COVID TASKFORCE UPDATE

NOVEMBER 6, 2020

We have seen a marked increase in COVID cases and hospitalizations throughout the State of Idaho this week. Valley County is no different. This week we wanted to share some practical resources on testing, symptom identification and a candid, heartfelt reminder to do your part from one of the amazing St. Luke’s ICU nurses on the front lines.

COVID-19 testing locator

Know the Symptoms

respiratory-illness-symptoms-chart-coronavirus-flu-cold-allergies

helpful covid info:

Caring for someone with COVID

When to quarantine? stay home if you have been exposed.

Symptom self-checker (cdc)

Fact-checking covid myths

COVID Q+A

QUESTION: Is a face shield as effective as wearing a cloth mask or face covering?

ANSWER: No.

A face shield is not as effective as wearing a cloth mask. Face shields should be used in very rare occasions when there is some medical condition that does not allow them to wear a mask – these are very few reasons. A face covering should fit snugly over the top your nose and go below the mouth.

QUESTION: What is antibody testing and what does it mean if I received positive antibody results?

ANSWER: There are several types of tests currently available.

A diagnostic test can show if you have an active coronavirus infection and should take steps to quarantine or isolate yourself from others.

An antibody test looks for antibodies that are made by your immune system in response to a threat, such as a specific virus. Antibodies can help fight infections. Antibodies can take several days or weeks to develop after you have an infection and may stay in your blood for several weeks or more after recovery. Because of this, antibody tests should not be used to diagnose COVID-19. At this time researchers do not know if the presence of antibodies means that you are immune to
COVID-19 in the future.

covid testing basics