What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Symptoms of COVID-19 may start to appear anywhere from 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. The mean incubation period is ~ 5 days but ranges from 2-14 days.
What tests are available?
We have 2 types of diagnostic testing available at Atracare:
Rapid antigen tests ( results ~15 minutes): detects the protein on the outer surface of the COVID-19 virus. They are very specific for the virus but not as sensitive as the molecular tests. This means that a positive result is highly accurate but a negative result does not rule out infection necessarily. The possibility of a false negative result should be considered in the context of a patient’s recent exposures and the presence of clinical signs and symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
RT-PCR molecular tests (results in several days): detects genetic material from the COVID-19 virus and is highly accurate.
COVID-19 IgG/IgM testing: CDC does not currently recommend using antibody testing for diagnosis of acute infection. In certain situations, serologic assays may be used to support clinical assessment of persons who present late in their illnesses when used in conjunction with viral detection tests. In addition, if a person is suspected to have a post-infectious syndrome caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection (e.g., Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children; MIS-C), serologic assays may be used.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Patients can have symptoms and be infectious OR be asymptomatic and still infectious. Symptomatic persons may include those with fever ≥ 100.4°F, shaking chills, severe sore throat, loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath, cough, or muscle aches. Other symptoms including headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and others have been identified as potential COVID-19 symptoms and may prompt further screening, action, or investigation. A patient with COVID-19 may be contagious 48-72 hours before starting to experience symptoms.
When to discontinue home isolation? (does not apply to healthcare workers)
The data we have to date shows that a person who has recovered from COVID-19 may still show low levels of the virus in their bodies for up to 3 months after their diagnosis. They may continue to have a positive result even though they may not be spreading the virus. There are NO confirmed reports of reinfection within the first 3 months of the initial infection but research is still ongoing. Thus, if a person who has recovered from COVID-19 has new symptoms, they may be re-infected.
If testing was positive: SYMPTOM based strategy NOT testing based strategy, per CDC recommendations as of September, 2020:
If SYMPTOMATIC:
– at least 10 days from symptoms onset
AND
at least 24 hours FEVER FREE with NO fever-reducing medications
AND
-Improvement of symptoms
Delaware Department of Health recommends for patients to continue to self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days after they last had symptoms.
If ASYMPTOMATIC:
-10 days after the date of their first positive test if they remain symptom free
12 New comments
Can I schedule an appointment to receive a COVID-19 vaccine for me and my wife? We are both 71, living in Lewes DE.
Hi Danny! We have asked the state to provide us with enough vaccine to begin administering it to the public and hope to get some soon. When we do, we will launch a scheduler on our website and those that qualify can sign up. Stay tuned!
Is there a way to be contacted when you get the Covid19 vaccine? Thank you.
Hi Karen,
For patients of the practice that meet the current criteria (1A or 65+ years old), we are keeping a waiting list. Email your name, date of birth, and the best phone number for you to info@aspirahealth.net and we will add you. Our hope is to get more vaccine soon.
Thanks for the question!
My husband and I are 77. I have asthma and he has high blood pressure. Can we get an appointment for the vaccine?
Hi,
For patients of the practice that meet the current criteria (1A or 65+ years old), we are keeping a waiting list. Email your name, date of birth, and the best phone number for you to info@aspirahealth.net and we will add you. Our hope is to get more vaccine soon.
Thanks for the question!
Hello. How long does it take to get the results back from the lab for the RT-PCR test?
PCR tests go out to LabCorp for analysis and typically take between 3-5 days for a response. Hope that helps!
I received my fist Pfizer vaccine on February 3 & trying to make an appointment for my second shot as close to February 24th. as possible. I had to cancel my Prolia shot because it was due on February 2nd. & since I need to wait an additional 14 days that will bring me at least 6weeks over due for the Prolia.
We don’t schedule in advance. We will email you 1-3 days before your next shot is due. Please see our website on the vaccine. It outlines all this information for you. Thanks for reaching out!
My husband and I are scheduled June 1 in your Lewes office for a Covid test for travel. It’s the PCR molecular test. However, in order for this test to meet Aruba gov’t requirements it must be one of 8 test brands.
Please tell me what brand you administer.
Our PCR tests are run as RT-PCR. They are sent to LabCorp’s national lab for processing and meet the requirements for travel to Aruba. Hope that helps and you enjoy your trip!