HPSP Recipient; Breathing Issues Post-COVID

[ThrowawayDent107]

Hi All,

I’m an incoming student in the HPSP program and have recently been having some serious breathing issues after two bouts with COVID, the most recent one in April. I’ve had very slight shortness of breath in past years due to allergies, but nothing that’s been debilitating or necessitated a doctor’s visit. However, after recovering from COVID I’ve had more severe shortness of breath, wheezing, and a wet cough for the past few months. I went to my GP and he said nothing is wrong with me after doing a chest x-ray and a checkup.

I’m about to see an allergy/breathing specialist to get checked out again, but I’m worried about how this might affect my standing with the program, could it be an issue that risks me losing my spot? I’ve also seen several posts about something called a periodic health assessment- pending what the doctor tells me, should I notify my service about any developments, and how would I go about doing so? I appreciate any and all advice, I’m honored and excited to serve my country and hope this won’t get in the way of me pursuing this dream.

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[chlrbwls]

Speaking from an active duty standpoint

Dentistry practices now with N95 respirators for all air generating procedures (AGP)

Now for those that are in, we protect what we can as they are the property of the US govt so you are advised to wear them as long as you can. If you think this will be a problem it may hinder your practice ability discuss it with your recruiter.

But those trying to get in, you definitely need clearance from your specialist in performing the duties assigned to you. I am assuming you already har MEPS done so the discussion should have come during that time

When you become active duty, You are also asked to perform biannual physical fitness and periodic health assessment (PHA) to make sure you are at your 100%

Consider this if you think you have some lasting effects post covid as this has been a big issue with covid survivors

 

[ModifiedBass]

From the way you wrote this, you’re already a recipient and in, correct? If so, you’ve passed the major medical hold points and at this point they will do all they can to assist you with your issues as opposed to trying to kick you out.

 

[ThrowawayDent107]

From the way you wrote this, you’re already a recipient and in, correct? If so, you’ve passed the major medical hold points and at this point they will do all they can to assist you with your issues as opposed to trying to kick you out.

Thanks so much for your responses! Yes, I commissioned months ago and went through MEPS over a year ago- I wasn’t having any problems back then and the doctor cleared me for service. I appreciate the reassurance, I’ve just seen stories of people getting kicked out of the program for the slightest health issues on here, and I wasn’t sure how much credence I should put in them. I’m probably just overthinking things