What should be my first step if I think I have COVID-19?
Anika H. Ahmed, MD
Being a physician with more than 25 years’ experience in preventive medicine, I always look first for the cause of the problem and the possible measures needed to stop the cause from giving rise to a full blown disease with potential complications. In reference to COVID-19 these days, the question on everyone’s mind is: do I have it? One sneeze or a deep clearing of the throat makes heads turn with suspicion. The very first thing that everyone needs to do if they think that they may have COVID-19 is to ask themselves HOW they might have contracted it? This can be the most important and crucial question that will allow any health worker to assess their risk of having contracted COVID-19. The major risk involved here is EXPOSURE. Everyone must note if they have travelled recently to areas with high infection of COVID-19 or not. Any local or international travel can lead to high exposure to COVID-19, as this is now a pandemic and not just limited to a state or to a country. Other important fact finding includes determining if they have recently, in the last 2-14 days, been near a person with cold/flu-like symptoms or have interacted with large groups in public areas such as sporting events, concerts, or other gatherings.
After asking yourself these questions, the next step for you is getting in touch with a health expert to explain your initial symptoms. With COVID-19 becoming a national emergency, not everyone can be tested, as presently the testing kits are limited. Although there is no assurance right now that you can be tested for COVID-19, there is some comfort in knowing that thanks to technology at our fingertips, you are a few clicks away from a health advisor. The first step even before you think you may be a victim of COVID-19 is to get registered on a platform of telemedicine.
Telemedicine is the most cost-effective, quick, convenient, and effective way of staying connected with your health advisor and having immediate consultation. Telemedicine can be in the form of a phone call, video call, chat, or live messaging tool. Many hospitals and health care workers are now switching to telemedicine mostly to decrease the exposure of the patients, by advising them through virtual means and reducing their trips to the hospitals and clinics. This way, the patient stays in the comfort of his or her home, is able to consult a doctor to discuss all concerns and symptoms and stays under medical guidance and close monitoring without any of the hassles of commuting or wait time. Presently there is an important role of telemedicine in providing primary care and follow up to patients, especially those who think they may have COVID-19. Modern technology has enabled doctors to stay connected to their patients, take care of them remotely, and not be physically near each other. After you are connected to a doctor on a telemedicine platform, it can be easily determined whether you need testing, isolation, or more intensive hospital care. Be prepared; connect with your doctor on a telemedicine platform and save precious time when you are under the weather and need a consultation fast!