ESTABLISHED PATIENTS ONLY

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Coronavirus Information

COVID-19 Antibody testing information (as of 06/19/2020)

For weeks it seems, we have eagerly been awaiting the availability of antibody tests for COVID-19.  It was thought that with widespread antibody tests, we would have a better sense of how many have been exposed or infected with the disease, and more importantly how many are now immune. We, as providers, have heard numerous times, “I was so sick in January, I know it was COVID-19 and that I’m immune.” 

Unfortunately, the reality is that antibody testing may not be very useful.

A few facts about the tests

• Only 4 tests have been approved by the FDA. None of those are rapid, in-office tests. Many of the tests are actually very poor. For example, the advertised sensitivity of one test is pretty good, but the validation of the test was only conducted on <70 patients. Not great.

• Typically, after a person is exposed to a disease, they will form antibodies in their blood. The earliest (and less durable) antibody formed is the IgM. IgG will then form. IgG is the more durable antibody response. For COVID-19, it appears that IgM forms about 7 days after infection, and IgG appears 14 days after infection.

• Even if exposed, a negative test can occur if a patient cannot develop a strong enough immune response to create antibodies.

• A false positive test can occur if the test cross-reacts with another similar molecule, for example, a different coronavirus.

MENTAL HEALTH

This has been a trying time for everyone, filled with uncertainty and fear.  We all have concerns about our health and that of our loved ones.  We are worried about our children and our parents.  Added to this is apprehension about the economy, and concerns about job security.  Many of us have been taken out of our comfort zones and thrust into a new world of telecommuting and Zoom calls.  On top of this is the inability to do the things that normally make us feel better…going to the gym, hanging out with friends, traveling.

Those with no history of anxiety or depression are having to learn what these symptoms feel like and how difficult it can be to keep them under control.  Those who do have a history of mental illness are struggling with worsening symptoms and are trying to develop new coping mechanisms. 

Whichever group you may belong to, please reach out.  If you are not sleeping well, cannot motivate, are having panic attacks, are losing your temper too easily with family or are just struggling with the anxiety about loosening our social restrictions we can try to help. 

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Schedule a mental health checkup on the portal or call the office – You can schedule these by clicking “Schedule Appointment” on this website, on your patient portal or by calling our office at (303) 771-3939.

Stay safe and well,

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DTC Family Health Providers and Staff

We continue to be in close contact with the Centers for Disease Control "CDC" and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment "CDPHE".

Here are links to the CDC and CDPHE.

We will continue to update our website,  If you have any questions, please feel free to call us or send a portal message. Enjoy the beautiful weather and stay healthy!

A SHORT SURVEY TO HELP STUDY COVID-19

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting our lives in many ways. This study aims to use genetics to understand the symptoms and severity of COVID-19. 

This study aims to discover why some people might get sick from COVID-19 whilst others don't . It also hope to find any genes influencing the severity or duration of disease.  People who have not contracted the disease or had symptoms are just as important to the study as people who have.