April Covid Thread

[fernweh]

Apr 8, 2022 10:06:44 GMT -5 okla said:

Re: proctored tests, also make sure you use one your airline recognizes. IME, American and United use different brands.

Thanks for this. Didn’t realize the airline would care what brand was used.

[rubytue]

I just got a call from CDC vSAFE. Just checking if I needed doctor care when I got my vaccine. So, those that signed up, BOLO for a random call. Pure dumb luck I picked it up (it was an 833 number)

[tarajane]

I avoided it until now but I tested positive yesterday. I'm vaccinated and boosted so hoping it stays mild. Any tips on what meds help the symptoms? Stuffed up/congested, sore throat, headache, tired

[formerlyak]

tarajane, I have the same symptoms, but have tested negative for Covid multiple times (the kid brought a nasty cold home from school). But, with regard to relieving those symptoms, DayQuil and NyQuil have been helpful.

[erbear]

Philadelphia just reinstated our mask mandate. It was fun for a like a week…sigh. People are predictably pissed but I’m ok with it.

[twinmomma]

My long haul COVID continues... I have a couple weeks left on blood thinners for my blood clots. Then at the end of the month I'll start Post-COVID therapy at a local rehab hospital to start building up my endurance, pulmonary function, etc. I'm feeling much better than I was, but I have zero stamina for day to day life. It's really frustrating because I'll be feeling fine, so I'll do a bunch of chores or take the kids somewhere, and that exertion then wipes me out and I have to rest and sleep to recover. For example, I cleaned out our mudroom to put away winter stuff and take out spring toys. It was about an hour of work, nothing crazy strenuous just moving stuff around and going up and down to the basement a couple times. And I slept for 2 hours after to recover. I'm grateful to live in a part of the country that has quite a few post-COVID clinics to choose from though! I'm hoping that helps.

[Velar Fricative]

tarajane, I hope you're on the mend quickly!!

twinmomma, I'm so sorry about everything you're dealing with. I'm glad you have access to clinics that can help you even if it takes a while to figure out the best treatment.

[breezy8407]

twinmomma I'm sorry. That sounds a lot like one of my friend/co-workers experience. If he does a lot for a few days, it wipes him out for the next few. I'm sorry you are dealing with this.

tarajane Hope you feel better soon.

[Velar Fricative]

Welp, my assistant just got infected again. She had it in late January. They really need to update the "90 days" guidance (if they haven't already - maybe they did). She has allergy-like symptoms and tested positive on a rapid this morning.

This on top of this piece talking about basically sub-sub-sub-variants circulating in NY.


www.nytimes.com/live/2022/04/13/world/covid-19-mandates-cases-vaccine/two-new-omicron-subvariants-are-spreading-quickly-in-new-york-state

[formerlyak]

I’ve been so sick this last week. Sicker than I have been in as long as I can remember. I was supposed to work at a 12 hour event for work today. Work is 2 hours away. So the event plus commute on each end would be a 16 hour day. I took the work wellness screen and it said too mane Covid like symptoms. I now needed a PCR test Wednesday to go in today. Test came back negative (as did many rapids). So my boss still wanted me to drive out despite my clearly sick appearance. No one is going to want to stand next to miserable sick me. So I told him yesterday in our Zoom staff meeting that I was going to urgent care because I felt terrible. Turns out my bad “not Covid” was a bad cold that progressed into a sinus infection and what seemed to the doctor like the start of pneumonia. Boss isn’t happy because as long as I don’t have Covid I should be ok, but doctor said no way to me being at the event. Catching Covid on top of what I have would be bad news.

There is background with work that makes this all a bit less petty sounding. I have been actively looking and the way this was handled confirms I’m doing the right thing in that regard. And my role at the event was literally just to go. No one will have to pick up my work if I’m not there.

[fortnightlily]

Apr 15, 2022 7:28:50 GMT -5 formerlyak said:

I’ve been so sick this last week. Sicker than I have been in as long as I can remember. I was supposed to work at a 12 hour event for work today. Work is 2 hours away. So the event plus commute on each end would be a 16 hour day. I took the work wellness screen and it said too mane Covid like symptoms. I now needed a PCR test Wednesday to go in today. Test came back negative (as did many rapids). So my boss still wanted me to drive out despite my clearly sick appearance. No one is going to want to stand next to miserable sick me. So I told him yesterday in our Zoom staff meeting that I was going to urgent care because I felt terrible. Turns out my bad “not Covid” was a bad cold that progressed into a sinus infection and what seemed to the doctor like the start of pneumonia. Boss isn’t happy because as long as I don’t have Covid I should be ok, but doctor said no way to me being at the event. Catching Covid on top of what I have would be bad news.

There is background with work that makes this all a bit less petty sounding. I have been actively looking and the way this was handled confirms I’m doing the right thing in that regard. And my role at the event was literally just to go. No one will have to pick up my work if I’m not there.

Hope you feel better soon. The way some people have shifted to act like Covid is the only infectious illness around or worth staying home for is so frustrating. 

[hermione]

Apr 15, 2022 7:28:50 GMT -5 formerlyak said:

I’ve been so sick this last week. Sicker than I have been in as long as I can remember. I was supposed to work at a 12 hour event for work today. Work is 2 hours away. So the event plus commute on each end would be a 16 hour day. I took the work wellness screen and it said too mane Covid like symptoms. I now needed a PCR test Wednesday to go in today. Test came back negative (as did many rapids). So my boss still wanted me to drive out despite my clearly sick appearance. No one is going to want to stand next to miserable sick me. So I told him yesterday in our Zoom staff meeting that I was going to urgent care because I felt terrible. Turns out my bad “not Covid” was a bad cold that progressed into a sinus infection and what seemed to the doctor like the start of pneumonia. Boss isn’t happy because as long as I don’t have Covid I should be ok, but doctor said no way to me being at the event. Catching Covid on top of what I have would be bad news.

There is background with work that makes this all a bit less petty sounding. I have been actively looking and the way this was handled confirms I’m doing the right thing in that regard. And my role at the event was literally just to go. No one will have to pick up my work if I’m not there.

That’s so frustrating. I have staff who contact me to say they tested and it’s negative. My answer is always, “But you’re sick? Because I don’t want whatever else you have either.”

[timorousbeastie]

Both my parents are immunocompromised for different reasons; neither has had any antibodies produced after 4 (maybe 5 now?) shots. It took almost 3 months, but my dad was finally able to get Evushield. Still no idea when my mom will get it, but I am so very relieved about my dad (especially since he has multiple brain surgeries scheduled over the next few months).

Also, I recently had what turned out to be the flu. While I physically feel fine now, 2.5 weeks after first getting sick, I still can’t stop coughing. I now want to punch every last person who says “don’t worry about COVID, it’s just the flu.” The flu f’ing sucks! Even if COVID was never any more serious than the flu, I still don’t want to feel like I have these past few weeks ever again!

[osulori]

Apr 15, 2022 8:42:23 GMT -5 hermione said:

Apr 15, 2022 7:28:50 GMT -5 formerlyak said:

I’ve been so sick this last week. Sicker than I have been in as long as I can remember. I was supposed to work at a 12 hour event for work today. Work is 2 hours away. So the event plus commute on each end would be a 16 hour day. I took the work wellness screen and it said too mane Covid like symptoms. I now needed a PCR test Wednesday to go in today. Test came back negative (as did many rapids). So my boss still wanted me to drive out despite my clearly sick appearance. No one is going to want to stand next to miserable sick me. So I told him yesterday in our Zoom staff meeting that I was going to urgent care because I felt terrible. Turns out my bad “not Covid” was a bad cold that progressed into a sinus infection and what seemed to the doctor like the start of pneumonia. Boss isn’t happy because as long as I don’t have Covid I should be ok, but doctor said no way to me being at the event. Catching Covid on top of what I have would be bad news.

There is background with work that makes this all a bit less petty sounding. I have been actively looking and the way this was handled confirms I’m doing the right thing in that regard. And my role at the event was literally just to go. No one will have to pick up my work if I’m not there.

That’s so frustrating. I have staff who contact me to say they tested and it’s negative. My answer is always, “But you’re sick? Because I don’t want whatever else you have either.”

Both my husband and I have dealt with this too.  Lots of "that's great that your covid test was negative but I still don't want your germs here."  


formerlyak, I hope you feel better soon!

[shauni27]

Apr 15, 2022 10:11:23 GMT -5 timorousbeastie said:

Both my parents are immunocompromised for different reasons; neither has had any antibodies produced after 4 (maybe 5 now?) shots. It took almost 3 months, but my dad was finally able to get Evushield. Still no idea when my mom will get it, but I am so very relieved about my dad (especially since he has multiple brain surgeries scheduled over the next few months).

Also, I recently had what turned out to be the flu. While I physically feel fine now, 2.5 weeks after first getting sick, I still can’t stop coughing. I now want to punch every last person who says “don’t worry about COVID, it’s just the flu.” The flu f’ing sucks! Even if COVID was never any more serious than the flu, I still don’t want to feel like I have these past few weeks ever again!

we are seeing a huge uptick in flu cases here as well.

[fernweh]

Apr 15, 2022 10:11:23 GMT -5 timorousbeastie said:

Both my parents are immunocompromised for different reasons; neither has had any antibodies produced after 4 (maybe 5 now?) shots. It took almost 3 months, but my dad was finally able to get Evushield. Still no idea when my mom will get it, but I am so very relieved about my dad (especially since he has multiple brain surgeries scheduled over the next few months).

Also, I recently had what turned out to be the flu. While I physically feel fine now, 2.5 weeks after first getting sick, I still can’t stop coughing. I now want to punch every last person who says “don’t worry about COVID, it’s just the flu.” The flu f’ing sucks! Even if COVID was never any more serious than the flu, I still don’t want to feel like I have these past few weeks ever again!

This has driven me nuts since covid started. Even if it’s “just like the flu” the flu still kills people.

[hermione]

Apr 15, 2022 10:11:23 GMT -5 timorousbeastie said:

Both my parents are immunocompromised for different reasons; neither has had any antibodies produced after 4 (maybe 5 now?) shots. It took almost 3 months, but my dad was finally able to get Evushield. Still no idea when my mom will get it, but I am so very relieved about my dad (especially since he has multiple brain surgeries scheduled over the next few months).

Also, I recently had what turned out to be the flu. While I physically feel fine now, 2.5 weeks after first getting sick, I still can’t stop coughing. I now want to punch every last person who says “don’t worry about COVID, it’s just the flu.” The flu f’ing sucks! Even if COVID was never any more serious than the flu, I still don’t want to feel like I have these past few weeks ever again!

Sorry you’re sick! Happy to throw supplies on the porch if you need.

[timorousbeastie]

Apr 15, 2022 16:15:42 GMT -5 hermione said:

Apr 15, 2022 10:11:23 GMT -5 timorousbeastie said:

Both my parents are immunocompromised for different reasons; neither has had any antibodies produced after 4 (maybe 5 now?) shots. It took almost 3 months, but my dad was finally able to get Evushield. Still no idea when my mom will get it, but I am so very relieved about my dad (especially since he has multiple brain surgeries scheduled over the next few months).

Also, I recently had what turned out to be the flu. While I physically feel fine now, 2.5 weeks after first getting sick, I still can’t stop coughing. I now want to punch every last person who says “don’t worry about COVID, it’s just the flu.” The flu f’ing sucks! Even if COVID was never any more serious than the flu, I still don’t want to feel like I have these past few weeks ever again!

Sorry you’re sick! Happy to throw supplies on the porch if you need.

Thanks. I’m mostly functional at this point (although I’m avoiding going in most places, as my barking cough sounds bad enough to scare even the COVID deniers around here 😆). And H had the nerve to have his flu experience be just one day of being slightly more tired than usual, so he’s been able to deal with any errands I wasn’t able to do.

[cherry1111]

Apr 8, 2022 7:30:42 GMT -5 fernweh said:

Apr 8, 2022 7:19:12 GMT -5 neverfstop said:

Also, FYI if you are traveling overseas and worried about testing to re-enter, the US...I saw a ton of chatter about various place/doctors/nurses/resorts offering expensive tests, giving fake or pre-printed results, wanting an extra "TIP" to give you the negative result, and the incoming customs agents aren't even checking for them. There are some reliable, proctor monitored tests that you can get (I saw 6 for $150) that are US approved, even if the US isn't even checking results. Basically people were complaining it was a waste of money and lots of people were grifting the system...

How do I know which ones are proctored? I have a bunch of tests at home that are ihealth brand (the ones I got from usps) I just want to take those but I don’t know if they will be accepted

You can add proctoring to the ihealth tests for $25 each but you have to use a laptop to take the test. Phone or iPad is not supported. Also schedule your appointment at least 24 hours before you need it because they started filling up when I did it last week.

ihealthlabs.com/products/ihealth-verified-covid-test-service

[5kcandlesinthewind]

The numbers here are back to almost doubling every few days, and I know more people who have Covid now than I did at any other point. Four people at work in the last 2 weeks alone have gotten it, and not from each other. At least we’re getting to warmer weather here so it doesn’t feel like we’ll be trapped inside for months again if it continues for a but, but it sucks that this was entirely predictable.

[notsopicky]

Apr 11, 2022 11:40:03 GMT -5 rubytue said:

I just got a call from CDC vSAFE. Just checking if I needed doctor care when I got my vaccine. So, those that signed up, BOLO for a random call. Pure dumb luck I picked it up (it was an 833 number)

This is VERY interesting, ruby. I got a call from an 833 # on Thursday. From a testing company. Asking me to call them and including a ref #. I'm in the same area as you, I wonder if that's what it was about (it was very vague, I was a little WTF about it). Thanks for posting! 

noodleoo, my family went to Louisville last week for my BFFs 50th birthday celebration. Aside from the airport, in the 5 days I was there, I saw less masks than I can count on 2 hands and it was way trippy. I too felt like I had lost all perspective on what I felt was safe, what I didn't, and I certainly wore my mask less than I do at home. We do eat at restaurants occasionally here, but there we did it for all meals, and I was feeling all tra-la-la about it (which, even after being home for a week, I still feel weird that I was so breezy). We were all not feeling great when we got back, but we all tested and no COVID. Turns out the pollen count is off the charts and we all have allergies, but I was concerned, because we traveled to OK in December, and found out when we returned that we all had COVID.

We were supposed to go on an Alaskan cruise in June of 2020. I wonder which year in the future we will feel comfortable doing that. It is a bucket list trip for me for sure; we at least have to save for it for a while, b/c we spent the money for the trip on real estate instead during the pandemic.  

[rubytue]

This brain worm feels so last year, but I’m going for it…

On Thursday the 7th, I was at a show, indoors. Saw some people I haven’t seen in years. Hugs all around. And for the most part, including me, no masks (low numbers in the area, I did give a bit of pause for the omicron variant, but did it anyway). Venue required* vaccine cards. I was talking with the lead singer of an adjacent band, roughly 10 minutes, hugs, close conversation with loud talking bc of noise. Later that week, he canceled some shows bc he fell I’ll over the weekend and tested positive mid week.

Doing the Covid math, pretty good chance either he caught it that night or was in the pre-symptomatic phase. I feel like this is probably the closest I’ve come to a confirmed exposure. I’ve been plenty of places where the odds were I was exposed, but all logic says that it was floating around the venue that night. And…. Nothing. A bit of allergies, so maybe I’ll give a test. But….overall, I think I came out OK. Now granted, I have 3 vaccines and MAB PrEP (evusheld). And we know that even in the same household, it can miss people. But still… go go gadget antibodies.

edit - I talked myself into testing. “Allergies” (in spring) and all. Negative 😁

[georgeglass]

We used proctored home tests for work recently - some of the Binax Now ones. It was a terrible experience. Several testers were told their test was invalid because the proctors didn't see them open the box. For one, it was a wifi lag issue and for two others, their hand was in front of the sticker when they opened the box.

Just posting this because I would have freaked out if it was a necessary for travel test and I didn't have a back up option.

[wawa]

Apr 18, 2022 8:36:45 GMT -5 georgeglass said:

We used proctored home tests for work recently - some of the Binax Now ones. It was a terrible experience. Several testers were told their test was invalid because the proctors didn't see them open the box. For one, it was a wifi lag issue and for two others, their hand was in front of the sticker when they opened the box.

Just posting this because I would have freaked out if it was a necessary for travel test and I didn't have a back up option.

Every time I hear people talking about needing the proctored in-home tests or scrambling to find a test location I am reminded that my mom had no problem finding in person test access in two different locations in Mexico (one bigger city, one much smaller, both coast/tourist towns) and wonder why this is so hard for us.

[hermione]

Apr 18, 2022 8:17:49 GMT -5 rubytue said:

This brain worm feels so last year, but I’m going for it…

On Thursday the 7th, I was at a show, indoors. Saw some people I haven’t seen in years. Hugs all around. And for the most part, including me, no masks (low numbers in the area, I did give a bit of pause for the omicron variant, but did it anyway). Venue required* vaccine cards. I was talking with the lead singer of an adjacent band, roughly 10 minutes, hugs, close conversation with loud talking bc of noise. Later that week, he canceled some shows bc he fell I’ll over the weekend and tested positive mid week.

Doing the Covid math, pretty good chance either he caught it that night or was in the pre-symptomatic phase. I feel like this is probably the closest I’ve come to a confirmed exposure. I’ve been plenty of places where the odds were I was exposed, but all logic says that it was floating around the venue that night. And…. Nothing. A bit of allergies, so maybe I’ll give a test. But….overall, I think I came out OK. Now granted, I have 3 vaccines and MAB PrEP (evusheld). And we know that even in the same household, it can miss people. But still… go go gadget antibodies.

edit - I talked myself into testing. “Allergies” (in spring) and all. Negative 😁

Glad you're clear! I'll admit I don't understand the talking yourself into testing. I test for every symptom and with our allergies that basically means some weeks someone in my family tests about every other day.

[rubytue]

I just realized I never explained why I put a * by required. When I entered the venue, they asked for my vax cards. Later, while my friend and I were chit chatting with another guy (who is a regular at the venue), I mentioned I was lucky I had a picture of my card on my phone bc I didn’t have my card. The other guy was like “whoa, did they ask you, they didn’t ask me. And I got in a fight with them a few months ago… they were willing to lose my business over it.” So…. Apparently vax cards are only required if you aren’t a regular.

Edit - we pretty much changed/ended conversation  with the guy after that. I do not know if he is un vaxed or if it was some sort of statement on showing a card for entry. 

[SusanBAnthony]

Apr 18, 2022 9:03:47 GMT -5 wawa said:

Apr 18, 2022 8:36:45 GMT -5 georgeglass said:

We used proctored home tests for work recently - some of the Binax Now ones. It was a terrible experience. Several testers were told their test was invalid because the proctors didn't see them open the box. For one, it was a wifi lag issue and for two others, their hand was in front of the sticker when they opened the box.

Just posting this because I would have freaked out if it was a necessary for travel test and I didn't have a back up option.

Every time I hear people talking about needing the proctored in-home tests or scrambling to find a test location I am reminded that my mom had no problem finding in person test access in two different locations in Mexico (one bigger city, one much smaller, both coast/tourist towns) and wonder why this is so hard for us.

I was in MX and all I had to do to get a test was walk in to one of the big pharmacy chains. Now to be fair the medical system is a lot different - most pharmacies have a minute clinic type thing attached to prescribe the meds that you then go buy at the pharmacy . So the infrastructure and employees were there. And also, to be fair, during the big surges the pharmacy clinics reach capacity same as the US and you can't get tested. But the same could be said about US clinics (even if not pharmacy clinics) existing so why couldn't they figure out how to test in large volumes?

[formerlyak]

I did a proctored Cue test (the home PCR one) and they were really good about making sure my phone was set up in a specific way so that they could see what the needed to. It was a good experience.

[af1212]

Apr 18, 2022 16:09:50 GMT -5 jennyparnassus said:

CDC Mask Mandate for Travelers Struck Down by Federal Judge


A federal judge in Florida struck down on Monday the Biden administration's mask mandate for airplanes and other public transport methods.

US District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle said the mandate was unlawful because it exceeded the statutory authority of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and because its implementation violated administrative law.

I’m so disappointed by this as I am getting on a flight on Thursday. Not only do I wish masks were in place for the germ factor, I also feel like it will bring out the worst in behavior from everyone.

[cherry1111]

Apr 18, 2022 9:03:47 GMT -5 wawa said:

Apr 18, 2022 8:36:45 GMT -5 georgeglass said:

We used proctored home tests for work recently - some of the Binax Now ones. It was a terrible experience. Several testers were told their test was invalid because the proctors didn't see them open the box. For one, it was a wifi lag issue and for two others, their hand was in front of the sticker when they opened the box.

Just posting this because I would have freaked out if it was a necessary for travel test and I didn't have a back up option.

Every time I hear people talking about needing the proctored in-home tests or scrambling to find a test location I am reminded that my mom had no problem finding in person test access in two different locations in Mexico (one bigger city, one much smaller, both coast/tourist towns) and wonder why this is so hard for us.

In our case our last day in Rome we are taking a tour to Pompeii and then Positano. It leaves at 7:10am and returns at 8:30pm. I don’t want to worry about finding a place to test before or after that. If our proctored Binax don’t work we will just have to make sure we arrive at the airport even earlier for our return flight.