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* I have to run into town to get tested before the Senate returns to Springfield. And the Sangamo Club has opened its outdoor patio, so we’re gonna have some lunch afterward - a treat I rarely indulge during the work week. So, blogging will be light for a bit.
* The Question: How often have you been tested for COVID-19 since the pandemic began, and how has it changed over the months?
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 12:24 pm
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Previous Post: 1,182 new confirmed and probable cases; 5 additional deaths; 1,178 hospitalized; 266 in ICU; 2.3 percent average case positivity rate; 2.8 percent average test positivity rate; 90,135 average daily doses
Next Post: Pritzker signs Black Caucus education “pillar”
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Twice. First time in August via the drive through at Northwestern Hospital. Easy-peasy. The nasal swab wasn’t as bad as I feared it would be.
The second time was an anti-body test via blood draw last month at my annual physical. No presence of COVID antibodies likely means I’ve never had it.
Glad that the U of I saliva test finally got FDA approval. It seemed like it was taking forever for the feds to act on it.
Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 12:29 pm
Four times. Because we had to put our daughter back in daycare this fall, we get tested anytime anyone has so much as a sniffle to make sure we’re keeping the other families and staff safe.
Comment by anoni Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 12:35 pm
3 times. Twice for cataract surgery and once for knee replacement surgery. I can now see and walk better.
Comment by chichi55 Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 12:36 pm
I haven’t. I also have left my once once a week -groceries-for the last year, minus doctor/dentist appointments and to renew my drivers license. Haven’t needed to be tested
Comment by Perrid Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 12:37 pm
I’ve been tested 7 times, 4 times as a precautionary measure either before or after traveling, twice after a possible exposure, and once when I was sick with covid-like symptoms (could still taste/smell though). All negative.
First time was over the summer at a state drive through facility and most recent was last month when sick, also through a drive through location.
Comment by Testing Testing Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 12:38 pm
Once. I had to get a large kidney stone removed. I was negative.
Comment by FormerParatrooper Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 12:39 pm
Twice, both at a Chicago-sponsored drive-thru with a self-administered test. Once before I went to see my 84-year-old mom who lives in a different state, and once because I had a slight fever and needed clearance to be allowed at work. Results in 2 days each time, which seems good.
Comment by Leslie K Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 12:41 pm
4-5 times…used to have a site just a couple miles from the house so it was convenient to do even just for “surveillance” testing.
Vaccinated now, so I hope to not ever have to test again!
Comment by Stu Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 12:43 pm
I have been tested twice.
The first time was to meet a travel mandate in August. That was done locally through an urgent care center and I had a result in 1 day.
The second time was as a precaution after Thanksgiving. Everyone had self-quarantined in advance of our gathering, but we all got tested at the same time to be certain. Our tests were administered in a different state and went through Quest. The other four at our gathering had results in a week, but I did not find out my result until January - seven weeks after the test was administered. And that was only after I filled out the online request for follow up three separate times.
Comment by muon Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 12:48 pm
Weekly since August, twice a week lately now that I am back on campus.
Comment by thechampaignlife Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 12:52 pm
Just once last year before some minor surgery. Thankfully after they had the less invasive nasal swab test.
Comment by RNUG Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 12:53 pm
More than dozen…all negative. We also had 2 antibody tests…one negative in June…one positive in December
Comment by Annonin' Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 12:53 pm
Twice. Nasal swab in Aug and saliva test a few weeks ago. Both on campus. Both negative. Very easy with little or no wait both times.
Comment by MSIX Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 12:53 pm
Only once in late May before I returned to in-office work after the stay-at-home order. Negative. However, putting the huge swab inside my nose made me feel queasy later in the day (I had the test first thing in morning when the testing site opened).
Comment by Essential State Employee Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 12:54 pm
Twice with pcr tests. Both to check on symptoms and both negative. First test was drive up and results took several days. 2nd at urgent care with results in a day.
Comment by Norseman Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 12:58 pm
Tested 2x. Kids tested about 5 times. All negative, easy to get appointment, and results seem faster these days as well.
Comment by Centennial Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 1:03 pm
Zero. The closest I’ve come to human contact for the last year was waving at the girl who puts my groceries in my trunk through my car window. But that changed last friday when I got my first shot. The vaccine clinic almost gave me a panic attack because I hadn’t been around people in so long!
Comment by tea_and_honey Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 1:04 pm
Twice. Once last August because my allergies were so bad I thought I might have it, second time in January after a coworker I’d been in contact with tested positive. First time I got the results in about 36 hours, second was rapid and I got the results within an hour, all negative. I also donated blood in December and did not have antibodies.
Comment by Excitable Boy Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 1:06 pm
Twice. Once in early October when I wasn’t feeling well. It was negative. In November on election day, I was tested again. This time it was positive. I was in bed a month. As bad as it was, it could have been much worse.
Comment by Downstate Dem Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 1:07 pm
Neither I nor my wife were ever tested - we never needed to as we were personally essentially locked down for the duration. When we were forced out (doctors), we were extremely cautious.
Comment by RIJ Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 1:09 pm
Had an antibody test just for grins, figuring that riding the CTA at the start of the pandemic may have lent some exposure even though I never got sick. But, never had an active infection test since I’ve been staying in and never showed symptoms.
Comment by North Park Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 1:12 pm
4 times… all around holidays; Easter, Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day. I literally had a cold or fever around every holiday except Thanksgiving last year.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 1:14 pm
6 tests. Two with symptoms, the others were exposure and travel. Only one brain tickler but that was enough. I’ve been to a state drive through, urgent care and my doctor’s office. All returned results w/in 48 hours or less and all were negative. So far.
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 1:15 pm
5 times. Twice before surgery, twice before dr visits, once because exposed. Never any symptoms and all negative results.
Comment by Lurker Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 1:17 pm
None, but I have been low risk in my behavior & lack of symptoms.
Comment by Blake Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 1:19 pm
Only once pre surgery. Negative.
Comment by SSL Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 1:26 pm
More than a dozen, all negative. I’m a Juvenile abuse and neglect attorney since August, so court never stopped for us. I got a test every other week through the winter, plus others based on who I came into contact with.
Comment by Rayne of terror Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 1:28 pm
More than 20 times. At least twice a month since May. Early tests were so much harder to get but got one this weekend on 30 minutes notice. I travel for work so need to get them frequently. My nose has stopped hating it, which is a miracle.
Comment by Euroskeptic Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 1:30 pm
2 swabs, one self administered - Both negative.
1 antibody test - positive.
Antibody tests lends itself to an illness at the outbreak last spring. There were no swab tests in my area you could get back then.
Comment by Cool Papa Bell Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 1:33 pm
4 times, plus an antibody. First, got tested early September after I experienced a little cough. Turned out positive, but my case was very mild…no classic symptoms. Second 14 days later, still had some genetic material. Finally negative 10 days after so I could prove I was safe to be around. Both throat swab and nasal.
Blood donation in December showed antibodies.
Last test a rapid test in January, negative. got the test so I could see my new grandchild.
Comment by park Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 1:36 pm
Never.
Given the lack of a cure, I didn’t see a point.
If I had developed severe issues I would have gone in but otherwise, I didn’t (and still do not) consider one productive.
Comment by Crash Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 1:43 pm
Never. I have been very careful about limiting my exposure, and have not had any symptoms nor been in a situation where testing was required.
Comment by JoanP Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 1:46 pm
3 times: twice due to possible exosure, and once due to covid like symptoms.
Comment by Groucho Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 1:47 pm
Once. Pre-surgery. Have never been exposed to my knowledge. No symptoms either
Comment by thoughts matter Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 1:49 pm
Just once, when I suspected I had COVID. And I sure did. Knocked me flat for 6 weeks. Afterwards, tested for antibodies. Encouraged to donate and did so, happily. Thank a hero — it’s been a long year for many, but especially for our medical community!
Comment by Joe Schmoe Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 1:49 pm
I was tested twice using the U of I spit test,-once last August and again October. Both negative with results in less than 24 hours Both due to minor symptoms. Had the Nasal Swab before kidney stone surgery also. These results back in 36 hours With adult severely handicap son in his own apartment with a personal assistant present 24/7, there has been three nasal tests for three personal assistants because they had cold symptoms. Fortunately, all negative
Comment by Almost Retired Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 1:50 pm
I tried to get tested once, and they told me since I did not know of anyone who had it, and I had not been to a foreign country they could Not test me even thou I wasn’t feeling well.
Comment by Mama Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 1:50 pm
None, but I live alone, haven’t been to basically any indoor gatherings, cancelled all travel, stopped going to the gym, etc. Pretty much the only time I’ve ever been gone indoors in the last year other than my own home was to get groceries or other necessities.
Comment by Homebody Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 1:54 pm
None, and I’ve been to Sturgis and all over central Illinois on the bike last spring, summer, and fall. Nary a sniffle.
Comment by Needs More Fiber Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 1:57 pm
Never. No symptoms or requirements to do so. Not even a slight cold or sniffles or allergy in over a year. I feel very fortunate and not smug.
Comment by Responsa Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 2:00 pm
Only once before surgery and was negative.
Comment by Back to the Future Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 2:07 pm
12 times as it is required to visit my father at the senior living facility where my father resides
Comment by illinifan Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 2:18 pm
3 testings. All negative. Twice because exposed to someone who was directly exposed and once because I had flu symptoms and did it for precaution.
Comment by La La Land Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 2:18 pm
Once, in November, when I had symptoms. The nasal test was not invasive at all and was negative. As part of giving blood they test for antibodies. Those tests have all been negative, most recently last month.
Comment by Jaguar Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 2:19 pm
None. I have been very careful in limiting risk.
Comment by cermak_rd Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 2:26 pm
Once, when I gave blood last fall. No antibodies.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 2:27 pm
Getting tested twice a week via antigen testing since New years. It was every 2 weeks before that starting in May. Only one was positive….
Comment by Groundhog Day Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 2:27 pm
About ten times. I’m very careful, but because I’m out and about, I get tested about once a month. All clean. Can’t wait to get vaccinated.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 2:31 pm
Have not tested yet, but considering it since I have a doctor’s appointment in about 2 weeks, and a testing site minutes from my house that has been pretty empty as of late. Earlier in year there was a much longer line. Decided that since I don’t work and do not hang out in groups my risk was lower than first responders and essential workers who need the testing much more. Masking and hand sanitizing is my SOP for the indefinite future, even after the shot(s).
Comment by thisjustinagain Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 2:49 pm
5 times since June 2020
Comment by Always skeptical Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 2:58 pm
Lost count. 20-plus easily.
Have routinely utilized whichever test is available to monitor health status before and after needed travel and other events and instances that required me to be around people outside my household.
Comment by Third Reading Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 2:59 pm
Never.
Comment by The Real Captain Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 3:15 pm
Once, before having a skin cancer spot removed. Will again in a couple weeks before a colonoscopy.
Comment by intheknow Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 3:25 pm
Never, but I’ve been careful and also very lucky. No symptoms and no situations that required a test.
Comment by Bourbon Street Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 3:32 pm
3 times so far, all negative. 2 antibody tests also, both negative. I am fully vaccinated as well. I have a PCR test tomorrow before a medical procedure and I am having another PCR next week prior to travel.
Comment by JDuc Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 3:36 pm
1 time: In mid-February 2021. I had a sinus infection, but had to be tested before I could return to work (it was negative).
Comment by Sal Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 3:49 pm
I think a total of 5 times now since June, all negative thankfully.
Comment by S. Zissou Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 4:47 pm
Three times, all because of prolonged exposure from co-workers who tested positive. Each test was relatively easy, though the timing of the (fortunately negative)results varied greatly. The fastest result came from the brain tickler test.
Comment by WillRez Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 5:01 pm
Twice. Once in October when they had a clinic in my small Central Il town, and last week at A CVS to confirm I had a head cold.
Comment by G'Kar Monday, Mar 8, 21 @ 5:03 pm
I was tested twice - once in July at Mobile testing clinic in our county and once in October at local hospital.Boh due to exposures. Thankfully both were negative.
Neither instance was I notified by local HD through contact tracing. The person who tested positive notified me.
Comment by DownSouth Tuesday, Mar 9, 21 @ 5:56 am
3 Times. Once in the summer because I participated in the BLM protests. Once when I travel out of state and needed to test before my workplace would let me back b/c Chicago travel rules and once before a visiting family (after staying home for the requisite two weeks). Hopefully I will have no reason to get tested again.
Comment by Random Chicago Person Tuesday, Mar 9, 21 @ 9:22 am