Quote:
Originally Posted by Wild Coyote
Hi Bizi!
I am sorry Jeff has some respiratory symptoms. I hope he will call his doctor.
Yes, there are many reports on false negatives. As I understand this (I am not a health professional): Initially the false negative rate was thought to be 15%. Later on, the false negative rate is considered to be 50%.
It's likely you should both get re-tested. Please consult with your doctor. 
Personally, I'd consult my doctor for a better inhaler option for Jeff.
You may want to obtain (or arrange for) any items you may need in your home should you both become very ill.
As with any respiratory virus, Vit C and zinc are important.
Zinc: Use some caution. It is thought that zinc inhibits viral replication in the pharynx/pharyngeal region. Low dose zinc is often found in cough drops/throat lozenges/syrup. Zinc in a drop/lozenge/syrup is best because it bathes the oral cavity /pharynx with zinc. This is not a case of a high dose of zinc will be more helpful. The daily upper limit on zinc, for an adult, is 40 mg. and one can easily reach this daily limit if using drops/lozenges/syrups containing zinc. Generally, items containing zinc will inform you of how many mg of zinc per unit. (for example: One cough drop might contain 2 mg. zinc.)
Zinc can be toxic, can have interactions and daily upper limits vary by age. Please refer to this link for info on zinc:
Zinc - Consumer
(Some utilize homeopathic doses of zinc. I have never seen any science on this; however, there might be scientific info available.)
There is some anecdotal/controversial info re: Vit D in coronavirus. This refers to the Vitamin D level determined by a blood test. If this is helpful, it would be most effective if a recommended level of Vit D is reached prior to exposure to the virus. If you have a low Vit D level, please be careful about taking any high doses of Vit D. Vit D is NOT water soluble and can be toxic. Carefully research and/or consult your doctor/pharmacist.
NONE of these nutrients will cure the virus. They may or may not inhibit viral replication and may or may not assist in minimizing the effects of cytokine storms. There is plenty of info on each of these nutrients on the web.
Please plan ahead and take excellent care! 
Much Love 
*** I am NOT a medical professional. Always consult with your doctor and/or pharmacist. *** |
As WC wisely points out, these current tests are not especially good. A negative result does not rule out the illness. So, re-testing may be required. Sometimes, multiple times.
I do not know this sick person, obviously, or you very well at all, but please, remember, both flu and COVID-19 can progress extremely rapidly. As can other forms of viral and bacterial pneumonia. So, please pay close attention to how he is getting along. Any question, and ask for help is my counsel.
I had a bacterial pneumonia as a perfectly healthy second-year dermatology reident. My wife, an RN, was out of town, so I was alone. Somehow, my dad showed up at my door. I had apparently called he and mom and was not making much sense. When they got me to the ED, my O2 sats were 84% on room air. Not good. I was hypoxic. One of the first things you learn in general surgery school no matter where it is, is that hypoxic inpatients, frequently elderly folks after an operation or trauma of some sort, usually present clinically with confusion. 9 times out of 10, this situation is resolved by quickly checking an O2 sat. It will almost always be low.
Anyhoo, just a brief anecdote about community-acquired pneumonia. It is no joke. I have never been so sick in my entire life. Took about four months to be able to jog a little again. Sending strength and support your way.