Don't Let Coronavirus Fears Hurt You: Call 911 If Needed

NEWPORT BEACH, CA —Are you afraid of contracting new coronavirus? silly question, we know, but don't let fear of the global pandemic be hazardous to your health. Medical officials in Orange County acknowledge that in times of emergency, social distancing and sheltering in place are often not possible or practical. Still, if you are experiencing a medical emergency and need immediate health care, call 9-1-1, County Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick says.

On Monday, she assured Orange County residents that "our hospitals are fully operational and that it is safe to seek emergency medical care for themselves and their loved ones."

Hoag Hospital agrees. A senior physician at Hoag Neurosciences Institute, Dr. Michael Brant-Zawadzki, has been monitoring this phenomenon of people fearing a trip to the hospital for fear of catching the virus.

People are watching and reading about the pandemic almost nonstop, he says. With that comes a hesitation when it comes to other symptoms that would call for immediate care.

"We have seen instances of patients delaying needed care for life-threatening issues such as strokes and heart attacks for fear of COVID-19 contamination in the crowded emergency rooms," he wrote. "The current reality is that, despite dire warnings, our emergency rooms are exceptionally orderly, and possibly the safest places one can venture, particularly when emergency care is required."

While the World Health Organization reports over 80 percent of people who contract COVID-19 experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover, the same is not true of those suffering from a heart attack, stroke, obstructed airways, gastrointestinal bleeding, or other life-threatening medical emergencies.

Hoag Hospital and emergency staff will isolate COVID-19 suspected cases immediately upon arrival to the facility. Inside the hospital and emergency room, surfaces are cleaned 24/7, according to Brant-Zawadzki. Professionals at OC hospitals are wearing proper protective gear, adequately protecting both themselves and patients to prevent infection.

Therefore, it bears repeating: If you are experiencing a health crisis, seek immediate medical attention, call 9-1-1, or go to an emergency room.

If you or a household member experiences any of the following:

• Wheezing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Displaced or open wound fractures
• Fainting
• Sudden numbness or weakness
• Bleeding that cannot be stopped
• Abdominal pain - especially intense localized pain
• Fever with convulsions or any fever in children under 3 months
• Confusion or changes in mental status
• Coughing or vomiting blood
• Severe headache or head injury, especially if the individual is on aspirin or blood thinners
• Blood in the urine, or bloody diarrhea
• Sudden inability to speak, see, walk or move

A 9-1-1 call could save you or your loved one's lives.

"While we certainly understand the fear and anxiety our neighbors are experiencing related to COVID-19, I caution residents not to let those feelings overwhelm their better judgment in an emergency," Dr. Quick said. "Our health care system is here to help you."

Let us know how you are doing, and share your coronavirus story with us by emailing your Patch editor: ashley.ludwig@patch.com

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