thanksgiving possible. While no plan fully removes 100% of covid risk, simple precautions and well-timed testing can greatly diminish your covid risk.

Covid testing at Live Urgent Care can help keep your family safe and make your holiday more enjoyable. You can learn more about our covid testing options and even book your appointment ahead of time.

Covid planning may not feel like a cheerful holiday activity, but it will help make every other activity feel more like normal. Put your Thanksgiving covid plan together today with help from Live Urgent Care.