Not Everyone Wants to Get Tested for COVID

If testing positive for COVID-19 means potentially losing your job, would you still get tested?

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By Daphne Lee, News Editor If testing positive for COVID-19 means potentially losing your job, would you still get tested? Today's Top Story Testing Hesitancy, Explained Rigorous testing is crucial for limiting the spread of COVID-19, but not everyone is eager to get tested. The fear of getting a positive result may stop people from doing a nose swab, even if they have at-home test kits handy.   Not everyone has the luxury to stay home for five days. For people who don't have guaranteed paid sick leave, testing positive for COVID could mean missing a chunk of their paycheck. Some workers might even get fired for it.   Kristin Urquiza, the founder of Marked By COVID, a grassroots organization that advocates for better public health policies, said that she's run into many people who are test-hesitant because they worry about job security.   "My grandparents were immigrants, and there was always this sort of ingrained philosophy of 'you work really hard, and you don't take time off, you make the boss happy, so that you don't get fired,' because you're expendable," Urquiza said. Know More As some states are lifting mask mandates, getting tested becomes even more important in reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The CDC recommends testing as soon as you have any symptoms, or three to five days after you're exposed to someone with COVID-19. Feel Better Workers should educate one another about their rights and how to advocate for themselves, Urquiza said. Check your state labor law in regards to paid sick leave and protection against discrimination for those recovering from COVID-19 and know what's legally required of your company. READ MORE Some people aren't just over wearing masks, but they might also be tired of hearing about their importance. A recent survey suggested that there's more of a concern around "message fatigue" after two years of intense media coverage of COVID-19. Researchers said that using more visuals or social media platforms like TikTok might help to re-engage the public. Can You Use a Frozen COVID Test? If your package of COVID test kits have been sitting outside in freezing temperatures, you might have to make sure the tests still work properly. Bring the tests inside and let them come back to room temperature for at least two hours before using them. Make sure the control line is showing up where it's supposed to be before you get swabbed. These test kits can sustain the cold pretty well, but they're much more likely to disintegrate if exposed to heat. READ MORE Vitamin D May Reduce Autoimmune Disease Risk There are no known cures or preventions for any of the 80 autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and lupus, despite improving treatment options. A new study suggested that taking 2,000 IU of vitamin D per day could reduce the risk of autoimmune disease by 22%. This study only involved participants aged 50 and above, but researchers will try to test whether the results can be replicated in younger adults as well. READ MORE     In an interview with Verywell, Christopher Scuderi, DO, said that rapid tests may not be able to detect the coronavirus if your viral load is initially too low. If you are symptomatic and have had a negative rapid at-home test, consider repeating it or scheduling a PCR test to verify it is truly negative. This is especially important if you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and you are currently symptomatic. Christopher Scuderi, DO Family Physician at University of Florida Health in Jacksonville   In Other News   ■ Why the Quad Revolution in Women's Figure Skating Is a Tragedy. The Washington Post     ■ Don't Nurse That Moscow Mule—It Could Be a Health Hazard. Kaiser Health News     ■ Harrowing Photos of NYC's First 'Vegan Friday' Meals. Eater More From Verywell Do At-home COVID-19 Test Kits Expire? READ MORE What Causes Pain Between the Shoulder Blades? READ MORE Order Your Free COVID Test From the Government READ MORE   How'd we do? If you have any feedback, send us a note at   feedback@verywell.com.       You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Verywell Health newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here.   A DOTDASH MEREDITH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2022 verywellhealth.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy