A man hands back his COVID-19 test to health care worker Kelshin Johnson, right, at the COVID-19 testing center outside of Arlington International Racecourse in Arlington Heights on Wednesday, March 31, 2021.
(Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune)
Health care worker Kelshin Johnson, center, surveys the line of cars waiting at the COVID-19 testing center outside of Arlington International Racecourse on March 31, 2021, in Arlington Heights, Illinois.© Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune/TNS Health care worker Kelshin Johnson, center, surveys the line of cars waiting at the COVID-19 testing center outside of Arlington International Racecourse on March 31, 2021, in Arlington Heights, Illinois.
But we are also in the throes of a pandemic, and when we come down with sore throats and runny noses, how do we tell if it’s COVID-19 or something else?
The short answer is that there’s no rule, according to Dr. Mary Hayden, a professor at Rush University and head of the university’s Division of Infectious Diseases. The symptoms are so similar that “there’s really nothing that clearly differentiates one illness from the other,” making it nearly impossible to reliably self-diagnose.
But here are some quick tips from experts for when you’re wondering whether you have COVID-19, and that could help you protect yourself and the people around you.
Watch for symptoms, such as loss of smell, that don’t match up with common illnesses.
Loss of smell is a symptom that is “more suggestive of COVID,” said Hayden, “especially if you don’t have nasal congestion.”
People with COVID-19 may lose their sense of smell without getting any of the other cold symptoms such as a sore throat or blocked nose, which is a “clue,” said Hayden.
Dr. Mary K Hayden has a medical practice at 1653 West Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL. Dr. Mary K Hayden specializes in infectious disease and has over 34 years of experience in the field of medicine. She is affiliated with numerous hospitals, including Rush University Medical Center (IL) and more. New patients are welcome to contact Dr. Mary’s office in Chicago, Illinois. Please call (312) 942 5000 or go to the doctor’s office to know doctor’s practice, including clinics, staff, opening hours and medical advice or to make an appointment online.
Practice Information
Office Location & Contact Information
Dr. Mary practice address, contact phone number and fax are as below. Check locations where Dr. Mary practices near Chicago, IL for appointments.
OFFICE ADDRESS1653 West Congress Parkway,
Chicago, IL 60612, United States
PHONE NUMBER (312) 942 5000
This loss of smell is also different from when you get a blocked nose and can’t smell anything, or breathe properly. People with COVID-19 also get dysosmia, which is where “everything you taste tastes terrible,” said Aniruddha Hazra, MD – U of Chicago Medicine.
Websites offer lengthy checklists of symptoms that fit more with specific illnesses.
This helps you identify symptoms that don’t square with conditions you typically get. For example, if you have a fever, said Hayden, this should rule out allergies because people with allergies don’t typically run a higher temperature.
Decide when to get tested, and how to choose the right test.
There are two different tests: rapid antigen tests, which were popular during the beginning of the pandemic, and polymerase chain reaction tests, called PCR tests.
PCR tests are “the gold standard,” said Hazra, because they’re much more sensitive, working by picking up genetic material specific to COVID-19 with the ability to detect “tiniest traces” of the virus.
But this doesn’t mean that rapid tests don’t have their uses. It depends on the situation, said Hazra. Even if a test isn’t perfect, “this doesn’t mean it can’t be used in an educated way,” he said.
Despite being more reliable, PCR tests are slower than rapid tests, taking 24 to 48 hours to provide results. So if you need answers in a matter of minutes, rapid antigen tests are your best call. You can use these if you have symptoms and you’re trying to decide whether you should go to work, or to see your grandma, said Hayden.
These tests are actually “comparable to PCR tests” when you have symptoms, added Hazra. But if you’re worried you have asymptomatic COVID-19 after you’ve been exposed to someone with a confirmed case, or you’ve been to a big event and are concerned that you got the virus, you should take a PCR test. Rapid tests often don’t pick up on asymptomatic cases, which could lead to a false negative test result.
“The best way to give yourself peace of mind is to get tested five days after exposure if you have no symptoms,” said Hazra. ‘You can go to a testing center or to your doctor for a PCR test,” Hazra added. The rapid tests most available in the U.S. are BinaxNOW tests by health care company Abbott Laboratories.
But there is a cost barrier to these tests in the U.S. that isn’t found in Europe, said Hazra.
In Denmark, a rapid test is available for the equivalent of $3, whereas in America a pack of two tests costs more than $20.
“There’s still obviously an access issue,” said Hazra, particularly for communities hit the hardest by COVID-19, which are often working-class and may not be able to afford home tests. The test “has to be accessible for it to really make a difference,” added Hazra.
Weigh your specific circumstances.
For people who are vaccinated, said Hazra, the vaccine should give them some
“peace of mind,” because the likelihood of getting sick is small, and people who do have breakthrough infections will experience a milder form of the virus.
But you should think about why you’re getting tested, according to Hayden. If you work from home and never go out, you don’t need to worry about getting tested, she said. But if you’re in contact with other people, especially those who are immunocompromised or not vaccinated, you should get tested regardless of your vaccination status.
People who are immunocompromised also could be subject to specific caveats and complexities, said Hayden. Small studies have shown that some people who have kidney transplants, for example, have not developed antibodies after two, or even three vaccine doses.
These are people who could be particularly affected by those who transmit the disease.
We need to think about the “chains of transmission,” Hayden said.
If you have the virus, you might “expose someone who got a little sick, who then exposes someone else who got really sick,” said Hayden.
Good morning, Chicago. Illinois health officials on Thursday announced 3,526 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 and 25 additional fatalities. Officials also say a total of 5,918,422 vaccines have now been administered.
Meanwhile, as more and more people receive COVID-19 vaccines, many are wondering if vaccinated people can spread the virus. Here’s what scientists say.
Illinois records highest COVID-19 cases since Feb. 5,
as officials warn residents to be safe over holiday weekend
Chicago public health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady warned Thursday that the statewide uptick in COVID-19 cases could cause a significant increase in illness, hospitalizations and deaths.
Arwady said the growth in cases in Chicago is being driven primarily by young people. She said that as the numbers have increased here officials have been watching the spike that’s happening in Michigan.
Why are COVID-19 numbers heading up again?
It could be that the public is following ‘recipe for a surge.’
Chicago Riverwalk businesses start reopening in days, unsure if customers will return.
Most People Catch COVID This Way, Experts Warn.
The COVID-19 pandemic is changing. In one corner, the highly effective vaccines. In the other corner, the highly contagious Delta variant. The tug of war has led scientists to discover that some people are at higher risk of contracting Delta, and some common ways people catch COVID haven’t really changed. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You May Have Already Had COVID.
1. Being Unvaccinated.
The COVID vaccines are still very protective against COVID infection and highly protective against severe illness, hospitalization and death. If you’re an unvaccinated adult, your risk is high and growing, particularly if you’re young. “If you are young and unvaccinated, it’s not probably a question of when, not if, you get COVID-19,” said Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, director of the Ohio Department of Health, on Sept. 21, about news that hospitalizations in the state had hit a record, and hospitalizations of those under 50 had doubled, since January.
2. Being Around Someone This Long After Infection.
A study published last month in JAMA Internal Medicine found that people infected with the coronavirus were most infectious two days before and three days after the onset of symptoms, and that coming into contact with an asymptomatic person was more likely to result in an asymptomatic infection. All the more reason to follow the CDC’s recommendation to wear a face mask in public, regardless of your vaccination status, to protect yourself and others.
RELATED: These 6 States Predicted to Have Next COVID Surge
3. Indoor Restaurants and Bars.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, health officials have warned that dining or drinking indoors is a major coronavirus risk. According to a study by the CDC, people who tested positive for coronavirus were twice as likely to have eaten at a restaurant in the previous two weeks.
“People who are fully vaccinated can continue to go out to restaurants and bars, although they should wear a mask when they are not eating. We know that the Delta variant is highly contagious. At the same time, the vaccines are still very protective against severe illness,” Natasha Bhuyan, MD, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix told The Arizona Republic on Aug. 27.
“The safest option for people who want to continue to go out is, go to restaurants and bars that require vaccines,” she said.
RELATED: 6 Places You Should Never Enter Right Now, Say Virus Experts
4. Living in a Low-Income Area.
According to a study published in The Lancet on Sept. 2
(which involved more than a million UK residents who had gotten the Moderna, Pfizer or AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines), “breakthrough” COVID infections (or infections that occur after full vaccination) are rare, but they’re much higher for people living in lower-income areas. The researchers said that’s probably because people in those areas live in closer proximity and are less likely to be vaccinated.
RELATED: I’m a Virus Expert and Beg You Don’t Go Here Now
5. Being Older
As has been reported since the beginning of the pandemic, the biggest risk factor for COVID infection, serious illness and death is simply age. Although vaccinations have slashed the rates of severe sickness and death, the Lancet researchers found that older adults are still at greater risk of breakthrough infections.
“The increased risks of breakthrough infections for frail, older adults — especially those living in care homes or who require frequent visits to health care facilities — and for other people living in deprived conditions reflect what we’ve seen throughout the pandemic. These groups are at a greater risk of exposure and are therefore more vulnerable to infection,” study co-author Dr. Rose Penfold of King’s College. “Health policies designed to prevent infections, including policies around timing between the first and second dose and potential booster shots, should prioritize these groups.”
RELATED: 7 Warning Signs You Have A Delta Infection
6. How to Stay Safe Out There
Follow the fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you live—get vaccinated ASAP; if you live in an area with low vaccination rates, wear an N95 face mask, don’t travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don’t go indoors with people you’re not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.
Scientists, UC San Francisco develop COVID-19 antiviral nasal spray, inhaler (yahoo.com)
Xlear Xylitol and Grapefruit Nasal Spray for COVID-19 Recovery.
An Important New Covid-19 Study And a Specific Nasal Spray
For Adjunctive Treatment of Covid-19 to Speed Recovery!
Previously on EC, I have mentioned using a nasal spray called “XLEAR” as an excellent nasal spray to help treat sinus infections and nasal issues in general. This product contains xylitol and grapefruit seed extract, which can kill certain bacteria, viruses, and both have biofilm busting qualities, all contributing to this nasal spray’s effectiveness.
This new study also suggests that XLEAR may help treat an existing Covid-19 infection as an adjunctive treatment that shows potential to speed the recovery process, which could be useful and especially if you have other health issues which may be exacerbated by Covid-19 as lessening the duration of Covid-19 infection may help reduce the potential for worsening of the existing health condition.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7645297/
Just thinking aloud here, but I wonder if using Xlear before going into a crowded area might be useful??? I have used colloidal silver in this way previously, but Xlear is easier for most people to get and is reasonably priced plus you know what you are getting. When I use the colloidal silver, I just put it in a two-ounce spray bottle and spray generously into each nostril while inhaling, and I suspect I could do similarly with the Xlear product.
Here is a link to the product: https://amzn.to/36BMXyw
Xlear spray is also available at CVS and most pharmacies. You want the product that contains both “grapefruit seed extract and xylitol.”
The study mentions that Xlear has shown antibacterial and antiviral properties, which potentially include SARS CoV-2. In Covid-19 patients, Xlear was reported to result in rapid clinical improvement and shorten time to negativization on repeat intranasal swab test via PCR.
The clinical reports also lists how the nasal spray was implemented and the frequency of use. This study is very interesting and suggests a new and novel use for Xlear as an effective adjunctive treatment for Covid-19.
Xlear filed a Pre-Emergency Use Authorization (Pre-EUA) Request with the FDA in December, comparing the use of nasal spray to handwashing and suggesting it could be used as part of a layered approach to combating the spread of the virus. While more research and data is needed, there are some promising results coming from initial studies.
Xlear’s Pre-EUA Request is based on initial data suggesting Xlear Nasal Spray may reduce SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the nose, and otherwise attenuate the virus.
“Studies show that regular nasal cleansing may help reduce viral infections, including from the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19),” said Dr. Gustavo Ferrer, a doctor and global respiratory disease expert who has studied the use of Xlear Nasal Spray to combat SARS-CoV-2.
Xylitol has been shown to have inhibitory properties versus SARS-CoV-2
in cell culture, in vitro according to another study.
Xylitol is one of the ingredients of Xlear Nasal Spray and is also found in a
wide variety of oral care products.
Xlear has been used by millions of people over the last twenty years for cleansing and moisturizing the nasal cavities without a single report of a significant adverse event.
Now it may prove to be useful for more than just oral care.
MouthWash & Covid 19 · A Rutgers study shows two types of mouthwash disrupt SARS-CoV-2 in laboratory Researchers at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine have found evidence that two types of mouthwash disrupt the COVID-19 virus under laboratory conditions, preventing it from replicating in a human cell.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, people may notice their bad breath while wearing a mask since the foul smell can get trapped quite easily. If you’re one of the many people experiencing mask breath, LISTERINE ® can help you find relief, as it effectively kills 99.9% of bad breath germs when used properly.
The structure of a SARS-CoV-2 (the virus particle causes COVID-19) is a big reason why mouthwash might be effective against it – so allow us to get into the science for a minute.
Dr. Kats hails from UNC as a PhD of Epidemiology & Biostatician who is committed to helping others now in this time of COVID and in the future by way of niacin supplement.
Science convictions turned into action. Think niacin can work for you? It will!!
MORE THAN ‘JUST’ A CURE.
Science unequivocally establishes NIACIN as the CAUSALLY-LINKED bonafide prophylaxis & overnight cure for ensuing #COVID19. Efficiently restores health from remnant damage in long-haulers. Reduces inflammation, cholesterol, aches & pains.
Increases blood oxygen levels, increases energy, Help heal lung tissue, vessels, and Much More.
READ THE SCIENCE– KNOW THE TRUTH:
https://academic.oup.com/bib/article/22/2/1279/5964187?login=true
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7551551/
https://osf.io/uec3r/
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?cluster=
9840410419337203684&hl=en&as_sdt=0,34
Find out More
Read More NIACIN CURES COVID – Home
The US had a 7-day average of 133,325 new COVID-19 cases and 1,444 deaths as of September 19. Explore these interactive charts to see how your community or places you may be traveling are doing.
US COVID-19 cases and deaths by state | USA Facts
COVID-19 has now killed about as many Americans as the 1918-19 Spanish flu pandemic did — approximately 675,000.
In 1918 the population of the United States was roughly 103 million, while near the end of 2020 it stood at roughly 332,915,073.
COVID Has Killed about as Many Americans as the 1918-19 Flu | Newsmax.com
Moderna CEO Just Predicted When the Pandemic Will Be Over for Good (msn.com)