A: Persons with the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread the virus 5 days prior to showing symptoms, if they show symptoms at all. It is most accurate for you to get tested by a nasal swab (PCR-type test that goes to a large laboratory) between 5 and 10 days after exposure. Rapid tests currently available are designed to test persons WITH symptoms within the first 5 days of symptom onset.

A: Some people do not have any symptoms, but can still spread the virus for 10 to 14 days. The common symptoms for persons that do have them are: Fever or chills, Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Fatigue, Muscle or body aches, Headache, New loss of taste or smell, Sore throat, Congestion or runny nose, Nausea or vomiting, and Diarrhea. Most people do not have a single symptom from the list, but instead have 2 or more at the same time. See CDC Symptoms of Coronavirus.

A: We do offer antibody testing through major labs. Antibody testing is best done at least 4 weeks after recovery and before 4 months have passed. The current publically available tests typically test for IgG antibodies (late antibodies). Some labs offer IgM antibody testing (early antibodies), but these are much less accurate. Many persons that have had and recovered from COVID-19 have noted that their antibodies have become undetectable after 4 months. This does not mean that they are no longer immune to the virus. Immunity is complex. One portion of the immune system is called cell mediated immunity. To date, there is not a test for this longer type of immunity. We do not yet know the time period of immunity after recovery, therefore a vaccine, when available, is highly recommended even for recovered persons.

A: Yes, we are currently offering the moderna vaccine by appointment only.

A: We began mandating masks of all staff and patients in early March 2020, well before the CDC recommendation was made. At that time, we also started triaging every person (patient, staff, delivery persons) prior to entering the Clinic. We have continued this practice. All persons with any of the recognized symptoms are seen virtually. If testing for COVID-19 is indicated, our staff come to your vehicle to collect nasal swabs. Staff wear full PPE (personal protective equipment) to collect the swab. All potentially infected gear is disposed of in biohazard containers. For patients that physically come into the Clinic, masks are required. Exam rooms and related equipment are thoroughly cleaned between each patient. Adequate air flow through the Clinic has been tested and air filtration is achieved by electrostatic HEPA filtration. Alcohol hand cleaning gel dispensers are placed in every room and office. Touchless dispensers are at the entry and exit locations. Any staff with questionable symptoms stay home and quarantine until testing results are negative. This often leaves us short staffed, but ensures the safety of our patients and other staff.

A: Yes. We have onsite rapid testing which costs $45. This typically takes 15 minutes once the test is started. All negative test specimens are sent to an external lab for PCR testing to ensure negative results. Please note that this service is not covered by insurance.