It can be hard to know when it is best to seek medical treatment or go to the hospital. This is especially true in these days of COVID. Sometimes, you may be reluctant to go even if it is necessary.
You can keep yourself healthy by addressing any health problems that arise. This means getting checked by your primary care doctor, possibly via telemedicine, and going to an urgent care center or emergency room (ER) if needed.
But it can be difficult to know when the appropriate time is. It is essential to be aware of the symptoms and signs of a medical emergency.
Knowing the difference between COVID and serious COVID symptoms may save you a trip in the emergency room.
When is the best time to visit the hospital
Hospitals will be able to provide emergency care for those who are most urgently needed by reducing non-emergency visits.
Medical Emergency Symptoms
Some symptoms that could signal a life-threatening emergency are:
Breathing difficulties, shortness of breathing
Upper abdominal pain, pressure or chest discomfort
Caution: Sudden dizziness, weakness or fainting
Vision Changes
Changes in mental state or confusion
Any sudden or severe pain
Uncontrolled bleeding
Diarrhea or vomiting that is persistent or severe
Sickness or nausea
Speaking with difficulty
For strokes and heart attacks, it is important to get immediate medical attention. The outcome of these medical emergencies is dependent on how quickly they are treated. For example, delays due to coronavirus fear can have severe consequences.
If you have a condition that increases the chance of having a medical emergency, talk to your doctor about how you can manage it during the pandemic.
Finding a hospital with Intclinics – Going to the Hospital For COVID
What are your symptoms?
A positive COVID result, even if it is associated with mild to moderate symptoms does not necessarily mean that an emergency department visit is necessary. COVID patients typically experience mild symptoms that can easily be treated at home.
However, there are some cases where COVID symptoms can be more severe than others. These severe symptoms include:
Trouble breathing
Persistent pain/pressure in the chest
You can’t wake up or you are in new confusion
Bluer lips or faces
Call your doctor if there are any questions. Registered nurses can also be reached through the UMMS Nurse Call Line.
If your symptoms are serious, you should call 911 or go straight to the ER.
COVID Testing and Emergency Department Treatment
The only patients who have serious symptoms and are admitted, or other individuals determined by the ED staff, can be tested for COVID. Asymptomatic patients with mild to moderate COVID symptoms should consult their primary care provider. They can also explore other COVID testing options through the state’s COVID testing resources.
Monoclonal antibody therapy, which is an infusion therapy to treat mild-moderate COVID, does not currently exist in University of Maryland Medical System emergency departments.
Learn more from the Maryland Department of Health about COVID treatment options.
When you should seek urgent care
You can get immediate care at many urgent care centers. Some centers can offer telemedicine. The following conditions are commonly treated at urgent care centres:
Allergy
Broken bones
Flu symptoms and cold symptoms
Concussion symptoms
Stitches are required for certain cuts
Insect bite
Mild fevers
Minor burns
Pink eye
Sprains, strains
For updates on hours and services, check the website or call the urgent care that you have selected before you go.
When to See the Doctor
It is better to treat health problems earlier than later, even if they are not urgent. Delaying treatment can cause irreversible harm. Infected wounds can develop or require more extensive care if they aren’t treated properly.
Although it is important to keep social contact as long as possible, you should still make an appointment to see your doctor for routine wellness checks. To protect your child against bacteria and viruses in the community, it is important that you attend routine vaccinations.
Depending on your circumstances, your primary doctor may offer an in-person visit or a video consultation. To find out which type of visit is appropriate, contact your doctor.
Telemedicine Visits
Telehealth evaluations are able to address certain non-urgent concerns such as routine appointments or wound evaluations, and can also be used for medication refills and adjustments.
Telemedicine is a way for UMMS physicians to assess you remotely.
A telemedicine appointment is an option for non emergency situations if you have a question about your health. For more information about the best options available for you, contact your physician.
Coronavirus: Safety in Hospitals
Due to the pandemic, hospitals all across the country are experiencing difficulties. However, hospitals remain safe places to go for care.
To keep you safe, the University of Maryland Medical System hospitals take a variety of precautions. Some of these are:
Separate patients suffering from COVID symptoms versus those who do not have symptoms
All hospital visitors must have a mask.
Enacting strict visitor guidelines
