How does social distancing prevent the spread of COVID-19?

It would be hard to find a man, woman, or child in the world these days who hasn't heard of social distancing. As this practice becomes more common, it can be easy to forget what exactly social distancing means and why it's so important to help slow the spread of COVID-19. TIB Diagnostics' professional team of board-certified emergency physicians and medical personnel is proud to offer fast, accurate, and reliable COVID-19 testing at our convenient locations in Burlingame, CA if you or a family member think they may have been exposed to the virus. In the meantime, it is essential that you follow social distancing guidelines and adhere to other recommendations made by the CDC to reduce the risk of contracting and/or spreading the coronavirus.

How does the coronavirus spread?

To understand why social distancing is such a beneficial practice, it helps to know a little more about how the virus spreads. COVID-19 is believed to be spread primarily through respiratory droplets expelled from a person's nose or mouth when they speak, laugh, cough, sneeze, cry, eat, or even breathe. In some cases, these droplets can survive on surfaces and also be transferred to an individual that way. More often, however, respiratory droplets expelled from an infected person are thought to enter the mouth, nose, or eyes of the uninfected person, either directly or indirectly through face-to-face contact.

What is social distancing?

Social distancing is a beneficial practice to prevent the spread of germs by keeping some space between you and those around you. In the case of COVID-19, the CDC recommends keeping at least six feet of distance between yourself and anyone around you, especially indoors. Social distancing significantly reduces the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19 by minimizing the transfer of respiratory droplets from one person to another. Because some COVID-19 patients may be completely asymptomatic, it is essential that social distancing and other safety measures are practiced whether or not a person has signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Coronavirus symptoms can vary from person to person; some infected patients are completely asymptomatic, while others develop severe symptoms and even life-threatening complications. Generally speaking, children have milder symptoms of COVID-19 than adults, although this is not always the case. Although not everyone with COVID-19 has an identical set of symptoms, some signs and symptoms are quite common in patients with COVID-19, including:

• Cough

• Fever

• Chills

• Fatigue

• Difficulty breathing

• Muscle aches

• Headache

• Loss of sense of taste and/or smell

To complicate matters further, especially as we enter flu season this year, many signs and symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to the flu. If you have symptoms consistent with the flu and/or COVID-19, it is important to go to the nearest emergency room in Burlingame, CA to get tested. Our two convenient TIB Diagnostics locations offer on-site testing for COVID-19 and influenza with no appointment required. We are proud to offer three advanced COVID-19 tests for the most accurate, fastest, and most reliable results possible, including:

BioFire PCR: A highly sensitive antigen test that is 97% accurate in identifying an active case of COVID-19 in as little as 2-3 days after exposure. Most patients receive their PCR test results the same day.

Sofia SARS Antigen: A nasal or throat swab test to identify active infections that usually gives results in less than an hour. Patients should be aware that this test is less sensitive than the PCR test and may produce a false negative result in some cases.

Antibody: A blood test to confirm the presence of antibodies against COVID-19, which means that the patient has already been infected or maybe currently infected with COVID-19. Antibody tests should be done at least ten days after exposure to COVID-19. Results are usually returned within a few hours.

Should I always wear a mask when social distancing?

The CDC recommends wearing a mask at all times indoors, around people who do not live in your household, when caring for infected patients or people at high risk, and when social distancing is not possible. is not possible. Even when you can maintain a safe distance of six feet or more between yourself and others, wearing a mask can provide an extra layer of protection for you and those around you.

How can I protect myself from the flu and COVID-19?

For influenza, patients are encouraged to receive an annual influenza vaccine, which is highly effective against the influenza virus and is available at both of our walk-in facilities. Because there is currently no vaccine or treatment available for COVID-19, following strict safety and hygiene measures is the best way to protect yourself from contracting the coronavirus. Fortunately, these practices are also extremely beneficial in curbing the spread of flu, colds, and other germs. To protect yourself against COVID-19 and the flu this season, use these tips and guidelines:

• Practice social distancing

• wear a mask

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

• Avoid group activities and large gatherings, especially indoors.

• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces

• Watch yourself and others for signs of illness.

• Eat a healthy diet, stay hydrated and get enough sleep to boost your immune system

• Get your flu shot

• Get tested for COVID-19 and/or the flu if you have suspicious signs or symptoms

Social distancing is working. Protect yourself and your family from COVID-19 in Burlingame, CA

There is plenty of evidence to support the huge benefit of social distancing as a way to prevent the spread of coronavirus. As we head into the holiday season, which typically features group dinners and family gatherings, it's essential that you take extra precautions to ensure proper social distancing and other safety measures. If you develop symptoms that you think are consistent with COVID-19, or believe you have been exposed to the virus, please visit one of our convenient TIB Diagnostics locations for a rapid COVID-19 test in Burlingame, California. Let's all continue to do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our friends, family, and loved ones safe and healthy.