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What does a presumptive positive COVID-19 test result mean?
A presumptive positive test result means an individual has tested positive for the virus at a local or state level, but it has not yet been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CDC confirmation of local and state tests for COVID-19 is no longer required.
Am I immune to COVID-19 if my antibody test result is positive?
Having antibodies to the virus that causes COVID-19 may provide protection from getting infected with the virus again. But even if it does, we do not know how much protection the antibodies may provide or how long this protection may last. Confirmed and suspected cases of reinfection have been reported, but remain rare.
Why can the COVID-19 swab test not be 100% accurate?
Some things that may affect the test’s accuracy include: You may have the virus, but the swab might not collect it from your nose or throat. The swab or mucus sample may be accidentally contaminated by the virus during collection or analysis.
What should I do if I get COVID-19?
See full answerMost people who get COVID-19 will be able to recover at home. CDC has directions for people who are recovering at home and their caregivers, including: Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care. Use a separate room and bathroom for sick household members (if possible). Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty. Provide your sick household member with clean disposable facemasks to wear at home, if available, to help prevent spreading COVID-19 to others. Clean the sick room and bathroom, as needed, to avoid unnecessary contact with the sick person.
Do antibiotics work against the coronavirus disease?
Antibiotics do not prevent or treat COVID-19, because COVID-19 is caused by a virus, not bacteria. Some patients with COVID-19 may also develop a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia. In that case, a health care professional may treat the bacterial infection with an antibiotic.
Should I wear a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
See full answerCDC recommends that everyone wear a mask over their nose and mouth when in public, including during travel. Masks slow the spread of COVID-19 because they help keep people who are infected from spreading respiratory droplets to others when they cough, sneeze, or talk. Medical masks and N-95 respirators are for healthcare workers and other first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.Some people shouldn’t wear masks:Children younger than 2 years oldAnyone who has trouble breathingAnyone who is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without help
Coronaviruses are thought to be spread most often by respiratory droplets. Although the virus can survive for a short period on some surfaces, it is unlikely to be spread from domestic or international mail, products or packaging.
No. Hydroxychloroquine sulfate and some versions of chloroquine phosphate are FDA-approved to treat malaria. Hydroxychloroquine sulfate is also FDA-approved to treat lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Can diarrhea be an initial symptom of COVID-19?
Many people with COVID-19 experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, sometimes prior to developing fever and lower respiratory tract signs and symptoms.
What are emergency signs for COVID-19?
If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediatelyTrouble breathing.Persistent pain or pressure in the chest.New confusion.Inability to wake or stay awake.Bluish lips or face.
You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more.You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19.You had direct physical contact with the person (hugged or kissed them)You shared eating or drinking utensils.
Can COVID-19 affect your heart?
According to one study out of the University of Frankford in Germany, more than half of patients studied who had COVID-19 were found to have ongoing cardiac inflammation.
When should I seek emergency medical care if I am sick with COVID-19?
How severe is the coronavirus disease?
Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.
Can the coronavirus disease spread through feces?
The virus that causes COVID-19 has been found in the feces of some patients diagnosed with COVID-19. However, it is unclear whether the virus found in feces may be capable of causing COVID-19. There has not been any confirmed report of the virus spreading from feces to a person.
Coronaviruses on surfaces and objects naturally die within hours to days. Warmer temperatures and exposure to sunlight will reduce the time the virus survives on surfaces and objects. Normal routine cleaning with soap and water removes germs and dirt from surfaces.
Can food products spread COVID-19?
There is no evidence to suggest that food produced in the United States or imported from countries affected by COVID-19 can transmit COVID-19.
In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from food products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient, refrigerated, or frozen temperatures.
How is COVID-19 mainly transmitted?
The virus mainly spreads when respiratory droplets from infected people land in the mouths or noses of others or possibly when inhaled into the lungs by others.
Can hot water kill the coronavirus disease?
Taking a hot bath will not prevent you from catching COVID-19. Your normal body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of your bath or shower.Actually, taking a hot bath with extremely hot water can be harmful, as it can burn you.