Finally, some concrete information about how to get COVID vaccine.   PLEASE be patient – I have only 2 staff members and limited vaccine supply, although I can request more.  We will get everyone vaccinated. I am vaccinating healthcare providers this week and next.  When San Diego County changes to Phase 1B (likely over the … Continue reading "Covid Vaccine – Now Available!" ...

I recommend the COVID vaccine for the vast majority of patients because the benefits are huge, and risks are small.  I have to admit, I was quite a skeptic in the beginning.  I didn’t think anyone could do good science in that short a time frame.  And I am generally not someone who jumps in … Continue reading "Why I Recommend The COVID Vaccine" ...

Afraid to go to the doctor or get your blood drawn because you might get exposed to COVID?  Two things I want you to consider:  Medical facilities can be some of the lowest risk places to visit during the pandemic due to strict sterilization, social distancing and mask wearing practices.  We cannot afford not to.  … Continue reading "Risks of Deferring Healthcare During a Pandemic" ...

Given the new lockdown orders in California, we need to get creative again to stay connected and engaged. Here are some of my favorites from a great article:  Plant an indoor herb garden and learn cook with those herbs Take virtual tours of places you want to visit someday – Here’s a tour of Rome Visit … Continue reading "Activities for a Stay at Home Order" ...

Telemedicine is basically a video visit with your doctor and has many benefits.  More personalized than a phone call Less time away from work No travel expenses or time Less interference with child or elder care responsibilities No exposure to other potentially contagious patients My Electronic Health Record system uses an encrypted version of Zoom … Continue reading "ABC’s of Telemedicine" ...

Unfortunately, cold symptoms, flu symptoms and COVID symptoms can be very similar, so its difficult to tell them apart sometimes.  That’s why I now have rapid testing for influenza (in addition to rapid COVID testing) available in my office.  This is the same standard test that has been done in Urgent Care and the Emergency … Continue reading "Rapid Flu Testing Now Available" ...

I now have the BD Veritor Plus testing system for COVID-19.  It tests for COVID-19 antigen with a nasal swab (not the one that tickles your brain).  Results are ready in about 15 min.  Sensitivity is 98% – meaning a negative result is correct 98% of the time, although false negative tests can occur 2% … Continue reading "Rapid COVID Testing Now Available" ...

Does it really matter if I get a flu shot? The short answer is YES !!!! The flu is dangerous in its own right, hospitalizing and killing tens of thousands of people each year and sidelining millions more for days to weeks. On average, 17 million work days and 38 million school days are missed … Continue reading "Flu Shots in the Year of Covid-19" ...

With all the wildfires raging in California, Oregon and Washington (and the Valley Fire in San Diego county), it’s a potent reminder that we live in Disaster Country. Whether it’s a pandemic, earthquake or wildfire, we all need to be prepared. Have a plan: Essential services may not be available for the first few hours … Continue reading "Are You Prepared for a Disaster?" ...