Today I took some tests that I didn’t study for, the COVID-19 test and the COVID-19 anti-body test. This is to determine if I am now, or ever have been, a member of the COVID-19 party. Maybe I’m a fellow traveler as I have friends that tested positive. I haven’t gotten tested until now because I didn’t see the point. When I go out I act as if I might be infected. I always wear a mask. It’s become habit. I don’t notice it any more than I notice that I’m wearing pants. I’ve been minimizing contact with people. If my test turned out negative that wouldn’t change anything. There are false-negatives, or I could have gotten infected after being tested. So why did I change my mind? Because Katherine pointed out that the purpose of the testing is not for my benefit but so that the government and doctors can learn more about the spread of the disease. It’s like taking part in the census. We need to know what we are fighting. Then today Kari posted this:
That got me off my duff and into the testing center. I found one at the North Central Bronx Hospital, about half a mile from my house. It said that I didn’t need an appointment, so I walked over. I had to wait about 45 minutes but there was plenty of space to social distance in the waiting room. Everyone I dealt with was exceptionally nice. The job is repetitive, and they have to deal with the public. I don’t now how they stay so upbeat. I bantered with everyone and they bantered back. The best was the woman that did the tests. She was fun.
I took both tests, the one to see if I have it and the antibody test to see if I had it. The virus test is the one you’ve heard about, they stick a swab up your nose, It’s long but much thinner than Q-tip. It stings. They do both nostrils, my right hurt more than my left. It’s not terrible. If that’s the worst thing that happens to me today, it’s a good day. I was sure it would make me sneeze, but it didn’t. It’s over quickly. The antibody test is just taking blood from your arm. That never bothers me. I didn’t even feel the pinch they warn you about. I told her, she said that she must have done a good job and that I’m a good patient. It takes both of us. That might very well be true. The only thing good about me when I do it is that I totally relax. If you are nervous that it will hurt, it’s more likely to hurt. Probably the same for the nose. Try meditating before you go in.
I had to take my mask off for the test. I felt naked. Good thing it was in a medical setting where I’m used to it. I was given a cover for my mouth. The tester was wearing two masks and a face shield. Even through that I could see that she was smiling. I felt better once I had my mask back on.
I’ll get the results in two or three days. It will either come up in My Chart, I registered with that for North Central, or they will call me. I’m hoping that the antibody test is positive. While it’s no guarantee that I can’t catch it again, that’s how it works with most viral diseases. I’ll start taking the subway again if I’m not afraid of spreading plague. If they become certain that you become immune I’m going to become an official hugger.
I’m lucky to live in New York. Here anyone that wants can be tested and they are encouraging every to do so. There was an analysis from Harvard of how much testing needs to be done to safely re-open America Is Testing For COVID-19 More Than Ever — And It Still Isn’t Enough . New York is doing more than twice as many tests as the minimum required. A few states are doing better; most are doing worse. Nationally we are doing only 44% of the recommended testing. Kudos to New Jersey which is the only large state to do better. Most of the states doing well have Democratic governors, most of the ones doing poorly, Republicans. Sadly, the biggest state, Democratic California is only doing a third of testing recommended. It’s not just ideology but administrative skill. It’s not easy to get a project this large up and running. This is a case where leadership makes a difference of literal life and death.
Now it’s time for My Gentle Readers to do their part and get tested. You can find the closest place to get tested here, COVID-19 Testing. It’s a NYC site but it works for the entire country. Where you live it might not be easy or even possible but find out. If you can’t get tested write your governor and local leaders why anyone in New York can get tested but not where you live. Let them know this is a priority. Remember to wear your mask, and even with the mask to limit your contact with other people. See people outdoors and keep your distance. This is our chance to be the greatest generation, at least a great generation, and do our part for the common good. Be a hero and save lives.
Wise Madness 