Coronavirus prep
Replies
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rheddmobile wrote: »kshama2001 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.
Absolutely false. We have been giving monoclonal antibodies. They dont have to be given before symptoms develop. False false false. We give them up to 10 days of symptoms. With the new variant, the ones we have are not effective though.
Well, that’s interesting, since it’s not what the guidelines say. Within four days, no later than seven.
https://www.unc.edu/posts/2021/08/31/monoclonal-antibody-infusion-therapy-for-covid-19/3 -
rheddmobile wrote: »rheddmobile wrote: »kshama2001 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.
Absolutely false. We have been giving monoclonal antibodies. They dont have to be given before symptoms develop. False false false. We give them up to 10 days of symptoms. With the new variant, the ones we have are not effective though.
Well, that’s interesting, since it’s not what the guidelines say. Within four days, no later than seven.
https://www.unc.edu/posts/2021/08/31/monoclonal-antibody-infusion-therapy-for-covid-19/
This is what I've heard (Dr Daniel Griffin on TWIV). As you mentioned in an earlier post, it is pretty much too late if oxygen levels decrease.0 -
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!!
Luckily here testing was not the responsibility of hospitals, it was done by the public health unit. I think there was a test site on the hospital campus but separate from the main facility. Hospitals do test their own patients, but don't perform general public testing.
Historically there has been a lot of rather frivolous use of ER services, due in part to the large number of people who have no family doc. That dropped way down during Covid. I had to go to ER twice since March 2020 and it was eerily quiet, not the same experience at all.
I'm sorry things are so crazy for you and your colleagues. Hopefully things get better soon.
Yes, it does seem as though people have thought everything was an emergency for decades. Luckily, my only issue since covid was when I was just sick... I couldn't get an appt with my Dr. and ended up going to urgent care. Turned out it was just e. coli. If I couldn't get into urgent care, I would have just hoped it went away on its own because it was not an ER situation.3 -
paperpudding 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
And Yes, PaperPudding, IMO the totals are very under-reported because of all the home testing.
Yes that would definitely be the case then if you don't need to report positive RATS or follow up with PCR if positive.1 -
Chef_Barbell wrote: »Chef_Barbell wrote: »paperpudding 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.
I think it is not so much the lack of testing but the fact that antibodies show up, therefore you test as positive even though you are recovered and no longer infectious.
My son who has Covid in Australia was told isolate for 10 days, no need for a clearance test or re testing, if asymptomatic for last 3 days of the 10, can just come out of isolation.4 -
paperpudding wrote: »Chef_Barbell wrote: »Chef_Barbell wrote: »paperpudding 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.
I think it is not so much the lack of testing but the fact that antibodies show up, therefore you test as positive even though you are recovered and no longer infectious.
My son who has Covid in Australia was told isolate for 10 days, no need for a clearance test or re testing, if asymptomatic for last 3 days of the 10, can just come out of isolation.
https://wi.mit.edu/news/new-research-reveals-why-some-patients-may-test-positive-covid-19-long-after-recovery
Has nothing to do with antibodies.0 -
Question for you all.
I am fully vaxed through booster with Pfizer, and as I mentioned I had that lousy long-lasting cold. If I ask my PCP for an antibody test to see if that cold was something more despite my negative home tests. Will the antibody test tell anything of value given my vaccination status?
I was originally thinking it could tell if I did have COVID, now I am wondering if the vaccination would blur that information.0 -
Question for you all.
I am fully vaxed through booster with Pfizer, and as I mentioned I had that lousy long-lasting cold. If I ask my PCP for an antibody test to see if that cold was something more despite my negative home tests. Will the antibody test tell anything of value given my vaccination status?
I was originally thinking it could tell if I did have COVID, now I am wondering if the vaccination would blur that information.
You would need a Nucleocapsid test.
https://www.labcorp.com/tests/164068/sars-cov-2-antibodies-nucleocapsid2 -
rheddmobile wrote: »rheddmobile wrote: »kshama2001 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.
Absolutely false. We have been giving monoclonal antibodies. They dont have to be given before symptoms develop. False false false. We give them up to 10 days of symptoms. With the new variant, the ones we have are not effective though.
Well, that’s interesting, since it’s not what the guidelines say. Within four days, no later than seven.
https://www.unc.edu/posts/2021/08/31/monoclonal-antibody-infusion-therapy-for-covid-19/
I wonder if you two are talking past each other. Nooshi said they don't have to be given before symptoms develop, and your link says 4-7 days after symptoms develop.
In any case, my understanding is that there is a severe shortage of the one monoclonal antibody that works with omicron (which seems to be typically mild if you are vaxxed), so going to the ER just to be tested still doesn't seem reasonable to me.2 -
paperpudding wrote: »paperpudding 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
And Yes, PaperPudding, IMO the totals are very under-reported because of all the home testing.
Yes that would definitely be the case then if you don't need to report positive RATS or follow up with PCR if positive.
Totals are underreported (as they have always been), but positivity percentage may be higher than it otherwise would be, as here I know lots of people who are home testing and doing nothing if it is negative and then going to get an official test only if they test positive (or continue to have more serious symptoms).1 -
Some people test positive long after they are contagious, sometimes months later. This happened to my sister. So it is kind of pointless to require a follow up negative test. People who are sick just need to quarantine for an appropriate period depending on their symptoms.4
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Some people test positive long after they are contagious, sometimes months later. This happened to my sister. So it is kind of pointless to require a follow up negative test. People who are sick just need to quarantine for an appropriate period depending on their symptoms.
People test positive months after the contagious period? With the same infection that they had those months earlier?1 -
Redordeadhead wrote: »Some people test positive long after they are contagious, sometimes months later. This happened to my sister. So it is kind of pointless to require a follow up negative test. People who are sick just need to quarantine for an appropriate period depending on their symptoms.
People test positive months after the contagious period? With the same infection that they had those months earlier?
A PCR test can detect dead virus due to the amplification process. I personally think 5 days quarantine after symptoms have subsided is still abundantly cautious...and probably overly so. For most viruses, you quarantine while you are sick and can break quarantine once symptoms have subsided and/or you are 24 hours without fever. We are slowly heading in that direction with COVID.7 -
paperpudding wrote: »paperpudding 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
And Yes, PaperPudding, IMO the totals are very under-reported because of all the home testing.
Yes that would definitely be the case then if you don't need to report positive RATS or follow up with PCR if positive.
Totals are underreported (as they have always been), but positivity percentage may be higher than it otherwise would be, as here I know lots of people who are home testing and doing nothing if it is negative and then going to get an official test only if they test positive (or continue to have more serious symptoms).
I completely agree that there is underreporting of the total cases due to the home kit testing, but, whether there is a higher or lower percentage of positive, that sounds unclear to me. For example, I have had three negative Covid tests in the past month and my husband two. None of those negatives are counted.0 -
cmriverside wrote: »Question for you all.
I am fully vaxed through booster with Pfizer, and as I mentioned I had that lousy long-lasting cold. If I ask my PCP for an antibody test to see if that cold was something more despite my negative home tests. Will the antibody test tell anything of value given my vaccination status?
I was originally thinking it could tell if I did have COVID, now I am wondering if the vaccination would blur that information.
You would need a Nucleocapsid test.
https://www.labcorp.com/tests/164068/sars-cov-2-antibodies-nucleocapsid
Thank you @cmriverside Let's see what my PCP says at my physical on Jan 22. I wonder if insurance will support my interest.2 -
kshama2001 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.
In the previous waves there were quite a few people dying at home or shortly after admission due to silent hypoxia - so I can understand people being concerned enough to go to the hospital if they are aware of that complication even if their symptoms weren't that severe. Not sure if that is an issue with this variant, or in vaccinated people, but I have been hearing all along not to wait too long to go to the hospital, so can't really blame people who are worried.
That was my main concern throughout this, my family didn't even really get any "severe" symptoms, but I still checked them daily with the pulse oximeter to make sure. Those of us who aren't doctors or nurses only know what we have read/heard in the media, and what I heard is that people with Covid were underestimating how sick they were and were presenting at the hospital too late with dangerously low blood oxygen levels.
People are coming in with no symptoms at all. The emergency room is for emergencies.
I was responding to your post regarding the people who came in with "barely any" symptoms. My point was that symptoms that seem like "barely any" to a healthcare professional can still possibly be worrying to a lay person. Especially one who has been exposed to media reports, possibly out of context, for the last two years.
I mean we have had it drilled into our heads the last two years that we need test, isolate and mask - and now suddenly we are being told to just stay home and we will be fine. I get that in your position you think that those seeking healthcare are doing so frivolously - but personally I am empathetic to where their fears may be coming from.
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Redordeadhead wrote: »Some people test positive long after they are contagious, sometimes months later. This happened to my sister. So it is kind of pointless to require a follow up negative test. People who are sick just need to quarantine for an appropriate period depending on their symptoms.
People test positive months after the contagious period? With the same infection that they had those months earlier?
For travel into Canada proof of a positive Covid test between 14-180 days prior to arrival is valid instead of a PCR test. I believe this is because the PCR test can remain positive that long after the infection is no longer active.
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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
The instructions on the rapid test tell you to follow up with a PCR test, but there is nothing about reporting it. We did follow up with PCR tests - mostly because my rapid tests kept coming back negative even though I obviously had extensive exposures - I wanted to confirm with a more sensitive test. (Our PCR tests were on December 24 so we were using the guidelines at the time - I know they have changed since then.)
Of course my PCR test got lost and never was uploaded to the system. The pharmacist checked with the lab and told me verbally it was negative, but he also said it would be uploaded within 24 hours and it never was so who knows.2 -
cmriverside wrote: »Question for you all.
I am fully vaxed through booster with Pfizer, and as I mentioned I had that lousy long-lasting cold. If I ask my PCP for an antibody test to see if that cold was something more despite my negative home tests. Will the antibody test tell anything of value given my vaccination status?
I was originally thinking it could tell if I did have COVID, now I am wondering if the vaccination would blur that information.
You would need a Nucleocapsid test.
https://www.labcorp.com/tests/164068/sars-cov-2-antibodies-nucleocapsid
I wouldn't mind getting one of these just out of curiosity. I had a very mild illness in June 2020 that left me with post-viral type symptoms for 5+ months. I always thought that maybe it was long Covid. Now I am wondering if that is why I didn't get sick this last go round when my family did.3 -
paperpudding wrote: »paperpudding 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
And Yes, PaperPudding, IMO the totals are very under-reported because of all the home testing.
Yes that would definitely be the case then if you don't need to report positive RATS or follow up with PCR if positive.
Totals are underreported (as they have always been), but positivity percentage may be higher than it otherwise would be, as here I know lots of people who are home testing and doing nothing if it is negative and then going to get an official test only if they test positive (or continue to have more serious symptoms).
I completely agree that there is underreporting of the total cases due to the home kit testing, but, whether there is a higher or lower percentage of positive, that sounds unclear to me. For example, I have had three negative Covid tests in the past month and my husband two. None of those negatives are counted.
Well, exactly -- if you had had those tests somewhere where they were reported, they would lower the positivity percentage. That's what I was saying. Among those I know, they are more likely to confirm a positive result than a negative one, especially if only mild or no symptoms. And more to the point, if not for the home test option, more people who end up testing negative would likely have sought out a test elsewhere.0 -
kshama2001 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.
In the previous waves there were quite a few people dying at home or shortly after admission due to silent hypoxia - so I can understand people being concerned enough to go to the hospital if they are aware of that complication even if their symptoms weren't that severe. Not sure if that is an issue with this variant, or in vaccinated people, but I have been hearing all along not to wait too long to go to the hospital, so can't really blame people who are worried.
That was my main concern throughout this, my family didn't even really get any "severe" symptoms, but I still checked them daily with the pulse oximeter to make sure. Those of us who aren't doctors or nurses only know what we have read/heard in the media, and what I heard is that people with Covid were underestimating how sick they were and were presenting at the hospital too late with dangerously low blood oxygen levels.
People are coming in with no symptoms at all. The emergency room is for emergencies.
I was responding to your post regarding the people who came in with "barely any" symptoms. My point was that symptoms that seem like "barely any" to a healthcare professional can still possibly be worrying to a lay person. Especially one who has been exposed to media reports, possibly out of context, for the last two years.
I mean we have had it drilled into our heads the last two years that we need test, isolate and mask - and now suddenly we are being told to just stay home and we will be fine. I get that in your position you think that those seeking healthcare are doing so frivolously - but personally I am empathetic to where their fears may be coming from.
Maybe it was different in Canada, but here in Chicago where we were hit hard in spring '20, we were told from the beginning to just stay home and isolate from those who lived with us as much as possible (and that they should quarantine too) if we had symptoms, since unless we had a bad case (such as trouble breathing), there wasn't much that could be done and going out was more risky and hospitals would easily become overburdened.
Tests weren't available then, of course. When they did become available, it was still never a "you must test" unless you wanted to not quaratine, and it was never expected that one would go to the ER just to test. Of course we were also told (when not sick) to mask and social distance, but I'm not sure what that has to do with the ER stuff.
I do think it's been pretty understood -- in the US, at least -- that having a case for most people wasn't going to need medical intervention.3 -
kshama2001 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.
In the previous waves there were quite a few people dying at home or shortly after admission due to silent hypoxia - so I can understand people being concerned enough to go to the hospital if they are aware of that complication even if their symptoms weren't that severe. Not sure if that is an issue with this variant, or in vaccinated people, but I have been hearing all along not to wait too long to go to the hospital, so can't really blame people who are worried.
That was my main concern throughout this, my family didn't even really get any "severe" symptoms, but I still checked them daily with the pulse oximeter to make sure. Those of us who aren't doctors or nurses only know what we have read/heard in the media, and what I heard is that people with Covid were underestimating how sick they were and were presenting at the hospital too late with dangerously low blood oxygen levels.
People are coming in with no symptoms at all. The emergency room is for emergencies.
I was responding to your post regarding the people who came in with "barely any" symptoms. My point was that symptoms that seem like "barely any" to a healthcare professional can still possibly be worrying to a lay person. Especially one who has been exposed to media reports, possibly out of context, for the last two years.
I mean we have had it drilled into our heads the last two years that we need test, isolate and mask - and now suddenly we are being told to just stay home and we will be fine. I get that in your position you think that those seeking healthcare are doing so frivolously - but personally I am empathetic to where their fears may be coming from.
I'm not in health care, and I'm also sympathetic to those people's fears. (I have some of them myself, sometimes!)
I still think it's reasonable for someone like @nooshi713 to want to spread the word that we should not head to the ER for minor symptoms or just worries. That's a thing that's always true (even pre-pandemic), and it's especially true now that ERs are swamped . . . and potentially sources of infection for people who don't have Covid but are worried that they might because of non-severe symptoms.
I don't recall where you are (Gail), but hereabouts there are other resources for people who are worried, things like hotlines, our own primary care doctor's office if we have one (that we should phone rather than visiting if mild symptoms, or phone first before going if more worrying symptoms because there are special protocols), urgent care facilities, health department resources in some areas, etc.
I think it's perfectly reasonable for any health care professional to be ". . . 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." That's where this started.
There are various public information campaigns here that have said things like that. It's good advice. I didn't find her unempathetic, but I admit she sounds a little frustrated. I also feel empathy for that frustration. I don't understand why most health care workers aren't in a full on meltdown right now - pretty sure I couldn't handle the situation they're in.8 -
kshama2001 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.
In the previous waves there were quite a few people dying at home or shortly after admission due to silent hypoxia - so I can understand people being concerned enough to go to the hospital if they are aware of that complication even if their symptoms weren't that severe. Not sure if that is an issue with this variant, or in vaccinated people, but I have been hearing all along not to wait too long to go to the hospital, so can't really blame people who are worried.
That was my main concern throughout this, my family didn't even really get any "severe" symptoms, but I still checked them daily with the pulse oximeter to make sure. Those of us who aren't doctors or nurses only know what we have read/heard in the media, and what I heard is that people with Covid were underestimating how sick they were and were presenting at the hospital too late with dangerously low blood oxygen levels.
People are coming in with no symptoms at all. The emergency room is for emergencies.
I was responding to your post regarding the people who came in with "barely any" symptoms. My point was that symptoms that seem like "barely any" to a healthcare professional can still possibly be worrying to a lay person. Especially one who has been exposed to media reports, possibly out of context, for the last two years.
I mean we have had it drilled into our heads the last two years that we need test, isolate and mask - and now suddenly we are being told to just stay home and we will be fine. I get that in your position you think that those seeking healthcare are doing so frivolously - but personally I am empathetic to where their fears may be coming from.
Maybe it was different in Canada, but here in Chicago where we were hit hard in spring '20, we were told from the beginning to just stay home and isolate from those who lived with us as much as possible (and that they should quarantine too) if we had symptoms, since unless we had a bad case (such as trouble breathing), there wasn't much that could be done and going out was more risky and hospitals would easily become overburdened.
Tests weren't available then, of course. When they did become available, it was still never a "you must test" unless you wanted to not quaratine, and it was never expected that one would go to the ER just to test. Of course we were also told (when not sick) to mask and social distance, but I'm not sure what that has to do with the ER stuff.
I do think it's been pretty understood -- in the US, at least -- that having a case for most people wasn't going to need medical intervention.
I'm not saying that people should go to the ER just to test. I am saying that after being bombarded for many months with media reports of deaths, and enduring forced lockdowns and mask restrictions to keep from contracting a "deadly" illness - someone with what a health professional might consider "barely any" symptoms may feel that they are sick enough to seek care.
I guess "trouble breathing" is kind of subjective. As I said before in the first waves there were people who didn't realize how much trouble they were actually in and by the time they got to the hospital it was too late. And those are the ones you hear about on the news. I know we had a couple of young people during the Delta wave die at home because they didn't realize how sick they were. Not saying that everyone should go to the hospital - just saying that if a parent is worried about their child I can see why they would.
Fwiw my family got over their Covid cases at home without medical care or emergency visits
so I am not talking about myself here. Just expressing some empathy and compassion for those who are trying to access care that they obviously feel that they need. It's been a long two years of mixed and ever-changing advice.
And aren't most anti-viral treatments supposed to be given at the beginning of the illness? Wouldn't that mean before you have severe symptoms? If you wait until you are sick enough to be admitted to the hospital then isn't it too late for the antibodies and the new Pfizer pill?
I don't think we even have any early treatments available here in Canada, but I think the US does.3 -
I suspect more people are flooding the ER lately because other test options are too backed up. They have symptoms and just want to get tested, not admitted. I was very fortunate to get drive through testing same day I was showing symptoms after being exposed.
I think everyone is going to get covid, whether you've had one or ten boosters. any saying otherwise is likely lying. The jabs we have reduce severity but NOT infection. Getting everyone vaxxed reduces ICU strain but doesn't eliminate COVID.0 -
paperpudding wrote: »paperpudding 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
And Yes, PaperPudding, IMO the totals are very under-reported because of all the home testing.
Yes that would definitely be the case then if you don't need to report positive RATS or follow up with PCR if positive.
Totals are underreported (as they have always been), but positivity percentage may be higher than it otherwise would be, as here I know lots of people who are home testing and doing nothing if it is negative and then going to get an official test only if they test positive (or continue to have more serious symptoms).
I completely agree that there is underreporting of the total cases due to the home kit testing, but, whether there is a higher or lower percentage of positive, that sounds unclear to me. For example, I have had three negative Covid tests in the past month and my husband two. None of those negatives are counted.
Well, exactly -- if you had had those tests somewhere where they were reported, they would lower the positivity percentage. That's what I was saying. Among those I know, they are more likely to confirm a positive result than a negative one, especially if only mild or no symptoms. And more to the point, if not for the home test option, more people who end up testing negative would likely have sought out a test elsewhere.
@lemurcat2 Thanks for your second response. I am definitely failing at reading comprehension.3 -
Redordeadhead wrote: »Some people test positive long after they are contagious, sometimes months later. This happened to my sister. So it is kind of pointless to require a follow up negative test. People who are sick just need to quarantine for an appropriate period depending on their symptoms.
People test positive months after the contagious period? With the same infection that they had those months earlier?
Yes they do. I do think 5 days of quarantine is too short though.2 -
kshama2001 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.
In the previous waves there were quite a few people dying at home or shortly after admission due to silent hypoxia - so I can understand people being concerned enough to go to the hospital if they are aware of that complication even if their symptoms weren't that severe. Not sure if that is an issue with this variant, or in vaccinated people, but I have been hearing all along not to wait too long to go to the hospital, so can't really blame people who are worried.
That was my main concern throughout this, my family didn't even really get any "severe" symptoms, but I still checked them daily with the pulse oximeter to make sure. Those of us who aren't doctors or nurses only know what we have read/heard in the media, and what I heard is that people with Covid were underestimating how sick they were and were presenting at the hospital too late with dangerously low blood oxygen levels.
People are coming in with no symptoms at all. The emergency room is for emergencies.
I was responding to your post regarding the people who came in with "barely any" symptoms. My point was that symptoms that seem like "barely any" to a healthcare professional can still possibly be worrying to a lay person. Especially one who has been exposed to media reports, possibly out of context, for the last two years.
I mean we have had it drilled into our heads the last two years that we need test, isolate and mask - and now suddenly we are being told to just stay home and we will be fine. I get that in your position you think that those seeking healthcare are doing so frivolously - but personally I am empathetic to where their fears may be coming from.
By barely any I mean just a runny nose or loss of smell, no shortness of breath, no fever, no chest pain. They admit they feel pretty good. Those people are making it harder for really sick people to get care by taking resources away from them.
I’m not saying people who are really sick shouldn’t come in, and to be honest for every sick person who probably should have come in sooner, there are probably 100 others who should have just stayed home and quarantined.
Even with protective gear on, healthcare and hospital workers are still catching it and having to call out sick, so we are short staffed now. It is best to quarantine at home if one is not very sick.11 -
Chef_Barbell wrote: »paperpudding wrote: »Chef_Barbell wrote: »Chef_Barbell wrote: »paperpudding 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.
I think it is not so much the lack of testing but the fact that antibodies show up, therefore you test as positive even though you are recovered and no longer infectious.
My son who has Covid in Australia was told isolate for 10 days, no need for a clearance test or re testing, if asymptomatic for last 3 days of the 10, can just come out of isolation.
https://wi.mit.edu/news/new-research-reveals-why-some-patients-may-test-positive-covid-19-long-after-recovery
Has nothing to do with antibodies.
well, ok, not antibodies then - but the point of what I was saying is still the case, as others have ratified - ie tests can show up as positive long after person has recovered and is no longer infectious - therefore no point in requiring a negative test in order to get return to work/ come out of isolation clearance
The reason for this is not the lack of available testing but that positive results would be meaningless.
2 -
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
The instructions on the rapid test tell you to follow up with a PCR test, but there is nothing about reporting it. We did follow up with PCR tests - mostly because my rapid tests kept coming back negative even though I obviously had extensive exposures - I wanted to confirm with a more sensitive test. (Our PCR tests were on December 24 so we were using the guidelines at the time - I know they have changed since then.)
Of course my PCR test got lost and never was uploaded to the system. The pharmacist checked with the lab and told me verbally it was negative, but he also said it would be uploaded within 24 hours and it never was so who knows.
well, no, there is nothing about reporting it in patient instructions here in Aust either - patients don't have to report PCR tests, their medical service does so.
They are meant to follow up any positive RATS tests with PCR test though - which if positive then gets reported to Communicable Disease branch by your medical provider
0 -
I correct myself - just announced today - You no longer have to follow up a positive RATS test with a PCR test - however you are told you should let you medical provider know of your positive results and they will report it as they would for positive PCR tests.2
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