Looks like things will get a bit worse before better.
We have had our first positive tests in the downstairs clinic from specimens collected last Tuesday. I believe the national numbers will increase rapidly as primary care clinic sites begin to report on tests which were recently made available. The rumor mill has it that the Stafford Act will be imposed which may also include curfews. I have found the Johns Hopkins site a good source of up to date info; Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.
Regarding actually contracting this virus please consider how it may present to you;
upper respiratory tract symptoms include sore throat, runny nose or congestion, sinus pain/pressure, and other symptoms we all might call ‘cold’ symptoms are likely to be Covid. This is the form that we will experience 95% of the time. Lower respiratory symptoms like productive cough, fever, shortness of breath, and chest pain are experienced by 5% of the population who usually also have other medical conditions or are older than 60 years of age. This second group should seek care at a hospital emergency room.
For those with upper respiratory symptoms I think it best to assume you have Corona Virus and you may experiencing a waxing and waning course where symptoms may appear better when you wake up, but you are run down and achy again by the end of the day. This can linger for up to 2 weeks. You are contagious during this time.
As long as you do not develop lower respiratory symptoms you do not need to seek care.
- Practice personal or family quarantine (you cannot quarantine yourself from your family if you live together…too late for that).
- Treat symptomatically but avoid using NSAIDS (ibuprofen, naproxen) and use Tylenol instead.
- Pseudoephedrine as a decongestant can also limit spread by respiratory droplets,
- Vitamin C and Zinc always a good idea.
- Avoid steroid nasal sprays or oral prednisone (steroids).
- If you are unsure what to do or unclear regarding this advise please check with me via email. Call or text if you need urgent information.
Our Urgent Care remains open but I don’t know for how long. I’ve tested all employees today and I assume many will become ill or potentially transmissible. When I have too many out due to quarantine I may have to close. I will be here upstairs and available unless I tell you otherwise.
Be well, we are in this together and we will make it through together!
(just not too close together 😉
~ Dr. Nick
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