A lot of Americans are confused and concerned about how the healthcare system is handling the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic — especially those who know they are immunocompromised, such as people living with cancer. Stories continue to surface about people who have previous illnesses and symptoms or who were exposed to someone with COVID-19 and still can’t get a test — yet, the Brooklyn Nets had access to tests, with four players testing positive, and Kevin Durant even came forward to say he has no symptoms.
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Read MoreIm a high risk person. I have cancer & serious heart disease. I went to my doctor yesterday for my standard tests & check up. I asked for testing since I’m a at risk patient. I was told they had no Coronavirus test & that IF I became ill I should go to hospital. Frightening
Lynn Brown (@LynnBro850921) March 13, 2020
“My doctor sent me to get evaluated for a test. Coughing, short of breath and have last cancer treatment next week. Don’t want to spread #COVID-19 if I have a mild case to infusion center. Given flu test (-), chest X-ray. Told if I get worse go to the hospital,” wrote another who goes by the handle @vanBGlobal.
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So what exactly makes someone qualify for the COVID-19 test if we’re assuming it’s not an NBA career?
You Have Cancer & Coronavirus Symptoms – What to Expect
Recently, SurvivorNet called on Emergency Room doctor Cini Thayil, a board certified fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians, to describe what happens if a person undergoing cancer therapy comes into the ER displaying known symptoms of the coronavirus — such as fever or dry cough.
Dr. Thayil noted that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently has specific guidelines for testing someone for coronavirus. While the CDC lists dry cough, fever and shortness of breath as the most common tellers of the virus — some people don’t experience all of these symptoms — and some, like Durant, don’t experience any, but are still considered contagious.
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The CDC recommends that if you are experiencing any of the symptoms, and you have either come in contact with someone who has a confirmed COVID-19 case or have recently traveled to an area with an ongoing spread of the virus, you seek medical attention immediately.
Dr. Thayil pointed out that when a person who is currently immunocompromised due to chemotherapy comes into the ER with a fever, there are specific procedures.
First, vital signs like temperature, blood pressure and heart rate will be checked. A chest X-ray to check for pneumonia, a urine test to check for urinary tract infection and blood work like a CBC (complete blood count) and a CMP (complete metabolic panel) would come next.
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“Other tests can be added on like a flu swab, stool tests, etc.,” Dr. Thayil added. “COVID-19 cultures are sent based on whether a person meets testing criteria by the CDC. The purpose of this work up is to find the fever source. Sometimes, the answer is not immediate. So, many protocols include giving a dose of broad-spectrum, intravenous (IV) antibiotics. Broad-spectrum antibiotics cover a broad range of bacteria to treat everything that it could be. The antibiotics can be narrowed down or stopped once the culture results are known.”
Currently, the CDC is recommending people call their doctor if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms — the doctor should be able to determine if the coronavirus test is required.
“They will decide whether you need to be tested, but keep in mind that there is no treatment for COVID-19 and people who are mildly ill may be able to isolate and care for themselves at home,” the organization notes on its website.
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