Don’t put off urgent non-Covid health issues

The Covid-19 corona virus is dominating headlines all over the world right now, an incredibly infectious virus that has the possibility to kill, especially the elderly and those with other health issues. But people experiencing other health issues that are worrying them should not be put off from visiting hospital, if they believe that they are in urgent need of treatment.

At a press briefing held on Thursday, Dr Archita Joshi from Health City Cayman Islands said that people did not stop having heart attacks or strokes just because there was a pandemic going on.

Her advice to the general public was if they had emergency concerns or acute symptoms, it was best to seek advice.

“The safest way is to call a hospital ahead and find out how they should address their symptoms,” she explained.

If they were mild symptoms, a physician could advise them over the phone or via other electronic means, however for acute symptoms, such as severe chest pains or suspicion of a stroke or some kind of a major injury, it was best to show up at a hospital, she said.

“All measures are being put in place at most hospitals to ensure patients safety when they arrive. All hospitals have put in place infectious control policies and procedures to address and maintain the safety of patients and healthcare professionals,” Dr Joshi said. “Most hospitals have defined zones where people suspected with Covid are placed and there are zones where people who show up at the hospital with non Covid-19 symptoms would be placed and treated. I’m quite sure it’s quite safe.”

Dr Joshi added that just because Covid-19 was a pandemic right now, it did not mean people should neglect other healthcare concerns.

“There have been unfortunate events of late where people have delayed their treatments and that has led to permanent disability or poor outcomes in their management. That’s not advisable,” she warned.