Seeking Medical Care during COVID-19
Even amidst the COVID-19 outbreak and risk of exposure, it is still essential to seek medical care if you need it. “Under no circumstance should you avoid going to an emergency room or calling 911 if you feel that your symptoms are truly serious. Every minute that you delay, the likelihood of you having a worse outcome increases,” states Ghazala Sharieff, MD.
Dr. Tom Miller, Chief Medical Officer at the University of Utah Health, says, “there’s a chance that you could get COVID-19 in the community, and there is a slight chance that you could always get COVID-19 in the hospital.” If you need medical care but are worried about COVID-19 exposure, it is recommended to call your provider and have a conversation with them about the possible risks. Some symptoms, outlined here, require immediate attention in the emergency room.
Precautions Hospitals are Taking
Hospitals around the nation are doing all they can to continue giving medical care while keeping patients and healthcare workers safe.
- Non-essential procedures are cancelled
- Visitors are limited, especially for COVID patients
- Physical distancing
- Workers are wearing masks
- Patients are wearing masks
- Hand sanitizer is available
- Screening for COVID-19 symptoms before hospital entry
- Cleaning of areas (common areas, exam rooms)
- Organization of waiting rooms
- E-Check in to prevent waiting room traffic
- Increased telemedicine appointments
If you still have reservations about visiting a medical facility, you should talk with your provider to weigh the risks and determine the best path forward.
For more information, visit CDC
Related Relay Articles:
- What to Pack for a Hospital Stay
- When Should I Go to the Hospital?
- Connecting with Loved Ones in the Hospital
- What to do if a Family Member is Admitted to the Hospital
- Pregnancy During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Who is at High-Risk for COVID-19?
References:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention – Doctor Visits and Getting Medicines
University of Utah – STEPS HOSPITALS ARE TAKING TO KEEP YOU SAFE DURING COVID-19
Michigan Medicine University of Michigan – Keeping Our Patients Safe During COVID-19
