It can be difficult to determine when you should go to the hospital and seek medical care, especially with COVID. Even when necessary, you might be afraid to go.
To keep your health in good shape, you must address any health problems immediately. This could include a visit to your primary care physician (telemedicine) or an urgent care or emergency department (ER), if necessary.
However, it can be difficult for patients to identify when they are in need of treatment. It is crucial that you recognize the signs and symptoms that indicate a medical emergency.
It is possible to save money by understanding the type of services that are available in an ER for patients suffering from COVID symptoms and how to recognize serious symptoms.
Use Intclinics to find a hospital near you.
When to go to the Hospital
Hospitals can save money by limiting non-emergency trips to the ER. This will allow them to be able treat those most in immediate need.
Medical Emergency Signs
These are signs that can indicate a potentially life-threatening emergency
Difficulty breathing, difficulty in breathing, and shortness of breathe
Pain or pressure in the upper or chest area or stomach
Fainting, sudden dizziness and weakness
Vision changes
Confusion and changes in mental status
Any sudden, severe pain
Uncontrolled bleeding
Grave or persistent vomiting, diarrhea
You may experience bloody or sour taste in your throat.
Difficulty speaking
Strokes and heart attacks are especially serious. It is essential to seek urgent medical help immediately. These medical emergencies can only be treated if the patient is seen quickly. If a patient delays treatment because of coronavirus fears, it could have serious consequences.
Patients who have existing conditions that may increase the risk of suffering from a medical emergency should talk to their doctor about how they can manage their condition during the pandemic.
Going to the Hospital with COVID
What are Your Symptoms?
A positive COVID screening does not mean you need to go to the emergency department if you are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms. COVID symptoms are usually mild and can be treated at-home.
Some people may experience more severe symptoms of COVID, especially those with underlying conditions. These patients will need to be treated at a hospital. These symptoms can include:
Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in your chest
Can’t get a grip on the new confusion
Blue lips and faces
Call your doctor if your symptoms are not clear or you would like to speak with a registered nurse via the UMMS Nursing Call Line.
If your symptoms become life-threatening, dial 911 or go to an emergency room immediately.
COVID Treatment in the Emergency Department
The only people who can test for COVID are those with serious symptoms. Patients with mild-to-moderate COVID symptoms, or asymptomatic symptoms, should seek a test from their primary physician.
Monoclonal anti-infusion therapy (an infusion treatment that treats mild to medium COVID) is not available at University of Maryland Medical System Emergency Departments.
Learn more about COVID treatment options at the Maryland Department of Health.
When is it appropriate to seek immediate care
Many conditions can be addressed immediately by urgent care centers. Some may even offer telemedicine. These conditions are common in urgent care centers.
Allergic reactions
Broken bones
Flu and cold symptoms
Concussion symptoms
Sewn cuts
Insect bite
Mild fevers
Minor burns
Pink eye
Sprains or strains
Call or visit the website for the urgent care center you choose before you go to check their current hours and what services they provide.
When to visit the doctor
In addition to emergency care, it is much more beneficial to address health issues earlier than problems later. In some cases, irreversible damage may occur if you delay treatment. When wounds are not properly treated, they can become infected or require more extensive procedures.
You should continue to socialise as much as you can, but it is still important to visit your doctor for regularly scheduled wellness examinations. It is important to be present at routine vaccinations where your child will be receiving them to protect them against the spread of other bacteria and viruses.
Depending on your specific situation, your primary physician may arrange for an in-person consultation or a telehealth assessment. Get in touch with your doctor to discuss the best type of visit.
Telemedicine Visits
Telehealth evaluations can address non-urgent problems such as wound evaluations, medication refills, or adjustments, and are available for routine appointments.
Many UMMS doctors can now evaluate you remotely, so you don’t need to travel to the doctor.
For non-emergency situations, telemedicine appointments may be an option if you have any health questions. Talk to your physician about the best options that are available for your particular health needs.
Coronavirus: Hospital Safety
Pandemic-related challenges are threatening hospitals across the nation. Despite these challenges, hospitals are still safe places for care.
You can rest assured that the University of Maryland Medical System hospitals will take many measures to protect you. Some of these measures include:
Separating patients suffering from COVID symptoms
Everybody entering the hospital should wear a mask
Enacting strict visitor guidelines