Coronavirus disease 2019 fatigue in the allergy clinic

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Joseph P Forester, 96th Medical Group, Eglin Air Force Base; Sumana C Reddy, University of Mississippi; Wesley J Sublett, Family Allergy & Asthma; Marissa Shams, Emory University; Allen J Meadows, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Language: English
• Date: 2021-06-18
• Publisher: ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2022 American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2021.03.027
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: ANNALS OF ALLERGY ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY
• Volume: 127
• Issue: 1
• Start Page: 5
• End Page: 6
• Grant/Funding Information: The authors have no funding sources to report.
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Immunology; Allergy
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery; Health Sciences, Immunology

Abstract

In January 2020, the world became aware of a novel virus circulating in Wuhan, China. By March 2020, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 had spread across the globe prompting a pandemic declaration by the World Health Organization and shutdowns of varying degrees in almost every facet of life.1 The health care industry was certainly not spared. Many in the specialty of allergy and immunology saw their practices adversely affected because patients were afraid to venture into clinical settings. Allergists were forced to modify their approach to patient care as they were unsure on how to keep their patients and staff safe. As time passed and more knowledge on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was gained, safeguards and screening protocols were instituted to protect patients and staff as face-to-face care increased. However, for many, these safeguards have proven inadequate in the prevention of viral exposure in clinical settings. But, why have these measures failed?