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.
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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After 5 months of explaining my #COVID19 symptoms, coordinating w/ fellow WOC long-haulers in NYC/BOS, and ordering my own labs to rule out other ailments, my PCP confirmed that my symptoms since April align w/ ‘Post-Covid’.
My PCP is a well-respected, Harvard-trained practitioner who specializes in millennial women.
She was “unaware” until July that fit/healthy young women could exhibit long term COVID-19 symptoms despite articles from the Atlantic and NYT in May/June...or her patients. 2/18
When I originally displayed symptoms in early April in Boston, I tried to obtain a COVID-19 test but couldn’t until 4 days later.
They typical ideal testing window for when someone becomes symptomatic is 4-5 days. Hence, I already knew the likelihood of a false negative. 3/18