A woman in Seattle, Washington, who exhibited symptoms of COVID-19 and had a background of chronic bronchitis, shared her distressing experience of trying to get tested for the virus. Her Twitter thread has gone viral, highlighting how difficult it is to receive testing amid the outbreak.
“I live in Seattle and have all the signs of COVID-19,” user @NatureInFocus tweeted. “Given my job in a physical therapy clinic where I work with many patients over 65 and those with chronic health issues, I felt it was my responsibility to seek testing. Here’s how that unfolded.”
Initially, she called the coronavirus hotline but, after waiting for 40 minutes, she abandoned the call. Following directions from the CDC’s website, she reached out to two primary care doctors. One expressed uncertainty about testing locations and advised against it, while the other suggested she go to the ER or urgent care. When she visited an urgent care facility, they redirected her to call the hospital, which, unfortunately, had no testing available but connected her back to the hotline.
When she finally reached the hotline, she was informed that she did not “qualify for testing.” The operator explained that tests were reserved for individuals who had traveled abroad in the last 14 days or had been in contact with confirmed cases. Despite her symptoms and chronic bronchitis, the only path to testing was if her condition worsened to the point of pneumonia or severe bronchitis, which would then require emergency care and quarantine.
“This situation is beyond frustrating,” she expressed on Twitter. “I’m trying to act responsibly, but the system punishes those who take time off for health concerns. It’s terrifying to think I won’t receive help until I’m in dire need.”
After sharing her ordeal, she urged others to refrain from calling the hotline unless they exhibit all symptoms or have been exposed to a confirmed case, emphasizing the need to keep lines open for those who truly require assistance. With misinformation about the virus circulating from various sources, including leaders, the public’s fear is justified. As a new virus continues to claim lives across the U.S., the primary advice remains to practice good hygiene, including handwashing.
This account serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges many face when seeking medical help during a health crisis. For more insights related to healthcare and personal experiences, you might find this post on home insemination interesting. Additionally, for authoritative information regarding childcare, visit this resource. For comprehensive information on pregnancy, the World Health Organization offers excellent resources worth checking out.
In summary, the woman’s experience underscores the alarming difficulties individuals are encountering while trying to access COVID-19 testing and treatment, raising concerns about the healthcare system’s responsiveness during such critical times.