Physician reminds locals to be aware of high risk factors
GUYMON – Local doctor Manny Barias believes that people at a higher risk for contracting COVID-19 must follow preventative measures to protect against this virus which could cause more severe symptoms in a high-risk person.
Dr. Barias reminds everyone that at-risk people are those who have any of the following qualities: chronic kidney disease; body mass index over 35; diabetes; immunosuppressive diseases; 65 years of age or older; receiving immune suppressants; and 55 years of age or older with cardiovascular disease, hypertension or chronic lung disease.
“High risk means that if this individual gets [COVID-19], the likelihood of a severe course is very high,”
Dr. Barias stated in a Facebook post. He urges those who fall under this category to follow preventative measures to avoid infection, such as reverse quarantine, or staying away from others. If one suspects they
have COVID-19, they should seek consultation as soon as possible for testing and treatment. If testing positive, Dr. Barias says that your illness “must be followed up closely.” If the sickness is caught early,
a high-risk person may benefit from antibody treatment. Dr. Barias also recommends regularly checking oxygen levels with an oximeter, and if the level falls below 93 percent, the person “must consult a doctor.”
There are also precautions the general public can follow to help pro
tect high-risk individuals from COVID-19. Dr. Barias recommends maintaining distance from and/or wearing a mask around people who are high-risk and donating plasma if you are antibody-positive. In addition, Barias suggests donating oximeters to physicians’ offices if you are no longer
using them, as they are always in need.
“We are seeing very high positive rates locally,” Barias said, so it is important that all citizens continue to take precautions to protect themselves and the high-risk population against COVID-19.