With the increase in the number of people affected by COVID-19 in France and around the world, you may be increasingly concerned about the risks you will be running, especially if you do not feel safe. form. It is unlikely that you will contract this disease unless you have been in close contact with an infected person or have been in an affected area. Currently, the epidemic is raging in France and it is possible to take a diagnostic test easily. If in doubt, consult your doctor who will help you decide what to do to manage the situation or go to a CHU (University Hospital Center), a laboratory, or find a mobile unit. You can also contact the information hotline on 0 800 130 0 (free call) or 15 if you are returning from an infected area.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: find a location or take the test
Step 1. Go to a University Hospital Center
In France, there are different types of tests: the virological RT-PCR tests consist of a nasal or saliva sample, there are also the serological tests ELISA, TROD, TDR and antigenic tests. Here is the list of tests validated by the Ministry of Solidarity and Health. Here is the Santé.fr search engine which allows you to find the screening center closest to you.
You can take an RT-PCR test without having to justify your approach. Since July 24, 2020, in France, it is no longer necessary to present a prescription or have symptoms. This test is fully reimbursed. This test is not pleasant, a long cotton swab (swab) is pushed up to 15 cm in one nostril. It only lasts a few seconds, but is sometimes painful. You should have the results within 24 hours, but it can be up to 3 days, depending on the number of people tested
Step 2. Go to a lab
In October 2020, the number of positive cases is sharply increasing in France, so there are often many people queuing in front of the doors of the laboratories, which has led to a prioritization of the tests.
- To perform a laboratory test, priority is given to people with symptoms, who have been in contact with a sick person, have a prescription or are part of the medical profession (or related).
- If your RT-PCR test is positive, the Health Insurance will contact you in order to start a contact investigation”to identify the people you may have infected.
- If an infected person has been in contact with you, agents from the Regional Health Agency or Health Insurance will likely contact you. You will therefore have to isolate yourself by taking your temperature several times a day and you will have to take a test within 7 days. You may be given sick leave. If you live in the same house as an infected person, you will need to be tested within 24 hours.
Step 3. Search for a mobile unit
In Ile de France, there are about twenty in October 2020, in the provinces, it will be more difficult to find one.
- Rescuers belonging to approved associations, caregivers, nurses, firefighters and students (in health) are authorized to take a sample.
- The tests can also be done in your vehicle (on an outpatient basis).
Step 4. See your doctor
We cannot say it enough, in the event of a health problem, the first person to contact you is… your doctor! Guides and tutorials, no matter how reliable, will never replace the verdict of a healthcare professional.
Your doctor will be able to recommend how to act, protect yourself and your family and friends. He may even recommend that you do a saliva test, a procedure validated in France on September 18, 2020. However, their reliability seems to be lower (80%) than PCR tests (90 to 95%) for the moment
Step 5. Take a test at home
Saliva tests that can be performed at home with good efficiency are starting to appear on the market, they are generally not reimbursed. You receive the material within 24 hours, return your sample, the analysis is performed within 24 hours and you receive the result by email. For example, the Axiotis test.
Part 2 of 3: Knowing the symptoms
Step 1. Detect fever by monitoring your temperature
The majority of people with COVID-19 have had a fever. Their body temperature exceeded the value of 37 ° C, which is considered normal. Your value may be slightly higher or lower than this value. The way to take an accurate measurement is to use a medical thermometer. However, it is also possible to detect an abnormal rise in body temperature by observing symptoms such as abnormal sweating, chills, varying degrees of weakness, muscle pain or dehydration.
- If you are an adult and your temperature reaches or exceeds 39 ° C, go to your doctor immediately. The consultation can also be done remotely. In this case, it is a teleconsultation.
- Infants under 3 months of age with a body temperature of 38 ° C or above should be presented to a doctor urgently. The same is true for children aged 6 to 24 months if their temperature is equal to or greater than 39 ° C.
- For those over 2 years of age, it is important to seek medical attention if the fever persists for more than 3 days or if it is accompanied by severe symptoms.
Step 2. Watch out for respiratory illnesses
Cough and difficulty breathing are among the most common symptoms of the coronavirus. Other signs may occur such as sore throat, stuffy nose, runny nose, or fatigue. However, be aware that these symptoms can be the result of other conditions. So if you have one of them, stay calm. The only way to confirm the diagnosis is to do a biological test by taking a sample from the nasal or respiratory passages.
Did you know ?
About 80% of COVID-19 cases are relatively mild to require special medical treatment. But, the elderly or those with serious illnesses such as heart, lung, diabetes or hypertension are at higher risk.
Step 3. Assess your risks
The virus is present in the territory and forms foci of infections or clusters. Apart from these outbreaks, the chances of contracting the disease are relatively low if you have not been in an infected area or if you have not been in contact with someone who is sick or has a positive diagnosis. However, if you meet any of these criteria, you are free as long as you do not develop symptoms of the disease after 14 days. In addition, your doctor may ask you to be tested if you have respiratory symptoms and if your tests were negative for other conditions.
Currently (October 26, 2020), the countries severely affected by COVID-19 are the United States, Brazil, India, Russia, France, Argentina, Spain, Colombia, Mexico and Peru
Step 4. Check that it is not another disease
Just because you are sick does not necessarily mean that you are infected with the coronavirus. If your area is not affected and if you have not traveled recently, it is very possible that you have a simple flu or a cold.
If, for example, one of your coworkers has had the flu, chances are you got the flu rather than COVID-19
Step 5. Talk to your doctor
You will need to do this if you have a fever and difficulty breathing, and think you have been exposed to the coronavirus. You can also request a teleconsultation. This formula allows you to take the exam while staying at home. Otherwise, before the exam, tell your doctor to allow him to prepare to receive you and take the necessary measures to avoid possible contagion. They can also give you instructions on what to do next.
Your doctor will not do the diagnostic test himself, but will refer you to an authorized health facility that will take care of you. This establishment will take a sample which will be sent to a specialized laboratory for analysis
Part 3 of 3: Perform the analysis
Step 1. Go to a university hospital center
If you have symptoms, go immediately to a CHU (University Hospital Center). You can also go to an analysis laboratory, but with the resurgence of positive cases in October 2020 in France, in the laboratories, the tests are now prioritized (see the 1st part of the article).
- The test is paid for and therefore fully reimbursed.
- You don't need a prescription or have symptoms to get tested at a CHU, but people with symptoms or a prescription come first.
Step 2. Agree to have a nasal swab
The main diagnostic tests for the coronavirus involve taking a nasopharyngeal sample by swabbing from the nose and throat. During the test, try to remain still while the technician takes the swab sample.
- The technician will need to insert the instruments behind your nose and down your throat. The operation takes 5 to 10 seconds and can be unpleasant or even painful.
- There are other types of tests in France, such as the ELISA (automated serological) test, saliva tests, TROD, and TDR. An L. B. A. (bronchoalveolar fluid sampling) can be done in a hospital setting, its efficiency seems better, but it is an invasive operation. As the virus gradually travels to the respiratory tract, the viral load in the nose of a person with symptoms may be zero after a few days, hence the effectiveness of L. B. A.
Step 3. Provide a sputum sample
If you have a fatty cough, the lab may take a sample of your sputum. To provide this sample, you must first rinse your mouth with water. Then you will spit into a sterile collection cup.
In rare cases, for example if you have acute respiratory syndrome, the technician may spray saline solution into your lungs to obtain a sputum sample. However, this step may be unnecessary for people with only mild symptoms
Step 4. Wait for the test results
The samples will be tested and you will be notified of the results when they are available. This can last between 24 hours and 3 days.
The management of samples from a suspected patient follows a rigorous procedure, in particular the use of special packaging
Step 5. Follow the treatment prescribed by your doctor if the test is positive
Currently, there is no cure or cure for the coronavirus. But, research is underway to find a solution to this disease. Your doctor may recommend treatments to relieve your symptoms and prevent them from getting worse. Therefore, be sure to follow its recommendations closely. Do not leave your home and avoid contact with members of your family.
If your symptoms worsen, for example if you have difficulty breathing, your doctor may recommend hospitalization for intensive treatment
Step 6. Make sure you don't spread the disease
If you are sick, stay home except to see your doctor. Also try to isolate yourself in a particular room so as not to infect other members of your family. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue whenever you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue away.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water and sanitize your home to avoid spreading germs to others.
- If you have the condition, wear a face mask so that you do not spread the virus to other people. However, such a mask will not protect you from illness if you are in good health.
Warning:
While waiting for more knowledge about COVID-19, avoid getting close to your pets if you are infected, as the disease could be transmitted from humans to animals.
Step 7. Do a serological test
A serological test will allow you to determine if you have been in contact with the virus and then have developed an immune reaction. A blood test will make it possible to detect the presence of antibodies. It is reimbursed by social security if it falls within the framework defined by the High Authority for Health. Find out more on the website of the Ministry of Solidarity and Health & nbsp.