Tag: covid-19

I got a COVID-19 test. What to expect.

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Seems that COVID-19 (coronavirus) testing is one of the best ways to combat this disease, as knowing where/who has this virus is a pretty good first step in trying to stop its spread.

I decided to go and get tested as a walk in clinic was offering tests in my area. I had some coughing and headaches for the past few weeks, normally it wouldn’t be anything I’d worry about, but the fact that COVID-19 is going around and with my family, I wanted to be safe and just get tested in case. I’m sure every testing site is different, but I wanted to share my experience. I sent a quick note to my internal medicine doctor to get some feedback on getting tested, and he did not have any concerns and suggested a walk in clinic near my home.

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Why are we preventing a disease that we cannot get rid of or stop? Here’s why…

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There’s been a lot of speculation in regards to COVID-19, and although I’m not an expert, I’ve been trying to keep up with what progress has been made recently.

 
Dr. Fauci had mentioned one of the points that has stumped him about this disease is why it has virtually no effect on some people (asymptomatic) and severe effects (including death) on the other. In watching some videos and reading about COVID-19 and various medications like ACE inhibitors, which many people take to lower blood pressure, early on the pandemic, there was much concern about ACE inhibitors and the potential of making patients more likely to die from a COVID-19 infection, however, in recent weeks, that tune has changed. Now, ACE inhibitors seem to actually have a life saving effect, almost 40% lower risk of hospitalization compared to other seniors not taking ACE inhibitors. (Point here, don’t stop taking your ACE / ARB inhibitors, and if you get sick with COVID-19, don’t stop treatment either)
 
What they seemed to be finding is that people with more of these ACE2 receptors are more likely to develop severe symptoms of COVID-19. Thus the wildly different results of getting this virus. I found this video extremely helpful in understanding this process (Skip to here to see how the varying effects in people could be explained).
 
So the point of me writing all of this is just to say, wear a mask, distance and stay home if you feel sick. Everyday, our medical professionals are making new life-savings progress on treating this. I don’t think this disease can be eradicated, but we can do our part to keep each other healthy until effective treatment and/or a vaccine is available.
 
Stay safe and healthy and take care of each other!

My idea of what the new normal will be…

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COVID-19 (aka Coronavirus) has changed everyone’s opinion on normal, even those that think this disease is nothing more than the flu, are aware of better hygiene, social distancing, and mask wearing. Whether they agree with it or not is another issue.

Our new normal will be one where we now realize that there are viruses out there and that we can reduce it’s spread. People got used to getting sick and dealing with it, but now there’s more awareness that some sicknesses are really bad, and we should be more cautious and put effort into keeping from getting sick, and that is a good thing.

I’m not sure if distancing and mask wearing will become a part of our culture in the US, but I sure hope that people now realize that if they feel sick, wearing a mask is one of the best things they can do to protect others from getting sick, even if it’s the “common cold”. 

Take care and stay safe out there!

Wear a Mask!

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During this pandemic: wear. a. mask.

This blog is new. It’s about whatever. Sometimes, I’ll write about a serious issue like masks.

It’s not about you. It’s about protecting the people around you, your friends, and your family. It’s about caring for those around you. It’s about treating each other with respect. It’s being a grown ass adult. It isn’t a political issue. It doesn’t make you look weak. I’d argue it does just the opposite.

Also note, a mask will help with ALL respiratory illnesses like the flu. Flu season is right around the corner and COVID-19 plus the Flu could be devastating.

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