Respect the virus and be careful, but don’t be fearful, says doctor

A BRAY doctor has said that outbreaks of Covid-19 in nursing homes could skew the figures in the Bray area, which has a large number of such premises.

‘Our big problem relates to the elderly and nursing homes, and right now there is another outbreak in nursing homes,’ said Dr Gallagher. ‘We have an inordinate number of care homes in Bray and the figures will be skewed because of it.’

Dr Gallagher said that it has nothing to do with bad care in homes. ‘ They have sweated blood to try to keep homes clear and done a tremendous job,’ he said. ‘A high number of people work in nursing homes, going in and out. It’s a virus which we simply cannot see.

He said that Bray’s proximity to Dublin has also had an effect on the levels of the virus here. ‘People did come to Bray by train and by car when Dublin was locked down, and they drank in the pubs which were open here. There was an influx into the pubs in Bray. That’s very difficult to control because we are so accessible.’

Dr Gallagher said that he hadn’t personally seen any evidence of house parties having a particular effect on numbers of the virus in the area.

Recalling the 14th century Venetian ‘plague doctor’ masks, Dr Gallagher said we’re really no better off now in terms of protecting ourselves from a virus.

He urges people to isolate themselves as best they can, while still maintaining exercise and safe social contact.

‘It’s important that the kids get out to school. And it’s important that shops and commerce stay open,’ he said. ‘Not just for the economy but for mental and physical health.’

It’s very important for the elderly that they make sure they exercise. ‘My big worry for the elderly is that we will lose our physical fitness, and psychological fitness,’ he said. ‘It’s important that people who are elderly and frail are able to safely get out of the house, and able to exercise and take good care of themselves, no to sit and watch telly or eat to excess.’

He said that even walking up and down the road in the area near you own house would be fine.

‘ There is a thing called fragility syndrome,’ said Dr Gallagher. ‘People lose muscle mass and strength. The longer they spend sitting in a chair, the harder it is to get out. They become weaker and are more likely to lose their balance and fall. If they fracture a hip, the outcome is actually quite poor for elderly people.’

He said that it was easier in the spring, but with darker, colder and wetter evenings it is harder to get motivated.

‘We do need to break this cycle,’ said Dr Gallagher on the move to Level 5. ‘People who are frail and vulnerable should stay out of circulation but not away from exercise. It’s important too that bubbles are formed and adhered to, Those stuck at home due to age or frailty do need access to other people so they aren’t totally isolated.’

Fear, said Dr Gallagher, is a major factor for people during this pandemic.

‘Fear can restrict you and take away mental and physical health,’ he said.

‘We should be careful and respect the virus, but not be fearful of it,’ he said. ‘With care, we shouldn’t have fear.’

Dr Gallagher said that it is important to contact the doctor if unwell even with the lockdown. ‘ Things may not be Covid related, but they do have to be dealt with,’ he said. ‘Ring the surgery, speak to the nurse or doctor about your fears. Don’t avoid contact with us for fear of catching Covid.’

He said that in the last lockdown a lot of people avoided surgeries, and should have been consulting their doctors.

‘We will triage every case,’ said Dr Gallagher. ‘All stuff that could be in any way serious will be dealt with and people will be seen. The surgeries are very clean and safe places to come.’