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The coronavirus first began to spread in China

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The coronavirus first began to spread in China

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The coronavirus has caused people to work remotely, and the majority of people continue to work remotely.

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The coronavirus has caused people to work remotely, and the majority of people continue to work remotely.

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People with low immune systems are more severely affected by the coronavirus.

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People with low immune systems are more severely affected by the coronavirus.

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 After being diagnosed with corona virus you can get well only in one week.

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 After being diagnosed with corona virus you can get well only in one week.

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 Some people shouldn’t take the Covid vaccines due to the fact that it can cause serious problems.

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 Some people shouldn’t take the Covid vaccines due to the fact that it can cause serious problems.

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You cannot have corona more than two or three times.

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You cannot have corona more than two or three times.

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Covid-19 is comparable to seasonal flu and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) as their symptoms are almost identical.

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Covid-19 is comparable to seasonal flu and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) as their symptoms are almost identical.

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Since the first fourteen days are incubation period, the person who is positive has the risk of infecting others.

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Since the first fourteen days are incubation period, the person who is positive has the risk of infecting others.

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Although it is not certain that passing the virus gives immunity to the person, when the person is infected for the second or third time, he or she will recover more easily.

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Although it is not certain that passing the virus gives immunity to the person, when the person is infected for the second or third time, he or she will recover more easily.

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People had to wear masks to protect themselves after the strong advices of the doctors.

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People had to wear masks to protect themselves after the strong advices of the doctors.

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Covid brought about a lockdown all around the world so that it could not spread.

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Covid brought about a lockdown all around the world so that it could not spread.

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The virus led to other diseases especially related to lungs.

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The virus led to other diseases especially related to lungs.

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What are the symptoms of someone infected with a coronavirus?

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What are the symptoms of someone infected with a coronavirus?

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Are the COVID-19 vaccines safe and effective?

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Are the COVID-19 vaccines safe and effective?

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I’ve heard about a variant called Omicron. How concerned should I be?

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I’ve heard about a variant called Omicron. How concerned should I be?

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 Can someone feel like having Covid and still have negative test?

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 Can someone feel like having Covid and still have negative test?

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 Is it normal to have COVID more than one time?

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 Is it normal to have COVID more than one time?

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Is there a risk of an allergic reaction to a COVID vaccine?

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Is there a risk of an allergic reaction to a COVID vaccine?

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When is a person infectious or if we are positive, for how many days can we be contagious?

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When is a person infectious or if we are positive, for how many days can we be contagious?

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Is this virus comparable with SARS or with the seasonal flu?

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Is this virus comparable with SARS or with the seasonal flu?

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Do those who have the disease, that is, the virus gain immunity?

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Do those who have the disease, that is, the virus gain immunity?

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Trouble breathing,Persistent pain or pressure in the chest,gray or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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It's normal for viruses to mutate over time.Omicron is a reminder that the Covid-19 is far from over.

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How did the Omicron variant develop?

When a virus is circulating widely and causing numerous infections, the likelihood of the virus mutating increases. The more opportunities a virus has to spread, the more opportunities it has to undergo changes.

New variants like Omicron are a reminder that the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over. It is therefore essential that people get the vaccine when available to them and continue to follow existing advice on preventing the spread of the virus, including physical distancing, wearing masks, regular handwashing and keeping indoor areas well ventilated.

It is also crucial that vaccines and other public health measures are accessible everywhere. Vaccine inequity leaves lower income countries - many of them in Africa - at the mercy of COVID-19. Well-supplied countries must urgently deliver the doses they promised.

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When a virus is circulating widely and causing numerous infections, the likelihood of the virus mutating increases. The more opportunities a virus has to spread, the more opportunities it has to undergo changes. New variants like Omicron are a reminder that the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over.

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Corona virus, SARS and flu, all three primarily cause respiratory system diseases. They are also easily transmitted from person to person by coughing, sneezing and talking. Moreover, they have also caused many cases and killed people over the years. However, they differ in terms of treatment, that is, vaccination. There is no vaccine available for SARS, while flu and covid-19 have a vaccine.

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According to studies, people are at risk of being infected two days before symptoms start. And the likelihood of infecting others is at its peak when people experience symptoms, even if they have no or vague symptoms. Ten days after the onset of symptoms, the possibility of transmission of the virus generally ends. But sometimes this period can be up to twenty days.

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Recognizing Day to Day Signs and Symptoms of Coronavirus

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When people have coronavirus, their immune system directly meets the virus and immediately develops defense cells against it. When these defense cells, called antibodies, meet the virus again, they recognize it and neutralize it. However, it is said that this natural immunity gained as a result of passing covid-19 will not be long-lasting.

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The virus spreads mainly between people who are in close contact with each other, for example at a conversational distance. People may also become infected when touching their eyes, nose or mouth after touching surfaces or objects that have been contaminated by the virus. And here is a video that shows how it spreads.

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These are some of the best actions to take to slow the transmission of COVID-19;

Social distancing (maintain a distance of 6 feet between yourself and others)

Stay at home

Avoid touching your face

Wash your hands frequently with soap for 20 seconds each time

Wear a cloth mask

But also you can see different advices in addition to the same ones with the list above.

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After doing some research, I observed that a person can be COVID but still have a negative test. In this case, focus on three main points.

It can be because of your viral load that it doesn’t show your test positive.

Maybe your viral load never rose to a level where it could be detected on a test.

Misuse of the test can result in a negative outcome.

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The COVID testing, variant, and immunity (from vaccination and/or infection) landscape has changed a lot in 2022. Together, this means it can now be trickier to know if your test is giving you an accurate result.

Home tests are widely available, making testing easier than ever and are a convenient option for many people. But recently, we've been getting reports of some people in a household testing positive with a home test, while others in the home repeatedly test negative -- even if they were exposed to the positive person and have some symptoms. Below, we'll answer some common questions to help you be more confident in your own test results.

What's the difference between an antigen test (like an at-home test) and a PCR test?

A "PCR test" is a molecular test that finds genetic material from the COVID virus. These tests are very sensitive, meaning that they can detect even very small amounts of virus. Sometimes they can even detect traces of the virus after you are recovered and not contagious. PCRs take longer to get results because they need to be processed in a lab. If you pay out of pocket, they are expensive, but there are many free testing options in Dane County where you won't be charged. The PCR is the most commonly used molecular test, but some other types are becoming more common, including rapid (or "point of care") molecular tests. These tests can give results on-site in about 15 minutes, but are somewhat less sensitive than a PCR test.

Antigen tests, which include at-home rapid tests, look for proteins ("antigens") of the COVID virus. These tests are less sensitive than PCR because they need a large amount of antigens to be present before they show a positive result. Studies have shown that if you test positive on an antigen test, you probably are contagious and can spread COVID to someone else. Antigen tests typically give results in just 15 minutes, can be done at home by yourself, and are much less expensive than PCR tests. Just be sure you read and follow the directions carefully. If you test positive on an antigen home test, let us know through our survey.

I tested negative even though I have symptoms and a likely exposure. Does that mean I don't have COVID?

Testing negative does not necessarily mean you don't have COVID. If you were exposed to COVID (e.g., someone you live with has it), and you have symptoms, but test negative on an antigen or PCR test, here are some possible explanations for what may be happening:
1. It's too early, and your viral load may not be high enough to show up on a test. You will likely test positive eventually.
Symptoms are a sign that your immune system is working to fight off an infection. Symptoms can appear lot faster if you're vaccinated, because your immune system recognizes the virus and is able to quickly react. Even if you are vaccinated, the virus may be able to make you sick and contagious, especially because the vaccines aren't as good at stopping the Omicron variants. (But the vaccines are still good at keeping you out of the hospital!) The Omicron variants may also be harder to detect in the nose compared to earlier variants. And Omicron rapidly replicates in your body, which can cause people to begin having symptoms earlier.

If you test negative soon after feeling sick, you should test yourself again a few days after the day your symptoms started, when your viral load is likely to be at its highest.
2. Your immune system fought off the virus, and your viral load never got high enough to be found on a test.
As stated above, your symptoms are likely a sign that your immune system is fighting the COVID virus. If you have some symptoms and then feel healthy again, and have multiple negative tests throughout that time, it's possible that your immune system was able to prevent the virus levels from getting high enough to be detected on an antigen or even a PCR test. Thanks, immune system!

The amount of virus present varies between people. Most people with COVID will have enough virus at some point to test positive on an antigen test. The amount of time it takes to test positive can vary widely. Some vaccinated people may never test positive on an antigen test, while others could be positive for many days in a row. Some people with mild infections may test negative on an antigen test, but positive on a PCR test. This would mean that they have COVID, but don't have enough virus to turn an antigen test positive. This may be more likely to happen if a person has been recently vaccinated or boosted and their immune system is able to respond to the virus faster.

One study monitored health care workers and found evidence that some of people who were exposed were likely able to clear the COVID virus from their system before testing positive. We discussed immunity in a blog post at the end of last year!
3. If you used an at-home test, there may have been user error that produced a false negative.
It's important to carefully read and follow the directions on the at-home test. Tests can come from different manufacturers and have different instructions, so be sure to follow the directions specific to your test. Tests should be handled carefully and you should have clean, dry hands before using them. They should not be stored at extreme temperatures (e.g., don't keep them in a car on a hot, sunny day), and you should be aware of the expiration date.

So if I tested negative, what should I do?

No matter what the situation, you should consider testing again one to two days after your negative test. If you get multiple negative test results, it is more likely that you are not infected with COVID. If you are feeling sick, even if it is not COVID, it's still a good idea to stay home and not infect others.

If you were exposed to COVID, you should follow the guidance on our page: What to Do if You are Sick or Possibly Exposed.

If you tested negative and are up to date on your COVID vaccinations: you should wear a well-fitted mask, preferably an N95, KN95, or equivalent, around others for 10 days after the last close contact you had with someone who tested positive. If possible, test yourself again a few days after your first negative test to make sure you are still negative.

If you tested negative and are not up to date on your vaccines: you should quarantine for five days and wear a well-fitted mask, preferably an N95, KN95, or equivalent, around others for 10 days after the last close contact. If possible, test yourself again a few days after your first negative test to make sure you are still negative.

If you have symptoms and tested negative: you should follow the above guidance and consider isolating, if you can, until your symptoms resolve. You should also consider getting a PCR test to confirm your negative test.

If I test negative with a home test but have symptoms, am I contagious?
You're probably contagious with something! If you have symptoms, you should assume you are contagious, even if it ends up not being COVID. It would be best to isolate and test again after one or two days. If you test positive with an antigen test, you can be pretty certain that you are contagious with COVID. If you prefer a PCR test, we have many testing options listed on our website!

If I tested positive on a home test, does it really mean I have COVID?

Positive results are highly reliable, so yes, you very likely do have COVID, even if the line on the test is very faint. You should follow our guidance for what to do if you test positive, and you should also let us know about your positive test.

If you do test positive and are at high risk for developing severe COVID (e.g., have an underlying condition such as cancer or diabetes, or are age 65+), you should know that effective treatments, such as Paxlovid, are available. They require a prescription and need to be started within the first 5-7 days of symptom onset. Quick access to treatment can unfortunately be very challenging, even as supply has recently increased. For those with health insurance and/or access to a primary care provider, you should make an in-person or telehealth appointment to obtain a prescription as soon as possible. You can also check the federal government's test to treat locator to see if there's a location near you where you can get both a test and a prescription, fill a prescription, or schedule a telehealth appointment with a provider who can assess your eligibility and prescribe a treatment. You may also be able to use an online urgent care platform such as Plushcare or eMed, although these may come with out-of-pocket costs for an appointment.
For further reading, this topic was also recently covered by science writers in the New York Times and The Atlantic. Some of the above information was sourced from these articles. A nd thank you to our partners Dr. David O'Connor and Dr. Thomas Friedrich for help in writing and fact checking this blog post.

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The COVID testing, variant, and immunity (from vaccination and/or infection) landscape has changed a lot in 2022. Together, this means it can now be trickier to know if your test is giving you an accurate result. Home tests are widely available, making testing easier than ever and are a convenient option for many people.

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There are a number of discussions when it comes to whether wearing a mask is really protective or not. According to the video above, we can understand that it is surely better to wear it because it allows less bacteria to enter the body; however, it would also be useful to remind that wearing a mask cannot be enough itself.

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According to studies, COVID reinfection with either the same viral variation as the primary infection or a different variant is feasible; early reinfection within 90 days of the initial infection is also probable. Staying home until your symptoms begin to improve, wearing a mask, and being in touch with the hospital will completely prevent you from getting the virus again.

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COVID vaccines should not be administered to anyone who has a severe allergy such as anaphylaxis except to food, insects, and other common allergens. People who have experienced a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) should speak with their doctor about whether they can get vaccinated in order not to get an allergic reaction like in the photo.