Mystery illness going around in LA
Has anyone gotten this bug that seems to be going around? Fever, shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of smell but Covid and Flu rapid tests comeback negative?
We are in the midst of a huge wave of Covid infections nationally and according to the waste water, Los Angeles County is reporting Very High Levels of Covid right now.
If you are feeling sick, you very likely have Covid.
Why can’t we trust the rapid tests? Unfortunately, rapid antigen tests have not kept up with the currently circulating strains of Covid so they are not sensitive enough to produce positive results. Only PCRs or molecular tests (ie Metrix or PlusLife) can give you reliable results.
You can track accurate waste water data here (works best on a desktop):
You can also find up to date information on Dr. Michael Hoerger’s IG: @michael_hoerger
How can we keep from getting sick? Covid primarily spreads through the air. Running air purifiers (HEPA or MERV), opening windows, or moving gatherings outside will improve the air quality and decrease the likelihood of airborne transmission.
Washing hands and using sanitizer are healthy practices but they do not prevent Covid infections.
The most reliable tool we have right now to prevent airborne illness is a well-fitting KN95/N95 (or better) mask. Viruses spread most efficiently in confined, crowded, unventilated spaces, like classrooms, restaurants, doctors offices, exam rooms, waiting rooms, planes, trains, buses, ride shares, and even grocery stores or department stores. A high quality respirator mask filters the air you breathe.
It’s not fun to think about this stuff but it’s important to use the preventative tools and information we have access to. If you’re feeling sick, stay home from work and rest, if you can. Wear a well fitting mask. You deserve to take care of yourself.
Free masks: @maskblocLA on IG
DM me if you have any questions or need help getting masks, purifiers, etc.
EDIT: There are some really helpful comments here that detail the experiences people have been having with Covid infections and other viruses. Thank you so much for sharing!
I am a caregiver who has kept up with the science on Covid, which is why I know a lot about it. It’s not exciting or something that I particularly enjoy knowing about but it’s pretty much impossible to forget one you learn it. I also completely understand wanting to forget about Covid, about quarantine, about being sick at all. I’d love for it to all go away but unfortunately it just doesn’t work that way. If you have been having any unexplained health problems, check out the responses here because they could offer some clarity. I’m also happy to talk to anyone privately and I really have no judgment if anyone finds this confusing or even doesn’t want to believe it at all.