Could we have a few weeks without Covid in the blog? Nope! With increased cases, many are wondering if, when, how to get tested. Just remember even if you do, it just proves you are not positive now- not tomorrow, and it doesn’t protect or show if you’ve had it and recovered (that is an antibody test). More important than tests is getting care quickly when needed.  Immunocompromised people (diabetes, cancer, heart disease, COPD, asthma, kidney disease, hypertension are all at increased risk for severe inflammation and hospitalization. Let’s look at symptoms, signs and provide advice with each:

GO to the HOSPITAL (do not fear – they are better at testing, triaging, and treating now.

No need to wait for doc visit or test. Time is of the essence so go quickly with: change in mental status, speech or vision changes, severe headache, confusion (strokes and meningitis), lack of oxygen, or blood clots are serious. Doesn’t matter if you are covid positive you need care.

Chest pain, shortness of breath, worsening cough with pneumonia, faces or lips blue.

Covid fingers or toes can be signs of blood clots (red or purple) represent a lack of blood flow and risk for lung, kidney, and brain clots. High fever. Don’t sit and watch- go, especially if you are in the high-risk group.

Call Your Doctor:

Sore throat, runny nose, congestion (virus enters through the nose so masks up!) Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, especially with fever. Doc may send you for testing. Do not let anyone dismiss you by saying you have a cold or allergies. If you think you’ve been exposed inform doc and get tested.

Fever over 100.5 especially with fatigue “can’t get out of bed”, feels like flu, body aches, malaise. Do not wait weeks for an appointment. Tell them you are concerned and they will send you for the test.

The virus is ubiquitous in the community and the body. It is highly infectious and spread by aerosol. If you have symptoms, isolate. Call your doc and get the test.

The roll-out of testing and care is confusing. Added to that is how infective asymptomatic people are. That is the reason for masks, hand washing, distancing, avoiding crowds. Stay home with a fever. Respect distance with seniors ( elderly… but also those high school and college partiers!). The learning curve is steep. Most cases will be mild. Keep your own immune system healthy: eat well, hydrate, exercise, go outdoors, refresh the air in the house, wipe surfaces (Lysol kills in 2 minutes), use saline nasal spray or lavage. Take Vitamin C, D, zinc. Gargle mouthwash with cetylpyridinium (under study).

Most important: continue to send love to family and friends- the absolutely proven immune system defense!