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The Experience of Getting Tested for Coronavirus The Experience of Getting Tested for Coronavirus
(3 days later)
Around the country, the number of coronavirus cases is on the rise, with an increasing number of people getting tested, at walk-in clinics to drive-through sites or visits with their doctors.Around the country, the number of coronavirus cases is on the rise, with an increasing number of people getting tested, at walk-in clinics to drive-through sites or visits with their doctors.
Here are some of the experiences and bits of advice from five people who have been able to get tested. The situation is constantly changing, and each case was unique. What one patient experienced in Washington might not be the same as in Alaska or what you may experience if you need to get tested.Here are some of the experiences and bits of advice from five people who have been able to get tested. The situation is constantly changing, and each case was unique. What one patient experienced in Washington might not be the same as in Alaska or what you may experience if you need to get tested.
Tests are being given in a variety of locations. Those who spoke with The Times said their first call was to their primary care physician. Others browsed their state and local health websites for information on what to do. Some were able to visit drive-through test sites, which required a letter from a primary care physician.Tests are being given in a variety of locations. Those who spoke with The Times said their first call was to their primary care physician. Others browsed their state and local health websites for information on what to do. Some were able to visit drive-through test sites, which required a letter from a primary care physician.
In Everett, Wash., Vasheti Quiros, who is 45 and the executive director of a nonprofit, turned to her county’s health department website. Her search led her to a local walk-in clinic offering the tests. She was able to schedule next-day appointments online for her and her husband without needing any sort of referral from her primary care physician. The spaces, however, filled up fast. When they made the first booking, there were about 10 open spaces, but a few minutes later, when they went to make the second, there were only three slots left.In Everett, Wash., Vasheti Quiros, who is 45 and the executive director of a nonprofit, turned to her county’s health department website. Her search led her to a local walk-in clinic offering the tests. She was able to schedule next-day appointments online for her and her husband without needing any sort of referral from her primary care physician. The spaces, however, filled up fast. When they made the first booking, there were about 10 open spaces, but a few minutes later, when they went to make the second, there were only three slots left.
Alan Edwards, a 23-year-old financial analyst in St. Paul, Minn., made several visits to a nearby urgent care office. The staff there instructed him to return if his fever worsened or if he developed respiratory symptoms. After developing a cough and tightness in his chest one Saturday, he went to the emergency room, because the urgent care center was closed.Alan Edwards, a 23-year-old financial analyst in St. Paul, Minn., made several visits to a nearby urgent care office. The staff there instructed him to return if his fever worsened or if he developed respiratory symptoms. After developing a cough and tightness in his chest one Saturday, he went to the emergency room, because the urgent care center was closed.
Experiences varied. Some people were able to walk right into the waiting room, while others were told not to enter the premises without a health care worker in protective gear coming to retrieve them. One visit took just 10 minutes, but none took longer than about an hour. All patients had to review their symptoms several times with receptionists, nurses or doctors.Experiences varied. Some people were able to walk right into the waiting room, while others were told not to enter the premises without a health care worker in protective gear coming to retrieve them. One visit took just 10 minutes, but none took longer than about an hour. All patients had to review their symptoms several times with receptionists, nurses or doctors.
When Mrs. Quiros and her husband arrived at the walk-in clinic, they were met by a nurse who handed them masks and forms that asked three questions: whether they had had a fever over 100.4 in the last four days; if they had had a new rash, cough or cold-like symptoms that included runny, stuffy nose, sore throat or difficulty breathing in the last four days; and if they had been in close contact or traveled outside of the United States or Canada in the last 30 days or been exposed to someone with Covid-19. After checking in with a receptionist and making their co-payments ($30 for Mrs. Quiros and $50 for her husband), they were asked to return to their car to wait until an exam room was ready.When Mrs. Quiros and her husband arrived at the walk-in clinic, they were met by a nurse who handed them masks and forms that asked three questions: whether they had had a fever over 100.4 in the last four days; if they had had a new rash, cough or cold-like symptoms that included runny, stuffy nose, sore throat or difficulty breathing in the last four days; and if they had been in close contact or traveled outside of the United States or Canada in the last 30 days or been exposed to someone with Covid-19. After checking in with a receptionist and making their co-payments ($30 for Mrs. Quiros and $50 for her husband), they were asked to return to their car to wait until an exam room was ready.
Rachel, who asked to be identified only by her first name, underwent a drive-through exam in Alaska. She had been told she first needed a referral from her primary care physician, but wasn’t told where to send it or what it needed to say. After trying her “darnedest” but failing to get ahold of her doctor, she went to the drive-through site. The process was straightforward, she said, and took only about 10 minutes.Rachel, who asked to be identified only by her first name, underwent a drive-through exam in Alaska. She had been told she first needed a referral from her primary care physician, but wasn’t told where to send it or what it needed to say. After trying her “darnedest” but failing to get ahold of her doctor, she went to the drive-through site. The process was straightforward, she said, and took only about 10 minutes.
“If you get out of your car, they will send you home,” she wrote in a Facebook message.“If you get out of your car, they will send you home,” she wrote in a Facebook message.
Almost all of those who spoke with The Times said that they were first given a rapid flu test, whose results come back within 15 minutes or so. When those came back negative, the medical team proceeded to administer a Covid-19 test. (Though Mr. Edwards asked for a flu test, he was told the hospital had shut down flu testing to increase its capacity for Covid-19 tests.)Almost all of those who spoke with The Times said that they were first given a rapid flu test, whose results come back within 15 minutes or so. When those came back negative, the medical team proceeded to administer a Covid-19 test. (Though Mr. Edwards asked for a flu test, he was told the hospital had shut down flu testing to increase its capacity for Covid-19 tests.)
If you’ve seen the test (there are plenty of Instagram videos), then you know it looks as if someone is poking your brain: A swab is inserted deep in through your nostrils. According to Maureen Ferran, a molecular biologist and associate professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology, the test is meant to reach the cells from where your nose and throat meet.If you’ve seen the test (there are plenty of Instagram videos), then you know it looks as if someone is poking your brain: A swab is inserted deep in through your nostrils. According to Maureen Ferran, a molecular biologist and associate professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology, the test is meant to reach the cells from where your nose and throat meet.
The test itself is quick — only a few seconds — but most describe the sensation as highly uncomfortable.The test itself is quick — only a few seconds — but most describe the sensation as highly uncomfortable.
“It’s kind of like breathing in water through your nose,” said Wesley Schrock, 29. Mr. Schrock, a campaign manager at the Human Rights Campaign who lives in Washington, D.C., said the procedure was performed on his left nostril.“It’s kind of like breathing in water through your nose,” said Wesley Schrock, 29. Mr. Schrock, a campaign manager at the Human Rights Campaign who lives in Washington, D.C., said the procedure was performed on his left nostril.
In Dallas, Kelly, who agreed to talk so long as only her first name was used, had swabs taken from both nostrils. Her eyes teared up. “The doctor asked me if I was crying,” the 35-year-old said.In Dallas, Kelly, who agreed to talk so long as only her first name was used, had swabs taken from both nostrils. Her eyes teared up. “The doctor asked me if I was crying,” the 35-year-old said.
In Mrs. Quiros’s case, the doctors tested only her. Though her husband was showing more symptoms, she had registered a 100.9 fever when the doctors took her temperature. If her test came back positive, they told her, then the chances her husband also had Covid-19 were “very high.”In Mrs. Quiros’s case, the doctors tested only her. Though her husband was showing more symptoms, she had registered a 100.9 fever when the doctors took her temperature. If her test came back positive, they told her, then the chances her husband also had Covid-19 were “very high.”
Tests results would be available from 24 hours onward, patients were told, depending on the location. Some might take as long as seven days. Advice from doctors included rest, hydration and isolation. All would be called with the results.Tests results would be available from 24 hours onward, patients were told, depending on the location. Some might take as long as seven days. Advice from doctors included rest, hydration and isolation. All would be called with the results.
After getting tested, reach out to those with whom you’ve been in contact to let them know you’ve taken the test. It is not an alarmist move: Doing so ensures that others take extra layers of precautions with which the country aims to flatten the curve for new cases.After getting tested, reach out to those with whom you’ve been in contact to let them know you’ve taken the test. It is not an alarmist move: Doing so ensures that others take extra layers of precautions with which the country aims to flatten the curve for new cases.
Mr. Schrock lives with five roommates. He sent them a group text and also alerted his employer. He also cleaned every doorknob and light switch he could. “Anything that was a shared space that is touched a lot,” he said.Mr. Schrock lives with five roommates. He sent them a group text and also alerted his employer. He also cleaned every doorknob and light switch he could. “Anything that was a shared space that is touched a lot,” he said.
Kelly notified her employer, as well as those co-workers she had been in meetings with recently. She also took the precaution of sleeping in a separate room from her boyfriend, and wore a mask whenever she left her bedroom.Kelly notified her employer, as well as those co-workers she had been in meetings with recently. She also took the precaution of sleeping in a separate room from her boyfriend, and wore a mask whenever she left her bedroom.
The hard part, some say, is keeping your mind busy while you wait. “Lots of FaceTime calls,” Kelly said.The hard part, some say, is keeping your mind busy while you wait. “Lots of FaceTime calls,” Kelly said.
As for waiting for her Covid-19 results, Mrs. Quiros said she was grateful that she lives in a “beautiful state with a beautiful yard.” She and her husband also have an Australian-shepherd mix named Luna.As for waiting for her Covid-19 results, Mrs. Quiros said she was grateful that she lives in a “beautiful state with a beautiful yard.” She and her husband also have an Australian-shepherd mix named Luna.
Updated June 12, 2020Updated June 12, 2020
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
“She is a lover, and she has been quite the companion for us through lots of things,” Mrs. Quiros said.“She is a lover, and she has been quite the companion for us through lots of things,” Mrs. Quiros said.
In each instance, patients were told that they would be contacted when their tests came back.In each instance, patients were told that they would be contacted when their tests came back.
In St. Paul, Mr. Edwards, who took his test on March 14, has yet to receive the results. The hospital called Wednesday to tell him it was overwhelmed by the number of tests that needed processing, he said. “They had no new timeline for when they’d know my results,” he wrote in a text message. Rachel, who took her test on Tuesday night, is also still waiting for results. She has been told she would receive them by Monday.In St. Paul, Mr. Edwards, who took his test on March 14, has yet to receive the results. The hospital called Wednesday to tell him it was overwhelmed by the number of tests that needed processing, he said. “They had no new timeline for when they’d know my results,” he wrote in a text message. Rachel, who took her test on Tuesday night, is also still waiting for results. She has been told she would receive them by Monday.
Kelly, as well as Mrs. Quiros, got their tests back a few days later. They both registered negative.Kelly, as well as Mrs. Quiros, got their tests back a few days later. They both registered negative.
As for Mr. Schrock in Washington, his doctor called him on Tuesday, about five days after he got his test, to say that he had tested positive. That night, officials from the district’s health department called him, asking for information — name, age and numbers — for anyone he had come in contact with. The next day, officials went to his home and tested all of his roommates. They also went to his boyfriend’s home and tested him.As for Mr. Schrock in Washington, his doctor called him on Tuesday, about five days after he got his test, to say that he had tested positive. That night, officials from the district’s health department called him, asking for information — name, age and numbers — for anyone he had come in contact with. The next day, officials went to his home and tested all of his roommates. They also went to his boyfriend’s home and tested him.
“They brought me a goody bag of gloves, masks and Purell, and an information booklet about the coronavirus,” Mr. Schrock said. He also had to download an app called SureAdhere Version 2 on his mobile phone, and create a video log detailing his symptoms, recording his temperature and showing it to the camera. His roommates have to do the same as well, and the information is reviewed by medical staff members within the health department.“They brought me a goody bag of gloves, masks and Purell, and an information booklet about the coronavirus,” Mr. Schrock said. He also had to download an app called SureAdhere Version 2 on his mobile phone, and create a video log detailing his symptoms, recording his temperature and showing it to the camera. His roommates have to do the same as well, and the information is reviewed by medical staff members within the health department.
In addition, various health officials called him daily. “I’ve gotten used to picking up random phone numbers in the past few days,” he said. They have also called him using Zoom video calls. They asked questions about the number of roommates he has, access to a bathroom, his roommates’ access to bathrooms, what the kitchen situation is and whether he has enough food.In addition, various health officials called him daily. “I’ve gotten used to picking up random phone numbers in the past few days,” he said. They have also called him using Zoom video calls. They asked questions about the number of roommates he has, access to a bathroom, his roommates’ access to bathrooms, what the kitchen situation is and whether he has enough food.
The guidelines are changing daily: What’s advised today might not be the same tomorrow, he was told.The guidelines are changing daily: What’s advised today might not be the same tomorrow, he was told.
On Friday, a nurse practitioner from the health department called him with good news: He was no longer under quarantine. “I’m standing outside,” Mr. Schrock told me.On Friday, a nurse practitioner from the health department called him with good news: He was no longer under quarantine. “I’m standing outside,” Mr. Schrock told me.
The updated guidelines said that because he had not registered a fever in three consecutive days, and because he was no longer showing the same symptoms he had initially, he was free. He should expect an official letter in his email. While he no longer has to log in to SureAdhere’s app, his roommates still do.The updated guidelines said that because he had not registered a fever in three consecutive days, and because he was no longer showing the same symptoms he had initially, he was free. He should expect an official letter in his email. While he no longer has to log in to SureAdhere’s app, his roommates still do.
“Really lean on your circles,” Mr. Schrock said. “I think everyone, whether you’ve been diagnosed or not, everyone is experiencing this virus, and everybody’s lives has completely changed.”“Really lean on your circles,” Mr. Schrock said. “I think everyone, whether you’ve been diagnosed or not, everyone is experiencing this virus, and everybody’s lives has completely changed.”