It's crazy. The lack of planning (especially in a first world nation like the US) is mind-boggling. Medical professionals have been underfunded and discouraged from research. Even now, there are no direct sources of funding to allow localities to develop and use their own testing.
I'm so sorry to hear you're in a high risk group. I'm sure you're doing all the right things, but it's still really scary. Is your primary care doctor still seeing patients? If you do get symptoms, going to the ER at a major hospital would be what I would advise. If you live near one.
BBM. Neither the news media nor hospitals nor health departments have advised people to go to the ER if they are showing symptoms. They also don't want people showing up at their doctor's offices without calling ahead. The primary physicians for my family are at Nebraska Medicine and we received an email on February 11, telling us to call ahead and not just show up. These medical professionals have not been underfunded, discouraged from research. Let's not make reckless, baseless allegations. Nobody had a crystal ball and could predict this pandemic. Nebraska hasn't had a death yet but we have had a doctor infected at a suburban hospital.
JMO
COVID-19 community information | Nebraska Medicine Omaha, NE
COVID-19 community information
Home Patients and Visitors COVID-19 community information
EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS?
- If you are experiencing respiratory illness symptoms like:
- Cough
- Congestion
- Sore throat
- Fever
- And you have not recently traveled to an area with widespread outbreak, and you have not had close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, at this time the best guidance is to stay home, get plenty of rest, drink fluids and take pain and fever medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- If you have recently traveled to an area with widespread outbreak, or had close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, call 402.559.0041 prior to making a clinic appointment, visiting an Immediate Care Clinic or the emergency room. Our staff will provide screening evaluation and recommendation on next steps. If you are not a Nebraska Medicine patient, you are encouraged to call your local primary care provider for guidance.
Below, our infectious disease experts have answered common questions about the virus, including advice about how to protect yourself, what to do if you're asked to self-quarantine and a list of reliable information sources.
View our
daily coronavirus update for the most up-to-date information.
Quarantine efforts in Nebraska
Information about those being treated at the National Quarantine Unit and the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit for COVID-19.
COVID-19 basics
What coronavirus (COVID-19) is, where the virus comes from and why it's potentially dangerous.
How COVID-19 spreads
How the virus spreads, including the risk of contracting it by touching packages from overseas or living with pets.
COVID-19 prevention and preparedness
How to protect yourself and your family, how health systems are preparing and resources for making travel decisions.
COVID-19 screening
Details about who should be screened for COVID-19, and how the screening works.
COVID-19 symptoms and treatment
A list of symptoms, information about who's considered high risk and treatment recommendations.
Self-quarantine instructions
What to do if you've been told to self-quarantine, how to care for someone who's self quarantined and what to do if you live with someone who's been told to self-quarantine.
Credible COVID-19 information sources
Links to credible and reliable information sources, including the CDC, WHO and NETEC.
Information for University of Nebraska students, residents, faculty and staff
Instructions for students, residents, faculty and staff who have recently traveled, or who may have been exposed to COVID-19.
COVID-19 community information
Explore our patient and provider stories
Now is the time for our community to help in 'flattening the curve'
Find a Doctor Find a Location Find a Service
