CMO Covid Corner
URGENT ALERT-
As CMO I want to report to our patients a dramatic upswing in POSITIVE Covid19 PCR cases.
After seeing a drifting downward of new cases between late August and early September, we are experiencing large numbers of new cases similar to our dark days of April. We are in the middle of another surge.
I cannot speak for numbers put out for LA or Orange County now. This alert is based on OUR swab results in the last week. About 33% of our new cases are without symptoms. Those with symptoms have become very ill, very fast. Average age is 35, with most cases between 20-40.
We have noted good response to Budesonide and Decadron given early, so I encourage being tested immediately for ANY Covid symptoms, especially:
-Fever
-Fatigue
-Loss of taste/smell
-Nausea/diarrhea
-Muscle aches
-Upper or lower respiratory symptoms including sinus pain and sore throat
We want to keep our patients out of the hospital and prevent the horror stories that have become common with Covid infections, even in younger patients.
The current siege started on September 21st, exactly 14 days after the Labor Day activities we were concerned about. Recall the incubation period for Covid is 14 days. Many of our new cases trace their contact to that weekend, others to the recently reopened restaurants, gyms, and salons. One common denominator–none of our new cases suspected their contacts were contagious. Because no one knew they were.
We DO NOT advocate more closures.
We DO advocate more testing.
CADUCEUS and PDQ URGENT CARE AND MORE NOW OFFER NO OUT OF POCKET COST PCR SWAB COVID TESTING WITH A 48 HOUR RESULT TIME (with valid insurance).
Of course the physician order is via a telehealth video visit from your home, and the swab is curbside from your car. We have reasonable cash prices if you are uninsured.
We have worked hard to arrange this service for you, please consider taking advantage of it.
If you test PCR positive -STAY HOME AND QUARANTINE!
If you are antibody negative, STAY HOME AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.
Understandably, the new siege has stressed our systems, and we are adapting. You can help us by–
-Avoid the phones, use email or LIVE CHAT instead, available from the home page of our website or app.
-Use our telehealth platform, if appropriate, in lieu of office visits or walking in.
-Keep your appointments, and let us know if you must cancel or no show. This makes room for more patients.
We are all weary of the masks, the X’s on the floor, the elbow bumps, and the binge watching on the couch.
We will beat this.
But it requires you to:
KNOW IF YOU’RE CONTAGIOUS
KNOW IF YOU’RE IMMUNE
Our lifestyles, and lives, depend on it.
Gregg DeNicola MD
Chief Medical Officer