Amid the ongoing global pandemic, the fear of contracting COVID-19 has taken precedence in many lives. People are social distancing, quarantining, and taking various precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones. Normal activities like commuting to work, dining out, and attending events have been put on hold, leaving many stuck at home full-time.
However, this heightened awareness about the virus may inadvertently lead individuals to overlook critical health symptoms, as health professionals have noted a significant decrease in emergency room visits. While hospitals are indeed treating a surge of COVID-19 patients, the rest of the medical facilities are surprisingly underutilized, which is alarming to doctors. They worry that patients are avoiding hospitals out of fear, thereby risking serious health complications that could arise from heart attacks or strokes.
Dr. Mark Thompson, an emergency medicine specialist at City Hospital in Miami, emphasizes the importance of not dismissing serious health concerns. Symptoms such as chest pain radiating to the arms, neck, or back—especially when combined with shortness of breath—are red flags for a heart attack. Similarly, signs of a stroke, including sudden difficulty speaking, paralysis, or severe headaches, require immediate medical attention.
Dr. Thompson categorizes these health issues as “time-sensitive,” meaning that delays in treatment could result in irreversible damage or even death. In the face of potential exposure to COVID-19 versus life-threatening conditions, the latter poses a far greater risk, he warns.
Among the various public places where Americans may find themselves, hospitals are among the safest. They are sanitized rigorously, staff adhere to strict hygiene protocols, and patients are screened for symptoms before entering. Moreover, hospitals are organized so that COVID-19 patients are treated in separate areas, minimizing risk for those seeking care for other issues.
For instance, patients showing stroke symptoms can be evaluated via telemedicine by specialists while their COVID-19 status is determined. This precaution helps to prevent virus transmission and can be lifesaving, notes Dr. Lisa Grant, a neurology professor at City Hospital.
Dr. Thompson assures that the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 in a hospital environment is extremely low. Ignoring potentially life-threatening conditions is far more perilous. While telehealth consultations can be useful for mild symptoms, any indication of severe distress—such as chest pain or sudden severe abdominal discomfort—warrants an immediate ER visit.
He also highlights the importance of staying connected with loved ones during this time of social distancing. While it’s crucial to maintain physical distance to manage the virus, the emotional and physical toll of isolation can be detrimental. Regular check-ins, especially with vulnerable individuals, are essential to ensure they are receiving adequate support and care.
Neglecting basic needs can exacerbate chronic conditions, leading to emergencies that could have been prevented. Dr. Thompson recommends maintaining visual contact with high-risk family members through video calls, as noticing changes in their behavior could indicate a need for urgent medical attention.
The combination of financial stress, unemployment, and the isolation of quarantine has led to increased anxiety and depression, which can negatively affect physical health. Caring for one another during this time is as important as looking after ourselves.
Finally, trusting your instincts is vital. If something feels wrong, it’s crucial to seek help. Many doctors, including Dr. Thompson, fear that upcoming statistics will reveal not only COVID-19 deaths but also fatalities from untreated health issues.
If you experience severe symptoms, remember that your local hospital is prepared to care for you safely, even during a pandemic. In fact, for serious medical issues, the hospital is often the safest place to be.
For more insights into health and safety during these challenging times, check out our other articles, including one on the importance of home insemination kits at Home Insemination Kit and a resource for pregnancy-related information at IVF Babble. You can also learn more about self-insemination options from Make A Mom.
Summary
It’s crucial not to let the fear of COVID-19 prevent you from seeking urgent medical care. Hospitals are taking extensive measures to ensure safety, and ignoring serious symptoms could lead to life-threatening situations. Stay connected with loved ones, trust your instincts, and prioritize your health.