Mild Covid-19 patients told to avoid hospitals

COVID-positive patients are being told to stay home by a major Queensland hospital unless they’re experiencing “extreme symptoms”, for fear of overwhelming the health system.

The Gold Coast University Hospital says it has had a number of patients turn up after receiving a text message confirming their Covid-positive diagnosis, even though they have mild symptoms.

The hospital says this has put an additional strain on the health system during the busy

Christmas period.

Gold Coast Health executive director of medical services, Dr Jeremy Wellwood, said people should only seek emergency treatment if they have severe symptoms of breathlessness or chest pain.

“If you receive a text message advising your Covid test is positive, please do not come into hospital unless you are sick and need emergency treatment,” Dr Wellwood said.

“Once you receive your positive Covid diagnosis, a health worker will contact you via mobile phone in due course, to determine if your Covid case can be managed at home or elsewhere.

“Patients can also call the Queensland Health Covid phone number on 13 42 68, or visit the Queensland Health information page for advice and support.”

Gold Coast Primary Health Network Board chair Dr Roger Halliwell says that despite a large number of Covid cases, very few patients have been sick enough to be hospitalised.

Most people who are fully vaccinated only have mild symptoms that can be treated at home.

“People with mild symptoms should stay home and isolate, until they get better,” Dr Halliwell said.

“If a patient wants to discuss their condition with their GP, they should organise a phone consultation, but should not visit the practice, to reduce the risk of them spreading Covid in the community.

“Of course, if their symptoms were to worsen, they should call an ambulance.”

Gold Coast Health said people should follow the lead of a 19-year-old local named Aiden, who stayed home after testing positive for Covid-19 on Boxing Day.

“I looked at the Queensland Health website, so I know what to keep an eye on,” he said.

“Now I am just chilling at home, playing video games”.

PEOPLE WITH MILD SYMPTOMS SHOULD STAY HOME AND ISOLATE, UNTIL THEY GET BETTER. IF A PATIENT WANTS TO DISCUSS THEIR CONDITION WITH A GP, THEY SHOULD ORGANISE A PHONE CONSULTATION

DR JEREMY WELLWOOD