@@@ June COVID THREAD

[Poppy]

Yeah vamoose, it's so confusing.

My family tested 10 times and only 3 were positive, and 9/10 on someone symptomatic. DD and H never actually tested positive but I presume they were based on exposure and symptoms.

MIL got sick separately while traveling and she tested 5 times and only one was positive.

So anecdotally, it's easy to miss the window. Also, I think it's hard to get good samples on young kids.

If it were me, I'd presume positive and use the first day of symptoms as day 0, and follow CDC guidance based on that.

[Velar Fricative]

I guess if symptoms are mild there’s a short window, but I’ve tested daily since day 0 and on every one of those tests, the line came up as the sample flowed into the window and each line has been super dark. I would honestly trust the home test if symptoms are present and there have been several days of negatives unless exposure is ongoing (in which case you just have to keep testing everyone until the positives no longer test positive).

[krystee]

Jun 4, 2022 15:59:10 GMT -5 Velar Fricative said:

I guess if symptoms are mild there’s a short window, but I’ve tested daily since day 0 and on every one of those tests, the line came up as the sample flowed into the window and each line has been super dark. I would honestly trust the home test if symptoms are present and there have been several days of negatives unless exposure is ongoing (in which case you just have to keep testing everyone until the positives no longer test positive).

This is true for our house too—even our most mildly symptomatic person in the household has tested positive for days.

But two weeks ago, my mom was exposed and had all the symptoms but no positive test. We don’t have a known positive exposure but did spend time with her before we tested positive. She is going to ask for an antibody test to be added to a scheduled blood draw next week, and I am so curious to know the results.

[loira]

I just went to my first in person conference in years and it made me pretty uncomfortable. No one masking but me. 250 people in one room.

Then one of our directors shows up to our meeting on the last day and casually drops that the moderator for her panel just texted her he was COVID positive. Sigh.

[vamoose]

Jun 4, 2022 15:59:10 GMT -5 Velar Fricative said:

unless exposure is ongoing (in which case you just have to keep testing everyone until the positives no longer test positive).

Yeah, exposure is definitely ongoing since both parents are positive. I tried somewhat to contain my husband to one room when it was just him that was sick, but once all of the symptoms started for all of us, especially me, any thought of isolation was gone.

[litebright]

I am stuck in Germany in quarantine. This is day three of five. I tested positive on a proctored rapid less than 24 hours before my flight home, so I was unable to fly home from my work trip. Confirmed via PCR.

It sucks. I am hoping to be able to fly home on Wednesday, after the five-day quarantine period, but I have to be able to get the necessary documentation to get on a plane. Most of the online places I've looked at that will do attestations of recovery with a virtual visit, won't do them until 10 days post-positive-PCR. There's no way to know when I will test negative -- I have a five-pack of rapids that I picked up on my way to the hotel, plus one more proctored rapid, and I'll start instant-testing myself probably either Monday afternoon or Tuesday to see if I can come up negative. Hoping to solidify how to get an attestation post-quarantine tomorrow, because basically the entire country shuts down on Sundays so there's not much I can accomplish today. Have already been in touch with State citizens' services and the embassy.

I started getting symptoms Thursday night -- congestion, minor dry cough that turned wet, feverish. Last night, aches kicked in. I don't have a thermometer but I did bring my pulse oximeter, so I'll know if things get bad. Which I doubt they will, I'm vaccinated and boosted but it's been like six months since the booster. I have ibuprofen and no other meds.

Living in a hotel room for an extended period is sucky. I washed clothes in the tub yesterday because of course nearly everything is dirty, nine days into what was supposed to be a seven day trip. I have an electric kettle in my room and I have stuff with me to make coffee, and I stopped at a grocery store on my way to the hotel so I have some fruit, snacks, tea, etc. This being Germany, I have a full door and window that open to the outside (I'm on the ground floor), so at least I can get fresh air and sunshine. It still sucks.

[abs]

litebright, that really sucks. I'm sorry you are stuck and hope you can get home soon!!

[SusanBAnthony]

Here is a (not) fun wwyd. My dad was exposed Mon. Wednesday he got a cough. Today (Sun) he finally tested pos (has been testing daily and isolating since he found out he was exposed).

So today is day 5 and now he feels fine but just tested positive. He has been vaxxed and boosted and got 2nd booster Tuesday (the day between exposure and symptoms).

My thought is he keeps testing daily and stays isolated until day 10 or negative, whichever is first. Then mask until day 10.

Day 10 is this coming Friday and we have a family gathering planned that includes my sister who traveled here internationally and really doesn't want to get Covid as she'll get stuck here isolating (in my house so I have a vested interest in this lol).

Would you be comfortable being around him on day 10? Would you still have him mask? Does it matter if he's still testing positive on a rapid at that point?

[hermione]

Jun 5, 2022 7:07:32 GMT -5 SusanBAnthony said:

Here is a (not) fun wwyd. My dad was exposed Mon. Wednesday he got a cough. Today (Sun) he finally tested pos (has been testing daily and isolating since he found out he was exposed).

So today is day 5 and now he feels fine but just tested positive. He has been vaxxed and boosted and got 2nd booster Tuesday (the day between exposure and symptoms).

My thought is he keeps testing daily and stays isolated until day 10 or negative, whichever is first. Then mask until day 10.

Day 10 is this coming Friday and we have a family gathering planned that includes my sister who traveled here internationally and really doesn't want to get Covid as she'll get stuck here isolating (in my house so I have a vested interest in this lol).

Would you be comfortable being around him on day 10? Would you still have him mask? Does it matter if he's still testing positive on a rapid at that point?

I *think* it’s the PCRs where you can test positive for weeks and weeks. If he’s positive on a rapid, I would not choose to be around him.

[NewOrleans]

litebright, that sucks. Is it US policy that keeps you quarantined, or German? (Either way it’s a fucking joke because neither of these countries did shit to handle or mitigate Covid at any point!!)

[Poppy]

SusanBAnthony, first day of symptoms is day 0 so he's on day 4 right now. There's a calculator on the CDC site if you want to confirm.

I would be around him on day 9 if he wore an N95. Can you keep things mostly outside? Also, maybe he can keep his visit brief? But either way he should definitely mask through day 10 even if he tests negative on a rapid.

[litebright]

Jun 5, 2022 9:12:46 GMT -5 NewOrleans said:

litebright, that sucks. Is it US policy that keeps you quarantined, or German? (Either way it’s a fucking joke because neither of these countries did shit to handle or mitigate Covid at any point!!)

Both, right now. Local quarantine is five days, then the government here doesn't seem to care what you do and certainly has no restrictions on if you want to leave Germany.

Meanwhile, the U.S. will not allow anyone, regardless of citizenship or vaccine status, to fly in without either a negative test or an attestation of recovery.

So as of Tuesday, I can (theoretically) do as I please within Germany. I'm hoping that will mean I can get an attestation from SOMEONE locally and book a flight. Otherwise I have to wait until I either 1) test negative on my own and can document it with a proctored test to fly or 2) wait until the 11-day mark when I can get an attestation from the online medical services that I have looked at.

At least if I have to stay the full 10 days I can leave my hotel after day 5 to like, get additional food and wash or buy clothes.

[NewOrleans]

Jun 5, 2022 9:34:52 GMT -5 litebright said:

Jun 5, 2022 9:12:46 GMT -5 NewOrleans said:

litebright , that sucks. Is it US policy that keeps you quarantined, or German? (Either way it’s a fucking joke because neither of these countries did shit to handle or mitigate Covid at any point!!)

Meanwhile, the U.S. will not allow anyone, regardless of citizenship or vaccine status, to fly in without either a negative test or an attestation of recovery.

This is what I mean. The US has been utter garbage about Covid (“masks violate freedom and don’t work,” availability of tests, any useful guidance, go back to work right away, nurses go to work if you are positive but not symptomatic), but hot damn you better test before your ass enters because we are trying to STOP THE SPREAD AROUND HERE

[Velar Fricative]

Omg litebright, I’m so sorry!! I could not imagine dealing with this in another country. I hope everything you need to happen to get home happens asap.

[Velar Fricative]

Jun 4, 2022 21:59:38 GMT -5 vamoose said:

Jun 4, 2022 15:59:10 GMT -5 Velar Fricative said:

unless exposure is ongoing (in which case you just have to keep testing everyone until the positives no longer test positive).

Yeah, exposure is definitely ongoing since both parents are positive. I tried somewhat to contain my husband to one room when it was just him that was sick, but once all of the symptoms started for all of us, especially me, any thought of isolation was gone.

I’m also thinking about how my vaccinated kid and DH have been at school since I tested positive (testing daily and masked up). It’s now been 5 days with no one else testing positive in the house, but if either of them test positive this week, for example…it’s not necessarily that it came from me. They’re around others more than they’re around me now. This whole thing blows.

[mrshandy]

Ugh! DS positive 10 days ago, H tested positive 4 days ago, and now it’s my turn. DD still hasn’t tested positive but I’m sure it’s coming. I almost wish I hadn’t isolated at all from DS. It was pointless and made it last longer.

DS’ 6th grade graduation is on Thursday so this is the worst possible timing. I’m heartbroken that I have to miss it.

[pugz]

I feel pretty positive it will finally get our family this summer. I am flying to Seattle next month and then we are going to the Dells the week after that. Worried I will get sick on one trip and jeopardize the other.

[krystee]

I should by flying to San Francisco today for five days of a hotel room solo and delicious restaurants paid for by work (and I’d be working, but at least work that is more fun than sitting in front of my laptop). Sigh.

On the bright side, at least I definitely won’t have covid for my 40th birthday trip with my mom to Boston and Cape Cod later this month.

[NewOrleans]

I’m sorry, guys. ☹️

[sonrisa]

Jun 5, 2022 7:07:32 GMT -5 SusanBAnthony said:

Here is a (not) fun wwyd. My dad was exposed Mon. Wednesday he got a cough. Today (Sun) he finally tested pos (has been testing daily and isolating since he found out he was exposed).

So today is day 5 and now he feels fine but just tested positive. He has been vaxxed and boosted and got 2nd booster Tuesday (the day between exposure and symptoms).

My thought is he keeps testing daily and stays isolated until day 10 or negative, whichever is first. Then mask until day 10.

Day 10 is this coming Friday and we have a family gathering planned that includes my sister who traveled here internationally and really doesn't want to get Covid as she'll get stuck here isolating (in my house so I have a vested interest in this lol).

Would you be comfortable being around him on day 10? Would you still have him mask? Does it matter if he's still testing positive on a rapid at that point?

Are you gathering outside? Could you gather outside? With COVID rates what they are right now, I'd plan *any* group gathering outside. I'd double down on that if someone has a vulnerability or other issue (like your sister). Let's hope he's testing negative on the rapid tests and then he can join you, masked. Otherwise (ie. not testing negative yet on rapids) he should continue to isolate and not attend. 

[litebright]

Jun 5, 2022 10:19:37 GMT -5 NewOrleans said:

Jun 5, 2022 9:34:52 GMT -5 litebright said:

Meanwhile, the U.S. will not allow anyone, regardless of citizenship or vaccine status, to fly in without either a negative test or an attestation of recovery.

This is what I mean. The US has been utter garbage about Covid (“masks violate freedom and don’t work,” availability of tests, any useful guidance, go back to work right away, nurses go to work if you are positive but not symptomatic), but hot damn you better test before your ass enters because we are trying to STOP THE SPREAD AROUND HERE

LOLsigh. This contradiction has occurred to me. I mean, I understand the concept of not wanting to bring in more covid from abroad, and I knew this was the deal when I decided to travel, but it doesn't make it any less frustrating that I can't get home. 

Speaking of differences in how the U.S. has handled things, I was able to grab a five-pack of instant tests for 20 euros while I was getting my supplies, because they were sold along with other knickknacks in the checkout line. Which is way cheaper than you can get five tests for in the U.S., and way more available -- I haven't seen covid tests on a store shelf IRL in like a year, I've always had to order them online.  

[karinothing]

I have covid AGAIN. I just had it in flipping late November.

Everyone else is neg. Over it.

[mala]

Little kid has popped a random fever. Rapid covid was negative. Cross your fingers it stays that way. (She's somewhat prone to random short fevers any time she gets a virus, so I'm not terribly concerned yet)

[lilac05]

Ugh. Covid has hit us again (last time was in September). DS1 tested positive. No known contacts…but no one here tests anymore anyway.

Now I have to play the million decisions game. No question he will be home for the next 5 days and masked 100% for days 6-10…but I have to figure out what to do about DS2. No symptoms, just tested negative.

Do I keep him home? Send him with a mask? Send him without a mask? He’s had 2 vaccines, but no booster yet.

There’s what I feel is probably right, what the CDC says he can do, and then what it feels like everyone else is doing.

I know testing was the right thing to do, but right now, I’m wishing I hadn’t. I wish I had been selfish like it feels like everyone else in our area is.

This is not how I wanted to spend our summer.

[karinothing]

Jun 5, 2022 20:46:59 GMT -5 lilac05 said:

Ugh. Covid has hit us again (last time was in September). DS1 tested positive. No known contacts…but no one here tests anymore anyway.

Now I have to play the million decisions game. No question he will be home for the next 5 days and masked 100% for days 6-10…but I have to figure out what to do about DS2. No symptoms, just tested negative.

Do I keep him home? Send him with a mask? Send him without a mask? He’s had 2 vaccines, but no booster yet.

There’s what I feel is probably right, what the CDC says he can do, and then what it feels like everyone else is doing.

I know testing was the right thing to do, but right now, I’m wishing I hadn’t. I wish I had been selfish like it feels like everyone else in our area is.

This is not how I wanted to spend our summer.

I am positive and sending my neg kids to school.

[lilac05]

Jun 5, 2022 20:49:12 GMT -5 karinothing said:

Jun 5, 2022 20:46:59 GMT -5 lilac05 said:

This is not how I wanted to spend our summer.

I am positive and sending my neg kids to school.

I looked up CDC. He doesn’t need to stay home, but does need to wear a mask. Unfortunately, all of his activities this week are swim-related. He will also be missing out on a birthday party that he’s been SO excited to go to.

I’m so angry and so heartbroken right now. This just sucks SO much.

[karinothing]

Jun 5, 2022 21:24:58 GMT -5 lilac05 said:

Jun 5, 2022 20:49:12 GMT -5 karinothing said:

I am positive and sending my neg kids to school.

I looked up CDC. He doesn’t need to stay home, but does need to wear a mask. Unfortunately, all of his activities this week are swim-related. He will also be missing out on a birthday party that he’s been SO excited to go to.

I’m so angry and so heartbroken right now. This just sucks SO much.

Ugh I am sorry it does suck. I am so pissed I had this 6 months ago, boosted 5 months ago. It's not fair.

[lilac05]

karinothing, I’m sorry you’re in the same boat. You’re right, it’s absolutely not fair. And I’m especially salty knowing that basically everyone around us just wouldn’t test and would go about their merry way as soon as they were feeling good.

[sonrisa]

Jun 5, 2022 20:46:59 GMT -5 lilac05 said:

There’s what I feel is probably right, what the CDC says he can do, and then what it feels like everyone else is doing.

Send him with a mask as long as he's asymptomatic and test on day 5. Do the right thing. If for no other reason than it's leading by example. Hopefully, when they are older, and faced with peers making shitty decisions like drinking and driving, they'll remember and follow your lead.

[sonrisa]

Jun 5, 2022 21:24:58 GMT -5 lilac05 said:

I’m so angry and so heartbroken right now. This just sucks SO much.

I'm sitting here with you. ((hugs))