Why you should inform people about a COVID+ diagnosis
After over two years of living with the SARs-CoV-2 virus, many scientists have come to the fore and suggested that the pandemic may be finally coming to an end. Even though new variants continue to emerge, experts are of the opinion that the virus is unlikely to take a severe turn.
Earlier, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that after a two-and-a-half years-long struggle, the world is now in a good position to end the pandemic. "But it is still a long way off, and the tunnel is still dark, with many obstacles that could trip us up if we don't take care," he had said.
That said, while we can take a sigh of relief, we should not lower our guard. It is still important to take precautionary measures, still important to isolate when one tests positive for the virus and most importantly, it is extremely crucial that you inform people who have come in close contact with you about your diagnosis.
Milder infection does not mean you let your guard down
Over time, COVID-19 has become milder and easier to manage. During the second wave of coronavirus, the Delta variant wreaked a lot of havoc, causing severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, low blood oxygen levels and more. Now with the Omicron, COVID has almost started resembling a common cold or a flu infection. Sore throat, blocked or runny nose, fatigue, body ache are some of the most frequently reported symptoms. But does it mean that you let your guard down? Experts say absolutely not!
Although COVID has taken a milder turn, it still has a high transmissibility rate. What's worse? Omicron variant and its subvariants are more efficient at evading both natural and vaccine-induced immunity, which has led to increased reinfection and breakthrough cases respectively.
Inform people at the earliest
It is okay to not want to tell everybody if you test positive for COVID-19. But it is important that you notify those who have come in close contact with you. Some people choose to wait it out until the test reports arrive, others decide to inform earlier, which is what you should do. Surely you would want to be sure of your diagnosis, but if it has reached a point where you have decided to test yourself, it is best to alert people so they can curb the spread by isolating themselves.
Experts recommend notifying friends and family as soon as you develop symptoms. Irrespective of what the test results are, whether you have COVID or flu, it is important that you stop the spread of any infectious disease.
Whom to tell
If you test positive or develop symptoms, inform people who were within six feet of distance indoors or within arm’s reach outdoors, masked or unmasked. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends informing anyone who were around you for 15 minutes or more during a 24-hour period.
People who are at an increased risk should be notified
As is known, anyone can contract COVID-19. However, those with pre-existing health conditions including diabetes, heart diseases, obesity and immunocompromised people are at an increased risk for getting very sick from COVID-19. This is why, if you test positive for COVD, you must inform those who fall under the high risk groups of people, so they can take prior measures.
How to tell people?
Sharing the news about your COVID diagnosis can be overwhelming and can make you extremely uncomfortable. However, it is something that is necessary. This does not mean you have to tell everybody. Those who came in close contact with you should be alerted immediately.
If you prefer texting over call, then go for it. Do not hesitate to be straightforward. Let them know about your tests and the symptoms you're experiencing. Keep it factual and let them know why you felt the need to inform them. It is likely that you feel guilty and therefore obligated to apologize. However, getting infected with COVID is not something that can be prevented wholly. The most that you can do is take necessary precautions and avoid contact if you're experiencing flu-like symptoms.
Most importantly, get your vaccinations on time!
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