The having (or thinking you have) Covid-19 thread (1 Viewer)

How difficult are these serological tests to make?

I don't know but they require a blood sample ("serological" refers to blood serum) - so it would have to be done through blood work rather than a swab. But if the commercial labs were doing them (and not overwhelmed with the other Covid-19 case testing) in theory you could go get it done.
 
I'm seeing some chatter on the epidemiology twitter that the US needs to rush out a serological test that people who have been ill and recovered can go take so that they can know if they have immunity - could be a key to getting back to work sooner.

The serological test would show the presence of the CoV-2 antibodies in the blood - meaning that the person has immunity (because they already cleared it). That would be like a stamp of approval to back to normal life.
I'd really be interested in this. I've social distanced but have at least three coworkers in close contact prior to work from home I question. One was in New Orleans for a wedding during the time it would have been running undetected and rampant. The other two refused to social distance going as far as to brag about how great it was too be out and about. Looking to buy cheap tickets and one even went on a cruise during the time things were questionable.

I first started with a sore throat and went to the clinic for it. Tested for strep and was positive so z pack. In the waiting area, I tried to distance but a woman was there coughing profusely and not really covering. The z pack did nothing for my throat so two days after I went to a walk-in clinic in mid City BR. Others there were sort of away, but they had kids which they left to run wild. Distance was not kept. One even took off her shoes and rubbed her feet. Mind you check in was via an iPad which was not cleaned between users.

While in the room, I could hear several bad coughs in other rooms and over heard them sending at least one for x-ray to determine the extent of his pneumonia.

The Dr who was just examining, did at least use the hand sanitizer, but was not extremely vigilant or enthusiastic about it. No mask was worn. Diagnosis was strep still there. I took a deep breath and headed out using the sanitizer on the way.

The ten day three times a day antibiotics, didn't cure my throat soreness until the last couple days when it got reduced to just scratchy. Regular temp checks through the whole time never got over 98.8, but I normally run 96.7. a few days after the new antibiotics my throat felt like it was closing up. No phlegm or serious cough, but some sinus runny. One morning I woke with severe pain right behind my eyes which radiated into the eyes big time. Sense of taste and smell were totally whacked. I just suffered the pain because I didn't want to preemptively lower my temp and kept on testing. Never really elevated.

Fatigue set in. I was getting great sleep, but simply couldn't find a way to stay awake or do anything needing exertion. That lasted the final four days of the antibiotics. My stomach is feeling rather odd. No severe diarrhea, but feeling full even when I haven't eaten. No real desire to eat either, but forced myself. This is very likely at least in part due to the antibiotics.

Drinking plenty of water throughout the whole situation, but it's unlike anything I've even felt before. I seriously wonder if I caught it. BTW, I did get zicam and used it throughout. It seemed to keep the cough at bay. I also used a saline sinus wash not wanting to get any crud built up in there forcing another Dr trip.

This has been a few weeks now and starting to return to normal. Still have the odd full stomach but appetite is returning even if I have no idea what I want. Just chugging water, gobbling fruits and veggies, scarfing multivitamins, and taking Valium to not freak out. FWIW, eating a low fat, moderate protein, and low carb diet mostly devoid of animal products. Not avoiding then completely but wanting to save up my stock for later should this last longer than anticipated.

There was a few days with pressure in the chest but nothing too concerning. I really wonder if I'm one of the lucky ones who barely knows they got it. Could just be the side effect of strep, but I've had that before and it never lingered or presented with these other symptoms.
 
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^^ that sounds a lot like what I have read people go through in the "mild/non-serious" cases of Covid - though could be some other viral infection.

On the serological/anti-bodies test, this tweet suggests that the FDA very recently approved it. But not sure, it's just one person talking.

 
One thing we'll never know is how many people had a mild, unreported case that resolved without a fight. That would be interesting to know.

Lets just say that I did contract Covid19 last week and that was what made me ill... BUt I could not be tested by the health dept, because I was not running a 102* fever and not having difficulty breathing... Lets say I got over it and later when tests were plentiful that I tested negative after having it and staying home.

That would really jack the statistics.



I first started with a sore throat and went to the clinic for it.

a few days after the new antibiotics my throat felt like it was closing up. No phlegm or serious cough, but some sinus runny.

Drinking plenty of water throughout the whole situation, but it's unlike anything I've even felt before. I seriously wonder if I caught it.

There was a few days with pressure in the chest but nothing too concerning. I really wonder if I'm one of the lucky ones who barely knows they got it. Could just be the side effect of strep, but I've had that before and it never lingered or presented with these other symptoms.

Yes.. My throat felt like it was closing off too... slight, but ever so slight runny nose with only slight fever.

I had 6 jugs of sugar free powerade that helped me through it... I don;t know what I had, but it was definitely something.. And because My DR. cancelled my appointment and the Health Dept refuse to test me... I may never know. But like I stated earlier. It really throws the statistics off.
 
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another great thread. I was thinking some of these threads need to be pinned but then I had an even better thought. I don't know how much trouble it would be but the virus could almost use its own forum right now with important info ones pinned. Or just pinned here. There is just so much to keep up with and so many aspects of life affected. Eventually it could be fed back in to the EE or archived. EE has just become such a great source of sharing info, seems like a one stop shop is in order. But its just an opinion by a guy who wouldn't have the work to do :D

the important thing though is that this is the main source of info for some of us. I like that I can pop in and out because if I get too much I fear for my mental health.
 
My 78 year old mother has been exposed (I assume). This hasn't hit the news yet, so I'll just say that the assisted living center she lives in is in Kenner. The facility was very diligent and I don't think that there were any possible precautions that they didn't take, so no blame from me.

Since the local 1st case, they restricted visitors to essential health care providers. Staff were screened upon entering every day. But about a week ago 2 residents were taken to the hospital. Since then all residents were on total lockdown in their rooms, with staff delivering all meals to their rooms.

One man died of non-virus causes (he was in his 90s. The other man's room (with his wife) is directly next door to my Mother's. Yesterday the head of the facility informed everyone that he has tested positive for COVID-19.

I won't say his name yet since it is not public knowledge yet, but it is a name every member of this forum and most of Louisiana will recognize.

Naturally I am worried about another retirement home cluster in general, and my Mother in particular.
 
I don't know but they require a blood sample ("serological" refers to blood serum) - so it would have to be done through blood work rather than a swab. But if the commercial labs were doing them (and not overwhelmed with the other Covid-19 case testing) in theory you could go get it done.

medical supplier Henry Schein is the company developed it.

15 min results supposedly.
 
Just got the phone call from the results center. Test came back negative. Im so relieved.

thats really great news.

Now you can return to ibuprofen and allegra D.

and huffin that vape lol
 
thats really great news.

Now you can return to ibuprofen and allegra D.

and huffin that vape lol

I been way down on the vape and Im gonna stay that way. Next batch of juice I make is gonna be 0mg nicotine and then just quit. Man im relieved,but also really curious as to whats been kicking my arse for the last 10 days. Last 2 have been better,but damn.
 
Just got the phone call from the results center. Test came back negative. Im so relieved.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how stressed were you when answering that call?
 
On a scale of 1 to 10, how stressed were you when answering that call?

Like a freaking million. The screwed up my date of birth and nearly didnt want to give me my results. added an over 5 minute wait time.
 
Like a freaking million. The screwed up my date of birth and nearly didnt want to give me my results. added an over 5 minute wait time.
Yikes. So not a good time to check your blood pressure. I'd think that having to sit there and wait while on the call was excruciating. Glad that all is well, though!
 
I been way down on the vape and Im gonna stay that way. Next batch of juice I make is gonna be 0mg nicotine and then just quit. Man im relieved,but also really curious as to whats been kicking my arse for the last 10 days. Last 2 have been better,but damn.
Bronchitis possibly.

I have a coworker who gets 2 times a year. Brutal.

Yeah man toss that vape.
 

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