Quick Digest
- As of April 6th, 2020, there have been 10,230 positive cases in Texas with 2,341 cases in Harris County/Houston. 140 people have died as a result of COVID-19 in the state.
- COVID-19 symptoms can be mild and flu-like.
- It's essential to stay home right now, practice social distancing, and avoid gatherings of more than 10 people.
- Avoid the ER since it has the highest concentration of the virus.
- The CDC recommends wearing cloth face covering in public spaces, such as a grocery store, even if you are not showing symptoms
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How to Get Tested for Coronavirus in Houston, Texas?
For such a large city, Houston, Texas, is slightly behind in their coronavirus testing set up. However, the good news is, this is supposed to change within the next few days.
Governor Greg Abbott said they are trying to speed up the process so they can start testing by the end of the week.
Only those who meet the CDC criteria are tested. As of now, you can get tested at the following site, but be sure to call prior to confirm they can conduct a test:
- Legacy Fifth Ward, 3811 Lyons Ave.
- Legacy Montrose, 1415 California St.
- Legacy Southwest, 6441 High Star Dr
- My Family Doctor, 6430 Hillcroft Avenue
Legacy asks that you please call (832) 548-5226 first with any questions before arriving.
According to Spencer Solomon with My Family Doctor, “If you have no symptoms or have different symptoms or not in a high-risk category you will probably not receive the test. If you’re elderly or have chronic diseases you more likely to receive the test. If you are showing symptoms of the disease you are more likely to receive the test.”
See If You Meet Criteria for COVID-19 Screening
The CDC reports COVID-19 has an incubation period, which is a time between when you get infected and start to show symptoms. This incubation period is about five days. Even though you may not feel sick during these days, you can spread the virus to others. This is why it’s important to screen yourself, so you can self-quarantine if you believe you have the virus.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Have you traveled outside of the United States, specifically to these areas:
- China
- South Korea
- Italy
- Iran
- International Conveyance (the Diamond Princess)
- Have you or anyone you know been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19?
- Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Shortness of Breath
- Are you 60 years old or older?
If You Meet Criteria, You May Be Able To Get Tested.
If you answered yes to two or more of the self-screening questions above, you have a much higher chance of meeting the threshold for receiving a test.
Those who are believed to have the COVID-19 will receive a nose swab. This nose swab can be quite uncomfortable because it reaches deep into your nasal cavity.
A throat swab is also performed along with the collection of one lower respiratory specimen. To obtain the specimen, you have to rinse your mouth with water and cough deeply to produce sputum. The sputum must go directly into a sterile, leak-proof, screw-cap collection cup.
The specimens are sent to the Public Health Lab, which has been approved by the government for Coronavirus COVID-19 testing. There are only 40 labs in the U.S. that have been authorized so far.
How Long will The Results Take?
The specimens are put through a four-step process, which takes up to five hours. The current turnaround time for results is two to four days. Positive results are immediately reported to the doctor who submitted the specimens.
What To Do While Waiting for Results
- Practice social distancing to protect others in case you do have the virus.
- Take your temperature periodically throughout the day.
- Check for symptoms, especially coughing and shortness of breath.
- Stay home.
- It will take 14 days to recover from COVID-19, so self-quarantine yourself to avoid infecting others.
For additional information about COVID-19 in Houston, contact the City of Houston Health Department at 713-393-5169.
Healthcare Can Be Confusing, Here Are More Resources:
- How much does urgent care cost without insurance?
- Can my dogs get coronavirus?
- How to wash your hands properly?
- Everything you need to know about the Coronavirus
References:
Houston Chronicle- https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/coronavirus-live-updates-houston-texas-covid-19-15139795.php
Click2Houston- https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2020/03/18/private-clinic-in-southwest-houston-begins-drive-up-testing-for-coronavirus/
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