COLORADO — A Colorado doctor’s post about the new coronavirus has been circulated by thousands of people on social media. The doctor, who works on the state’s eastern plains, has offered a glimpse at what health care professionals are facing amid the spread of the virus.
Dr. Daniel Wandsneider’s post warns people to take social distancing and stay-at-home orders seriously.
“Over 100 hours into my shift, I have firsthand experiences with this virus, and it’s as bad as you can imagine,” the post says. “For example, a healthy patient day 8 of illness on a few liters of oxygen turns to fulminate respiratory failure on mechanical ventilation within 16 hours. This isn’t another flu.
“It’s the beginning. I wish I had understood the severity of the situation sooner and been a better advocate. I appreciate so many people who are doing their part.”
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The doctor also asks that people to “keep each other accountable.”
“There are many who are making this a personal matter, and those are the people who will allow this disease to perpetuate as the 1918 pandemic did for nearly two years,” the post read.
“Don’t panic, but be prepared to settle in for longer than you think.”
The post, which was open to the public, has received hundreds of comments from people who expressed their appreciation for medical professionals. Many said they will heed the doctor’s advice and thanked him for posting the warning.
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