Continue Calm Vigilance
MEDICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH UPDATE
WHEW, I am one happy puppy that it’s Monday!
Over this past weekend I was on call for my group medical practice.
And it was busy. Lots of calls about body aches, fevers, coughs, sore throats, and swollen glands. LOTS of conversations with ER doctors caring for sick, suspected, and newly diagnosed COVID patients. And lots of VERY grateful, kind, and scared patients.
It’s actually quite something to hear the gratitude in people’s voices—and often their genuine concern about me—even when they don’t feel well. Naturally, people feel vulnerable and helpless when brushed with COVID. But I also continue to see evidence of strength, courage, and grace under duress. COVID is a beast, but the human spirit is even stronger.
(I’m also reminded how UN-graceful my language can be when futzing around with CVS’ phone menu on a weekend. I can really let it rip!!)
So let me also offer advice to my DC area readers: if you feel symptoms (sore throat, swollen glands, headache, lethargy, diarrhea), you LIKELY have COVID. Sadly, we are not done with this pandemic. We are not even close. (For evidence, see Arizona, Florida, South Carolina, Texas, for example.) And just like smouldering embers, a virus as contagious as this coronavirus can quickly escalate into a raging fire.
Other maladies that mimic COVID, such as the flu, bronchitis, sinusitis, are NOT circulating this summer like they normally do. But the same way you would get the flu or bronchitis, i.e., through contact with other people or surfaces touched by other people, is the very way we get COVID. And COVID is much more contagious. Perhaps most importantly, unlike flu or most bronchitis, COVID is largely spread through people who do not feel sick.
By now we are accustomed to the “pod” concept, and it’s great in theory. But recognize that it’s nearly impossible to fully seal off a pod as pod members are increasingly moving about the world and interacting with plenty of people who are NOT in your pod.
To illustrate how I’m trying to help patients manage COVID and their other ailments, let me give you a few snapshots of calls I have received from patients over the weekend and today:
A handful of patients who recently flew on airplanes started feeling sick with malaise and body aches 5+ days after the flight. I sent them for COVID testing ASAP. I am getting their test results back in 24 hours depending on the test site.
A gaggle of patients who were recently at various large ( > 10) social gatherings calling with sore throat and fever. I sent them for COVID testing ASAP.
Numerous patients called without symptoms but with recent high-risk exposures (some unavoidable because of work), and I also recommended COVID testing ASAP.
I am advising patients with symptoms or with recent high-risk exposures to behave as if they have COVID until testing is back, and to consider a second test (or third…) if the first one is negative AND the suspicion for COVID is high.
So my main message for you (and me) today is: continue your CALM VIGILANCE. COVID-19 is everywhere, even if we don’t see it. And unfortunately this is a marathon with invisible mile markers and no finish line in sight.
I am not perfect. I have taken voluntary risks when the yield (to me) is high and the calculated risk is relatively low. An activity that means a lot to me may not mean that much to you—and vice versa.
Example: sitting in my backyard on Saturday night with two dear friends, distanced, eating our own food, and chatting about non-COVID-related topics made my heart sing. We did our best to keep utensils and food separate, but it probably wasn’t perfect and we did have to briefly pass through the house twice.
There are many other examples I could give you of risk-taking because, like you, I am trying to live my life while also not getting sick for myself and my patients, family, and community.
At the end of the day it’s about picking what matters most to you and knowing the risks involved (to the extent that is possible). And critically, to remember the risks of carrying and transmitting the virus to the most vulnerable folks in our communities.
Pick activities that are essential, that mean a lot to you, but that are low risk. And avoid the high-risk stuff (flying, crowded indoor places, etc) unless it’s absolutely necessary. All of the hard work we put in now will pay off later! And this WILL be over. I promise.
This would be a PERFECT TIME to take stock of what you love most in life. Make a list! (I love lists.) First, because gratitude is good for our health. And second, writing down and naming your North Stars can help guide decision-making.
For me, gratitude starts with family, friends, my work, writing, being in nature, exercising, travel, and all forms of clothing and shoes. AND DID I MENTION MY HUSBAND? (He made this edit, but indeed I would be LOST without him.)
I also wouldn’t be whole without my worn-out Adidas sweatshirt from college and a few other items I won’t divulge lest you judge me for frivolity when ACTUALLY the tiger-striped top that I paid way too much for gives me joy every time I walk past it. But right now, indoor shopping can wait; seeing family and close friends is part of my mental health.
I will check in with you later in the week. Until then, be well.
P.S. Pictured here is me with my superstar office manager Nancy, another essential piece of my mental health!
P.P.S. Join me and superstar Ob/Gyn Dr. Heather Johnson on Wednesday July 1 at 2 pm on Facebook Live to discuss pregnancy, menopause, and the unique challenges women are facing in the pandemic.