Experts Urge Those With Mild Covid Symptoms To Refrain From Visiting Hospital
Medical experts in Japan are urging Covid-19 patients with mild symptoms to refrain from visiting hospitals so doctors can prioritize treating seriously ill patients and those at risk of developing severe symptoms.
Four emergency care and community healthcare societies, including the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine, held a news conference on Tuesday.
They noted that the current wave of infections strains emergency care and fever clinics, affecting other medical services. They warned it seems likely that lives that can normally be saved will be lost.
They also pointed out that in many cases with the Omicron variant, symptoms ease within several days and only about one in several thousand patients becomes seriously ill.
The experts say those who have no problem with eating, drinking and breathing do not need to visit hospital in a hurry as no special treatment will be given.
Meanwhile, they advise that people who have difficulty in drinking water or breathing and those who continue to have a fever of 37.5 degrees or over for four or more days should see a doctor. People aged 65 or older, those with underlying conditions and pregnant women are also recommended to consult a doctor.
The experts advise patients to call an ambulance if they have chest pain or experience a deterioration in their consciousness.
Ohashi Hiroki of the Japan Primary Care Association says he can understand that even those who have mild symptoms may want to see a doctor for a sense of relief. But he says he wants to urge the public to prioritize people who really need treatment.