2020 has changed the way we behave, function and live. From working at home to wearing masks on the way out, every facet of our lives has been severely affected by the novel coronavirus. One aspect of our lives that has taken a back seat is preventive care and routine medical examinations.
People are terrified that leaving their homes and going to a clinic for a routine checkup seems too risky. Indians skip medical and physical exams. Many patients have even postponed elective surgeries to avoid infections.
In addition, several hospitals have cut back on operations due to nationwide physical distancing and lockdown measures. The whole situation made it difficult for patients to access proactive cancer screening tests. When it comes to cancer, a delay of a month can be fatal and seriously affect the chances of recovery.
For example, the symptoms of stomach cancer include poor appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, heartburn, vomiting, etc. if you ignore these signs and think of them as a general digestive problem, it can quickly make your condition worse. Early detection is the key in many cases of stomach cancer as well as other gastrointestinal cancers.
If you are considering other acute abdominal conditions such as gallbladder stones, delaying treatment may cause the infection to spread and further pain for the patient. This situation is not limited to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract but also to other conditions.
Doctors are witnessing a disturbing trend where the death rate is increasing under treatable conditions, only because patients avoid timely medical examinations. More patients are being admitted because they avoid the initial symptoms out of fear of the new coronavirus.
Patients with potentially curable diseases can greatly benefit from early detection and immediate medical treatment. It is also essential that patients are treated for palliative care. So, should you miss street checks and medicals during the pandemic?
You should see your doctor for tests, but with caution. Visiting a medical facility without safety precautions can leave you vulnerable to infections and affect your health, especially if you are over 60. Extra care should also be taken for pregnant women and young children. Here are some tips to make sure your health is not overlooked during the pandemic.
1. Telemedicine is the new normal
As a race, we are nothing if not resilient. As soon as the effects of the coronavirus began to affect the economy, people began to find safer ways to connect with their audiences. Technological advancements are more and more accepted among people and they have started to conform to things that were considered too technical for them.
Enter the world of telemedicine. Now you can book virtual appointments with doctors and discuss your medical issues over a video call or text message. It has become synonymous with remote care.
It allows remote patients to connect with physicians for remote care, advice, education, intervention, follow-up and even, in some cases, admissions.
2. Unscheduled medical appointments are a big NO
Say goodbye to a walk-in visit from your gastrointestinal cancer surgeon. Whether it’s post-operative care or a routine checkup to treat problems with the gastrointestinal tract, don’t see the doctor walk-in. And this rule is true for any other healthcare professional you visit.
With the increase in the number of asymptomatic cases, your chances of getting infected are incredibly high. So, call the medical expert, make an appointment and show up on time to avoid coming into contact with other patients.
3. Avoid overloading the clinic
As Indians, we have a strong support system and although there is a normal examination in the hospital, several relatives assist the patient. This is an admirable quality of our culture, in which we take the greatest care of patients. But the current pandemic situation requires special measures. Come to the clinic with only one parent so you don’t increase your risk and your parent’s risk by bringing them to a crowded area.