This is both too short and specialized to bother the Erinyes with, but also too important to wait. So I’m putting it up today
Since we can assume we will not be able to get tested if we suspect we have COVID symptoms (and I don’t think any of us is a lead attorney from the impeachment proceedings), no matter how well they match, we are in the position of needing to be able to self-diagnose, as well as possibly to self quarantine. It would appear to be helpful to have concise advice from an actual immunologist. So here is some.
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What coronavirus symptoms should I look for, and when do I call the doctor? A doctor answers 4 questions
AP Photo/Ted S. Warren
William Petri, University of Virginia
As the nation adjusts to the threat of COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, it’s only natural to worry whether a cough or aches and pains could be signs you have become infected by the virus. Dr. William Petri, a professor of medicine and immunologist at the University of Virginia Medical Center, explains when you need to call your doctor.
1. What symptoms should I look for?
People should suspect that they might have COVID-19 if they are experiencing fever, cough and/or shortness of breath. These symptoms, however, are also symptoms of other illnesses. For example, the nation is still in the middle of a flu epidemic, and fever and cough are also symptoms of flu. It is most likely that you have flu or other respiratory illness. So, it is important to pay attention to symptoms but to also know they will not necessarily mean that you have COVID-19.
2. When should I see a doctor?
If your have fever, cough and/or shortness of breath, call your doctor. Do not just show up; it is very important to call first. Most doctors’ offices will have ways to isolate someone who potentially has COVID-19. Your doctor’s office will likely ask screening questions on the phone and will provide instructions about what to do when you arrive.
3. I’ve have a runny nose and sniffles. Could this coronavirus?
A runny nose or nasal congestion would not be likely to be COVID-19.
4. What can I expect at the doctor’s office?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you put on a face mask before you enter your doctor’s office or other health care facility.
Your doctor or health care provider would likely test for flu first, because the country is in the middle of a flu epidemic. If the flu test is negative then you will be tested for COVID-19, especially if you have risk factors. That would include having traveled to a country or area of the U.S. with sustained person-to-person transmission, or having been in contact with someone with COVID-19.
This likely will change as soon as COVID-19 tests are more available – at that time everyone with a fever and cough will be tested.
William Petri, Professor of Medicine, University of Virginia
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
12 Responses to “A Short (and not very sweet) article on COVID-19”
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Great information, Joanne.
Appreciate that it’s precise/straight forward.
Thanks, Joanne
Very good info. I actually signed up for “The Conversation” yesterday.
I also subscribe to Aeon, Pro Publoica, POGO, and the New Mexico daily political update newsletter. It seems to be the Conversation has more articles which are both deep and of broad general application.
Thanks for this succinct – but informative summary – to COVID-19!
I think we can all agree that our expectations for a cogent, comprehensive, compassionate response from *Rump were low – but HOLY F\/CK …
He does not want to and therefore will not get it through his head that “acquitted” does NOT mean “exonerated.” So he thinks he’s in the clear and can do anything he wants with no consequences. After all, he’s never i his life had to face any consequences. And his cult worshipers telling him he is God don’t help.
Thanks for this post, Joanne. Short, to the point and very informative. One thing I noticed though; here in Australia the symptoms we are told to look for include a sore throat which isn’t mentioned here. Perhaps there is a slight difference depending on where COVID-19 develops.
Everything else is much the same, except that here people aren’t tested for the flu first because the flu season has yet to start. Instead, people are urged to get their flu shot as soon as they become available.
Thank you, Joanne for this most informative information re: COVID19
And…like Lona mentioned (good point) make sure that you get your flu shot.
In addition to the annual flu shot, it is recommend that seniors get the pneumonia shot every 5 years, especially if seniors have other compromising chronic diseases like kidney disease or diabetes. I had my last Pneumonia shot last year and this year’s flu shot several months ago.
Thanks, JD. On a scale of one to ten, the quality of information is fifteen.
Thank you. That’s what I thought – and the brevity intensifies that.
Amen!
Great stuff JD! There are so many unknowns and the situation is rapidly changing. What might have been true just a few minutes ago can be incorrect now
This in from the CBC: Trump’s fans were shrugging off COVID-19. Now it’s a war, and he’s their leader
And the familiar beat of the Republican Reich goes on!
I was reading earlier this morning that Trump is blaming China for not warning about the severity of the disease earlier, not that he would have acted any differently. He has been so focus on his reelection and not reporting the truth about preparedness, he would not have heeded any message from the Chinese. May he and his enablers and supporters go down as Quislings in the annals of history!