Now that a year has passed and the pandemic is finally in the downtrend there are still things that we can do to prevent further spread and avoid another peak like Europe is currently preparing for.
The US was behind the ball with prevention of the spread of the disease due to multiple factors but we are ahead of the curve in comparison to the rest of the world with the vaccinations.
Currently, we are vaccinating approximately 2 million+ persons per day and over 110 million have received one shot while approx 39 million have received both shots. The layout of the current vaccination program is aimed towards elders or those that are most extremely vulnerable- persons with risk factors including obesity, DM, immune-suppressing diseases.
Currently, states have their own individual layout but the goal is to prevent spread into these vulnerable groups which therefore in turn will decrease the stress on the limited resources of hospital systems.
The COVID-19 Vaccines are very safe and though there have been some allergic reactions to the vaccine, unlike the disease, there have not been any documented deaths. To put into perspective the Spanish Flu killed approx 675,000 Americans and COVID-19 currently has more than 535,000 deaths.
The disease should not be taken lightly and as a physician, we at DocReady recommend that every individual who can obtain a vaccine should quickly look into their state’s requirements and obtain one. The science behind the [Moderna and pfizer] vaccine is simply brilliant. There are no preservatives in it, it contains mRNA that codes for coronavirus spike, saline, Lipid bilayer (membrane), and sugar.
The mRNA basically enters the cell (it cannot enter the nucleus and cannot integrate into our DNA) and uses our own resources to make the spike protein (the spikes seen on the coronavirus schematics). The immune system then sees these spike proteins and attacks them thus mounting the immune response.
The Johnson and Johnson vaccine is designed according to traditional vaccines and though it's not as effective as the other two vaccines it will prevent hospitalization essentially 100% of the time and therefore we recommend it also.
States such as Florida and California are currently vaccinating patients that meet certain criteria.
In addition, in Florida, a physician can also fill out a form that can authorize persons who are extremely vulnerable to obtain the vaccine earlier.
California has similar vaccine requirements.
In California however, there is no official form but instead a few ways to get the vaccine, you can present a form of verification from the healthcare provider of your conditions which display that you are predisposed to a higher risk category or an official government document from a public health program serving people with high-risk disabilities.
In addition to the information above, there are also lists in each state for no waste. This means that at the end of each day if there are extra vaccines leftover and no persons that meet qualifications available then the healthcare personnel will go down a list of persons who have been put on a waitlist until all the vaccines are accounted for, preventing waste.
If you are uncertain whether you qualify for an early vaccine, contact DocReady. Our doctors will take a detailed history and determine whether you qualify. If you meet the requirements for early vaccination, we will complete the state forms and email them to you.
In the end, if you are unsure of what to do and feel that you need to go to your local emergency department then do not hesitate to; we would gladly care for you via a telemedicine visit here at DocReady.
Dr. Mohammad Anwar practices the simple philosophy of Mind-Body-Soul, an equilateral triangle that is in a constant struggle to maintain balance. He is grateful to practice medicine and feels it an honor to heal other humans.
Dr. Anwar is passionate about espresso beans and all varieties of espresso drinks, which he enjoys making for friends and family. He enjoys traveling and makes it a point to explore cafes all around the world.
During this flu season, many are left wondering if the flu-like symptoms they have are actually from the flu or from COVID-19. While there are quite a few overlapping symptoms, there are some key differences as well.
In either scenario it is always best to self-isolate, take some time off work, and distance yourself from others so that they do not get sick, too. In today’s post, we will be discussing the major similarities and differences between flu and COVID-19 symptoms, how they spread, the correlated complications, as well as how to seek treatment for both via telemedicine.
Influenza and COVID-19 have a handful of similar qualities and symptoms. For one, the flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses but are caused by different viruses. Additionally, there are a few similar symptoms between these two viruses:
As goes for both the flu and COVID-19, some people may be asymptomatic and experience no symptoms at all. However, this tends to be more common with the latter, as symptoms seem to take longer to develop, which is one of the reasons why it has spread so rapidly. It’s possible that you could contract either virus and not experience any symptoms, or more commonly, not develop any symptoms for a few days, even weeks.
The flu and COVID-19 are spread in very similar ways. Both can be spread from person-to-person via close contact or tiny droplets of bodily fluids from coughing, sneezing, or talking. This is why even before the COVID-19 virus, during flu season, everybody is reminded to wash their hands along with other cautionary actions that prevent viruses from spreading, such as staying home from work or school if you are or could be sick.
Both the flu and COVID-19 can result in a variety of complications. Most commonly, these complications are linked to respiratory problems, including pneumonia and even respiratory failure. Other complications include sepsis, heart attack and/or stroke, organ failure, and internal inflammation.SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
Although they may seem similar at a glance, the symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 can be differentiated in a few ways. First off, aside from people who are asymptomatic, the symptoms of COVID-19 tend to be more severe than compared to the flu. The number one symptom that is a tell-tale sign you may have COVID-19 is a change in or the loss of taste and/or smell. However, if you do contract the virus, you could experience flu-like symptoms for the first few days until you notice your smell and taste have been affected.
While both are contagious viruses that are spread in similar ways, the COVID-19 virus tends to be more contagious than compared to the flu, especially among certain age groups and people with preexisting conditions. In fact, COVID-19 spreads so quickly that it is considered to be a “superspreader,” due to many people not experiencing symptoms for weeks or not at all and passing the virus on without realizing it. The people that are considered at high-risk for the flu are younger children, while older people are more at risk for contracting COVID-19 and experiencing complications.
As we mentioned, both the flu and COVID-19 tend to lead to respiratory complications, However, the difference between these two viruses in terms of these complications is the length of time that they last. For people who have the flu, they will likely recover from their symptoms in a few days to a week. Fewer people develop serious complications from the flu than compared to COVID-19. On the other hand, people who have contracted the COVID-19 virus could experience more serious complications that could last weeks or months and could, unfortunately, result in death.SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
Without having to leave the comfort of your own home, you can get tested for the flu and COVID-19 via the convenience of telemedicine. At DocReady, we offer telemedicine, or virtual healthcare, visits from our board-certified doctors. We can diagnose and treat a variety of conditions and offer appointments for primary care, urgent care, men’s healthcare, women’s healthcare, and mental health. During an online, virtual visit with your doctor at DocReady, your doctor can order you a test to determine if you have the flu or COVID-19, as well as help you with treatments including prescribing medications. Plus, our telemedicine services start at just $39 per visit, require no insurance whatsoever, and are more accessible than traditional doctor visits. Book a single appointment at DocReady, or sign up for one of our affordable subscription plans to get your tests ordered today!
With all of the recent social distancing and stay-at-home orders, telemedicine has really taken off. But, you’d be surprised to know that telemedicine has actually been around for a while. In fact, telemedicine has already started to change the world of healthcare, and it won’t stop anytime soon.
In today’s post, we’ll discuss how telemedicine has made healthcare more accessible, affordable, and has improved the quality of care. Keep reading to learn more, and book your virtual visit with a board-certified DocReady doctor today!
Telemedicine makes healthcare more accessible to everyone — all you need is internet access or a phone. Additionally, telemedicine has improved accessibility for those in rural areas as well as those with transportation barriers.
Rural Areas — People in rural areas rely on telemedicine, especially for their primary care. In fact, this was one of the reasons why telemedicine came about. Our virtual doctors at DocReady are board-certified, capable of diagnosing and treating a variety of health conditions as well as placing orders for prescriptions. This makes it much easier for people in rural areas who live far away from healthcare facilities to get the care and medicine that they need.
No Travel Required — Many people struggle with transportation issues and may not have access to a car or public transportation. Others may not be able to take time off work for a doctor’s appointment. Luckily, telemedicine removes these barriers. There is no travel required since your visit is virtual, so you get to stay in the comfort of your own home and make an appointment at any time.
Telemedicine is very affordable. The doctors are still board-certified but you pay less out-of-pocket. At DocReady, we do not require any insurance, and you’ll also find that our services are cheaper overall when compared to in-person visits, even if you do have insurance.
No Insurance Required — Most telemedicine services, including those provided by DocReady, do not require insurance for their virtual visits. The price of our telemedicine services is the same amongst both those with and without health insurance.
Cheaper Overall — Even if you do have insurance, you’ll find that telemedicine visits are often cheaper than your ordinary in-network, in-person visits. This is because, while not explicitly listed on your bill, when you visit a doctor’s office, you are partially paying for additional costs. These costs, especially if you are visiting a private practice, may cover building expenses, secretary pay, nurse pay, and more. Some doctors may even add on an extra charge if you arrive late!
Many people actually experience better care when they choose telemedicine over in-person doctor’s visits. Telemedicine is a great way to reduce stigma barriers as well as improve the continuity of care.
Reduced Stigma Barriers — A lot of people feel sick to their stomach at the thought of having to go and visit a doctor. They may feel anxious or nervous about having to reveal personal, intimate details about their bodies to a stranger. Luckily, telemedicine is a great way to reduce stigma barriers. Being able to stay in the comfort of your own home while you speak to a medical professional lends itself to people being able to open up more about how they’re feeling. Additionally, at DocReady, we also offer text messaging plans, so if you’re uncomfortable speaking with a doctor face-to-face, you can still get the help you need.
Improved Continuity of Care — Telemedicine makes it much easier for people to actually follow-up with their medical problems. A lot of times, people just simply don’t want to make the trip and wait forever in a waiting room just to follow-up about a previous condition. However, those who use telemedicine find it much easier to reach out to their doctors for a follow-up appointment. Additionally, at DocReady, we offer follow-up appointments at a lower price than initial appointments, further improving your continuity of care.
DocReady offers telemedicine services to anybody, granting people better access to more affordable and improved care. At DocReady, our doctors are able to diagnose and treat a variety of health conditions. We work with health concerns regarding primary and urgent care, men’s and women’s healthcare, as well as mental health. Additionally, we offer subscription plans so that our telemedicine services are even more affordable and readily available to you. Are you ready to reap the amazing benefits of telemedicine? Book an appointment with a DocReady doctor anytime and anywhere!