An unfortunate consequence of the pandemic is that many people avoid getting the medical care they need because they’re afraid of picking up the coronavirus and falling ill with COVID-19. However, delaying needed medical care could create a health crisis.
When is it safe to get medical care and when is it not? Shamala Mohanasundaram, MD, an urgent care specialist in Los Gatos, California, provides guidelines so that you can make the best, safest choices for you and your family.
Don’t ignore symptoms
Don’t ignore acute or unexpected symptoms, especially if you have a cough or shortness of breath. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that you get the medical treatments you need to stay healthy.
Our staff is equipped to safely handle emergencies and manage chronic conditions. We help with the following:
- Elevated blood pressure
- Elevated blood sugar levels
- Chronic conditions management
- Pain relief
- Infections of all kinds
- Wound care
- Kidney stones
- Bites
- Pain management
- Pediatric care
During your visit, we may recommend certain tests, such as an ultrasound, bloodwork, X-rays, or an EKG, to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.
When you or a family member has serious or life-threatening symptoms, (e.g., large wounds, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or head trauma), call 911 and head to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible.
Treat underlying conditions
You may have read that COVID-19 creates worse symptoms — and sometimes life-threatening symptoms — in people who have underlying medical conditions.
That’s why it’s more important than ever to get the care you need, including necessary medications. The healthier you are when you get COVID-19, the better you fare.
If you’re experiencing acute symptoms or have a chronic condition that’s worsening, call us right away. Most COVID-19 complications occur in patients who have underlying conditions such as:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Hemoglobin disorders
Some medications may also lower your ability to fight viruses. Talk to Dr. Shamala to find out if you need to modify or change your medication regimen to boost your immune system.
We have stringent safety guidelines
Everyone on our staff takes the pandemic seriously and we work to our utmost to ensure that you’re not exposed to the virus. For your safety as well as your peace of mind, our staff takes the following precautions:
- Prescreen patients over the phone
- Check the temperature of each patient
- Prescreen patients on arrival
- Require patient use of masks and hand sanitizers
- Require staff use of masks, shields, and gloves
- Wipe down all surface areas before a visit
- Schedule patients so they don’t overlap
- Maintain social distancing in waiting room
We disinfect all surfaces throughout the day to prevent the spread of the virus.
Be safe at all times
Adopting new behaviors helps keep you and your loved ones safe during the pandemic. Whether or not you need urgent care, always adhere to the following safety guidelines:
- Wear 1-2 masks while outside your home
- Avoid crowded places, such as stores and restaurants
- Maintain social distancing of 6 feet
- Don’t socialize with people outside of your household
- Don’t touch your eyes or face
- Wash your hands frequently for 30 seconds at a time
If you or a loved one experiences symptoms, self-quarantine for 14 days.
The pandemic shouldn’t prevent you or your family from getting the medical care you need to stay safe and healthy. If you or a family member requires urgent care, contact us during business hours to schedule an appointment at our facility in Los Gatos, California.