What You Need to Know About COVID At-Home Tests and Self Testing (Part 1)

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According to CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), COVID self-testing, which is also often referred to as “at-home testing,” is one of the strategies that helps to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmissions. 

You can perform these tests at home before going to school, work, or any social gathering to make sure that you are not infected at the moment. They are purchased over-the-counter from your pharmacy or retailer. They also are easy to use and are equally indicative regardless of your vaccination status or the presence or absence of COVID-19 symptoms.

This is the first of two articles aimed to address the most common questions about COVID self-testing and to provide the most current and relevant information about available at-home tests and their use.

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How do COVID-19 At-Home tests work?

At-home tests come in a safe and convenient form of nasal swabs, which can be done anywhere. They can provide a result within 15-30 minutes. Because they are quick and convenient, these tests are also known as rapid tests.

All currently approved COVID self-tests are the “antigen tests” you hear about in the media. It means that they can detect the materials that a virus can leave behind, for example, the proteins. They don`t, however, recognize the virus`s actual generic material. Technically, it is like seeing animal fur on furniture and assuming a pet in the house.

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What is the difference between a PCR and Antigen COVID test?

Both PCR and Antigen testing start with a sample from the patient or participant. It can be a nasal swab or saliva sample.

However, PCR testing aims to detect the virus`s DNA in the sample through a polymerase chain reaction technique. This kind of testing provides a more accurate and definitive result but requires special equipment and a skilled lab technician to run them properly.

Antigen tests use lab-made antibodies to search for antigens from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Those are the substances that force our immune system to produce antibodies. The testing strip used in such tests binds to the antigen in a sample and indicates it with a colored stripe.

Antigen tests (i.e., rapid tests) are faster and easier to perform, but they are less sensitive and accurate than PCR testing. In other words, if the accuracy of PCR COVID tests approaches 100%, Antigen home testing, by comparison, identifies the infection in 72% of people with symptoms and 58% of people without symptoms.

How much do COVID At-home testing kits cost?

When COVID self-testing kits were first introduced to the general public, costs ranged between $25 and $50.   Currently, several brands of Antigen tests are available for about $20. Costs are higher for PCP tests

Self-testing kits may likely follow a similar price pattern as facemasks, which skyrocketed in price at the beginning of the pandemic, only to come down significantly and be made available to individuals in need of them in healthcare clinics and public places.

According to the latest statements of President Biden`s Administration, Americans will get access to over 150 million free home-testing kits during the holiday season. The tests will be available through local libraries, schools, and healthcare facilities.  

But before you head to your local library, it is recommended that participants call ahead because these facilities have limited storage space, and products are delivered in batch amounts. If the library doesn’t have a kit available and you cannot get to a facility to be tested, rapid kits can still be purchased from a retailer, such as your local pharmacy.

In addition, retail giants such as Walmart and Amazon announced the possible launch of low-cost COVID self-testing kits for travelers during the holiday season. You can purchase a single kit or a multipack containing several kits so you can use them as needed for yourself or to give to family members.

In the next article we will discuss the most popular at-home tests and how to use them.

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Third Vaccine Approved for Emergency Use Against Covid-19

Single Shot and No Extreme Refrigeration Needed

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a third vaccine for Emergency Use Authorization against Covid-19 for individuals 18 years old and older.

The FDA has determined the Janssen Covid-19 vaccine, produced by Johnson and Johnson, has met the statutory criteria for emergency use authorization, or EUA, and approved the vaccine on February 27, 2021. This vaccine requires only a single injection instead of the two injections required by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. In clinical trials, it was 100% effective against severe Covid-19 and death and 72% effective against Covoid-19. Although the latter rate is lower than the other two vaccines, it is still considered very effective, based on standards set by the FDA.

Also, this vaccine does not require extreme cold refrigeration like the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. This is good news for community clinics and rural areas previously unequipped to handle the storage requirements.

Updated: Rollout is expected to begin as early as Monday.

COVID-19 Vaccination for the Older Americans: Anticipated Timeframe and Perspectives

The first COVID-19 vaccines became available in the US by the end of 2020. However, because of poor logistics and administration, fewer than 10 million people had received their first doses by the middle of January 2021.
Due to the current shortage in the available doses and uneven demographics from state to state, vaccination priorities remain unclear in most of the country.


The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends prioritizing elderly citizens (75 y.o. +) as well as healthcare frontline and essential workers in the first wave of vaccination. However, vague instruction and a lack of federal guidance have led to confusion about vaccination priorities and perspectives.

The vaccination forecasts remain uncertain due to shipment and logistics issues. The limitations over healthcare workers and facilities that receive the vaccine are another crucial deterrent. As a result, most experts predict vaccination of the general public will not be possible until Summer 2021.
Still, not all American citizens are willing to get vaccinated immediately. According to the recent poll, 54% of older Americans would prefer to wait and see how others respond to the doses first.


At the same time, the efficiency of vaccination depends on the widespread participation of the public. Experts claim that the disease can`t be defeated until 90% of the population gets vaccinated.


That is why most state officials consider launching educational campaigns to explain the effect and importance of vaccination. But the pandemic has impacted most fiscal budgets, making these campaign initiatives tougher to implement.

USFDA Advisory Committee Meets to Discuss and Vote on Pfizer Vaccine for Emergency Approval

USFDA Advisory Committee Meets to Discuss and Vote on Pfizer Vaccine for Emergency Approval

With the United Kingdom’s recent rollout of the Pfizer/BionTech Covid-19 vaccine, and Canada expecting to follow suit before the end of December, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will meet today on whether the vaccine should be approved for use in the U.S.

The meeting consists of a panel of outside experts that advises the government. The experts will discuss the efficacy of the vaccine in terms of safety and effectiveness. One of the issues that is likely to be discussed is adverse allergic events and how to address them, after two nurses in the UK had severe allergic reactions to the vaccine.

There also will be a public hearing, followed by a committee discussion and vote.  The meeting is expected to take the entire day.

If the FDA clears the drug for use, the rollout for administration  could come as early next week.

Two UK Nurses Presented with Severe Allergic Reactions Following Administration of the Pfizer Covid-19 Vaccine

Just a day after the United Kingdom implemented its national rollout of the Pfizer/ Covid-19 vaccine, health officials warn people with a history of severe allergic reactions not to participate. This warning came after two nurses suffered an allergic reaction to the vaccine.

The nurses experienced an “anaphylactoid” reaction characterized by rashes and shortness of breath. Both nurses have a history of allergic reactions and carry an EpiPen, which is a device that looks like a fat pen and delivers a dose of epinephrine. People with severe allergic reactions keep EpiPens nearby for emergency use. Both nurses recovered quickly.

The UK health officials reacted immediately with the following guidance: those with significant allergies to food, medicine, and vaccines, should not take the Pfizer vaccine. There are no preservatives in the vaccine, so more studies will be needed to determine possible causes since the clinical trials did not study individuals with a history of severe allergies.

As other companies are also producing a Covid-19 vaccine, people with severe allergic reactions may tolerate one of the other vaccines. Meanwhile, in the US, the Food and Drug Administration will convene an expert panel meeting on December 10, 2020, to determine if emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine should be approved, given its high effectiveness rate. If approved, health officials are likely to disseminate similar warnings.

Preparing for COVID-19 in Nursing Homes and Long-term Care Facilities


Nursing homes and other long-term care facilities can take steps to assess and improve their readiness to respond to the novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has formulated a checklist for facilities to assist in the development of a comprehensive response plan that includes these key areas:


Rapid identification and management of ill residents

Considerations for visitors and consultant staff

Supplies and resources

Sick leave policies and other occupational health considerations

Education and training

Surge capacity for staffing, equipment and supplies, and postmortem care

This tool, in conjunction with other assessments, identifies strengths and weaknesses of a facility’s current preparedness efforts. It does not describe mandatory requirements or standards. Rather, it highlights important areas for facilities to review to in order to prepare for the possibility of residents testing positive for COVID-19.

Additional information is available on the CDC website.

This link will take you to the checklist: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/novel-coronavirus-2019-Nursing-Homes-Preparedness-Checklist_3_13.pdf

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You can also use this short-cut: bit.ly/2vB2gaW

Edited for clarification on April 1, 2020

Total Solar Eclipse and Eye Protection

The astronomical event of the year is almost here.

The total eclipse of the sun takes place on August 21, 2017.

Remember to p rotect your eyes and the eyes of your loved ones.  Make them aware that the sun can damage the eyes.

Make sure you have special glasses to view the eclipse.

Warning: If you intend on taking a picture with your cell phone,  use a solar filter appropriate for use with a camera (check with the manufacturer). Don’t, repeat– do not– attempt to take a picture by holding your cellphone up to the sun!

For info about the total eclipse, visit:

https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/

 

 

National Mental Health Awareness Month

MAY IS NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH.

Mental health is often referred to as behavioral health.  Whichever you prefer, get involved.

                UNDERSTAND, EDUCATE, OBSERVE, REACH OUT, TAKE ACTION!

What can you do:

  • Raise awareness and educate the public about various mental or behavioral health disorders.
  • Understand what it’s like to live with these conditions
  • Learn how to maintain good behavioral health and wellness.
  • Take action to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental illness.
  •  Know that suicide is a precursor to some forms of behavioral health problems, such as depression or drug abuse.  Be observant and reach out.

This year’s theme is Risky Business.  As a healthcare professional, learn to recognize habits and behaviors that increase the risk of developing or exacerbating a mental illness, or possible  signs of  a behavioral health problem. Examples of risk factors include

— prescription drug misuse

— internet addiction

— excessive gambling or spending

— risky sexual behaviors.

Mental health organizations across the country are sponsoring events to raise awareness.  Check with your local mental or behavioral health organization for information and how you can help.

 

New Year New Career!

(c) Can Stock Photo/michaeljung

Hi Everyone!

If you are interested in pursing a career in health care, maybe as a Certified Nursing Assistant, and have limited knowledge or experience about the occupation, please check out our new eBook, currently on Amazon.com.

It’s called The “How-to” Guide on Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant: Find a School, Pay for Training, Prepare for the Exam, Get a Job, Jump-start Your Career. Now through January 8, we are offering a sale on our Kindle version for .99 cents.  It’s our gift to help you get off to a great start for the New Year.

When you’re done, don’t forget to leave us feedback on Amazon and Goodreads! We would greatly appreciate it.

Enjoy!