Medical Discussion of Coronavirus

[shady]

She got COVID so how much of "everything right" did she do?
I wonder if there was a connection, she gets COVID and two months later dead? Maybe we could look at it as she got an extra two years out of life due to the early preventative measures? IDK no easy or correct answers for sure

I agree. Not to blame everything on COVID, but even in a surgical subspecialty unrelated to COVID, I've seen a fair share of people who COVID doesn't kill them but seems to hasten their decline in health. Most cases seem vasculitis in nature. PEs, DVTs, strokes, and MIs a couple months after recovering from COVID. Perhaps purely coincidental, but common enough that it catches my eye.

I still wear an n95 at work for the simple fact that if we are required to mask I'm no more bothered by an n95 vs a surgical mask so it doesn't much matter. If anything the n95 has a seal and prevents my glasses from fogging. Also, after breathing surgical smoke for several years and then being required to wear an n95 during COVID, I've pondered why I haven't worn one in the OR forever?

[VagabondMD]

My wife had a week-long URI. She Covid tested 5 times (1 PCR and 4 home Ag test). On Friday, she did an antigen test (negative). I had a little scratchy throat with a mild headache and also did an antigen test (only because we were breaking open a new pack anyway). Of course, I tested positive. It was a faint line but definitely there. The very next day, I did a PCR test at Walgreen's, which was negative. Did I, or did I not, have Covid?

[Tim]

Did I, Yes
or did I not, No
have Covid? Maybe

[fatlittlepig]

My wife had a week-long URI. She Covid tested 5 times (1 PCR and 4 home Ag test). On Friday, she did an antigen test (negative). I had a little scratchy throat with a mild headache and also did an antigen test (only because we were breaking open a new pack anyway). Of course, I tested positive. It was a faint line but definitely there. The very next day, I did a PCR test at Walgreen's, which was negative. Did I, or did I not, have Covid?

I would repeat the antigen test.

[StarTrekDoc]

My wife had a week-long URI. She Covid tested 5 times (1 PCR and 4 home Ag test). On Friday, she did an antigen test (negative). I had a little scratchy throat with a mild headache and also did an antigen test (only because we were breaking open a new pack anyway). Of course, I tested positive. It was a faint line but definitely there. The very next day, I did a PCR test at Walgreen's, which was negative. Did I, or did I not, have Covid?

We've expanded our viral testing include all types Flu+Covid19+Viral panel to really get into the weeds (academia afterall).

With Omicron; the virality really has dropped off and for the vast majority the current situation of covid19-BA2 should be - resume life.

For those at risk -- vaccinate/boost and be cautious as your health dictates and if +COVID - antiviral orals.

Enjoy the summer. Medical facilities be prepared for winter campaign and hope future variant of COvid-19 doesn't revert back to a lung loving site and remains where it should be - upper respiratory.

[Tim]

My old "estate attorney" bought the house next door. Walking his dogs he stopped for a brief neighborly chat. Of course he dropped the "Did you know XXX has Covid?" (the neighbor on the other side). Nope, just neighborhood gossip. The debate of covid or not changes nothing unless you need to consider hospitalization.

[Hatton]

My wife had a week-long URI. She Covid tested 5 times (1 PCR and 4 home Ag test). On Friday, she did an antigen test (negative). I had a little scratchy throat with a mild headache and also did an antigen test (only because we were breaking open a new pack anyway). Of course, I tested positive. It was a faint line but definitely there. The very next day, I did a PCR test at Walgreen's, which was negative. Did I, or did I not, have Covid?

Sounds like those faint line positive pregnancy tests. Solution..Blood test.

[Lordosis]

Sounds like those faint line positive pregnancy tests. Solution..Blood test.

Just a little bit pregnant?

[MaxPower]

Just a little bit pregnant?

Like the guy in residency who told me he had “a touch of cancer.”

[Tim]

Sounds like those faint line positive pregnancy tests. Solution..Blood test.

Or you can wait for CDC and the FDA to provide guidance. Seriously, even an ignorant illogical person like myself knows a pregnancy blood test for a male won’t help!

The real question, what actions are you going to take now? Feeling better?

[VagabondMD]

Sounds like those faint line positive pregnancy tests. Solution..Blood test.

The instructions indicate that a faint line is considered to be positive.

[Kamban]

My wife had a week-long URI. She Covid tested 5 times (1 PCR and 4 home Ag test). On Friday, she did an antigen test (negative). I had a little scratchy throat with a mild headache and also did an antigen test (only because we were breaking open a new pack anyway). Of course, I tested positive. It was a faint line but definitely there. The very next day, I did a PCR test at Walgreen's, which was negative. Did I, or did I not, have Covid?

Five tests for wife - negative. Your PCR was negative. Antigen was faint. I am not sure how good those home antigen tests are anyway.

I would think the probability is high that it was a false positive. In the big picture it does not matter and you should carry on life as usual.I would not waste any effort to repeat the test if you are asymptomatic now.

[Tim]

Sounds like those faint line positive pregnancy tests. Solution..Blood test.

Or you can wait for CDC and the FDA to provide guidance. Seriously, even an ignorant illogical person like myself knows a pregnancy blood test for a male won’t help!

The real question, what actions are you going to take now? Feeling better? Any actionable results?

[Hatton]

The instructions indicate that a faint line is considered to be positive.

If that was a Pregnancy test a faint line like that would likely be a quantitative HCG of say15. It could be a miscarriage or a very early normal pregnancy. More info is needed. Usually the female is pregnant it may not be viable.

[artemis]

The instructions indicate that a faint line is considered to be positive.

I suspect what you're seeing there is the test cross-reacting to antigens from another coronavirus. The antigen tests aren't as specific as the PCR tests.