Coronavirus prep

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  • 33gail33
    33gail33 Posts: 1,155 Member
    SModa61 wrote: »
    SummerSkier wrote: »
    I had a cold like that before covid also. No fever. My sinus headaches and congestion in my head was awful. I had to sleep sitting up. But I have heard that the quick tests may not be as effective in catching the O strain. More likely false negatives than the other way around.

    Our workplace is going to do onsite testing starting in January. It looks like this is to comply with the OSHA mandate for unvaccinated folks to be tested weekly. Not sure what test they are going to have or how it all plays out with HIPPA either. I was really happy to hear that most of our employees (90%) at one point are vaccinated altho I think requiring the booster is just around the corner?

    At this point if it's been over 8 months since you were vaccinated seems like you might also need to be tested weekly.

    I heard that same information on the news about the home testing with the Omicron. It does make me wonder about my "cold", but daughter did also get PCRed and was negative so maybe we are correct that this is just that cold that you don't want. I joked (yes, a big joke as I am not that stupid) that I might prefer COVID.

    We had 3 positive home test, and 1 negative - all of those results were confirmed by PCR testing. I think that if you have symptoms the rapid tests are more accurate than if you don't, all 3 that tested positive were symptomatic.
    We also had that nasty cold back in September and for us it actually was worse than COVID.
  • rheddmobile
    rheddmobile Posts: 6,840 Member
    nooshi713 wrote: »
    kshama2001 wrote: »
    nooshi713 wrote: »
    I’m a healthcare worker and I am asking that everyone tell all their friends and family to stop coming to the ER for minor illnesses and for testing. Make an appointment for a test and if you can’t get one, just stay home.

    The hospitals are getting overwhelmed and the wait times are insane because of all the frivolous ER visits for tests in people with minor illness or no symptoms. Nurses and doctors are getting burnt out with the insanity of it all.

    Unless you’re very sick, stay home!!

    Great PSA.

    Here in Massachusetts, 91% of the total population has had at least one shot and 75% are fully vaccinated, yet our little suburban hospital is overwhelmed and looking forward to help from the National Guard.

    None of us have symptoms, but wanted to know how to get tested in case we develop some. I'm with the VA, so checked for my other family members. Possibly they'd use the free test service at CVS. We can't get same day, or next day, or at the closest store, but there are appts available two days out in the next town over.

    https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing

    I also ordered a two kit test from Amazon, which will arrive in a few weeks.

    https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B09KZ6TBNY/

    And now I see I can request a free at-home kit from my state:

    https://www.ondemand.labcorp.com/ma-testing

    The thing is, many are coming in for unnecessary tests. For example, a mom with her 2 toddlers who have barely any symptoms came in yesterday. She tested positive and wanted her kids tested. They are not in school or daycare, just at home. I told her that they don’t need to be tested. If someone in the home tests positive and others have symptoms, then they have it too but knowing won’t change the treatment at all. It is still just let it run its course for the most part unless you’re sick enough to require oxygen and hospitalization.

    Also, there are a lot of false negatives going on especially if someone tests too early. There is no point coming in and clogging the ER for a test when one barely has symptoms. They should get an appointment for a test even if they have to wait a while. Waiting a few days will lead to a more accurate test result. Coming in one day one or two of symptoms and testing negative when that person had close contact in the home with someone positive……is dangerous. That person might think they don’t have to quarantine because they are negative but in reality, they are still contagious and tested too soon.

    I’m trying to educate my patients about these things.

    I will say that I have yet to have to hospitalize a single vaccinated person, even the elderly ones with multiple medical issues.

    We recently had a young (39) year old otherwise healthy married man and father pass away from Covid and he was unvaccinated. I have had to admit several very sick, young, otherwise healthy unvaccinated patients this past week. It is insane to me how some people are still not vaccinated.

    The exception to what you’re saying here is if you are in a high risk category and eligible for antibodies. They have to be provided within the first couple of days, preferably before the person is symptomatic. If you have waited until you need oxygen you are too late for them to help.
  • SummerSkier
    SummerSkier Posts: 5,187 Member
    It is starting to feel like I am in the minority for NOT having contracted Covid for the past 2 years... I wonder what the stats are going to look like for the US after this current Omicron wave goes past - even without the home test positives not being in the data most likely.
  • Theoldguy1
    Theoldguy1 Posts: 2,496 Member
    SummerSkier wrote: »
    It is starting to feel like I am in the minority for NOT having contracted Covid for the past 2 years... I wonder what the stats are going to look like for the US after this current Omicron wave goes past - even without the home test positives not being in the data most likely.

    My gut feel is virtually everyone that doesn't live in a bubble will get it.
  • sarah7591
    sarah7591 Posts: 415 Member
    SummerSkier wrote: »
    It is starting to feel like I am in the minority for NOT having contracted Covid for the past 2 years... I wonder what the stats are going to look like for the US after this current Omicron wave goes past - even without the home test positives not being in the data most likely.

    I imagine the stats are much, much higher. I had it (fully vaxxed) and other family members had it and we did not report it just stayed home and got through it.
  • spiriteagle99
    spiriteagle99 Posts: 3,748 Member
    My husband and I have been spared so far, as far as I know. Whether that will last, I have no idea. If getting Omicron leads to better immunity, I wouldn't mind, since we've both been boosted. But we won't do anything stupid to get exposed.
  • SModa61
    SModa61 Posts: 3,113 Member
    edited January 2022
    I know people who IMO live pretty well bubbled that have gotten it. I did watch a video yesterday by that "Dr. John Campbell" that gives me hope that maybe society will benefit by Omicron going through the population by potentially providing immunity to other variants like Delta. The video I watched was this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYLbJ0H8zdc
  • Chef_Barbell
    Chef_Barbell Posts: 6,644 Member
    Thats what happened to me on Christmas @COGypsy

    I've been in bed since and have lost most appetite and have been so tired. I'm also double vaxxed and not scheduled to have a booster until Feb after 6 months.
  • lokihen
    lokihen Posts: 382 Member
    COGypsy wrote: »
    spiriteagle99 wrote: »
    My husband and I have been spared so far, as far as I know. Whether that will last, I have no idea. If getting Omicron leads to better immunity, I wouldn't mind, since we've both been boosted. But we won't do anything stupid to get exposed.

    Be careful what you wish for. I got a "mild breakthrough" case of COVID that laid me out flat for about five weeks. I lost my sense of taste and smell on 10/24 and the first week of December was the first week after that where I didn't need a daily 1-2 hour nap just to function. Taste is mostly back and smell is maybe 50%. I was double vaxxed, and had scheduled, but not yet received my booster shot. This was absolutely the sickest I ever remember being as an adult.

    I know most people don't get this sick from breakthrough cases, but I'm 47 and healthy, no co-morbidities or risk factors. I rarely go out and take precautions when I do. I did eat indoors at a restaurant about 2 weeks before I got sick. Statistically iffy for the incubation period, but the only thing I can come up with.

    I've figured all along I'd get COVID eventually and just deal with it because I'm vaccinated and so it would just be inconvenient, pretty much. I was very, very wrong.

    This is an example of why I'm still very cautious even after being boosted. I'm also older with co-morbidities so I wouldn't be surprised to discover I would be part of the small percentage that is protected and ends up hospitalized anyway.

    Last week my parents visited their great-grandchildren even though we're in a surge. I told them I'm marking 10 days on the calendar that I will be isolating from them.
  • SModa61
    SModa61 Posts: 3,113 Member
    @COGypsy @Chef_Barbell I wonder if you both contracted the Delta variant given the extent of your symptoms.
  • Chef_Barbell
    Chef_Barbell Posts: 6,644 Member
    SModa61 wrote: »
    @COGypsy @Chef_Barbell I wonder if you both contracted the Delta variant given the extent of your symptoms.

    Could be but since I live in NYC, the dominant strain and what's going around is Omicron.
  • paperpudding
    paperpudding Posts: 9,302 Member
    sarah7591 wrote: »
    SummerSkier wrote: »
    It is starting to feel like I am in the minority for NOT having contracted Covid for the past 2 years... I wonder what the stats are going to look like for the US after this current Omicron wave goes past - even without the home test positives not being in the data most likely.

    I imagine the stats are much, much higher. I had it (fully vaxxed) and other family members had it and we did not report it just stayed home and got through it.

    what do you mean you didnt report it?

    Don't you have to report positive RATS tests and/or follow up with official PCR test?

    genuine question - we certainly have to do that here in Aust but I understand rules in different countries are different.
    If you dont have to do so or people are not, even though they are meant to - then yes, your official stats will clearly be under what is actually happening

  • ythannah
    ythannah Posts: 4,371 Member
    edited January 2022
    paperpudding wrote: »
    what do you mean you didnt report it?

    Don't you have to report positive RATS tests and/or follow up with official PCR test?

    Here in Ontario, public health testing is becoming overwhelmed and the latest guideline restricts eligibility for PCR tests. Contact tracing and testing is out the window at this point. So, no, a positive rapid antigen test will not be followed up with a PCR for the majority of people.

    I haven't seen or heard of any requirement to report rapid test results, unless there is something to that effect in whatever literature accompanies the test itself (I've never seen one).

    eta I have no idea where Sarah7591 resides, just reporting the current state of testing here
  • SModa61
    SModa61 Posts: 3,113 Member
    paperpudding wrote: »
    sarah7591 wrote: »
    SummerSkier wrote: »
    It is starting to feel like I am in the minority for NOT having contracted Covid for the past 2 years... I wonder what the stats are going to look like for the US after this current Omicron wave goes past - even without the home test positives not being in the data most likely.

    I imagine the stats are much, much higher. I had it (fully vaxxed) and other family members had it and we did not report it just stayed home and got through it.

    what do you mean you didnt report it?

    Don't you have to report positive RATS tests and/or follow up with official PCR test?

    genuine question - we certainly have to do that here in Aust but I understand rules in different countries are different.
    If you dont have to do so or people are not, even though they are meant to - then yes, your official stats will clearly be under what is actually happening

    In the US, I am not aware of any public requirement to report a positive finding from a home COVID test kit. If I were to test positive, I would contact anyone I felt might have been exposed so they are informed, and if I developed sufficient symptoms, I would reach out to my physician.

    D has told me of three friends who contracted it (a friend, fiancee and sister cluster). All three took home kits with positive results. Only one followed up with a PCR confirmation because her "pink line" was very faint and did not believe she was positive. I am not aware of any of them reporting and they are all essentially asymptomatic (don't recall why the first of them even took the test).

    And Yes, PaperPudding, IMO the totals are very under-reported because of all the home testing.
  • Chef_Barbell
    Chef_Barbell Posts: 6,644 Member
    paperpudding wrote: »
    sarah7591 wrote: »
    SummerSkier wrote: »
    It is starting to feel like I am in the minority for NOT having contracted Covid for the past 2 years... I wonder what the stats are going to look like for the US after this current Omicron wave goes past - even without the home test positives not being in the data most likely.

    I imagine the stats are much, much higher. I had it (fully vaxxed) and other family members had it and we did not report it just stayed home and got through it.

    what do you mean you didnt report it?

    Don't you have to report positive RATS tests and/or follow up with official PCR test?

    genuine question - we certainly have to do that here in Aust but I understand rules in different countries are different.
    If you dont have to do so or people are not, even though they are meant to - then yes, your official stats will clearly be under what is actually happening

    I didn't have to report my positive results but I did get a call from the test and trace corps. They keep track of positive cases here in NYC. But that's only because I got tested at a NYC site. Home testing has no requirements to report. But there aren't many home tests available in stores here.
  • COGypsy
    COGypsy Posts: 1,365 Member
    Chef_Barbell wrote: »
    paperpudding wrote: »
    sarah7591 wrote: »
    SummerSkier wrote: »
    It is starting to feel like I am in the minority for NOT having contracted Covid for the past 2 years... I wonder what the stats are going to look like for the US after this current Omicron wave goes past - even without the home test positives not being in the data most likely.

    I imagine the stats are much, much higher. I had it (fully vaxxed) and other family members had it and we did not report it just stayed home and got through it.

    what do you mean you didnt report it?

    Don't you have to report positive RATS tests and/or follow up with official PCR test?

    genuine question - we certainly have to do that here in Aust but I understand rules in different countries are different.
    If you dont have to do so or people are not, even though they are meant to - then yes, your official stats will clearly be under what is actually happening

    I didn't have to report my positive results but I did get a call from the test and trace corps. They keep track of positive cases here in NYC. But that's only because I got tested at a NYC site. Home testing has no requirements to report. But there aren't many home tests available in stores here.

    Did they tell you to retest after symptoms resolved? I tested at a county site and when I spoke to the person from the health department, they specifically told me I didn't need to test again for 6 months--including for things like surgery. That was a bit of a surprise. The old guidance was that you needed 2 negative follow up tests to confirm you were over the infection.
  • Chef_Barbell
    Chef_Barbell Posts: 6,644 Member
    COGypsy wrote: »
    Chef_Barbell wrote: »
    paperpudding wrote: »
    sarah7591 wrote: »
    SummerSkier wrote: »
    It is starting to feel like I am in the minority for NOT having contracted Covid for the past 2 years... I wonder what the stats are going to look like for the US after this current Omicron wave goes past - even without the home test positives not being in the data most likely.

    I imagine the stats are much, much higher. I had it (fully vaxxed) and other family members had it and we did not report it just stayed home and got through it.

    what do you mean you didnt report it?

    Don't you have to report positive RATS tests and/or follow up with official PCR test?

    genuine question - we certainly have to do that here in Aust but I understand rules in different countries are different.
    If you dont have to do so or people are not, even though they are meant to - then yes, your official stats will clearly be under what is actually happening

    I didn't have to report my positive results but I did get a call from the test and trace corps. They keep track of positive cases here in NYC. But that's only because I got tested at a NYC site. Home testing has no requirements to report. But there aren't many home tests available in stores here.

    Did they tell you to retest after symptoms resolved? I tested at a county site and when I spoke to the person from the health department, they specifically told me I didn't need to test again for 6 months--including for things like surgery. That was a bit of a surprise. The old guidance was that you needed 2 negative follow up tests to confirm you were over the infection.

    T&T didn't tell me to retest after quarantine. My job which pays separate covid pay said specifically I didn't need to be retested to come back to work. It is strange but I guess they are considering the lack of testing available right now.

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