Thread by @SaltyEMNY

Since absolutely no one asked, thoughts on #CoronaVirus from an ER doctor.

A thread:

First, with multiple cases of #Covid_19 showing up in people with no known contact to either infected persons or "hot zones" it is apparent that we are not going to "contain" this.
(1/x)

With the prolonged incubation time of up to two weeks, people will be widely spreading this without even knowing that they are infected.
(2/x)

Furthermore, because of the relatively benign symptom profile for the majority of #CoronaVirus cases, there will be many people who will be unable to differentiate their #Covid_19 infection from that of a regular cold.

Based on those assumptions, and published R0 values for this strain, many, many of us will be getting this virus.

(As you have certainly heard by now, the best way to avoid it is to practice good hygiene, like hand washing.)

(4/x)

The good news for most people is: that's ok! For healthy people, and especially children, this is not something that you, as an individual, need to worry about.

So once #Covid_19 becomes more widespread, what should you do if you think you have it?
(5/x)

Well, we currently have no treatments for any strain of #CoronaVirus, so going to the hospital or going to your doctor to get tested won't help you get better faster.

What a hospital trip COULD do is expose those high risk people to your infection.

(6/x)

If you go to the hospital, you could leave with a big bill, and maybe knowledge that you have the famous #Covid_19, but no treatment.
(7/x)

But who should go? If you are struggling to breathe and need breathing support or supplemental oxygen, then go and get help. But, unfortunately these are the only therapies that we have to offer you.
(8/x)

Otherwise, take Tylenol or ibuprofen, drink water, and stay home until you get better - because the great majority of us will do just that: get better.

(9/x)

Also, if you are a primary care office, and are getting patient calls saying that they think that they have the #CoronaVirus, please please be judicious with who you refer to the ER for evaluation. Resources will be stretched to their limit if this takes off like expected.
(10/x)

Finally, if you do end up in the ER, know that we will see you as soon as we can. We care for the most ill patients first, but we will get to everyone as soon as we can.
Thanks for reading, and wash those hands.
(11/11)