Free PCR COVID testing?

Submitted by taway77777779 t3_10cveps in massachusetts

Hi,

I have a relative who is out of job at the moment due to layoff and she may have contracted COVID.

Are there any places in NH or MA that still do free PCR COVID tests? She is from Southern NH, right on the border. I believe she doesn't have an insurance right now.

Also, what would you folks suggest she do if she tests positive - are there any medications available OTC against COVID?

Thank you!

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[deleted] t1_j4l5lh9 wrote

Rest, fluids, Tylenol and Robitussin. You say she “ may have contracted Covid”. Does that mean she is asymptomatic? In other words, treat it like any other common cold. Also, have you never heard of the free at-home tests? She can pretend to be a dr and diagnose herself

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Unique-Public-8594 t1_j4l68vg wrote

If they test positive, it’s super important that they do their best not to spread it (quarantine completely from others as much as possible), meaning it’s best to have a friend or relative drop something on your doorstep rather than go to the market or pharmacy.

Do they live alone?

OTC: pain meds like Tylenol, other meds according to symptoms (cough medicine, Vicks vaporub, etc.).

Keep eating and drinking. One person reported Pedialyte supper helpful. Some people don’t eat/drink enough which results in slower recovery.

More info at r/COVIDPositive

Rest. The urge to get active again often results in a serious set back so just rest. Ease back into exercise more slowly than you would for any other illness.

For the best mask, I’d recommend a Bluna Face Fit. It got high marks from Aaron Collins (99.9% filtration on face), it has earloops instead of straps, so, more comfortable, the straps are adjustable which usually means a better seal, and mine came with a free lanyard (thanks to Amazon maybe?). More info at r/Masks4All.

It’s good to check your oxygen level regularly with a pulse oximeter ($20 at any drug store, again, have someone else drop it off), since some patients don’t realize their oxygen is low and they need immediate medical care.

I found this online but don’t know if it’s current/updated:

https://www.covid19.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt481/files/inline-documents/sonh/covid-testing-sites.pdf

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[deleted] t1_j4lltq9 wrote

Replying to [deleted] (#1,376,850)

The point for most people is to call into work and say I tested myself and I’m positive and get a 5 day vacation no questions asked. But I agree, if she’s unemployed, what’s the point?

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Animallover4321 t1_j4mue19 wrote

You can usually find a $10 antigen test at most pharmacies, don’t go inside most smaller pharmacies will take it out to you or use the drive through. If she’s positive and fits the right criteria then she can get paxlovid with a free ma telehealth appointment (meds are still free as well I believe).

Other than that Advil or Tylenol, fluids and rest. It sucks. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/treatments-for-covid-19

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