A popular travel blogger, Nomadic Matt, who blogs at nomadicmatt.com revealed that he has tested positive for the Coronavirus after returning from a recent trip overseas to France and Taiwan. He lays out what it was like to have symptoms, receive a test, and some of the confusion currently going on around the coronavirus.
Matt mentioned that he was feeling really awful on Saturday morning.
I woke up Saturday morning feeling like crap and, by mid-day, I had a fever. So, given my recent travels to France and Taiwan, I decided to get a COVID19 test. Here's what happened:
— Nomadic Matt (@nomadicmatt) March 16, 2020
There was some difficulty finding where to get tested in Austin, Texas.
First, it was incredibly hard to find information about getting tested. The Austin Health Department website had zero information on testing. I found some news articles that said Austin has it but couldn't confirm. I called 311 & they said they'd call me back. I'm still waiting.
— Nomadic Matt (@nomadicmatt) March 16, 2020
Second, I did manage to learn that as of Friday a private hospital, BSW Health, does provide testing. It's $40. I filled out the online form and they said I met the qualifications. So, yesterday morning, I drove to the drive thru testing.
— Nomadic Matt (@nomadicmatt) March 16, 2020
It took an hour but they finally shoved a huge swap up my nose, told me to stay at home, and that I'd get the results within 48 hrs.
The results came back this morning. I tested positive for Coronavirus and am now quarantined. The health department will call me soon I guess.
— Nomadic Matt (@nomadicmatt) March 16, 2020
The doc says given that a lot of my aches are gone and my fever is down (thanks Tylonel!) I have a mild case but, until further notice, I'm inside. The results go to the state lab for confirmation and to also test for the flu.
— Nomadic Matt (@nomadicmatt) March 16, 2020
In this process, I learned:
1. There's no easy place to go for information.
2. Local health departments have no clue.
3. It's crazy you have to wait 24-48hrs for results.
4. More people have it than you think. If you feel sick, take your temp. If you have one, get tested.— Nomadic Matt (@nomadicmatt) March 16, 2020
The big concern now is to make sure my breathing is ok. The doctor says it's mild since my fever has gone down but to monitor my breathing. If I develop shortness of breath or a fever again, I'm supposed to call 911. I'll keep you updated!
— Nomadic Matt (@nomadicmatt) March 16, 2020
Update: Austin's 311 called me back. BSW Health in Austin is currently the ONLY place you can get tested. And it's $40 bucks. That is a travesty. We are so screwed in containing this.
— Nomadic Matt (@nomadicmatt) March 16, 2020
I appreciate Matt sharing his story publicly so that others can learn from it. We all need to be vigilant in recognizing symptoms, staying away from each other so that we can flatten the curve.
I guess I don’t understand the fascination with getting tested. Most people who get the flu every winter or so don’t usually get tested. There is no cure so it really doesn’t seem to matter if the test comes back in 48 hours one way or the other. I haven’t been sick, yet… but if I start to fall ill and even if I suspect it is Covid-19 I’m not running out to the health department or local hospital to get tested. If I get seriously sick enough to go to the hospital or doctor I’ll go but there isn’t some magic pill they can give you. It reminds me of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson. They seemingly had a minor bit of this illness and then spent days in isolation in the hospital. It seems weird to me. Sure don’t go out and spread it around but that would be true even with a common cold or any other illness.
What are you saying. I only said positive things about Trump up there. Looks like you are in the trump hater camp
Ok fine. trump is a POS. Happy?
debit – do us a favor and shut up for once. The fact you had indigestion last night was Trump’s fault even thought it was a good idea to eat mcdonalds and popeyes for dinner last night.
If trump is ruining whats left of your life you really have no life.
TDS is a serious problem… Get it checked out before your hatred eats you alive and you start opening a twitter account
Thank you to our president for great leadership in this very hard times.
I hope trump and all his brood is doing well and is cozy.