03-25-2020, 12:11 AM
(03-24-2020, 06:46 PM)TheNomad Wrote: A direct friend has 105 fever and is coughing. It's yet unknown if he is positive or will even be tested.
The 105 fever is itself dangerous. I would call social services on him if necessary. Sure, you might lose a friend that way, but better that than losing him to the virus.
Quote:I would like to stream information here about him as I get it. I thought whether this was insensitive or seemingly "detached" to do that. But that's what scientists do, all things are data but also more. I care about his well-being. We all need to be as informed as possible.
Are you going to trust the President or your lying eyes as they read the CDC website?
Quote:In the last 7 days, this person says he's visited the grocery store twice and has went to his own personal storage unit where others were not present. The symptoms came on over a day or so, then we went to his doctor in an emergency-type visit... which is now a thing here. Certain doctors are choosing (or being mandated?) to be the resident specialist who then takes all patients with potential virus-related issues.
I went to get some hand sanitizer and had some ugly sneezes while in the store among senior citizens today. At that point I made an appointment with the physician. I got in and I got tested. It is an allergy.
Quote:There was first a phone call, with specific questions determining if he was exhibiting symptoms. Then, an "emergency appointment" is made which just means to physically come in and be seen that day, waiting with other potential patients who are exhibiting symptoms that may or may not be virus-related.
Visits were appointment-only at the doctor's office.
Quote:Now, that is a little dangerous to me. If you are sick, just sick, and then being forced to wait in close proximity to someone who has this virus, you may become infected.
Your friend is putting others at risk. Has he been overseas? Has he been in contact with people who have been overseas?
Quote:Academically (which is what this is to any of us right now without direct contact) the mortality rate as described by the news is SO strong, I am not sure I would be willing to take that chance. Everyone must make their own choices.
I now live under circumstances so miserable and with such dreary prospects for improvement in my life that my legitimate concerns are for the lives of others. I am too young to give up but too old to start over. I no longer consider my life precious, as I can make only slight contributions to Humanity and get much less in return. I can at best hope for economic exploitation while being obliged to see my exploiters as the most wonderful benefactors. Happiness in Trump's America is almost entirely material, and what is allowed to most of us is meager.
Quote:So, as for this place of interaction, I've not heard anyone speak of having direct contact with someone like this. Just wanted to keep information going.
Call him. Tell him to call an ambulance. The alternative could be death. This is the worst influenza in a century. The 105 fever is itself a high risk.
The ideal subject of totalitarian rule is not the convinced Nazi or the dedicated Communist but instead the people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction, true and false, no longer exists -- Hannah Arendt.