Don’t Go to the ER Because You Think You Have COVID-19

The whole world is now focused on COVID-19. It has not only sickened millions and killed over 100,00 people across the globe; it has disrupted our lives. While people speculate when reality may return to normal, experts can only speculate. People are hoping we’ve reached the peak and “flattened the curve”, but that still means there is much illness and death coming our way.

As a doctor, I’ve never seen so much panic over a given disease. People hear the numbers and horror stories and give in to fear if they develop any symptoms. Many rush to the ER thinking they need to be tested. However, that is not the place to go unless you are critically ill. The emergency rooms and hospitals, especially in my area in NJ and NYC, are struggling with the influx of sick patients. They should be concentrating on those who are most critically ill.

Depending on the source, it seems approximately 10-15% will need to be hospitalized. The rest of those who test positive will have mild to moderate symptoms and will require no further treatment than self-isolation and rest. However, that is not to say that all these patients should just stay home.

What you should do if you think you might have COVID-19?

– Be tested. There are now many drive thru testing sites available. In my area, most of them will not test you unless you are having symptoms, particularly a fever. If you are having symptoms, document your temperature. If it is over 100.8 degrees Fahrenheit , locate the testing center closest to you. Some of them require that you call ahead and make an appointment.

– Call your primary care doctor. Most of us are still treating patients. Many of us are doing patient visits by telemedicine to limit the spread of infection to high risk patients. We will direct you to the appropriate testing center and tell you what you need to do to treat yourself. If I’m not sure what is going on, I will ask you to come into the office to examine you. I can also write you a prescription to have testing done. Many patients experienced fever but did not record it. Additionally, many of us in healthcare have also seen COVID-19 positive patients who never had a fever. So, if you have symptoms and get turned away from a test center because you are afebrile, just call your primary care doctor.

– Strictly self-isolate yourself. While most of us are now socially distancing and staying home, most of us are still interacting with our families. However, if you fall ill, you want to isolate yourself even from those closest to you. What this means is that you stay in a room by yourself that no one else enters and keep the door closed. You leave that room only to go to the bathroom and you have your mask on whenever you step outside that door. Of course, your family will want to help you, but they should not come into the room because they likely will get sick as well. They can set your food and other needs outside your door. If possible, you should have a bathroom to yourself.

– Don’t rush to the ER if you feel short-winded. Many patients with COVID-19 will experience some shortness of breath. While this is alarming, studies are now showing that it is better to reserve ventilators until later in the treatment. Try to ride it out, but if you start getting chest pain or are unable to catch your breath, that is the time to head to the hospital.

– Don’t Panic. The majority of patients will get better without any treatment. I’ve seen many patients, even among those with no symptoms, with very high levels of anxiety. When we turn on the TV these days, it’s all about COVID-19. Remember that the news always shows the worst case scenarios. If watching it makes you more fearful, switch it off. You still need to get updates but limit your exposure to all the negativity aimed at you. Maybe, just check your state’s department of health sites to know what you need to be aware of.

– Talk to others. Social isolation doesn’t mean that we need to be completely cut off from the rest of the world. There are many ways to stay connected: phone, email, text, social media, and certain apps. Although the world is now physically distancing themselves from others, there has never been a time where humanity needs each other more.

– Have patience with others. Remember that this is a brand new disease that none of us has ever seen before, including doctors, scientists, nurses, healthcare workers, grocery store owners, etc. As the pandemic evolves, we need to keep making new protocols to keep people safe. The nurse you may be annoyed with may be working a 14 hour shift and is exhausted.

While the world struggles to get control of the pandemic, everyone has a role to play in saving lives, from the first grader home-schooling by video to the frontline workers. Many of us will be infected but most of us will be fine. Some may die and that is truly heart-wrenching. However, one way we can help is by not rushing to the hospital when we think we have COVID-19. That is the time to carefully evaluate our symptoms and follow the above first. If you are sick and you are getting worse or are concerned that you need to be hospitalized, that is when you should head to the ER. Stay safe!

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