Showing posts with label covid. Show all posts
Showing posts with label covid. Show all posts

Friday, December 17, 2021

What's Your future Strategy for COVID? Do You Have one?

OK. We’ve survived the first wave. And it’s coming back for another try.. Yes, I’m talking about COVID.

Personally, even though I live in what might be one of the better places on the planet for NOT getting infected, I reluctantly realised that it’s time I got serious about formulating a strategy. I’ve mentioned the use of H2 as a way of remaining healthy – and therefore less susceptible – and where I have to, I wear a mask.

On a related note, we began planning our latest version of the UltraStream about a year ago, incorporating newly available NASA-developed filter technology that is NSF-tested to remove 99+% of viruses, bacteria and cysts, with no reduction in flow rate (meaning you don’t have wait for a glass of water!)

As we promised, everyone with an Ultrastream will receive the VirusGuard technology when they order their next filter replacement, and anyone buying one new will have it in their brand new UltraStream. We never stop working on improving UltraStream. Maybe that’s why we sell so many.

Also as a part of my strategy, I’m using a special form of water that is an EPA-approved disinfectant- without the chemicals.

I can spray it on my mask, on my hands, or even into the air when I am in a place I don’t feel comfortable. It’s an airborne disinfectant with 99% kill rate. No cloying fruity smell, no residue. And it breaks down into.. You guessed it! Water.

For me, all those cheap and nasty artificial aroma disinfectant squirts I subject myself to every time I enter a shop.. well, I’m over it! And the articles are already appearing on the skin problems emerging from using these alcohol-based disinfectants. So my special Virus Guardian spray bottle is a winner. We have a shipment coming from Korea at this moment so if you like the idea, let us know.

(I should add that we also use the same special water at home for all sorts of things. We spray our vegies to double their lifespan. We spray in the toilet to instantly neutralise pongs. We spray into the toilet to keep it as clean as possible. We keep i on hand for all forms of stains. We spray chopping boards to kill bacteria. There are more uses but frankly, I can’t remember them all.)

Back to our strategy.. Yes, I think this spray bottle is something that will become essential for anyone looking seriously at avoiding becoming a statistic. Stay in touch and we’ll let you know when we are ready to supply them.

electrolytes

Un tissu imprégné de cuivre peut-il détruire le coronavirus?

Copper Clothing Limited (vetementscuivre, distributeur en France) est une entreprise qui incorpore des formulations antimicrobiennes de cuivre dans des tissus, tels que des lits, des draps, des chaussettes, des masques, des gants, des pyjamas, etc., et les vend aux consommateurs. En 2014, il a financé des recherches pour tester l’efficacité de l’activité viricide du tissu de cuivre sur le coronavirus bovin. Le test a été réalisé par un laboratoire viral spécialisé de l’Institut d’hygiène et de microbiologie du Dr Brill + Partner GmbH. L’activité viricide du matériau traité a été évaluée en comparant l’activité viricide du matériau non traité. L’étude a révélé que le tissu imprégné de cuivre peut lutter efficacement contre le virus et le détruire.

 

En résumé, la différence observée entre les matériaux testés est basée sur le processus d’inactivation durant le processus de séchage de 10 minutes (facteur de réduction de 3,94 log du cuivre traité et 1,13 log du matériau non traité)

 

Explication des résultats du journal:

diagram.jpg

 

Tous nos tissus en cuivre sont antimicrobiens, par exemple: notre tissu qui est utilisé pour faire porter notre lit a atteint une réduction de plus de 6,7 log contre le SARM. Par exemple, si 1 000 000 de bactéries SARM entraient en contact avec du cuivre, une seule bactérie survivrait, c’est ce que nous appelons une réduction de 99,9999%

 

Les tissus en cuivre sont connus pour être antimicrobiens et peuvent facilement détruire toutes les bactéries et virus, car il y a eu des tests récents pour montrer qu’il détruit, le virus VIH, le virus de la grippe et le coronavirus

 

Tout sur le coronavirus: ce que le cuivre peut faire

Selon le New York Times, la Commission chinoise de la santé a signalé 361 décès dans le pays en raison de l’épidémie de 2019-nCoV au 2 février 2020. L’épidémie de coronavirus est très grave. Ce n’est plus seulement le problème de la Chine; il a capté l’attention du monde. Le coronavirus est détecté dans d’autres pays, ce qui a incité le gouvernement chinois à mettre en quarantaine Wuhan, la septième ville du monde.

coronavirus.jpg

Le virus se propage par aérosol et par contact direct. Les derniers rapports indiquent également que la voie oculaire est un mécanisme clé pour l’infection. Cela a suscité un nouvel intérêt pour les vêtements imprégnés de cuivre, qui ont montré des résultats prometteurs pour tuer le virus.

 

Qu’est-ce que le coronavirus?

Le coronavirus appartient à une grande famille de virus trouvés à la fois chez les animaux et les humains. Ce virus est connu pour infecter les gens et provoquer des maladies allant du rhume à des maladies plus graves telles que le syndrome respiratoire du Moyen-Orient (MERS) et le syndrome respiratoire aigu sévère (SRAS).

 

Qu’est-ce que le Novel Coronavirus 2019/Covid 19?

Le Novel Coronavirus 2019, ou 2019-nCoV/Covid 19, est une nouvelle souche de Coronavirus qui provoque des maladies respiratoires graves et a été identifiée pour la première fois à Wuhan, dans la province du Hubei, en Chine, en décembre 2019.

Corona-Virus-resized-1.jpg

Quels sont les symptômes courants du coronavirus?

L’infection 2019-nCoV/Covid 19 peut provoquer des symptômes bénins, tels que maux de gorge, écoulement nasal, fièvre et toux. Il peut être grave, voire mortel chez certaines personnes, entraînant une pneumonie, des difficultés respiratoires et la mort.

 

Qui est à risque pour les infections à coronavirus?

Bien qu’il y ait beaucoup à apprendre sur la façon dont 2019-nCoV affecte les gens, les éléments suivants semblent être plus vulnérables à devenir gravement malades avec le virus:

 

Les personnes plus âgées

  • Les personnes ayant des conditions médicales préexistantes, telles que les maladies cardiaques et le diabète.
  • Les personnes vivant ou voyageant dans une zone où le virus 2019-nCoV circule (actuellement, le virus est dominant en Chine).
  • Les personnes qui ont récemment voyagé de Chine ou qui ont été en contact étroit avec ces voyageurs.
  • Agents de santé chargés de prendre soin des personnes infectées par le 2019-nCoV.

Comment les infections à coronavirus sont-elles diagnostiquées?

Les médecins analysent les échantillons respiratoires du patient et le sérum isolé du sang pour rechercher les infections à coronavirus. Bien que des tests de diagnostic pour le nouveau coronavirus soient en cours de développement, sa précision et sa spécificité pour le virus ne sont pas encore vérifiées. Une fois cela confirmé, ces kits de diagnostic seront disponibles dans les établissements de santé du monde entier.

 

Quels sont les traitements des infections à coronavirus? Peut-on prévenir les infections à coronavirus?

Aucun médicament spécifique n’est recommandé pour prévenir ou traiter le nouveau coronavirus. Cependant, les personnes infectées par le 2019-nCoV/Covid 19 devraient recevoir des soins de soutien optimisés pour soulager et traiter les symptômes.

 

Comment vous protéger contre l’infection par le coronavirus

 

  • Lavez-vous souvent les mains avec de l’eau et du savon ou utilisez un désinfectant à base d’alcool pour éliminer le virus s’il est présent sur vos mains.

 

  • Maintenez une distance sociale d’au moins 3 pieds ou 1 mètre entre vous et les autres personnes, en particulier celles qui présentent des symptômes de rhume. Une personne infectée par 2019-nCoV peut projeter de petites gouttelettes de virus lorsqu’elle éternue ou tousse, et si vous êtes trop près, vous pouvez facilement respirer le virus.

 

  • Si vous avez une toux, de la fièvre et des difficultés respiratoires, consultez immédiatement un médecin. Informez vos soins de santé si vous avez voyagé de Chine ou si vous avez été en contact étroit avec une personne qui vient de Chine ou qui est allée en Chine et qui souffre de symptômes respiratoires. Il est essentiel de consulter rapidement un médecin si vous avez des symptômes respiratoires, en particulier si vous avez des antécédents de voyage, directement ou indirectement, en Chine ou en Chine.

 

  • Évitez de toucher les yeux, le nez et la bouche. Vos mains touchent de nombreuses choses ou surfaces qui peuvent être contaminées par le virus. Si les mains contaminées touchent vos yeux, votre bouche ou votre nez, le virus peut être facilement transmis à votre système. Afin de prévenir la transmission du coronavirus, il faut porter des gants ou des masques imprégnés de cuivre.

Le cuivre est connu pour ses pouvoirs antimicrobiens depuis plus d’un siècle. Désormais, la technologie permet au métal d’être tissé en tissus. Les vêtements imprégnés de cuivre comme les masques faciaux et les gants peuvent combattre la transmission de ce virus.

 

Un tissu imprégné de cuivre peut-il tuer le coronavirus? Il peut, dit une étude menée par le Dr Brill et le Dr Steinmann

Copper Clothing Limited (vetementscuivre, distributeur en France) est une entreprise qui incorpore des formulations antimicrobiennes de cuivre dans des tissus, tels que des lits, des draps, des chaussettes, des masques, des gants, des pyjamas, etc., et les vend aux consommateurs.

En 2014, il a financé des recherches pour tester l’efficacité de l’activité virucide du tissu de cuivre sur le coronavirus bovin. Le test a été effectué par une méthode interne de l’Institut d’hygiène et de microbiologie du Dr Brill + Partner GmbH. L’activité virucide du matériau traité a été évaluée en comparant l’activité virucide du matériau non traité. L’étude a révélé que le tissu imprégné de cuivre peut lutter efficacement contre le virus et le tuer.

 

Efficacité de CopperClothing sur le coronavirus – Rapport de test. (Rapport en anglais)

Source : Copper Clothing, 6 Mars 2020

masques covid 19

Friday, August 27, 2021

COVID Security and Dental Requirements-- What You Required To Know

Life hasn't been easy for any of us this year. The COVID-19 crisis has struck everybody hard, and it is still making an impact on the method we live today. Nevertheless, at Client Empowered Dentistry, we are identified to make life easier for you when it pertains to your dental requirements.


 If you are in need of dental treatment near Eastpointe, MI, do connect with us, as we are following the standards put down by the CDC (Center For Illness Control And Avoidance). We are taking all of the required preventative measures to keep both our employees and our patients safe, and are here to address any concerns you may have about a visit to the dental practitioner during COVID. 


 


The Standards Set Down By The CDC

The standards set down by the CDC are long and lots of, but you can be guaranteed that we are doing everything that they have suggested. For more information about their suggestions for dental practices, you can visit their official site. However, we have summarized some of the main points for you listed below. 


For all oral practices, the CDC has recommended that the following be put in location. 


Additional infection avoidance and control practices to stop the spread of the disease

Focused on oral care for those clients most in requirement of treatment

The accessibility of hand health materials for staff members and patients

Face masks and other protective equipment for both staff members and clients

Arranged consultations to guarantee clients are physically distanced

Changes to seating areas to guarantee social distancing

Sterilization and disinfection of all oral equipment

The cleansing and disinfection of all environmental surface areas

For more on what the CDC has actually recommended, follow the link we gave you, and be guaranteed that we are following all guidelines and regulations. Your health and wellness is a priority to us, therefore is that of our employees. When we all do our bit to keep one another safe, we will stop the spread of the illness.


 


What To Expect When You Next Visit Us

When you next visit our practice, a couple of things will be the very same. You will still be welcomed by our warm and friendly team, and you will still have the ability to see your typical dental practitioner. Nevertheless, there will be a couple of distinctions too, and these are all tied in with the suggestions given by the CDC.We will


ask you evaluating concerns before your visit. These will help us determine how your visit needs to be prioritized and what we might need to do if you have any COVID-19 symptoms.We will ask you to use the hand sanitizer that we have actually provided when you enter into our practice.In an effort to handle social distancing between patients, we might ask you to wait in your automobile instead of the waiting room.You will see that some products will be missing out on from the waiting space. These will consist of those products that are hard-to-disinfect, or that get in the way of the regular cleans we do during the day.You will be asked to come into our practice alone when possible. This is a security

measure to control the spread of the infection. If necessary, you can bring one caregiver or relative with you, but keep in mind that we have laughing gas readily available if you're an anxious client. We might take your temperature level before your appointment. If your temperature level is above a particular level

, we might need to postpone your appointment.You will observe that all of our staff, including those at the front workplace, are using masks.You will also be asked to wear a face-covering when you're with us in the practice. These are simply a few of the modifications you will observe

, however there may be others too. Be ensured that these will all be in location to keep you and our dental 


staff safe, so do not be alarmed if things are a little different from regular. Of course, you will be skilled in safety procedures now, as you will have had to make modifications to your life in your home, and in those other places that you frequent during the day, such as the regional supermarket. Avoiding COVID-19 To prevent the spread of the disease we all need to interact. We will be doing our bit to keep you safe, and we would ask you to abide by the standards that have been set too. On our part, you can

be guaranteed that all of our staff have actually been evaluated for the virus. We will use gloves and face masks at all times, and all members of our staff, besides your dental practitioner, will comply with the 2-meter distancing guideline

. We state 'besides your dental expert,' since he will require to be in close proximity with you. Be ensured that he will be wearing individual protective equipment, and he will be utilizing sanitized devices, so the danger to you is minimal. On your part, we would ask you to use the proper face coverings and to appreciate the distancing guidelines that are in place. If you begin to show indications of the infection prior to your go to with us, we would ask you to be sincere 


and let us know. Security protocols can be put in place if you are showing symptoms and require urgent dental treatment, however if you're in not in requirement of immediate dental care, you might be asked to make another consultation. Call Us If you're worried about your see or if you would like us to clarify something that has actually been composed here, please do provide us a call. As ever, your health is your top priority to us, so connect with us, and let us put your mind at ease if you have any worries or concerns. ### END

blogContent ###### START socialContent ### COVID Security and Dental Needs-- What You Need To Know Life hasn't been simple for any of us this year. The COVID-19 crisis has struck everybody hard, and it is still making an effect on the way we live today. Nevertheless, at Patient Empowered Dentistry, we are figured out to make life easier

for you when it comes to your dental needs. If you require dental treatment near Eastpointe, MI, do get in touch with us, as we are following the standards set by the CDC( Center For Illness Control And Avoidance ). We are taking all of the required safety measures to keep both our workers and our clients safe, and are here to answer any questions you may have about a visit to the dentist during COVID. The Standards Set Down By The CDC The standards set down by the CDC are long and numerous, but you can be guaranteed that we are doing everything that they have suggested. To read more about their recommendations for dental practices, you can visit their main site. Nevertheless, we have actually summarized some of the bottom lines for you below. For all oral practices, the CDC has actually recommended that the following be put in place. Additional infection prevention and control practices to stop the spread of the disease Focused on dental care for those patients most in requirement of treatment The schedule of hand hygiene materials for employees and clients Face masks and other protective devices for both staff members and clients Arranged appointments to guarantee clients are physically distanced Changes to seating areas to make sure social distancing Sanitation and disinfection of all oral equipment The cleansing and disinfection of all environmental surface areas For more on what the CDC has recommended, follow the link we gave you , and be assured that we are following all guidelines and regulations. Your health and wellness is a top priority to us, and so is that of our employees. When we all do our bit to keep one another safe, we will stop the spread of the illness. What To Anticipate When You Next See United States When you next check out our practice, a couple of things will be the exact same. You will still be greeted by our warm and friendly group, and you will still have the ability to see your usual dental professional. Nevertheless, there will be a couple of differences too, and these are all tied in with the suggestions provided by the CDC. We will ask you screening concerns before your appointment. These will help us figure out how your appointment should be prioritized and what we may require to do if you have any COVID-19 symptoms. We will ask you to use the hand sanitizer that we have provided when you enter our practice. In an effort to handle social distancing between patients, we may ask you to wait in your vehicle rather of the waiting space. You will see that some items will be missing out on from the waiting room. These will consist of those products that are hard-to-disinfect, or that obstruct of the regular cleans we do throughout the day. You will be asked to come into our practice alone when possible. This is a safety measure to manage the spread of the infection. If required, you can bring one caretaker or member of the family with you, but bear in mind that we have laughing gas offered if you're a nervous client. We might take your temperature level prior to your visit. If your temperature is above a certain level, we may need to delay your visit. You will notice that all of our staff, consisting of those at the front office, are using masks. You will likewise be asked to use a face-covering when you're with us in the practice. These are simply a few of the modifications you will discover, but there may be others too. Be ensured that these will all be in location to keep you and our oral personnel safe, so don't be alarmed if things are a little different from normal. Naturally, you will be fluent in security steps now, as you will have needed to make changes to your life in your home, and in those other places that you frequent throughout the day , such as the local grocery store. Preventing COVID-19 To prevent the spread of the illness all of us need to interact. We will be doing our bit to keep you safe, and we would ask you to comply with the standards that have actually been set too. On our part, you can be assured that all of our personnel have actually been checked for the virus. We will wear gloves and face masks at all times, and all members of our staff, besides your dentist, will follow the 2-meter distancing guideline. We say' besides your dental practitioner,' because he will require to be in close proximity with you. Be guaranteed that he will be using individual protective equipment, and he will be utilizing sterilized devices, so the risk to you is minimal. On your part, we would ask you to use the appropriate face coverings and to respect the distancing rules that remain in location. If you start to show indications of the infection prior to your see with us, we would ask you to be honest and let us understand. Security procedures can be put in place if you are revealing signs and need urgent oral treatment, but if you remain in not in need of immediate dental care, you might be asked to make another visit. Contact Us If you're worried about your see or if you would like us to clarify something that has been composed here, please do give us a call. As ever, your health is your concern to us, so contact us, and let us put your mind at ease if you have any worries or concerns. ### END socialContent ###### START bookmarkTitle ### COVID Safety and Dental Requirements-- What You Need To Know ### END bookmarkTitle ###### START bookmarkContent ### Life hasn't been easy for any of us this year. The COVID-19 crisis has actually hit everybody hard, and it is still making an effect on the method we live today. However, at Client Empowered Dentistry, we are identified to make life easier for you when it concerns your dental needs. If you are in need of oral treatment near Eastpointe, MI, do get in touch with us, as we are following the guidelines set by the CDC( Center For Disease Control And Prevention). We are taking all of the essential preventative measures to keep both our staff members and our patients safe, and are here to answer any concerns you might have about a check out to the dental expert during COVID. The Guidelines Set Down By The CDC The standards set down by the CDC are long and numerous, but you can be guaranteed that we are doing whatever that they have recommended. To read more about their recommendations for dental practices, you can visit their main site. Nevertheless, we have summarized a few of the main points for you listed below. For all oral practices, the CDC has advised that the following be put in place. Additional infection avoidance and control practices to stop the spread of the illness Focused on oral look after those clients most in need of treatment The accessibility of hand hygiene materials for workers and patients Face masks and other protective equipment for both staff members and patients Set up visits to make sure clients are physically distanced Modifications to seating areas to ensure social distancing Sanitation and disinfection of all dental devices The cleaning and disinfection of all environmental surfaces For more on what the CDC has actually advised, follow the link we offered you, and be assured that we are following all rules and policies. Your health and wellness is a top priority to us, therefore is that of our staff members. When we all do our bit to keep one another safe, we will stop the spread of the illness. What To Anticipate When You Next Check Out Us When you next see our practice, a few things will be the exact same. You will still be welcomed by our warm and friendly team, and you will still have the ability to see your typical dental expert. However, there will be a couple of differences too, and these are all connected the recommendations given by the CDC . We will ask you screening questions before your consultation. These will help us identify how your visit needs to be prioritized and what we may need to do if you have any COVID-19 symptoms. We will ask you to utilize the hand sanitizer that we have offered when you come into our practice. In an effort to manage social distancing in between patients, we may ask you to wait in your car rather of the waiting room. You will discover that some products will be missing out on from the waiting room. These will include those items that are hard-to-disinfect, or that obstruct of the frequent cleans we do during the day. You will be asked to come into our practice alone when possible. This is a precaution to control the spread of the virus. If necessary, you can bring one caretaker or family member with you, but remember that we have laughing gas readily available if you're a worried client. We might take your temperature prior to your visit. If your temperature is above a particular level, we may require to delay your visit. You will notice that all of our personnel, consisting of those at the front office, are using masks. You will also be asked to use a face-covering when you're with us in the practice. These are simply a few of the modifications you will discover, but there might be others too. Be assured that these will all be in place to keep you and our dental staff safe, so do not be alarmed if things are a little different from regular. Obviously, you will be well-versed in security procedures now, as you will have needed to make modifications to your life in the house, and in those other locations that you regular throughout the day, such as the local supermarket. Avoiding COVID-19 To prevent the spread of the disease we all require to work together. We will be doing our bit to keep you safe, and we would ask you to follow the standards that have actually been set too. On our part, you can be ensured that all of our staff have been evaluated for the virus. We will wear gloves and deal with masks at all times, and all members of our personnel, other than your dental practitioner, will comply with the 2-meter distancing guideline. We say' aside from your dental expert, 'due to the fact that he will need to be in close distance with you. Be assured that he will be wearing individual protective equipment, and he will be using disinfected devices, so the danger to you is minimal. On your part, we would ask you to use the proper face coverings and to respect the distancing guidelines that remain in place. If you start to show signs of the infection before your check out with us, we would ask you to be honest and let us understand. Safety protocols can be put in place if you are showing signs and need immediate oral treatment, but if you remain in not in requirement of urgent dental care, you might be asked to make another consultation. Call Us If you're worried about your check out or if you would like us to clarify something that has actually been composed here, please do give us a call. As ever, your health is your top priority to us, so {

dentist during covid

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Vitamin C and its Role in Staying Healthy

Which is the best repair nutrient for your body? A nutrient I wouldn't want to live without?

It's Vitamin C.

The more health problems, the more infection, the more challenges we have, the more vitamin c we need.

And as we know Vitamin C boosts our immune system and... It's one of the great - probably the best - natural anti viral.

It can protect us and help us recover from cold, flu, influenza and other illnesses...

If we're serious about staying healthy, we need to consider the crucial role Vitamin C plays in maintaining our health.



Saturday, July 3, 2021

What To Do During An Asthma Attack

One thing we know for sure – every single person can help our country control the COVID-19 pandemic. From wearing a mask to washing your hands to maintaining physical distance and avoiding large indoor gatherings, each of us can follow proven public health practices that not only reduce our own chance of getting infected by SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes coronavirus disease, or COVID-19), but also prevent the spread of COVID-19 to our coworkers, friends and loved ones. Another thing that will help is testing as many people as possible.

RADx_Testing_.png

Testing for COVID-19 is so important that in April 2020, the NIH launched the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) Initiative to develop rapid, easy-to-use, accurate testing and make it available nationwide. As part of this effort, the RADx Underserved Populations (RADx-UP) program is about finding solutions to stop the spread of COVID-19, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities, and other vulnerable populations that have been disproportionately affected by this pandemic. Previously, we reported about the launch of this project and our plans to develop community-based approaches to study how best to implement testing and prevention strategies for populations who are disproportionately affected by, have the highest infection rates of, or are most at risk for complications or poor outcomes from COVID-19.

Scientists from the NIH and across the country are working around the clock to establish programs that will ensure access to and acceptance of rapid and reliable testing around the country. Testing can help people determine if they are infected with SARS-CoV-2 – regardless of whether they have symptoms – and whether they are at risk of spreading the infection to others. Taking measures to prevent the spread of infection will be the most effective strategy for getting us safely back to work and school.

We want to take this opportunity to articulate why widespread testing is necessary, important, and achievable.

1. Testing saves lives

Testing of all people for SARS-CoV-2, including those who have no symptoms, who show symptoms of infection such as trouble breathing, fever, sore throat or loss of the sense of smell and taste, and who may have been exposed to the virus will help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by identifying people who are in need of care in a timely fashion. A positive test early in the course of the illness enables individuals to isolate themselves – reducing the chances that they will infect others and allowing them to seek treatment earlier, likely reducing disease severity and the risk of long-term disability, or death.

Testing of people who have been in contact with others who have a documented infection is also important. A negative test doesn’t mean you’re in the clear; you could become infectious later. Therefore, even if you test negative, you need to continue to protect yourself and others by washing your hands frequently, physically distancing, and wearing a face mask. A positive test makes it clear that you have to isolate yourself, and that others with whom you have been in contact since the time of your exposure should also get tested.

Since it is recognized that nearly half of all SARS-CoV-2 infections are transmitted by people who are not showing any symptoms, identifying infected individuals while they are presymptomatic, as well as those who are asymptomatic, will play a major role in stopping the pandemic.

2. Testing can be easy and quick

Initially, the only test available required getting a sample from the back of a person’s throat. New developments, some of which are supported by two other NIH projects, RADx Tech and RADx-ATP (Advanced Technology Platforms), will provide more comfortable and equally accurate tests that obtain the sample from inside the nose. On the horizon for large-scale use are tests that will use a simple mouth swab or a saliva sample.

A positive test for SARS-CoV-2 alerts an individual that they have the infection. Not only can they get treated faster, but they can take steps to minimize the spread of the virus.

This is why it is so important to get the test results quickly, ideally within a few hours or less.

Early in the pandemic, there was not enough capacity and limited supplies to collect and process the tests, which resulted in delays. However, lab equipment has improved, capacity and supply have expanded, and results are being returned, on average, within 3-4 days. In fact, point-of-care tests will be available that provide a result in less than 15 minutes!

3. Testing matters more in the communities affected the most

Communities of color are disproportionately burdened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some individuals in these communities are essential workers, who cannot work from home, increasing their risk of being exposed to the virus. In addition, multi-generational living situations or multi-family housing arrangements can allow the virus to spread more quickly if one household member gets infected. Comorbid conditions that worsen the health risks of COVID-19, such as heart disease, obesity and diabetes, are also more common in minority communities because of long-standing societal and environmental factors and impediments to healthcare access. Therefore, COVID-19 can spread quickly in these communities, and the impact of that spread is great. Testing, particularly of asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic individuals, is key to interrupting this spread.

Unfortunately, there still is a lot of confusion about where to get a test and who should get tested. It is becoming clear that for a person to test positive, they have to have a significant amount of the virus in their system. This means that if you have no symptoms but think or were told that you were in contact with a person with COVID-19, you should isolate yourself immediately, call your health care provider, and then get a test. If you have any question, always call your health care provider or local county public health office. You can also contact the CDC Hotline at 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636).

Staying informed is essential. We encourage you to look to up-to-date, trusted sources of information about COVID-19, such as resources from the NIH website or MedlinePlus, the National Library of Medicine’s consumer information resource.

Over the next few months, you’ll have opportunities, such as those listed at the NIH’s vaccine trial sites, to help scientists discover if the vaccines being evaluated now are effective. If you become ill with COVID-19, you can to participate in clinical trials underway to develop and evaluate a wide range of potential treatments, as well as several possible vaccines. So that these therapies will work for everyone, it is important for people from diverse communities across the country to participate in this research. We hope that in the not too distant future, these efforts will lead to therapies that will put an end to the pandemic.

In the meantime, let’s all continue to protect ourselves and others from getting infected, and get tested if you believe you have been in contact with someone with COVID-19.

Article published on https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/why-covid-19-testing-key-getting-back-normal

PCR testing