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Coronavirus questions - Is pneumonia what is killing people?
#11
I have a compromised respiratory system (asthma since I was a wee lad) so when things like this make their way around, I get a little nervous. But, again, ditto every flu season. I always get my shot(s), wash my hands a lot, try to avoid sick people.

Got sick as hell, though, last couple of weeks, but I don't think I know a single person in my sphere of conversation (family/contact and via email/text) who has not gotten sick in the last month. (I'm in Central AR, just outside of Little Rock.) People I know just about everywhere have been sick this season.

Again, as pointed out, there's a pretty big death toll from one strain or another of influenza every year. It always pays to be vigilant, get your shots and, as everyone keeps saying, wash your goddamned hands.
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#12
rjmacs wrote:
There is not a reliable test for Covid-19 available at most medical centers right now - the tests are complex and currently carried out at advanced medical centers. Once one exists, it will surely be covered by Medicare and insurance where medically appropriate...

Don't be so sure.

Heard on the radio yesterday that insurance companies are not planning on covering Coronavirus tests because they're "experimental and unproven" (and it often takes repeated testing over a few days to find it in a nose/throat swab, so multiply accordingly). It's expected to leave some people on the hook for thousands of dollars per test and may already be doing so in California. As an example of where the prices might go, they told the story of a guy admitted to the ER who had a flu test and got charged $3,000 for it because his insurance refused to pay for it even though he tested positive for the flu which you might think was per se medical justification.

('Cost ME over a hundred out of pocket WITH insurance for a flu test a couple of years ago because that was the negotiated price between the clinic and my ins company even though the test retails for $10.)
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#13
Sarcany wrote:

('Cost ME over a hundred out of pocket WITH insurance for a flu test a couple of years ago because that was the negotiated price between the clinic and my ins company even though the test retails for $10.)

It's weird. I had a flu test at a doc-in-a-box place in Birmingham a couple of months ago. It was $10 out the door for the visit and tests. Then yesterday, I got a Shingrix shot for $175. I considered just not getting one and letting them pay for my treatment if I got shingles and then decided that was pretty stupid! But, the variability in what they pay is irritating. The Shingrix shot apparently lists for $195 so United Health Card (medicare advantage) says they cover it when they kick in $20. Yet they completely covered the flu test a couple of months ago. I dunno...

One thing you can be sure of is that they're doing what they can to shift costs.
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#14
....could it be.....killing them softly......with his song....???
_____________________________________
I reject your reality and substitute my own!
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#15
Michael wrote:
[quote=Sarcany]

('Cost ME over a hundred out of pocket WITH insurance for a flu test a couple of years ago because that was the negotiated price between the clinic and my ins company even though the test retails for $10.)

It's weird. I had a flu test at a doc-in-a-box place in Birmingham a couple of months ago. It was $10 out the door for the visit and tests. Then yesterday, I got a Shingrix shot for $175. I considered just not getting one and letting them pay for my treatment if I got shingles and then decided that was pretty stupid! But, the variability in what they pay is irritating. The Shingrix shot apparently lists for $195 so United Health Card (medicare advantage) says they cover it when they kick in $20. Yet they completely covered the flu test a couple of months ago. I dunno...

One thing you can be sure of is that they're doing what they can to shift costs.
does whatever they charged you for the Shingrix cover both shots? shingrix is a two shot protocol. i had my first one a few weeks ago. supposed to go back within two to four months or you have to start over.
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#16
Avoid the shingles.
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#17
Time for a few days of real researching. I have asthma; it hits almost exclusively with exposure to large amounts of dust.

But I work a counter (not pharmacy) at one of the chain drugstores and deal with from 100 - 200 people a day. Close proximity, maybe 30-40% of the transactions involving handling paper money, coins, coupons, receipts, etc. Also a fair number air travelers, inferring from small talk with customers.

I’m strictly at the antennae raised, weighing the facts regarding risk stage. But it’s starting to look like this one warrants keeping an ear to the ground and a few minimal precautions at least, for the moment.
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#18
Blankity Blank wrote:
But I work a counter (not pharmacy) at one of the chain drugstores and deal with from 100 - 200 people a day. Close proximity, maybe 30-40% of the transactions involving handling paper money, coins, coupons, receipts, etc. Also a fair number air travelers, inferring from small talk with customers.

I’m strictly at the antennae raised, weighing the facts regarding risk stage. But it’s starting to look like this one warrants keeping an ear to the ground and a few minimal precautions at least, for the moment.

end of January i went in to Kaiser for a routine mammogram. guard and folks working reception all had masks and in my head I thought Seriously, Folks? guess Kaiser got a head start on all this. interesting that the nurses/technicians were not wearing them, though.
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#19
From what I have read, most of the COVID-19 deaths are adults that have lung issues, like heavy smokers or damage from prior respiratory diseases.

I don't know if asthma counts as one of the lung issues, but the CDC does mention it as a risk factor for being more likely to suffer from pneumonia.

Stay safe and well everybody.
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#20
Pretty good info today on the NYT Daily https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/27/podca...tion=click&module=Briefings&pgtype=Homepage
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