It’s a fine line with no clear guidelines...…………………..
Today’s post is written by Ivy Ray, Senior Procurement Specialist at SafeSourcing Inc.
We are all trying our best to stay safe and healthy in this COVID-19 world by following all of the recommendations for proper distancing from others, wearing protective masks, and washing our hands so much that they have dried out. I even tune in to watch our governor’s daily updates which begin and end with the phrase “We’re all in this together”, and regularly check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for any new developments. That having been said, we are all basically on our own at this point, because the CDC can neither control nor prevent any of the issues related to COVID-19. Even the most well informed and well intentioned of us will have trouble navigating the system of ever changing guidelines.
According to the CDC, there are laboratory tests that can identify the virus that causes COVID-19 in respiratory specimens. State and local public health departments have received tests from CDC, whereas medical providers are getting tests developed by commercial manufacturers. They go on to say, not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19.
There are not nearly enough test kits available, so screenings are reserved for the frontline caregivers and the critically ill. For everyone else (celebrities excluded), if you have awareness of exposure or are experiencing symptoms, your only option is to shelter in place and hope for the best. Keeping in mind there is currently no treatment specifically approved for people who have COVID-19. You should seek medical attention immediately if you experience the following symptoms:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
It’s a fine line with no clear guidelines. COVID-19 testing differs by location. Call your doctor if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. No one wants to either expose others or be unnecessarily exposed to a deadly virus, so we sequester, listen, and wait. That brings me to where I currently find myself.
After experiencing symptoms for about 10 days, I decided to log in to confer with my healthcare provider through MyChart and request an eVisit to discuss my symptoms and ask for a consult. Twenty-four hours later I received a call from the office assistant to set up a call with my family physician for the next day. A day later, I finally engage in the physician consult and since they do not have access to testing supplies, I am treated as though I have Coronavirus and I am provided with prescription meds to alleviate symptoms and advised to self-quarantine which of course I was already doing. In light of the stories I have witnessed during the last couple of months, I am just happy to be still alive. This is us!
For more information on how SafeSourcing can assist you in exploring your procurement solutions for your business efforts, or on our Risk Free trial program, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service Representative. We have an entire team ready to assist you today.
We look forward to your comments.
