Test, and then test some more

Re “Weighing risks of routine trip to doctor or dentist,” column, Aug. 21

Like David Lazarus, I am concerned about the risks of visiting my doctor because of COVID-19 and have canceled or postponed appointments.

What would really give me enough confidence to make all my appointments would be if all staff in medical offices had frequent testing. If patients also could get tested prior to going in for medical procedures, as well as tested a few days after with quick results, that would also help.

Why should we have to weigh the risks of postponing healthcare against catching COVID-19 at the doctor’s office? We need readily available testing and fast results. Laurie Jacobs

San Clemente

Lazarus admits he’s considering skipping his September flu shot. I hope he does get the shot as soon as it is available.

I am not sanguine about the risk of visiting a doctor in the fall. But flu and COVID-19 symptoms are similar, and coinfection may be pretty devastating.

The politics surrounding COVID-19 are nasty. This administration may well be manipulating federal agencies on treatments and public health measures. If President Trump wins, we’ll get more of the same.

But if he loses, he may well practice scorchedEarth measures to cripple the Biden administration. Just look at what the Republicans did in North Carolina after a Democrat won the race for governor in 2016. Steve Rubin, M.D.

Chatsworth