Helpmeeff's journey

I recently found myself in a tough situation at my job in Virginia. I've been feeling unwell and had to call out sick for the past couple of days. After realizing that my condition was serious enough, I decided to start the process of filing for short-term disability. However, when I called my doctor's office, they informed me that it would take a week or two for someone to complete the necessary paperwork for my short-term disability insurance. The problem is that I haven't worked at my company long enough to qualify for FMLA, so I know my job isn't protected. I'm worried that if my employer fires me for taking a leave of absence to file for short-term disability, I won't be eligible for unemployment benefits. I've been researching this issue, and it seems that short-term disability doesn't offer job protection either. I understand that if I'm fired for attendance issues, I likely won't qualify for unemployment benefits since I wouldn't be able to work due to my illness. This whole situation is incredibly stressful, and I'm trying to figure out my options.