COVID-19 Testing And The 2nd Wave Of Coronavirus

With Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years on the way, it seems that we’re in for a second wave of coronavirus – possibly even bigger than the first. In fact, according to recent numbers, it seems that the second wave may already be here. Every state has increasing COVID-19 numbers, and the spread of the coronavirus may soon become uncontrollable. What does that mean for you?

COVID-19 Second Wave

Why is there a surge in COVID-19 numbers across the country, and what causes these spikes in numbers? Part of the reason is businesses reopening. In places such as bars, dine-in restaurants, clubs, and others, it’s very difficult to practice proper social distancing – which means that the virus spreads easily between people. In addition, the more people that don’t wear masks, the easier and faster the virus spreads due to infected droplets in the air. 

A surge is also expected due to the holidays. While the hot weather had no diminishing effect on the coronavirus, the holidays mean that more people will be traveling and spending time together. This means that a huge uptick in coronavirus cases is expected after Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. 

Can I Be Infected with COVID-19 Twice?

Since COVID-19 is so new, there is limited information about it, especially regarding things like reinfection. So far, it seems that reinfection – that is, becoming infected with COVID-19, recovering, then becoming infected again – is possible, but very rare. 

What Should I Do If There’s a COVID-19 Outbreak In My Community?

If there’s an outbreak of the coronavirus in your community, it’s very important for you to stay safe. The coronavirus is a serious respiratory illness that can have severe implications, especially for the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

Here are some tips for staying healthy during a COVID-19 outbreak:

• Social Distance: If you’re out in public, stay at least six feet away from other people, and minimize visiting with family and friends as much as you can — even if it means having to miss out on fun outings or family holidays. Staying healthy is more important, and social distancing is one of the best ways to ensure that you remain safe. If it’s not necessary, stay inside — save going out for only necessary errands.
• Wear a Mask: Wearing a mask helps to control the spread of the disease because it prevents droplets from spreading through the air. When everyone wears face coverings, the number of COVID-19 cases drops. Wear a mask whenever you’re in public.
• Wash and Sanitize Your Hands Frequently: Washing your hands thoroughly with soap is more effective than using hand sanitizer, but it obviously isn’t always possible when you’re outside. So make sure to bring a portable hand sanitizer with you whenever you venture out, and be sure to use it after you touch anything or shake anyone’s hand. To make the hand sanitizer as effective as possible, use enough to cover both hands and rub for at least 15 seconds.

Is COVID-19 Going Away?

With promising vaccines in the works, it seems that COVID-19 may be downgraded to a much smaller threat in the future — possibly as soon as May of 2021. However, until the vaccine is here, COVID-19 remains a large threat, and shows no possibility of going away on its own. That means that for the time being, social distancing and wearing masks are our way of life.

Getting Tested for COVID-19

If you’re planning on spending time with your family this holiday season, get tested for COVID-19 first so that you can rest assured you are not putting your family or friends at risk. Blue Star Diagnostics offers COVID-19 tests that will show if you have been exposed to the disease in the past 2 weeks, with results within 3-5 business days. We also offer rapid tests that will tell you if you have an active case of the virus and offer results within 30 minutes – however, this will not tell you if you are asymptomatic but still contagious. 

Make sure you can relax this holiday season and schedule a COVID-19 test now by calling (469)-656-7999, or schedule a test online on our website.