Over the past week, I’ve had several family members and friends text me that they have a running nose, a sore throat, an intense headache or neck pain and they are wondering if they may have #COVID.
Hence, I’ve made the following thread for anyone in a similar situation. 1/18
Whatever the case, you aren’t feeling well and you are scared that you may have #COVID19.
Do not panic.
We have all been there and there certain steps that you can immediately take.
2/18
You may feel caught off-guard regarding #COVID19.
You maybe now looking through Twitter or new sites trying to learn how you were caught off-guard.
What is BA.5? What is BA 2.75? How did I miss all of this?
I repeat. Don’t panic. I’m here to get you up to speed.
3/18
BA.5 is a COVID variant of Omicron, the COVID variant that was responsible for the #COVID surge earlier this year.
The U.S. and other countries, including the U.K., are currently experiencing a BA.5 #COVID19 surge.
The majority of U.S. communities are at high risk.
4/18
BA.5 is unique because it’s able to evade some immune defenses we’ve developed to COVID-19 such as;
COVID-19 Vaccinations (Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, including Boosters)
and/or
Prior COVID-19 Infection
Which means its easier to become infected with BA.5.
5/18
Once again…
This means that even if you are vaccinated and/or had a prior infection, you could still be infected with #COVID19.
6/18
So what should you do?
First, you should isolated yourself as much as possible for at least 5 days.
Second, wear a N95 mask when indoors and around others for at least 10 days.
Not 1 day. Not 5 days. 10 days.
7/18
Don’t know where to find or can’t afford a N95 Mask?
[If you don’t where to look, they can cost a pretty penny.]
Don’t panic.
The CDC has a list of pharmacies that carry free N95 masks near you.
To find FREE #N95 Masks, simply go to
bit.ly/FREEN95MASKS.
8/18
Next, you need to conduct daily COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests for at least 5 days.
Why?
Well…this is going to come as a shock to you, but it must be done.
It may take 3 days for you to test positive for COVID-19 on a rapid antigen test after you develop symptoms.
9/18
Don’t know where to find or can’t afford a rapid test?
The USPS is providing every U.S. household up to (24) FREE Rapid Antigen Tests at special.usps.com/testkits.
Have insurance?
Go to your local pharmacy (w/ a N95 mask) and request your (8) FREE rapid antigen tests.
10/18
If you test positive, immediately schedule a free PCR test.
While a number of federal/state PCR testing sites have closed down, you can still find a number of them in your local area as well as your local pharmacy or health clinic.
Why take a PCR Test? Good question.
11/18
A positive PCR test is proof to your Doctor of a COVID infection AND allows you to request Paxlovid.
Paxlovid, along with Molnupiravir, is an oral antiviral treatment that can reduce COVID-19 symptoms.
This treatment is available to anyone with a positive PCR test.
12/18
The U.S. ‘Test to Treat’ program provides Paxlovid for those who test positive on a PCR Test.
In most cases, access to Paxlovid is provided at no-cost.
You can find a location near you providing Paxlovid through this program at bit.ly/TESTTOTREAT.
13/18
WARNING!
Do not wait to request access to Paxlovid Treatment.
You must take Paxlovid within 5 days of your first COVID-19 symptoms.
Otherwise, the effectiveness of the treatment decreases heavily and may not provide any relief from COVID symptoms.
14/18
Meanwhile, your body needs to…REST.
While we’ve been trained to “push through” our ailments, COVID-19 is different.
DO NOT DO THIS.
Scale back your activities…even if you still feel “fine”.
Hydrate. Sleep. Your body will thank you. Trust me.
15/18
After 5 days of quarantine;
You can use a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test daily to test if you are still positive.
If negative, you can exit quarantine. (YAY)
However, you still need to wear a N95 Mask just in case you are still infectious for another 5 days.
16/18
For the next 45-60 days;
Monitor your health.
Pace and protect yourself.
According to the CDC, at least 1 in 5 adults suffers a chronic health condition including #LongCovid after a COVID-19 infection.
Even a mild or asymptomatic infection can lead to Long Covid.
17/18
Wishing to share this information outside of Twitter?
You are in luck!
For the sake of my mental capacity, I’ve created a 2-part infographic called;
“What to do if you have COVID-19: An Updated Step by Step Guide”
Feel free to share with those in need of updated info.
18/18
In the past 24 hours, I’ve received so many DMs regarding my
“What to do if you have #COVID” infographics.
First; Thank You! 💕
I’m so happy it was helpful.
Based on recent feedback regarding BA.5, I’ve updated the graphics and advice from the original thread.
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