Two weeks ago, I was tested for the SARS-CoV2 virus. The test came back positive with the caveat that they were seeing 10% false positives. I had no symptoms at the time. Now, 15 days after the initial test, I am still symptom free. Of the people who eventually show symptoms, onset after 14 days occurs in only 1% of the people. Dr. Fauci says 20% to 40% of the infected people never show symptoms. These mostly are young people. I am not young.
Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the uncertainty I cannot change, the courage to reduce the uncertainty I can and the wisdom to know the difference.
paraphrase of Rheinhold Niebuhr’s Serenity Prayer
I will need to test negative twice at least a day apart before my doctors will see me again. I’ve scheduled the first with my primary physician. It’s the very uncomfortable nasopharyngeal specimen, so courage will be needed. I’m scheduling the second through the local health department, so a different lab from the initial test and the first retest.