How To Safely Seek Medical Care During The Pandemic

The global Covid-19 outbreak brought the world to a standstill. From disrupting jobs to social gatherings, the normal lives we knew ceased to exist. This also means that non-emergency medical appointments and routine health checkups were postponed.

When things started changing for the worse around March, a lot of us thought the world would be back to normal in a matter of weeks. But with Coronavirus cases spiking again and many countries implementing second lockdowns, there is no guarantee when this will end.

The fear of contracting Coronavirus is very real and very valid. Putting off routine checkups and sick visits is understandable, but you can’t avoid the doctor’s office forever. Rather than ignoring alarming symptoms or further delaying elective surgeries, here are some tips to safely seek medical care during the pandemic.

Talk to Your Doctor

If any medical procedure or check-up was postponed during the initial months, you should talk to your doctor to decide when it’s a good time to reschedule your appointment.

Book Virtual Appointments

Whether you need to talk to your therapist or you’re suffering from ear pain, many medical professionals are offering virtual appointments. You can avoid going to the hospital by booking virtual appointments.

Seek TeleHealth Services

Unfortunately, not everything can be done over the phone. That’s why telehealth services fill the gap between a virtual appointment and in-person doctor appointments. You can get bloodwork, ultrasound, suturing wound care, and other procedures done in the comfort of your home. If you’re in urgent need of medical assistance, call Emergency Ambulnz for seamless transportation.

Reschedule on Time

After postponing your routine checkups, surgeries, and other medical appointments during the height of Covid, it’s time to reschedule appointments as soon as possible. For instance, elective surgery may not be required to treat an emergent medical condition, but that doesn’t mean you can keep putting it off.

Now, most hospitals have a proper system to keep Covid patients separate from the rest of the hospital, and health care workers are equipped with PPE. In particular, you should immediately look into rescheduling diabetes management, dental care, vascular issues, heart conditions, follow-up after urgent care, cancer screenings, or any other chronic medical issues.

Wear Proper Protective Gear

If you have to visit the hospital for an appointment or urgent care, protect yourself and others by taking the right measures. You should strictly follow these measures when going to a hospital or medical clinic:

Wear a Mask

It’s crucial to wear a mask, which adheres to CDC’s guidelines. Many hospitals and other public establishments may not let you even enter the premises without one. Just to be on the safer side, you can also wear a protective face shield or glasses.

Wear Gloves

Even though hospitals are following strict sanitization rules and constantly sanitizing commonly touched surfaces, it’s better to take extra precautions and wear gloves. There is no way to avoid touching door handles, paperwork, elevator buttons, and other things.

Wash Your Hands

If you’re not wearing gloves, wash your hands as frequently as possible. You should wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to get rid of any pathogens.

Carry Sanitizer

It may not be possible to wash your hands in a busy hospital. That’s why you should always carry a hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol. Hospitals and many public places provide hand sanitizers, but it’s smart to carry your own.

Practice Social Distancing

Try your best to maintain a safe six feet social distance at all times.

Have you noticed any concerning symptoms or changes in your health conditions? It would be best to immediately consult a healthcare professional and call emergency ambulance services if required.