A little over a week ago my husband and I were at the beach, and he came down with a head cold. We chalked it up to a classic summer cold. We’ve all had one. We got home and a few days later it turned into a classic sinus infection. He’s had a sinus infection, at least once a year since I’ve known him. He called his doctor to get put on a Z-Pac. After many years he knows exactly what he needs. She said, “You need to get tested. You may have COVID.”
“Seriously? I don’t have any symptoms. It’s my classic, yearly sinus infection. My breathing is fine.”
We had a wedding coming up that weekend, so to be safe he scrambled to get a rapid test.
Where do you even go? Pharmacy? Testing site? It’s been a minute since we’ve had to think about COVID testing. We’re vaccinated. Isn’t this nightmare over?
He masked up and went to the closest Urgent Care … and he was positive! We were shocked. Nailed by DELTA! I, of course, caught his head cold, so I got tested. I was positive. Two positives don’t make a negative.
While I was getting my rapid test at Urgent Care the nurse mentioned there were 100 people tested that week, up 100% from the week prior. I overheard a man in the next stall, in for COVID testing, and said he was in contact with 6 people who had tested positive. In Pennsylvania, all but two counties are labeled “substantial transmission” or “high transmission” areas by the CDC as of Monday. So, evidence says DELTA has plans my friends.
My husband I are were vaccinated as early as possible, about 5 months ago. So, I assume our vaccine was waning and this Delta variant is way more contagious compared to what we were dealing with last winter. During the pandemic when our 21- and 23-year-old’s were home we (shockingly) never got COVID. After lockdown and into the winter they were out and about, seeing friends and not nearly as careful as we would have liked. But not one of us got the virus during that time. I would lecture to them about bringing the virus home and getting us sick. But it never happened. So, we were shocked when we tested positive.
I’m a nerd and listen to podcasts and keep updated on COVID so, I do realize you can get it if you’re vaccinated. But honestly since we were vaccinated only 5 months ago, and this area has a high vaccination rate, I truly thought we were safe. Nope! And apparently cold symptoms and the DELTA variant of COVID symptoms are remarkably similar.
My main takeaways…
If you have symptoms get tested! Vaccinated or not if you have the slightest symptom get tested. Stuffy nose? Could be COVID. Runny nose? Could be COVID. Sore throat? Could be COVID. Stomach upset? Could be COVID. We need to stop this thing, no one wants to get sick, and you don’t want to get anyone else sick. I think we can all agree on that!
Being vaccinated can be a powerful tool for keeping you from getting very sick from COVID. Before getting the vaccine, I was worried about my husband getting COVID because he has asthma. We had friends who got very sick last year. Sadly, we know people who died from COVID. It was a relief that he had a mild case. And for me it felt like a bad cold/mild flu for 3 days. We lost our sense of taste and smell around day 5. It wasn’t nothing, I wouldn’t want it again, but it wasn’t the worst thing in the world and we’re recovering.
The vaccine may be wearing off but it’s also doing the job. I was the only person in contact with my husband that got COVID. I know, lucky me! He was in the same house for the weekend with his parents, his sister, and her family. He played golf with several friends and ate indoors with them. Thankfully, not one of them, all vaccinated, got COVID. That suggests the vaccine prevented the people he was in contact with from getting sick. Except me. For better or worse!
Thanks to all our fam and friends who checked up on us over the last 10 days!!
P.S. This is not political, just my experience and my humble opinion. I know not everyone agrees on getting vaccinated. My brother and I have very different views and we have coffee regularly so we’ve agreed to disagree.
P.S.S. Make sure you know the costs before you get tested. You can call your insurance company and ask. PCR tests should be covered if you have symptoms. Rapid Tests may not be covered. Every insurance company and each testing facility is different. * PA Department of Health regarding testing and costs.
COVID Testing on the Main Line of Pennsylvania:
Rite Aid
Schedule online with screening
Rapid and PCR Testing
Cost: PCR should be free but based on insurance
Drive-thru: You’ll receive your results within 2-5 days via the email you provided at registration. If positive, a health care worker will call you.
Mail-in: Return your kit with free overnight return shipping the same day you take your sample. Get results within 2 business days of your kit arriving at the lab.
At-home: Results within 15 minutes. Recommended to test twice within 3 days at least 36 hours apart.
CVS
Schedule online with screening
Rapid and PCR Testing
Cost: PCR should be free but based on insurance
MinuteClinic uses multiple types of COVID-19 testing. Most rapid-result testing locations perform antigen testing. Limited rapid-result locations and all drive-thru lab testing locations perform PCR/NAAT testing. You can choose to pay for your test with a debit/credit/FSA/HSA card with no screening required. The cost for lab testing is $139, which includes $100 for the independent laboratory that processes your test and $39 for your MinuteClinic visit.
Walgreens
Schedule online with screening
Rapid and PCR Testing
Cost: should be free but based on insurance
Gladwyne Health Mart Pharmacy
Schedule online with screening, Free
PCR: Results will be available 3 to 5 business days after your test
This program is part of the public-private partnership announced on March 13, 2020. eTrueNorth is working with HHS, state and local officials, and pharmacy and lab partners to open testing sites in areas of need. The test is FREE to those individuals being tested.
Patient First
Devon
No Appointment Necessary, Walk-Ins
Rapid and PCR Testing
AFC Urgent Care
Havertown
Schedule online
Rapid Test- May not be covered by insurance ($159 out of pocket)
PCR test- Telemedicine fee may not be covered by insurance but PCR test should be covered
IM Health Urgent Care
Wayne
If you have symptoms insurance may pay for screening. With no symptoms costs below:
RT-PCR screening test – $100
Rapid only – $150
RT-PCR and Rapid – $150
Rapid Antibody test – $50
Testing for children
CHOP
Schedule online with screening
Cost: Testing is free but may be a co-pay depending on insurance
In the evenings and on weekends, COVID-19 testing is offered at Haverford and King of Prussia
PM Pediatrics
Wayne, Wynnewood, Springfield
Covid testing for children and young adults through age 26 and the caretakers who accompany them.
Rapid and PCR
Copay at the time of service with participating insurance. A claim will be submitted to your insurance to determine your individual financial responsibility
Patients with Non-Participating Commercial Insurance or Medicare:
Cost: PCR: $65/ Rapid Test: $100
TESTING SITES/KITS
15 To Know
Multiple Locations
Schedule online, no screening
Binax Now Rapid Test: $49
Rapid PCR- $225
Abbott ID Now Rapid Test: $125
At home Kits
The average time to deliver results is currently 1-2 days from when your sample is received at the lab.
So glad that you have the media power to tell your story, Regina – my husband and I as well, after a year and a half of utter caution. Keep spreading the good word! BB
So glad that you have the media power to tell your story, Regina – my husband and I as well, after a year and a half of utter caution. Keep spreading the good word! BB
View lessThanks Beke! It’s a cautionary tale and I hope it makes an impact. After 18 months no one should be getting sick.
Thanks Beke! It’s a cautionary tale and I hope it makes an impact. After 18 months no one should be getting sick.
View lessYou can also use the Montgomery county testing sites if you live or work in the county. They are still open.
https://www.montcopa.org/3744/COVID-19-Testing
You can also use the Montgomery county testing sites if you live or work in the county. They are still open.
View lesshttps://www.montcopa.org/3744/COVID-19-Testing
Thank you!
Thank you!
View lessThe vaccine originally was designed to prevent serious illness and hospitalization. It’s still doing that for the most part. So no one should be surprised about breakthrough infections. And the Delta variant is 1000 times more contagious than previous variants.
Masking and avoiding crowds is still vital.
You started your article by asking is this over. It is most definitely not over.
View moreThe vaccine originally was designed to prevent serious illness and hospitalization. It’s still doing that for the most part. So no one should be surprised about breakthrough infections. And the Delta variant is 1000 times more contagious than previous variants.
Masking and avoiding crowds is still vital.
You started your article by asking is this over. It is most definitely not over. It will only subside when everyone is vaccinated. But many scientists feel it will never be complexly over. We will learn to live with regular vaccinations and hopefully a less aggressive version for f this virus.
View lessI agree. I knew that it was possible to get a breakthrough case but I don’t think people think it’s as common as it is becoming. And as I said, since we were vaccinated we did not get very sick so it’s doing the job! That’s why I shared my story. Thanks for your comment!
I agree. I knew that it was possible to get a breakthrough case but I don’t think people think it’s as common as it is becoming. And as I said, since we were vaccinated we did not get very sick so it’s doing the job! That’s why I shared my story. Thanks for your comment!
View lessDear Regina,
Glad you both are moving to recovery! It is scary and glad you put this article out! We all must stay vigilant!
Dear Regina,
Glad you both are moving to recovery! It is scary and glad you put this article out! We all must stay vigilant!
View lessThanks Gail!
Thanks Gail!
View lessThank you Regina for article and testing list…. so helpful and eye opening! Sorry you were breakthroughs…. glad not severe! The 1000 times more transmittable comment from Dr. Spear speaks volumes!
Thank you Regina for article and testing list…. so helpful and eye opening! Sorry you were breakthroughs…. glad not severe! The 1000 times more transmittable comment from Dr. Spear speaks volumes!
View lessI agree!! Thanks for your comment!
I agree!! Thanks for your comment!
View lessSo glad to see a chronology of what steps to take when you “suspect” you may have the DELTS virus. More contagious viruses are on the way. Your practical, commonsense and a-political message was great to read as it shows what responsible people do when they are thinking of their health, and the health of others, especially if they are planning to congregate with a group of other persons. I hope
View moreSo glad to see a chronology of what steps to take when you “suspect” you may have the DELTS virus. More contagious viruses are on the way. Your practical, commonsense and a-political message was great to read as it shows what responsible people do when they are thinking of their health, and the health of others, especially if they are planning to congregate with a group of other persons. I hope you both recover quickly and help up others in similar conditions.
View lessUnfortunately it may be happening more often. Thank you for your comment!
Unfortunately it may be happening more often. Thank you for your comment!
View lessMy daughter had Covid in oct 2020, was vaccinated this summer. Now a very selfish girl, friend of a friend, who refused to get vaccinated despite being a nurse at Jefferson, brought Covid into the group and so far everyone of them has tested positive. Delta is a very serious threat. Be careful.
My daughter had Covid in oct 2020, was vaccinated this summer. Now a very selfish girl, friend of a friend, who refused to get vaccinated despite being a nurse at Jefferson, brought Covid into the group and so far everyone of them has tested positive. Delta is a very serious threat. Be careful.
View lessThank you so much for this information. So glad you and your husband are recovering. Hope more people pay attention and are responsible for themselves and others.
Thank you so much for this information. So glad you and your husband are recovering. Hope more people pay attention and are responsible for themselves and others.
View lessThanks for your note!
Thanks for your note!
View less