Let’s talk ‘pre-existing’ or underlying conditions.

What we are seeing in the hospital are those patients: hiv positive, diabetic, asthmatic, hypertensive with good medication management are having similar or better outcomes than those patients with no past medical history.

This is possible because primary care matters. Having a rapport with a physician or practitioner prior with good medication compliance greatly improves COVID outcomes.

The reason COVID is disproportionately affecting Black people, POC, and lower income families is because primary care is not as easily accessible for them.

Also, there is still work to be done to build trust between practitioners and patients in these communities. A history of medical abuse has led to bruised relationships between these patients and providers. Tuskegee is a reference I hear often.

Many patients with no PMH, actually have undiagnosed medical problems and it isn’t until admission that these conditions are uncovered.

What does this mean for you? It means taking care of your health and optimizing it is essential. Not only for your general wellbeing, but also as a great offense this winter.

Managing any physical or mental ailment is essential prior to exposure and will improve outcomes in the long run. Plus, you will feel your best!