suraya.cksam

4 years

Should elderly patient keep hospital appointment during current Covid-19 situation?

Hello Doctor, my 86 yr old mum has four upcoming appointments at PPUM - blood test and ultrasound on 19 Mar, followup at Klinik Perubatan 3 on 26 Mar, and endoscopy procedure on 9 Apr. These are all related to her admission into PPUM for variceal bleeding thee years ago. She has been taking Propranolol everyday since.

My question is should she go to the hospital given the current Covid-19 situation? Or should I contact the hospital to defer to a later date?

Kindly advise. Thank you.

Dr Ramzdhan,

4 years

Greetings!

Thank you for your question. I understand that you are worried about the risk of COVID-19 infection. As for now, the hospital is taking strict measures to avoid transmission of COVID-19 in hospital vicinity. Patients with suspected COVID-19 will be placed in isolated area. I cannot make decision wether to postpone your mother’s appoinment as i donot know how severe is her condition and i donot have details of her health history. Please contact the doctor who is incharged. Nevertheless, if you need to continue with the appoinment,
These are the guidelines from the Centre of Disease Control (CDC):

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

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