Coronavirus Disease 2019 – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19. To determine if a person is infected with this virus, healthcare providers use different tests that check for the virus itself or the body’s response to infection.
There are two main kinds of tests: molecular (like PCR or NAAT) and antigen. Molecular tests, such as the PCR test, provide high accuracy by detecting the genetic material of the virus.
Usually, a healthcare worker collects a sample from the nose or throat and sends it to a lab.
Antigen tests, sometimes called rapid tests or at-home tests, detect pieces of proteins from the virus. These tests deliver results faster, sometimes in 15 minutes, and people can use them at home or in clinics.
However, antigen tests can sometimes miss cases, especially in people without symptoms.
Test timing matters:
- If Symptoms are Present: Test as soon as possible.
- If Exposed but Have No Symptoms: Wait at least five days after being around someone with the virus before testing.
- Before Being with High-Risk People (like older adults or those with certain health conditions): Testing helps reduce risk.
When interpreting results:
Test Type | Positive Result | Negative Result |
---|---|---|
PCR/NAAT | Almost always means the person has COVID-19. | Most likely does not have COVID-19. |
Antigen | Likely has COVID-19, but repeat if unsure. | Should take another antigen test after 48 hours if still concerned. |
If a person tests positive on either test, they are most likely infected and should begin steps to keep others safe. If a person gets a negative PCR result, COVID-19 is not likely, but it’s still important to watch for symptoms.
With an antigen test, individuals should test again after two days, especially if they continue to feel unwell or were exposed to someone known to have COVID-19.
In all cases, those with questions about symptoms or test results should speak with a healthcare professional. False negatives can happen, and re-testing helps confirm the results, especially with antigen tests.
Staying Safe and Avoiding Spreading COVID-19
Anyone who discovers they have COVID-19 or has symptoms should take steps to avoid passing the virus to others. The best approach is to stay at home and keep a distance from other people in the same household when possible.
If someone is immunocompromised or has severe symptoms, isolation times may need to be longer. Always ask a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
While at home:
- Use a separate bathroom and bedroom if possible.
- Avoid sharing household items like cups, utensils, or towels.
- Open windows or increase ventilation to improve airflow.
- Wear a face mask around others to limit respiratory droplet spread.
- Keep hands clean by washing often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Leaving Isolation Safely
A person can stop isolation when their symptoms are getting better, they have not had a fever for at least 24 hours without using fever medicine, and a healthcare provider approves it.
If fever returns or symptoms get worse, return to isolation until improvement occurs.
After isolation ends, continue to:
- Wear a mask for five more days when near other people.
- Wash hands often.
- Keep extra space between yourself and others.
- Test for COVID-19 again if recommended.
- Keep rooms airy and well-ventilated.
These steps help protect those at higher risk, such as older adults or people with medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
Additional Resources and Considerations
COVID-19 can look different in various people. Babies, children, and adults can all get the coronavirus. Some people get very sick, while others have mild or no symptoms at all (asymptomatic).
Certain groups, such as those with chronic medical conditions, pregnant people, and older adults, face a higher risk for complications, hospitalization, or even death.
Antibody tests differ from viral tests like PCR or antigen tests. Antibody tests detect if someone has had COVID-19 in the past by finding immune system proteins in the blood.
These tests cannot show if someone is currently sick or if they are protected against getting COVID-19 again. Immunity can decrease over time or may not be strong enough to prevent reinfection, especially as new variants develop.
If worried about COVID-19, consult these reliable sources:
- Healthcare professionals who follow guidance from groups like the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for pregnancy and COVID-19 information.
- Pharmacies and community testing sites for current testing and vaccine options.
Common tests and their purposes:
Test Name | What It Detects | When Used |
---|---|---|
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) | Genetic material of SARS-CoV-2 | When accuracy is a priority |
NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) | RNA from the virus | Similar use as PCR tests |
Antigen Test | Viral proteins | Quick answers, home use |
Antibody Test (Blood test) | Signs of past infection | Checks old exposure, not current infection |
Symptoms of COVID-19 may include:
- Cough, fever, trouble breathing
- Tiredness, body aches
- Loss of taste or smell
Sometimes, COVID-19 appears as a more severe issue called MIS (multisystem inflammatory syndrome), especially in children, but this is rare.
Testing helps protect those most at risk and allows for fast action if someone gets sick. People who are not vaccinated, or have weak immune systems, may get more severe illness, so testing and prevention are critical.
If symptoms worsen at any time, or if difficulty breathing, chest pain, or confusion develops, seek medical help right away.
Treatment
People with serious symptoms from COVID-19 might need hospital treatment. Healthcare teams may provide extra oxygen through a small tube in the nose.
If breathing becomes difficult, doctors might use mechanical ventilation, moving air into the lungs through a tube.
In critical cases, an advanced machine called extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can take over the work of the heart and lungs. This treatment supports those who experience life-threatening symptoms.
Doctors use a variety of therapies for severe illness, including several medicines and treatments:
Treatment | Type | Common Use |
---|---|---|
Antiviral | Injection | Used in hospitalized patients |
Antiviral therapy (protease inhibitor combination) | Oral | High-risk cases, to prevent progression |
Antiviral Agent | Oral | Outpatients at risk, under certain cases |
Janus kinase inhibitor | Pill | Reduces inflammation in the body |
Interleukin-6 receptor antagonist | Injection | Targets inflammatory response |
Corticosteroid | Steroid (pill/injection) | Lowers severe inflammation |
Convalescent plasma | Infusion | Offers antibodies for immune support |
Other therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies or plasma from people who have recovered, sometimes help those with weak immune systems.
Supportive care involves giving fluids, monitoring vital signs, and managing symptoms. Drug interactions with antivirals can occur, so medical teams review other medicines patients are taking.
Additional Details
- Information on convalescent plasma therapy is available for those considering immune-based treatments.
- Details about ECMO and other advanced care options are offered for patients with very serious illness.
- Not all medicines, such as hydroxychloroquine or ivermectin, are recommended for treating COVID-19.
- Always discuss new or emergency use treatments with a healthcare provider to understand risks and benefits.
Studies on New Treatments
Healthnile conducts clinical trials exploring new treatments, vaccines, and tests for COVID-19. Researchers focus on virology, spike protein targets, and assessing mRNA vaccines.
They also study pre-exposure prophylaxis and evaluate effectiveness against the Delta and Omicron variants.
Daily Habits and At-Home Relief
Getting extra rest and drinking more fluids can help the body recover. Over-the-counter medicine, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may ease pain, reduce fever, and soothe a sore throat.
Eating balanced meals, sleeping well, and practicing deep breathing or stretching can help the body heal and lower stress levels.
To limit the spread of infection, people with COVID-19 should stay away from others—this includes family, friends, and even pets. Following public health advice about quarantine or isolation keeps the community safe.
Staying connected with loved ones through phone or video calls can support mental health during separation. Parents who are breastfeeding can usually continue nursing, but should wash their hands and consider wearing a mask when close to the baby.
Additional Resources
- For Emotional Support: Talk to a healthcare provider or look for community groups.
- Quarantine Tips: Set a daily routine and keep busy.
- Pet Care: Limit contact and ask someone else to help, if possible.
Getting Ready for Your Medical Visit
Steps You Can Take
Patients visiting a health care provider for symptoms like flu, infections, or allergies should make some preparations. List your symptoms, no matter how minor or unrelated they seem.
Include details such as when they started and if they have changed over time.
Record recent travel, especially out-of-country trips, since these details may guide your doctor’s questions. Patients should also gather facts about their medical background, such as family history of cancer or allergies, and recent stresses or life changes.
Create a table like the one below to organize this information:
Information to Bring | Examples |
---|---|
List of symptoms | Cough, fever, rash |
Recent travel | Out-of-state, international |
Medicines and supplements | Prescription drugs, vitamins, dosages |
Key personal details | New diagnosis, big life events |
Patients who use patient assistance programs for their medicines should bring details of those programs. Write down any questions for the doctor, such as:
- Is this the flu, COVID-19, an allergy, or something else?
- Do I need special tests?
- Could cancer be a concern?
- Should I see a specialist or get extra help?
Bring only a close friend or family member if needed, but check if the clinic limits visitors.
How Your Health Care Provider Will Respond
The health care provider usually asks detailed questions. Expect to answer about when the symptoms started, their severity, and your medication history. The provider may ask about travels, people you live with, or close contacts, which helps rule out infections.
If you mention using any patient assistance program, bring documentation. If you have a history of allergies, cancer, or chronic illness, your doctor might ask extra questions to ensure a complete assessment.
Your doctor may also discuss recommended next steps, which could include testing for flu or COVID-19, or referring you to specialists.