The Chronicle Herald (Provincial)
Don’t be afraid to seek medical attention: doctor
As Nova Scotia grapples with record COVID-19 case numbers, the province is also seeing some people die at home from the disease before seeking medical attention.
Last week, Premier Iain Rankin confirmed three Nova Scotians had died at home with COVID-19 in the span of three days. Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health, said public health was not aware one of them had the virus.
Ontario is also seeing people die at home. At least 25 people have died in April outside a hospital, in a trend that the province's chief coroner called “new, unfortunate, and sad.”
While the reason people are not seeking medical attention in Nova Scotia was not made public, the province announced last week it was waiving ambulance fees for COVID-19 emergencies.
Dr. Tim Holland, a family physician at the Newcomer Health Clinic in Halifax and the Sipekne'katik Health Centre, said he's heard concerns over the past year about the fee from patients who were “strapped for income” and unaware of ways to appeal those fees.
“Once the awareness is out there that if you have a suspected COVID case, you're not going to have that ambulance fee, hopefully that concern will go away,” said Holland who also practises emergency medicine in Truro.
Some patients don't go to the hospital because they're worried about getting COVID-19 there, he added.
But that shouldn't be stopping them from going, he said, because chances of getting infected with the virus while visiting the hospital are low.
For one, patients who test positive are admitted to separate wards.
“There are a lot of protocols. It's like going into a space station in terms of the layers you have to go through before you go in and out of those COVID areas.”
Those who are suspected of getting COVID-19 are taken to a different part of the emergency department.
WHEN SHOULD YOU GET CARE?
Given how quickly the illness could progress, COVID-19 patients might not know when they require medical attention.
If you tested positive for COVID-19 and are sick at home, Holland said supports are available to guide you through your symptoms. A team from Nova Scotia Health virtually monitors patients at home and ensures they have the help they need.
Nova Scotia Health is also sending a pulse oximeter to anyone who tested positive and wants one. The little device, which wraps around your finger, measures your oxygen levels.
The monitor comes with instructions that tell the patient when their levels are dropping. The virtual COVID-19 care team follows up with the patient and provides any necessary support.
For people who are still waiting on their test result, or those who are self-isolating until they get tested, Holland said knowing when to get care could be more complicated.
As researchers and physicians learn something new about COVID-19 everyday, there isn't an all-encompassing answer for what symptoms could indicate the need for medical attention, said Holland.
But he said there are two main warning signs people can look for — trouble breathing and a high fever.
“You're going to be getting shallow breaths. You're going to be having more and more trouble getting your breathing going,” he said.
Most people who have severe COVID-19 symptoms also get a “nasty” fever, with their body temperature measuring higher than 38 degrees Celsius, said Holland.
Parents should also look for these symptoms if their children tested positive for COVID-19 or are waiting for their test result.
WHEN IN DOUBT, ASK
In all cases, people should know that it doesn't have to be up to them to determine when they should seek care.
Anyone who has questions shouldn't be afraid to call 811 or their doctor's office, he said.
Holland also urged anyone who thinks they need assistance to call 911.
“I know dialling 911 can feel like big buttons to push but we don't want you to die because you're afraid of having hit those buttons.”
Once paramedics assess the patient's condition, they'll do what it takes to help them, and it doesn't necessarily mean taking them to the hospital.
“Our paramedics are superheroes in our health-care system, and they will bring the health-care system to your house.
“They will be able to check your oxygen, listen to your lungs, they'll have the full personal protective equipment on. They'll have a physician specialist that they can communicate to over the phone and if you're in trouble. They have the oxygen there. They have the means of supporting you if you are really sick.”
The take-away message for anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms, said Holland, is that Nova Scotia's health-care system is there for them and that they shouldn't hesitate to take advantage of it when in doubt.