3+ years into a pandemic, the general public is still generally confused about what to do when they test positive for COVID19.
So let me walk you through what I, an infectious disease epidemiologist public health nurse, am doing since I tested positive on a rapid antigen today.
So let me walk you through what I, an infectious disease epidemiologist public health nurse, am doing since I tested positive on a rapid antigen today.
First up, I am determining when I likely started being contagious so I can let people I was around know about their exposure.
Contagiousness start is determined by presence or absence of symptoms.
Symptoms= 2 days before 1st symptom
No symptoms = 2 days before test collected
Contagiousness start is determined by presence or absence of symptoms.
Symptoms= 2 days before 1st symptom
No symptoms = 2 days before test collected
Anyone I was around in those time periods, I have texted to let them know they are exposed so they can take whatever action they need to do to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.
Next up, I am canceling any plans for the immediate future because I will be isolating at home until I am no longer contagious.
Timeline of contagiousness:
First, I determine day 0, which we did earlier with 1st day of symptoms or day test was collected if no symptoms.
Timeline of contagiousness:
First, I determine day 0, which we did earlier with 1st day of symptoms or day test was collected if no symptoms.
It is my opinion that CDC jumped the gun by recommending 5 day isolation vs 10 because people still test positive days 6-10. So for me, it's 10 days from our day 0 above.
I have loved ones who are immune compromised or are otherwise high risk, so I'm going to be more cautious.
I have loved ones who are immune compromised or are otherwise high risk, so I'm going to be more cautious.
Next, I am going to go get a *rapid PCR or molecular test* for COVID at an urgent care. I already know I have COVID, but I want to have proper medical documentation of my test result done in the acute phase of illness.
This is very important to do because if I develop Long COVID later, having this documentation will make it easier for me to access what meager Long COVID resources are available in the US. Things like speciality medical clinics, or disability benefits through Social Security.
I am getting a rapid PCR done (one that has results in 15 minutes) because I am at higher risk for severe complications with asthma, so I want to have a prescription for a COVID therapeutic like Paxlovid. These are most effective when taken right at the beginning of being ill.
The most recent guidelines issued in a Health Alert Network notice for public health and providers does say PCR testing is no longer a requirement for therapeutics by the FDA, but I'm feeling too shitty to argue with an urgent care provider about it and I want the test anyway.
Once I get my Paxlovid prescription at a drive-through pharmacy, I'm going to go home and call it a day and just be home for awhile. I very luckily recently went grocery shopping so I'm ok there, but grocery deliveries and friend care packaged could supplement that.
While I am at home for my isolation period, I am going to be radically resting and not trying to work remotely through this.
Rest during the acute phase of COVID19 might be a protective factor against developing Long COVID later, so it's really important to do this if you can.
Rest during the acute phase of COVID19 might be a protective factor against developing Long COVID later, so it's really important to do this if you can.
And that's basically it. As much sleep and good nutrition and rest as I can muster until my isolation is done.
Please let me add to this that I recognize my *immense* privilege that allows me to do this.
-I work in public health so I know what to do
- I have a workplace that supports remote work
- Colorado still has paid COVID leave for now so I don't have to use PTO
-I work in public health so I know what to do
- I have a workplace that supports remote work
- Colorado still has paid COVID leave for now so I don't have to use PTO
- I have health insurance and know how to navigate health care
- I have my own transportation
- I live alone and have no caregiving responsibilities other than myself and the canary keeping me company 🐤
- I have my own transportation
- I live alone and have no caregiving responsibilities other than myself and the canary keeping me company 🐤
I wish it was as low of a bar for other people who are affected with acute COVID19 to take the steps to mitigate commumity spread and take care of themselves.
Anyway. Hopefully, this is helpful information for you.
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