From what I have seen and heard (at least at our facility) the Hydroxychloroquine and Z-pack isn't given until someone is hospitalized, i.e. the 15-20% that end up requiring hospitalization. If you are positive you are told to go home and self-isolate.....and that's about it. So my question is why wouldn't an earlier intervention be prudent? Obviously it would but from my view it comes down to a couple things: first off, they still don't test everyone with symptoms. Secondly, the ready availability of those drugs is questionable.
I had a telehealth "virtual visit" with my PCP today for the semi-annual renewal of my meds. He has known me for close to 20 years (his wife, him, and my wife and I took Karate together years ago). I asked him that if I had symptoms would he approve a test, and he said yes (he knows I'm an RT) since my hospital will not test employees....go figure. I then asked if he would prescribe the Hydroxy/Z-pack combo if I was positive but not sick enough yet to be hospitalized. He said "We can't get it. Besides, the efficacy is still up in the air. They're having problems getting it for the lupus and RA patients". I smelled bullshit, but let it be.
If you are fortunate enough to have a PCP who would prescribe those drugs for you then you are fortunate indeed. I don't really care if they haven't been through the FDA testing protocol or not. If I got this shit I would take my chances and take them early on, instead of waiting to circle the drain. As it is now it doesn't look like I have that option.
11C2P '83-'87
Airborne Infantry
F**k China!
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