A PSA

For John, BLUF:  A Public Service Announcement from your local Belvedire Blogger.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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Here’s how to tell if you have the coronavirus — and when to see a doctor

From The NY Post, by Ms Tamar Lapin, 4 March 2020 .

Here is the lede plus six:

With the coronavirus outbreak spreading across the US, fears of catching the new illness have spiked — but coming down with a fever and cough doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve been infected.

So how can you tell if you have the virus? And when should you see a doctor?

Symptoms of the coronavirus — fever, cough, runny nose — are similar to those of the common cold or the flu.

If you’re experiencing those symptoms but feel like you can manage them with over-the-counter drugs from the comfort of your home, experts say that’s what you should do.

“If you feel well enough that if it weren’t for coronavirus you wouldn’t see a doctor, don’t see a doctor,” Lauren Sauer, an assistant professor of emergency medicine at Johns Hopkins Medicine, told The Washington Post.

If your symptoms are more severe — a fever that won’t go away, shortness of breath and lethargy — then it’s time to call your doctor.

However, most cases of the coronavirus — officially known as COVID-19 — have been mild, so if all those with a common cold flood emergency rooms, it’ll make it tougher for professionals to treat critically ill patients.

There is more at the article.  And avoid crowds.

Hat tip to the InstaPundit.

Regards  —  Cliff