Surge in Coronavirus and My Own Experience with Testing

KC Bellin, RN, MSN, Certified Care Manager • October 21, 2020

Getting a test is easy and can be reassuring. 

I am sure the majority of the population has at a minimum, heard of someone who has contracted the novel coronavirus infection. Perhaps you have had contact with a positive person, or were in close proximity to someone who is infected. You may be wondering, what should I do now? What is next? I wanted to share my personal experience with testing, and what can and should be done if you find yourself in a situation where you are not sure what to do. I found myself in this situation after a family member was exposed to coronavirus. Being that I work in healthcare, it was important to follow the proper protocol and make sure I myself was not infected. 

Where can you go to get tested?

• There are various testing sites, but Sparrow in Ionia has been phenomenal in their procedure and set-up for this. Sparrow does not require a doctors order, and it is a drive up style system. You will give your demographic information to the nurses available, and they will promptly do the test and send you on your way. Results are available within 24-48 hours, although realistically it appears to be closer to 30 hours.

• Other facilities may offer testing but it will be more inconvenient, as you will need an order and most places require an appointment for testing. If you are headed to a specific facility, this may be easier, however.

What does the procedure feel like? 

• I would be lying if I told you the thought of a deep nasal swab is not somewhat deterring for getting tested. However, the procedure is quick and worth the visit.

• The healthcare professional will have you blow your nose and I found it to be more comfortable to tilt my head back onto the head rest as I closed my eyes. A nasal swab is inserted into one nostril and this took approximately 5 seconds.

• Was it a pleasant feeling? No. However, the best description I can give is to compare it to when water has entered your nose and it feels uncomfortable. They will warn you that your eyes might water, but mine did not. It was quick. It was worth getting done. I would not choose to have this test completed daily, but if I had to have it done again, I would not hesitate.

• I signed all of their paperwork, and drove off. It was that simple.
What is the benefit of having it done?

• If you have been exposed to coronavirus, this test helps you know whether or not you need to quarantine, or not. While you can choose to stay home for 14 days, I feel the peace of mind to know one way or the other is beneficial. If negative, you will have not spent additional days at home for no reason.

• Additionally, if you were in contact with others, they too may want to be tested, and will be able to have that done in a reasonable time. What to do during the period between testing and getting results?

• Sparrow recommends that you continue to practice safe social distancing, wear a mask, and limit exposure if at all possible. Those who have symptoms or feel ill need to stay home indefinitely, until results are given.

• Sign up for the portal of that facility if you haven’t already. This makes getting results much smoother and faster. 

• Alert your work facility and quarantine until you get results (this has been the hardest for people to follow, yet it is extremely important)

I’m positive, now what?

• You will likely receive a phone call from the lab staff once your results are ready. They will give you all the instructions you need and the health department may even reach out to answer any additional questions you may have afterwards.

• If you find yourself in the quarantine boat, relax and know you are not alone. The CDC has recommended that from the day you test positive, you need to quarantine for 10 days. If you notice your symptoms have not yet resolved (if you even had any), you will need to extend your quarantine to 14 days.

• If positive, you should alert those you came in contact with. Those who came in direct contact with you should also quarantine for 14 days, and if they choose, get tested (once they test negative, their quarantine is lifted).  

Overall, the process for testing was fairly seamless and I was glad I went. I did test negative, and was able to get back into my normal routine. If you are on the fence about testing, or are just worried about the testing procedure itself, rest easy knowing it is simple, and you will be fine. Take a deep breath, and go get tested to keep yourself and the rest of the public safe.
As of 10/20/20, the total number of Covid cases in Ionia county is 547. To get the latest updates on county numbers, visit https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus.

Make sure you continue to wear a mask and social distance appropriately. If you have additional Covid related questions, you can call our office, or the Ionia County Health Department.

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