Visiting a hospital during COVID-19?
Lockdown restrictions have started to ease up and slowly and gradually, a lot of daily activities are limping back to life – including the markets, shops, necessary travel and even hospitals, of course, keeping social distancing and safety in mind.
02/7What should you do in case of a health emergency?
Hospitals, considered to be the hotbed for infection are still busy treating COVID-19 infection cases. In the past few weeks, a lot of non-critical and scheduled surgeries and operations were delayed or put on hold fearing the virus spread. This put a lot of lives in jeopardy. A lot of people, especially those dealing with chronic illnesses and requiring timely treatment found themselves scouting for help, despite the fact that telemedicine was introduced by the authorities.
03/7Is going to a hospital safe right now?
However, since a few weeks, a lot of medical facilities and hospitals have started to welcome in other surgical and non-COVID patients as well. Doctors, too, are reopening their clinics.
While these operations continue to slowly go back to normalcy, it is normal to worry whether going to a hospital is a safe bet or not. Infection cases pertaining to COVID-19 are steeply rising and travelling anywhere isn’t all that safe.
04/7Precautions to keep in mind while visiting a hospital
In case you are planning to go, keep these precautions handy:
-Some of the hospitals are exclusively dealing with coronavirus cases. Identify first whether it is a COVID-19 or a non-COVID-19 hospital and proceed accordingly.
-Before going to the hospital or any medical facility, consult online or telephonically first and confirm your appointment so as to avoid any sort of delays or lags.
-Practice good hygiene, paying attention to protocols and keeping social distancing in mind – this is key to visiting any place in mind, including hospitals.
-Even though hospitals carry out immense sanitation, it still can be an easy way for you to catch infections and other illness-causing germs.
-Wearing a mask is compulsory.
05/7Stay safe from infections
-Wash your hands frequently, disinfect and use a sanitizer whenever possible.
-If possible, prefer tele-consulting as a priority. Avoid visiting a hospital unless and until it is absolutely emergent or crucial.
-Pregnant women, elderlies and children, those who form the high-risk category should take utmost precautions.
-At the same time, remember, you don’t have to fear COVID. Do not turn into your own medical help. Let the doctor decide what is best for you.
06/7Remember this
-Do not delay treatment. Prolonging medical help can make matters worse at times.
– Avoid touching shared utilities and surfaces. Do not crowd. If possible, limit the number of people who are required to travel.
-Bring all neccessary documents and reports with you so as to avoid wasting time. Do not throng the doctor with unnecessary questions.
-Keep health officials in the loop and alert them of all information-your travel history, infection risk or any other problem.
-Once back home, remember to sanitize yourself again. Remove your shoes, disinfect and clean any surfaces or things you might have touched. If you are using a cloth mask, dispose it off, without touchIng the outer surface.
07/7Are visitations allowed?
Right now, as per set protocols, hospitals are not allowing visitations (unless it is a life threatening complication). Do not breach and add to problems. This will only put your health at risk.