Don’t Stigmatise People Infected With Killer Virus in Communities
There is a perception that some people showing symptoms of COVID-19 are reluctant or ashamed to seek early tests and treatment because of a perceived stigma against them.
If this is true then it probably explains why some victims die at home or on the way to the hospital.
They sought medical treatment at the late stage of the disease, by which time it was too late.
First of all there should be no stigma against anyone infected. Many may have done everything they can to observe the protocols but somehow they still get infected. Included in this group are frontline workers, doctors, nurses, health staff carrying out screenings and tests like swabs, Police, military and auxiliary workers.
We need to recognise that they are fully exposed when coming into contact with members of the public. It goes without saying that the risks of infection are very high and we should commend them for putting their bodies on the line for our safety and protection.
Then there are those who inadvertently pick up the virus when they meet those who are asymptomatic, meaning the carriers don’t know they have it because they don’t show any symptoms yet. The newly infected can be primary and secondary contacts in the contact tracing exercise.
The third group is represented by those who are irresponsible and plain stupid. They show defiance, dishonesty, selfishness in willfully flouting the rules and putting their lives, their loved ones’ lives and the lives of fellow Fijians at risk.
So we can’t tarnish all these groups with the same brush.
Authorities can take action against those in the third group but when it comes to the infected, they all need love and compassion.
Let’s not stigmatise the infected and their families. If people are sick and show symptoms, their respective families should not be ashamed or hold back in referring them to health facilities set up around the country. Early referral and intervention are crucial to save lives.
Doctors and nurses can’t do much if patients are critically ill or dying when they are brought to the hospital.
Of major concern is the increasing number of people dying at home. Like any other disease, early referral and intervention are vital. There is no shame in doing it.
This point is being stressed in the wake of the latest death toll recorded here. On Wednesday, Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services Dr James Fong announced 10 new COVID-19 deaths for the period of 9th July to 14th July. They brought to 67 the number of deaths since the outbreak began in April this year. The victims ranged from 42 to 92 years old.
Dr Fong reiterated: “Sadly, people with severe COVID-19 are still dying at home or they are coming to a medical facility in the late stages of severe illness. Severe COVID-19 is a medical emergency, and a delay in receiving appropriate medical treatment reduces your chances of recovering from the disease.
We need all Fijians to know the severe symptoms of COVID-19, which include:
■ Difficulty breathing
■ Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
■ Severe headache for a few days
■ New confusion, inability to wake or stay awake; and
■ Pale, gray, or blue-coloured skin, lips or nail beds.
If you or a loved one have any of these symptoms please go immediately to your nearest medical facility or call 165 if you are unable to get to a medical facility.