Coronavirus: Hennepin Healthcare Sees Uptick of Concerned Patients
Hennepin Healthcare in Golden Valley says they’ve had many people come to the clinic for common colds, asking to be tested for coronavirus. Healthcare officials say for people to practice good hygiene and stay home if they are sick.
“I’m seeing a lot of individuals, for the past couple of weeks who have come in with high fevers, cough, and sudden muscle aches, very similar to influenza, and they tested negative for influenza. So, we may have already seen the virus in the community that could very well be coronavirus,” said Dr. Bryan Nelson. “It’s hard for us to be able to tell. We’ve contacted the Minnesota Department of Health to take a look to see if they fit the criteria for testing. I haven’t had anybody at this clinic who has needed to be tested.”
The Hennepin Healthcare Golden Valley Clinic has seen a rise in patients coming in just for simple colds.
“I’ve had a lot of individuals come in who are very concerned about the news reports, and they have colds and coughs, and I would say it’s been higher than normal for simple colds and coughs.”
Dr. Nelson says the elderly – people over the age of 65 – and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk.
“If there are any real concerns an individual has potential exposure to coronavirus, it feels much like the flu, and I would recommend they contact their clinic or doctor or the Minnesota Department of Health to be able to ask if it’s appropriate for them to be seen or not.”
For more information on coronavirus, check out the Centers for Disease Control.
