Tested Positive For COVID-19? Here’s How To Break The News

1. ucarehi.com Tested Positive For COVID-19? Here’s How To Break The News When you know for sure that you have been exposed to someone with COVID- 19 or you find out that you have tested positive yourself, it is important to let those who matter know about this development as soon as possible. But…how do I tell them? When do I tell them? And, who all should I inform? Questions like these are reasonable to contemplate, and it is okay to feel confused, vulnerable, or even afraid. We are all experiencing unparalleled times, after all! Read on as we guide you with an expert-backed framework on when and how to break the news to friends and family in a manner that is effective, honest, and less stressful.

2. ucarehi.com Make quarantine your #1 priority Dr. Shoja, Medical Director of Urgent Care Hawaii emphasizes the importance of quarantine. “If you have been tested for COVID-19 and are awaiting results, you should already be quarantined. Quarantine implies you may have been exposed or developed a disease, and we (health care providers) are monitoring to see if you become sick.” Focus on prompt and factual communication If you live with family or roommates, it is a good idea to let them know as early as possible. Dr. Shoja advises, “If you receive a positive COVID-19 test result, that’s when you need to notify your friends and family immediately. Those people will then have to start to quarantine and likely get tested as well.” Ideally, everyone who has been exposed to you must quarantine and monitor their symptoms closely. By sharing factual and confirmed news about your diagnosis promptly, you allow others to take better care of their well-being. They will also trust you better! Trace your recent contacts Fetch your phone, look up your calendars and recent dialed contacts; make a list of all those you might have personally met in the last two weeks before you first experienced the symptoms and/or decided to undergo COVID-19 testing. Urgent Care Hawaii’s Dr. Chris Dubuque says, “People infected with the virus start to be contagious 1-3 days before showing symptoms of being ill.” Have an honest conversation These conversations may be uncomfortable. People might have many questions aplenty, and it is okay if you don’t have answers or prefer not to dive into the details. Keep the communication open, honest, and to the point, and chances are that the conversation will be much easier than you would have imagined!

3. ucarehi.com Talk to your doctor via telemedicine According to Dr. Shoja, monitoring symptoms is critical: “If you experience any decline or significant changes, such as developing shortness of breath, chest pain, extreme fatigue, or other debilitating symptoms, you should contact your physician or visit the ER right away.” And, even if you don’t develop symptoms, you may be an asymptomatic carrier and could likely spread the infection to others. “The best way to determine if you need COVID-19 testing is to call your physician or schedule a telemedicine appointment at an urgent care clinic,” suggests Dr. Shoja. Urgent Care Hawaii offers leading telemedicine services in Hawaii, including COVID-19 counseling and drive-through COVID-19 testing. Seek help when needed If you live alone, now is the time to call up a family member or friend and fill them in; their support and care will go a long way in helping you deal with this. Focus on your health and well-being and don’t shy from seeking help when needed. In summary, communicate the news in a clear and timely manner with your loved ones, and importantly, with those you may have had close contact with. These are tough times, but remember, we are all in this together.