In a harrowing account, a woman named Jessica from Seattle recounted her unsuccessful attempts to get tested for the coronavirus, despite showing symptoms and having a history of chronic bronchitis. Amid the rising concerns over COVID-19, which has tragically claimed lives in Washington State and worldwide, Jessica’s story sheds light on the challenges many face in accessing healthcare.
“I live in Seattle, and I’m experiencing all the symptoms associated with COVID-19, alongside a history of chronic bronchitis,” she posted on Twitter. “As I work in a physical therapy clinic with numerous patients over 65 and those with chronic illnesses, I felt it was my responsibility to seek testing. Here’s how that went.”
Her ordeal began with a call to the coronavirus hotline, where she endured 40 minutes on hold before hanging up. Following the CDC’s recommendations, she reached out to two primary care doctors. One was unable to provide guidance on testing and even discouraged her from pursuing it, while the other directed her to an urgent care facility. After visiting urgent care, she was told to contact the hospital, which had no tests available but connected her back to the hotline.
The hotline operator informed Jessica that she didn’t meet the criteria for testing, which was limited to those who had traveled outside the country in the last two weeks or had been in contact with confirmed cases. Despite her clear symptoms and residing in a hotspot, she was advised that she would only receive help if her condition deteriorated to the point of pneumonia or severe bronchitis, at which point she would be admitted to the ER and quarantined.
“This is incredibly frustrating,” Jessica expressed. “I’m trying to do the right thing in a system that penalizes taking days off. It’s terrifying to think I won’t receive help until I’m in critical condition.”
After sharing her experience, Jessica urged others to avoid calling the hotline unless they exhibited all symptoms or had direct exposure to confirmed cases, emphasizing the importance of keeping the lines open for those in dire need.
As misinformation continues to spread, it’s no surprise that healthcare providers are left perplexed. With a novel virus posing a real threat, the best preventative measure remains simple: wash your hands. For those seeking more information on home insemination and related topics, you can check out this insightful blog post or visit Make a Mom for expert advice. Additionally, the Johns Hopkins Fertility Center offers valuable resources for anyone considering pregnancy options.
In summary, Jessica’s experience highlights the significant hurdles individuals face when trying to access testing and treatment for COVID-19, underscoring the urgent need for improved healthcare guidance during this crisis.
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