CAN I TEST MY CREW; PASSENGERS AND/ OR GUESTS FOR COVID-19?
MedAire has received a number of questions from clients interested in preemptive testing to confirm crew or guests are negative for COVID-19.
Typically, patients must meet certain criteria for COVID-19 testing. Criteria for COVID-19 testing includes individuals presenting with symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath), that have also travelled to an area where there is sustained community transmission – or the individual has symptoms and had exposure to a person with COVID-19 within the last 14 days.
When a person presents for testing, the treating physician does a risk assessment of the patient, inquiring about symptoms, recent travel history, and any recent contacts with other potential ill persons that may be infected with COVID-19.
Based on those results, and possibly in consultation with their local Health Authority, it will be determined if there is need for testing. Supplies of the test and the ability to run tests are currently limited. Due to this fact, everyone cannot be screening tested, and the doctor and/ or local Health Authority will determine whether the patient(s) meet the criteria for testing.
I’M TRAVELLING AND I DON’T FEEL WELL. SHOULD I GO TO THE LOCAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT?
MedAire clients are reminded they have access to telephone-based medical advice and assistance, 24/7, while travelling. This means you have instant access to quality care, anywhere, any time. Clients may want to use their telemedicine services first to limit their exposure to germs and viruses in – and reduce burden on – local health services.
In times of pandemics it is really important to limit exposure to potentially infected people. By using telephone-based medical services, your case can be assessed where you are, without the need to take transportation to a medical facility or to be exposed to the hospital environment and more severely sick people. Simple treatment can be provided remotely and the necessary medication can be arranged.
The telemedicine provider can also make a referral for testing or to a hospital if testing / treatment necessary. In addition, if your situation is suspected to be a contagious disease, by limiting your travels you are helping in containing the disease.