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<div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">Yet another facet of the messed up messaging is this question: I have symptoms that might be COVID-19 what should I as an individual do for my own health?</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">A month ago, I noticed a "scratchy" sensation in my throat and wondered what to do. Some web-sites discussed the similarity of symptoms of colds, flu and COVID-19. OK, suppose might be COVID, what to do next? </div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">Most websites gave advice about testing. Get tested right away. Wait 2 days to get tested. </div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">Self-quarantine. Right, I live by myself. I had been planning to go to the grocery store the next day. How might this work?</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">In this same time frame, there news stories about new medicines to treat COVID, but they worked best when given early. </div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">Out of all of the "advice" I found one article that suggested having throat lozenges, OTC cough medicine and vitamins C and D on hand. I took a zinc lozenge, which I have found was helpful for the early stage of a cold.</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">And all of this was on a weekend, so my doctor was not available. Monday morning, I called the doctor's office. In "normal" times, a nurse would take the message, the doctor would read it during a break in the day and I'd probably get a call back with some advice by the end of the day. Yes I did get a call back, but that was to schedule a video visit. By the time I finally "saw" the doctor, the progression of symptoms matched the common cold. No I didn't think I needed to schedule a COVID test. Yes, the doctor agreed that zinc lozenges can be helpful for a cold.</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">Paul </div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div></div></body></html>