It’s a question we’re all asking ourselves. I’m no scientist, but I know it’s not because I don’t want to be tested. I want to be tested because I want to know if I’m sick. I’m tired of hiding.
I’m a huge fan of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and its been a topic of discussion in recent days. As you may know, the disease is caused by a highly contagious virus that causes symptoms ranging from mild to severe. It has the potential to infect thousands who don’t have symptoms, and people who have already been exposed to the virus may develop serious complications.
As of today, there is a two-step COVID-19 testing process. First, to determine if a person has symptoms, they must go to a healthcare facility (a hospital, clinic, etc.). If these tests come back negative, they are sent home (this is where they will undergo more tests to determine whether they have more than a mild case). If this test comes back positive, they are sent to an isolation unit. Once they are medically cleared, they can be released.
These isolation units are meant to be for people who’ve developed a more severe case that has progressed to the point where they cannot be placed in the general population, or who have become too contagious to be isolated. For people who have already developed a severe case and are still contagious, there are ways to get them out. The CDC describes these as “stay at home” orders and the CDC has a website for how to do this.
For people with mild COVID-19, quarantine is an option. But for people who have developed a more severe case or who have already been infected, isolation is a better option. There is a difference between being isolated and being quarantined.
The more severe cases of COVID can be isolated (and can be tested back in the hospital for COVID). For mild cases, quarantine is a good option. For people with more severe cases, isolation is the best option.
It’s very important to realize that COVID-19 is not an ordinary virus. It is an example of an emerging virus that is quickly becoming very dangerous. People who have been exposed to COVID-19 will develop symptoms similar to those of ordinary flu. It can be very dangerous and can even be fatal. In fact, it is so deadly that a medical professional I spoke with recently was concerned that it is less contagious than other common viruses.
The test is based on the testing of SARS-CoV2 particles from the nose and throat. The test is designed to detect antibodies in the blood, and is only for people who have been infected by the virus, and not for those who are healthy. The test is performed on a saliva sample and involves a series of questions about the person’s health, and then a positive or negative test is reported.
“They’re saying it would be very difficult to get these viruses.” I had a nurse tell me that the Covid-19 virus can stay on a surface for a very long time, and that it is almost impossible to test for. I guess that makes sense, as a surface that is likely to be touched by a sick person would be a great breeding ground.
Thats probably why its important to wash your hands and not eat from the same bowl as your sick co-worker.
