Covid-19: Delayed care can take a heavy toll on patients

Delayed care is being widely highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic by UAE doctors, as they reiterate that not seeking timely medical attention leads to dire health consequences.

Any type of foregone care results in severe Covid-19 cases and even untimely deaths, medics underlined.

Dr Ponnusamy Tamilvedan, specialist internal medicine, Medeor Hospital, Dubai, said: “It has been found that many patients come to the hospital to test for Covid-19 after a few days or even weeks after they have started manifesting the symptoms. This is a dangerous trend. Delay in consulting a doctor or taking a Covid-19 test might turn disastrous. Infected individuals could spread the disease to their contacts, some of whom might be in the high-risk group. Also, delay in getting the right treatment at the right time might worsen the condition of the person.”

“In the case of Covid-19, it has been found that some people develop lung infections and might require oxygen or ventilator support. This can be avoided if the person seeks medical help on time," added Dr Tamilvedan.

Covid-19 fatalities are now a lot higher than annual deaths from most other diseases, globally.

They are also much higher than any short-term infectious-disease outbreak since the 1918 influenza pandemic.

In the UAE, doctors contended that while rapid tests are being done to identify cases, many Covid-19 positive patients were procrastinating treatment.

Dr Mustafa Saif, internal medicine specialist, Aster Hospital, Mankhool, opined: “Patients usually defer from going to the health care centre for minimal symptoms. It is usually advised that if any family member, who is a close contact, tests positive then the whole family stays in quarantine. It is at this time that few symptoms are either neglected or considered trivial for medical advice.

It is generally advisable to seek medical help if there are minimal symptoms and nowadays with many clinics and hospitals opting for teleconsultation, patients should be aware and use the resources. Unfortunately, people are seeking help only when their health deteriorates.”

Dr Sarla Kumari, internal medicine specialist, Canadian Specialist Hospital, pointed out: “Although, many people are aware about the spread of the disease, and mostly isolate themselves, it gets difficult for people who share accommodation. It is not always possible for them to isolate themselves. Some do not check with doctors on time. Many think if they test positive then how will they deal with the situation. So, sometimes lack of awareness and logistical issues and lack of proper guidance aggravates the situation.”

nandini@khaleejtimes.com