We in the United States are about to be tested as never before. Will we panic? Will we make the wrong decisions? Or will we work our way through and act on what we learn?
Today 14 states vote in Presidential primaries and few states have mail in voting. Will the coronavirus be a factor in November?
Let's think of the times before.
BEFORE
In the innocent days of last month....
This was something I barely had to think about, because I have good insurance. But for many, that wouldn't have been the case. Looking back, with the probability of a new virus becoming a pandemic (we are almost there, if we aren't there already, as I blog this) a simple visit to a walk in may not be something we can just do.
Back in February, I found myself seeking medical attention for a UTI (urinary tract infection). I woke up one morning about 5am knowing, it was time to seek medical attention.
The walk ins where I live have online appointments available - yes, I know it really doesn't sound right to make an appointment for a "walk in" facility, but it's more like saving your place in line. The facility opened at 8am, so I texted my job, then went online for an appointment. They had an appointment for 8am. I took it. Registration was easy.
The last time I had used their walk in, this facility (which is part of the same medical system all my care goes through) didn't even have my medical records available. That had been several years ago.
There were a couple of minor problems - their acknowledgement said "arrive 10 minutes early to fill out paperwork". Got there at 7:50 and they were locked up. I might as well have arrived at 8.
But once they opened and the check in window opened, it was so smooth. I had to show my drivers license and my medical card, which is standard, and then the check in woman smiled and said "you're all set". No paperwork. And maybe a five minute wait, which is good for someone who really needs to pee.
The nurse practitioner (female) I saw had a good bedside manner, gave me some advice on how to try to flush it out if it happened again (I know it will, knowing my past history) but admitted even she can't flush many of them out, and took my pee sample. Several minutes later I had a diagnosis and two prescriptions.
NOW
So...what about the rest of the story? This isn't February. This is March and many of us may be exposed to a new virus we don't have immunity to. Going to a walk in may become difficult. Think of how many health care workers may become sick, themselves...
The best piece of advice people are giving are: DON'T PANIC.
The second best: Don't spread information about cures on social media. Please. Just don't.
Finally: Soap is your best friend. Panic is our worst enemy. We will get through this.
You are observing history in action.
Our community and medical system may be tested in ways they haven't been in years. Think about people who don't have the financial ability to go out and prepare for a possible community quarantine. They may not have vacation or sick time to tide them over. What about health care if they can't afford insurance? What about the suggestion of stockpiling medication but insurance won't pay for it?
There are already some empty shelves in places where we shop, here in upstate New York. I overheard a conversation in the local supermarket about when they might get hand sanitizer back in stock. The employee being questioned had no idea. And those empty shelves are only the beginning.
Will we face empty shelves in some markets dependent on goods made in China and other countries being hit by the virus? Will we listen to politicians trying to whip up fear for their benefit?
It's a lot of ifs and, best case scenario, deaths will be minimal. But in that best case scenario. so many weaknesses of our system will be unveiled. Will they be addressed?
This is not a time to lose faith in our system. But we must vote for those who show the ability to adapt to changing situations, and show compassionate leadership.
THE FUTURE?
Would I want the ability to see the blog post I write a month or two from now?
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
9 comments:
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I think the fear and panic over the virus are far worse than the virus itself.
ReplyDeleteI have deep set opinions about this virus...(and feel free to delete my comment) and I want to yell WASH YOUR HANDS PEOPLE! I also believe its media hype and since this came from China (bio engineered)... If you really get down to the nuts and bolts of things, the flu kills more people each year. Oh, and I am allergic to those hand sanitizers and yes, I have noticed the empty shelves (rolling eyes).
ReplyDeleteBuy American, period. (again, deep set thoughts--since China owns the prescriptions and the market so to speak). We have allowed these folks in power (both parties) to control every aspect of our lives.
STOP PANICING FOLKS. And for pete's sake, I wish the media would knock it off...it's not helping at all.
Good post, Alana smiles
No, I'm not deleting your comment, although I don't agree with some of it. I don't mind people disagreeing with me if it is respectful and your comment certainly was. I personally do not believe this was bio engineered by anyone. But biological warfare has already happened in history and we know it will happen again. I also know the media has a role in relaying facts but there's a lot of stuff out there that is conjecture. Do we need "what if" hour after hour? The media coverage (of the "wash your hands after doing x, y z and before a,b, c kind of coverage) and "why masks aren't going to help you" variety I do feel is necessary. Allergies: I am allergic to a lot of antibiotics and that's a concern for another time. And, will we finally learn our lesson about outsourcing must have items like medicines to other countries? What I am afraid of is that, no matter who takes office next January, we would not have learned.
DeleteThe future is such a scary place. All the 'if-only-we'd-known's'. I've been reading my grandmother's journals about the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic and this was in the days of most people staying at home! What will this epidemic be like, with the entire global population in flux so much of the time? We have fantastic health care in Canada, but how long before it gets overloaded. Our present Provincial government is of the 'healthy bottom line/screw the people' school of thinking, and are busily cancelling health services, firing nurses and other emergency care professionals and generally shooting themselves (and us) in both feet. I admit it. I'm a bit frightened.
ReplyDeleteWell....that makes many of us. How prepared can we be? We'll find out soon enough.
DeleteWe live in interesting times...
ReplyDeleteDanger and opportunity both.
DeleteI have less lost my faith in our system (although that's a piece of my concern too) as I've lost faith in being able to get correct information on a timely basis.
ReplyDeleteI've lost a lot of faith in our system, and the more people lose faith, that's when really bad things start to happen.
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