CORE Georgia is doing drive thru COVID testing at Second Ponce Baptist Church today from 10 AM until they get to 500 tests. May be a wait, but it's free and lots of other testing sites are not scheduling appointments for the next couple of days. Check out
https://www.coreresponse.org/covid19-atlanta for the complete list of testing sites. it changes daily.
CORERESPONSE.ORG
COVID19 ATLANTA — CORE
Smart and thoughtful post. It makes a great argument for more widespread testing, although it has been difficult to get tested easily in the last week or so, especially if you have no symptoms. If you have been significantly exposed (spent 30 minutes or more unmasked with someone who has COVID, OR live with someone with COVID, OR have cared for an ill person with COVID), I think it is reasonable To get a test 5-7 days after you have been exposed. A negative test does not eliminate the need for a quarantine.
In Atlanta, right now, ANY respiratoy symptoms deserve a COVID screen.
Testing options—
1)Best test is nasopharyngeal PCR test.
2)ANTIGEN test is rapid, but may not be quite as accurate.
3)fingerstick IgM testing that is being marketed as detecting virus within 3-5 days should be avoided- as this is NOT reliable
4)ANTIBODY testing detects only past infection and cannot diagnose acute illness.
Kimball Johnson
July 12 at 12:24 PM ·
COVID19 WHAT’S GONE RIGHT 13.0-BE PART OF THE SOLUTION
At 7 months old, we are still in the infancy of this virus. Despite this, thanks to research, we have a tremendous amount of information. Yet because it is still new, the population data numbers vary significantly. As time goes by, with more research, those numbers will narrow as we learn more. Since we are a divided nation, different sides pick numbers that support their position. How do you rise above the noise and know what to do when there is still uncertainty?
Certain things we know:
• Masks help dampen the spread. They aren’t perfect but they help and cause little to no harm.
• Hygiene works.
• A significant proportion of spread comes from those that don’t know they have it. That is the uniqueness of this virus.
• The current surges are due to people gathering inside and out, without the use of masks, distancing, or hygiene, spread by those who don’t know they have it.
• Isolation is not feasible forever for most; distancing helps. No host, no spread.
I always praise the heroes of our medical community. Generally, they are what’s going right. However, it is now time to call some to task. It is the responsibility and duty of the medical community to be leaders in testing, mask use, accurate information, and risk:benefit calculations when we don’t have all the data.
The archaic “old-virus” view of “I don’t have symptoms; therefore, I don’t need to be tested” does not apply to this virus. Asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic spread is the etiology of the majority of community spread. Doctors: to not encourage or worse, not allow, your patients to be tested, is being a part of the problem, not the solution. We need not only the data, but the information that affects others. Please rethink your position. We should have this virus contained by now, and we don’t. We are going in the wrong direction. It’s time to do something different.
Many medical professionals need to step up, lead, and be a part of the solution. Having non-partisan medical leaders would be an asset. Yes, physicians can be political but discussing risk:benefit scenarios in a non-partisan manner is our obligation regarding health matters. Be a voice in your office, your community, and your deeds. If you want to go further, lead on social media, get the unified word out any way you can. Lead with your political leaders by teaching them the facts or at least the risk:benefit calculations. These unnecessary infections and deaths do not need to continue. We know how to flatten the curve, yet the curves are going back up. Testing, masks, distancing, and hygiene offer benefit. Doctors: do your part and this will go right. Others will heed your word, follow, then lead in their own communities and workplaces. It’s time, be part of the solution.
Majority of spread is before someone knows they are sick (pre-symptomatic). It appears those who never get symptoms (asymptomatic) may be less infectious. Yet, at the particular time you are around someone, you don’t know their viral load or how infectious they are. So, in the real world, asymptomatic vs pre-symptomatic is a moot point. This is the uniqueness of this virus: infectious before you know it. This is why testing is so important. This is why masks help. We know if this is done, things can go right.
Said in a positive way: if you are out in public for work or pleasure, wear a mask and get tested if at all possible. You will be part of the solution of containing this virus as opposed to contributing to the current surges we have.
For those that think this is one big hoax, a worldwide conspiracy where all the data is rigged and the deaths are not real, there is no sense in wasting a single breath or a typed word. For others, to see the rapid spread of this disease, the recent resurgence after a downward trend, illness and death that has torn families and communities apart leaving broken hearts and lives across this world…I hope this is a wakeup call. This is a chance to rethink priorities. Rethink that it might be worth trying everything in our power if it has any possibility of helping yourself and another human being.
I know this is repetitious, but obviously the word is not out or not believed. I know my frustration is leaking. I am frustrated that the curves are going up, needless infections, hospitalizations and deaths are happening when we have such simple solutions. Not perfect solutions but things that can help. These could have been prevented. Yet it’s not too late for millions of people. Such simple actions of common sense, common decency, and respect for others can help.
I see so many people surprised they test positive, then find out they passed it on to their entire family, and someone in that family is now dying. I hope it makes you sit up and think….it’s time to try something different. Such simple solutions. Not fun or comfortable, but simple solutions. This can go right. Please be part of the solution.
Schools: we are about to embark on the Great Human Experiment. There are vastly different sides of this argument. It appears children are less vulnerable to serious infections. Children need school for education, socialization, avoidance of abuse, food, the ability of the parent(s) to work, and other positive factors. Yet children are not in a vacuum in a pandemic. There are multigenerational households, teachers and staff older than 30, as well as parents at home. If parents become sick, they cannot work for at least 14 days. There are many things to think about. We do not know all the answers.
Due to the surge in Atlanta, we are going back to Phase 1. The vote for schools to be totally virtual for 9 weeks happens tomorrow. Other schools are full on, full time, in person. This is the Great Human Experiment happening before our eyes. I hope it goes well; I truly do. We don’t have a model to follow. My advice is to assess the health and emotional risks in your household as well as your risk aversion. Be prepared to be flexible. How much risk are you willing to take? Are you OK with not seeing your at-risk family members, grandparents, to avoid spreading it to them? Can you stay home if your child becomes sick? Can your college child come back home if needed to quarantine? What if the school shuts down due to infections, think ahead. Do your best to educate your child both at home and for school. Hygiene, masks and distance as much as possible. This is impossible with young children, but high schoolers and our college bound are well capable. Keep them accountable, keep tabs on them. Test periodically. Time will tell how this human experiment will go. For now, do your part to mitigate where you can and hopefully this will go right.
To end on a more positive note, the majority of people who become infected do well over time, recoveries are more than deaths by far. Many are protecting themselves and others with smart decisions and actions. Many of you are already being part of the solution. You are the heroes; you are what’s going right.
With heartfelt concern,
Doc J
COVID19 WHAT’S GONE RIGHT 13.0-BE PART OF THE SOLUTION
At 7 months old, we are still in the infancy of this virus. Despite this, thanks to research, we have a tremendous amount of information. Yet because it is still new, the population data numbers vary significantly. As time goes by, with more research, those numbers will narrow as we learn more. Since we are a divided nation, different sides pick numbers that support their position. How do you rise above the noise and know what to do when there is still uncertainty?
Certain things we know:
• Masks help dampen the spread. They aren’t perfect but they help and cause little to no harm.
• Hygiene works.
• A significant proportion of spread comes from those that don’t know they have it. That is the uniqueness of this virus.
• The current surges are due to people gathering inside and out, without the use of masks, distancing, or hygiene, spread by those who don’t know they have it.
• Isolation is not feasible forever for most; distancing helps. No host, no spread.
I always praise the heroes of our medical community. Generally, they are what’s going right. However, it is now time to call some to task. It is the responsibility and duty of the medical community to be leaders in testing, mask use, accurate information, and risk:benefit calculations when we don’t have all the data.
The archaic “old-virus” view of “I don’t have symptoms; therefore, I don’t need to be tested” does not apply to this virus. Asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic spread is the etiology of the majority of community spread. Doctors: to not encourage or worse, not allow, your patients to be tested, is being a part of the problem, not the solution. We need not only the data, but the information that affects others. Please rethink your position. We should have this virus contained by now, and we don’t. We are going in the wrong direction. It’s time to do something different.
Many medical professionals need to step up, lead, and be a part of the solution. Having non-partisan medical leaders would be an asset. Yes, physicians can be political but discussing risk:benefit scenarios in a non-partisan manner is our obligation regarding health matters. Be a voice in your office, your community, and your deeds. If you want to go further, lead on social media, get the unified word out any way you can. Lead with your political leaders by teaching them the facts or at least the risk:benefit calculations. These unnecessary infections and deaths do not need to continue. We know how to flatten the curve, yet the curves are going back up. Testing, masks, distancing, and hygiene offer benefit. Doctors: do your part and this will go right. Others will heed your word, follow, then lead in their own communities and workplaces. It’s time, be part of the solution.
Majority of spread is before someone knows they are sick (pre-symptomatic). It appears those who never get symptoms (asymptomatic) may be less infectious. Yet, at the particular time you are around someone, you don’t know their viral load or how infectious they are. So, in the real world, asymptomatic vs pre-symptomatic is a moot point. This is the uniqueness of this virus: infectious before you know it. This is why testing is so important. This is why masks help. We know if this is done, things can go right.
Said in a positive way: if you are out in public for work or pleasure, wear a mask and get tested if at all possible. You will be part of the solution of containing this virus as opposed to contributing to the current surges we have.
For those that think this is one big hoax, a worldwide conspiracy where all the data is rigged and the deaths are not real, there is no sense in wasting a single breath or a typed word. For others, to see the rapid spread of this disease, the recent resurgence after a downward trend, illness and death that has torn families and communities apart leaving broken hearts and lives across this world…I hope this is a wakeup call. This is a chance to rethink priorities. Rethink that it might be worth trying everything in our power if it has any possibility of helping yourself and another human being.
I know this is repetitious, but obviously the word is not out or not believed. I know my frustration is leaking. I am frustrated that the curves are going up, needless infections, hospitalizations and deaths are happening when we have such simple solutions. Not perfect solutions but things that can help. These could have been prevented. Yet it’s not too late for millions of people. Such simple actions of common sense, common decency, and respect for others can help.
I see so many people surprised they test positive, then find out they passed it on to their entire family, and someone in that family is now dying. I hope it makes you sit up and think….it’s time to try something different. Such simple solutions. Not fun or comfortable, but simple solutions. This can go right. Please be part of the solution.
Schools: we are about to embark on the Great Human Experiment. There are vastly different sides of this argument. It appears children are less vulnerable to serious infections. Children need school for education, socialization, avoidance of abuse, food, the ability of the parent(s) to work, and other positive factors. Yet children are not in a vacuum in a pandemic. There are multigenerational households, teachers and staff older than 30, as well as parents at home. If parents become sick, they cannot work for at least 14 days. There are many things to think about. We do not know all the answers.
Due to the surge in Atlanta, we are going back to Phase 1. The vote for schools to be totally virtual for 9 weeks happens tomorrow. Other schools are full on, full time, in person. This is the Great Human Experiment happening before our eyes. I hope it goes well; I truly do. We don’t have a model to follow. My advice is to assess the health and emotional risks in your household as well as your risk aversion. Be prepared to be flexible. How much risk are you willing to take? Are you OK with not seeing your at-risk family members, grandparents, to avoid spreading it to them? Can you stay home if your child becomes sick? Can your college child come back home if needed to quarantine? What if the school shuts down due to infections, think ahead. Do your best to educate your child both at home and for school. Hygiene, masks and distance as much as possible. This is impossible with young children, but high schoolers and our college bound are well capable. Keep them accountable, keep tabs on them. Test periodically. Time will tell how this human experiment will go. For now, do your part to mitigate where you can and hopefully this will go right.
To end on a more positive note, the majority of people who become infected do well over time, recoveries are more than deaths by far. Many are protecting themselves and others with smart decisions and actions. Many of you are already being part of the solution. You are the heroes; you are what’s going right.
With heartfelt concern,
Doc J
Hi All,
COVID testing is now free to all Georgians, regardless of symptoms!😷😷🙂🙂
Multiple locations including:
Mercedes Benz Stadium though CORE Atlanta:
https://www.coreresponse.org/covid19-atlanta
Georgia Departhment of Public Health
https://dph.georgia.gov/
COVID19 ATLANTA — CORE
COVID19 ATLANTA — CORE
COVID19 ATLANTA — CORE
COVID19 ATLANTA — CORE
COVID19 ATLANTA — CORE
See more at
coreresponse.org
No great answer to the question of when it will be "safe"-
DRJOHNM.ORG
Can We Discuss Flatten-the-Curve in COVID19? My Eight Assertions
Dr John M
May 5 at 6:23 PM ·
Can We Discuss Flatten-the-Curve in COVID19? My Eight Assertions
https://www.drjohnm.org/2020/05/can-we-discuss-flatten-the-curve-in-covid19-my-eight-assertions/
Dr John M
May 5 at 6:23 PM ·
Can We Discuss Flatten-the-Curve in COVID19? My Eight Assertions
https://www.drjohnm.org/2020/05/can-we-discuss-flatten-the-curve-in-covid19-my-eight-assertions/
https://www.facebook.com/1112936115/posts/10221083249766891/
YOUTUBE.COM
COVID-19 Fraud Alert (March 2020)
I have a lot of patients who would like to be tested, but are not meeting criteria. Please don't go shopping for one, as they are not ready for prime time--if you are ill, isolate like you have COVID-19, that's how we stop it!
CONCIERGEMEDICINETODAY.ORG
FDA Warns About At-Home Kits
Not shy about getting the COVID vaccine! I feel fortunate to have gotten one this weekend! It looks like vaccine will soon be available to start vaccinating some outpatients next week.
More details to follow as they become available!
Not shy to get this vaccine! Thanks, Dr. Hamby!😷😊
New CDC recs for post exposure quarantine. Less than ideal, but more doable for many; folks need to remember that even with a negative test on day 7, visiting the grandparents is probably not a great idea😬😬🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄😷😷😷.
Merry Christmas!!!🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🎄🎄😊
