As we emerge from the lockdown measures around the world, countries are opening their borders to allow international travel once more. This has been an essential part of the return to normality for people all over the globe, even if it is not without its challenges. Air travel has changed drastically, with compulsory measures for passengers and new processes to keep people safe. Not only this, but the most important objective is also to keep travel going so that it does not cause a drastic rise in COVID cases so that lockdown has to return once more. In the UK, Heathrow airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, and if it is going to remain open, it needs to ensure that strict measures are in place for customer travel. A huge part of these measures has been the on-site testing centres at Heathrow Airport, which allows travellers to test either on arrival or departure. Heathrow testing centres operate on a drive-through basis for minimum contact, and they can usually get results to travellers within just a few hours, which is hugely efficient.

What Is PCR Testing?

It's most likely because of the beginning of the COVID-19 viral epidemic that you've heard about PCR testing. However, unlike so many of today's more advanced tests utilized to detect COVID-19, PCR has been around for over 30 years with proven reliability. Unlike genetic tests for genetic disorders that rely on DNA, for example testing for the latest forms of human papillomavirus (HPV) only requires polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). The problem with other tests is that they require a sample to be found, processed and run through a specific set of procedures to get an accurate reading on any potential abnormalities. With PCR, once a sample is collected, it can be processed and analyzed without having to wait for samples to be processed more than once to get a definitive answer to a possible viral question or concern.

PCR Testing For Travel

Covid can affect anyone, regardless of age. It can appear in adolescence or early adulthood, although it is rarer, and most commonly affects people with some kind of immune deficiency. Many times people will be symptomless, meaning that they don't display any outward symptoms, but they can still infect others. This is why testing has become a huge part of international travel, as the only way to know for sure you are not carrying the virus is with a negative test.

Combating Covid Effectively

Shortness of breath, fatigue and fever are common symptoms of COVID. You may also notice that your skin is very dry and flaky, and that your head feels very heavy. You may feel sick to your stomach or feel bloated. Since a lot of these symptoms are caused by an exaggerated response of your immune system to a perceived threat, you will often feel tired or fatigued and need to eat more food and drink more water. Since these symptoms tend to hit suddenly and last for a few days, many sufferers report having bouts of serious depression along with the rest of the symptoms described above. This is why testing and treatment is extremely important, as well as staying home and not coming into contact with others until you have a confirmed negative test.