+1. Same here. And no, I'm not going to change a longer-term pediatrician just because they don't do in-office Covid testing. They have valid reasons for choosing not to do so, even if it's inconvenient for us. And the PP has no way of knowing if "every" pediatric practice in their area administers rapid tests. |
Yep. We are in NoVA, too, and our pediatrician started doing rapid tests in January...but that does me no good, since daycare would require PCR. On top of that, I personally know more than a few people who were negative on rapid and positive on PCR. Those rapid results can’t be trusted. |
My DD came home with a stuffy nose and sneezing from school today. She is in a private kindergarten. They don't require a test for just those symptoms. She doesn't have school again until Monday. If her symptoms improve and no one else in the family gets sick, I won't get her tested. If they don't improve, I will call the pediatrician on Monday to get advice. No one in my family has gotten tested for COVID since it began. |
Not necessarily but unfortunately I would quarantine us (at least the unvaccinated ones) until it’s gone now. |
OK Just a PSA that PM Pediatrics (there are a few near the beltway) is open from 12pm to 12am, does rapid, rapid PCR (back the next day) and regular PCR (2 day turn around). It is the easiest thing ever. Our daycare requires a test for a runny nose. We have been tested there a few times this year. They also do parents, if necessary for work. |
This is quite long so I did a speed read but from what I can tell the CDC does not include "runny" or "stuffy" nose on the list of symptoms that should be used for screening:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/symptom-screening.html |
Yes, we have relied on PM Pediatrics for our testing, although we’ve never been offered a rapid PCR, just the regular PCR.. Last time, it was a 4 day wait, but that was back during the winter surge. They are great, by the way. |
It absolutely lists congestion and runny nose! Congestion is equivalent to stuffy. |
The rapid PCR is new, and only at certain locations. Oftentime insurance won't cover and you might need to pay for it, just FYI. And we need to send it out by 130pm to get same day results (if we do it later in the day, it's next day results and the results tend to come in around 8pm). The turnaround for regular PCR has been about 48 hours though, and is fully covered, so I don't see the true appeal of the Virant (rapid PCR) but many, many patients come in asking for it! |
You know they have rapid PCR tests now, right? |
You probably should have read the whole thing: Symptoms of COVID-19 People with COVID-19 have a wide range of reported symptoms – from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. Symptoms can include Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache New loss of taste or smell Sore throat Congestion or runny nose Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea This list does not include all possible COVID-19 symptoms. Children and adolescents with the virus that causes COVID-19 may experience any, all, or none of these symptoms. |
This is good to know- we want to drive to visit my fully vaccinated parents at some point later this spring, but daycare requires a test after any out of state travel (whereas if we hit up the boardwalk in OC, no test necessary!). Good to know the turnaround is quicker now. |
Maryland's screening guidance for daycares does not consider a runny nose by itself a symptom of COVID.
"For the purposes of this guidance, COVID-19-LIKE ILLNESS is defined as: Any one of the following: cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, new loss of taste or smell OR At least 2 of the following: fever of 100.4o or higher (measured or subjective), chills or shaking chills, muscle aches, sore throat, headache, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and congestion or runny nose." FFS, it's allergy season. I'm going to have a runny nose and sore throat for the next two months. |
Maybe you should have read the whole thing. While it is listed as a possible symptom of COVID, it is NOT listed as a symptom that should be used for screening or screening for keeping a child at home. |
Antigen tests show if you are infectious. CDC admitting that positive PCR with no symptoms likely not infectious - see guidance for vaccinated people who test positive. |