By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department
A Garrett County elderly couple recently started with respiratory symptoms. The man started first, went to his doctor, and was prescribed an antibiotic and told to take an antihistamine. Several days later the woman developed symptoms, visited her doctor, and was told to take an antihistamine and Mucinex. When they found out they had been exposed to COVID-19 earlier that week, they took tests at home and were both positive. The doctor had not tested them, or recommended that they test.
By this time, they were past the recommended time for any COVID-19 treatment to reduce the severity of their symptoms. This couple was fortunate because they were both vaccinated and boosted, so their symptoms were not too severe. However, two weeks later the man continues to have some respiratory issues.
This should be a reminder to everyone, doctors and patients alike, testing is the only way to know if it’s a routine respiratory infection or COVID-19. Advocate for yourself and ask for a COVID test from your provider. Testing is especially important for those who are NOT vaccinated and at higher risk. Testing early could lead to treatment that could reduce the severe illness, and possibly avoid a hospital stay or even death.
Contact: [email protected]
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