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‘Like nothing any of us have ever seen.’ COVID-19 unit doctor explains what it’s like in hospital

PITTSBURGH — More COVID-19 patients are showing up at emergency rooms around the region, with many being admitted into the ICU.

The surging cases and patients are putting a physical and mental strain on doctors, nurses and hospital staff.

“This doesn’t compare to anything we’ve seen for flu season or the H1N1 pandemic. This is like nothing any of us have ever seen,” said UPMC Shadyside pulmonologist Dr. Jennifer McComb.

Dr. McComb said she hasn’t had much to get excited about over the last few weeks. But knowing a COVID-19 vaccine is on the way has her excited.

“Put me first in line. I’ll be the first one in line to get it,” she said.

As a pulmonologist at UPMC Shadyside’s ICU, McComb said they’ve done well handling the surge of cases, especially over the summer. But things are different now.

“We took care of that bump, no problem. We really felt very proud of ourselves and got a nice pat on the back. Now what we’re seeing doesn’t even compare,” she said.

She said wearing a mask could make a big different in making sure hospitals don’t get overrun before a vaccine is widely available.