This morning I tested positive using an at-home antibody test.

Since the kids both tested positive on the PCR test at the clinic, we decided we’d test at least daily to see if, or confirm when, we get COVID, too. We live in a generous house, but aren’t as isolated, and share recycled HVAC air, so it seems only natural.

I still only have allergy-like symptoms, and today seems better than the last few. Still very congested, but the headache is much reduced. I have a little bit of a sore throat, and feel a little worn down. Again, both pretty normal in heavy allergy seasons. This week has been filled with high winds and dramatic temperature changes, bringing who knows what pollens and irritants from how far away.

The tests are pretty easy. We’ll, some are. We had one that requires a phone app to read the results. The tests I’ve been taking are simple swabs in the nose, rinsed with the test solution, and rubbed on a test device that has some dye to indicate the result. Shortly after the wife (who is administering all our tests) swabbed the test stick, and as she was explaining that the control bar appears quickly, but the test bar can take up to fifteen minutes to appear, both bars started to appear. Very quickly and clearly, the test indicator solidified.

We have appointments scheduled for later this morning to get our old-people second booster. The wife is calling to cancel. She’s also going to call the clinic to see if I qualify for and should bother with the antivirals that might help keep things mellow.

I rolled into work (virtual, on Zoom, of course) and shared my tale with my early morning meetings. Part way through these first meetings I decided that as long as the kids are taking care of themselves, I can sit in my office and chat with people. That’s really all I do any more.

Three of us have tested positive, and mom’s trying to stay a little isolated and wear a mask to hold off as long as possible. None of us has a fever, and all of our symptoms seem to be those allergy or air-irritant reactions. Beyond the test-confirmed virus, and snot, everyone is mostly healthy.