Carrier Concern

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Specializes in geriatrics.

I am an LPN who worked in LTC. I was terminated 01/20/2020, political/administrative games in an at-will employment state. I have been abiding by the "Stay At Home" orders but need to get back to work.

I may have been exposed to Covid-19 but never showed symptoms. I've always had a strong immune system. My concern is whether I could be an asymptomatic carrier or immune. I would not want to start working if there is the possibility I could be a carrier. I would like to be tested but not available yet.

Any suggestions/input appreciated! I realize there are no definitive answers to this quandary yet. Thank you!

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Specializes in Private Duty Pediatrics.

When do you believe you were exposed? If it's been since January, even if you had it, you should not now be contagious.

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2 hours ago, MisMatch said:

My concern is whether I could be an asymptomatic carrier or immune. I would not want to start working if there is the possibility I could be a carrier.

Yes to both. You absolutely could be an asymptomatic carrier. But, not from January exposure. Plenty of asymptomatic carriers around. Sounds like your risk is low, as with any cautious lay person.

And, you could be immune, but nobody knows for certain whether that is a thing. Yet.

But, look at it this way- you are lower risk than naybody who is now working in healthcare.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Thank you for your imput. Yes, if I was exposed it would have been earlier this year. I have talked to several people who had the typical symptoms (cough, fever, SOB) of Covid-19 before it was declared a pandemic. In my heart I want to be there for the elderly people that I love taking care of but don't want to risk transmitting a fatal virus to them. I want to be part of the solution, not exacerbate the problem.

I feel more comfortable pursuing the work I love now.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Pediatric Float, PICU, NICU.
11 hours ago, MisMatch said:

Thank you for your imput. Yes, if I was exposed it would have been earlier this year. I have talked to several people who had the typical symptoms (cough, fever, SOB) of Covid-19 before it was declared a pandemic. In my heart I want to be there for the elderly people that I love taking care of but don't want to risk transmitting a fatal virus to them. I want to be part of the solution, not exacerbate the problem.

I feel more comfortable pursuing the work I love now.

For what it is worth, it is likely that almost all of the employees taking care of those elderly people are also asymptomatic carriers.

I think it's completely reasonable to pursue another position at this time.

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