Seeking medical attention during a pandemic

Published in El Pais, 12 May 2020.

A couple weeks ago, I was told I likely had the Coronavirus. I was not tested due to the limited tests available but was told I definitely have a viral infection and due to the fact that we are in a pandemic statistically it is likely that one. Fortunately, my symptoms were rather mild and besides some breathing discomfort I was able to get through it. I am not here to go into my symptoms however but merely describe my experience of what it is like seeking medical care during a pandemic.

Finding a Doctor. I actually did not think I had the virus when I first wanted to see a doctor. I initially had a painful lump in my neck which scared me. After making many calls to different clinics I was told that unless I was willing to book a virtual appointment I had to go to the hospital as that was the only place to see a doctor in person. The fact that my lump could only be felt and not seen I decided a trip to the hospital was necessary.

First Footsteps. Immediately I was greeted by staff wearing full protective gear, asked why I needed to see a doctor, told to put alcohol on my hands and put on a mask before seeing triage (I was already wearing a mask but was told to replace it). I then went through normal triage before being put in the waiting room.

Waiting Room. The waiting room can be summed up in one word: empty. They taped off many of the chairs but it didn’t matter as no one is going to the emergency room. Many doctors have expressed concern about this in the press stating that if you need to seek medical care than do not let the virus stop you from coming in. A message that has clearly not taken hold. Fortunately for me this meant a very short wait.

The Room. After only a few minutes the nurse escorted me to my room to be seen by a doctor. Despite not being considered a potential COVID case yet anyone coming into my room had to wear full protective gear. The shortage of gear meant doctors and nurses would often barely open the door to ask me a question before exiting to avoid wasting precious gowns. Also, I was not to leave the room until instructed to by staff to limit exposure.

The Doctor. The doctor asked me the questions she needed to ask with all of the isolation precautions. I took the mask off only when she checked my throat and within seconds, she told me to put it back on. It was then she informed me I likely had the virus and ordered a chest x ray.

The X Ray. This was a new experience for me. They had a mobile machine to perform x rays so I would not have to leave my room. One technician came in while another waited outside. The X-ray was done through the glass wall, again so I can stay in the room.

Discharge and Quarantine. After I was told my lungs were good a nurse came in and told me as a probable case, I have to quarantine myself until I go 48 hours symptom free. Explained what that would entail and gave me a couple of pamphlets of all the information I needed. I then went home to start my isolation.