Not mild, not recovered, not hospitalised: huge gap

Something "more" is needed for those who are more than mildly affected by the virus; however, not ill enough to be hospitalised. The virus symptoms - not necessarily fever and cough - along with the fear, anxiety and the wondering what could happen are extremely distressing. Follow-up/check-in should be instigated and testing carried out. Repeated calls to NHS 111 for the same patient need to set off an alert/alarm. For those who may have been hospitalised but (thankfully) not kept as an in-patient testing should be mandatory.

Why the contribution is important

Firstly, valuable data could be gathered to aid understanding; tracking and tracing and spread. Secondly, these individuals need support and help. Thirdly, could these individuals be a good source of research data, blood sampling etc.

by MJAndrews on May 07, 2020 at 11:05PM

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Average rating: 4.8
Based on: 5 votes

Comments

  • Posted by JMack May 11, 2020 at 14:04

    This suggestion is similar to my earlier suggestion: "The Benefits of Early Health Interventions for Suspected Covid-19 Cases" As Covid-19 testing capability builds in Scotland, the opportunity to take a more proactive, early intervention approach to the illness opens up. As our understanding of the virus grows, it seems clear that through “silent hypoxia” and hidden damage to vital organs, many Covid patients are, in fact, very ill by the time they call 111 and are subsequently admitted to hospital, putting intense pressure on high-intensity medical services up to and including intensive care. I suggest that the Government and NHS in Scotland now gives active consideration to much earlier and closer medical intervention along the lines of the process that has operated in Germany. The following illustrative quote is from the Byline Times, 4th April: “Another reason why Germany has managed to limit the mortality rates is because of huge coordinated community engagement and outreach programme that helps to limit the spread of the disease within the cases of early mild and moderate symptoms. Germany set up a programme of ‘corona taxis’ – where doctors outfitted in protective gear, travel around their local communities to check on patients who are at home, a week into being sick with the coronavirus. They take a blood test from the patient, looking for signs that the patient is about to go into symptom decline. They then often suggest early hospitalisation, or offer medication to patients who have mild or moderate symptoms; therefore increasing the likelihood of minimising patient deterioration in the earlier stages of symptoms and improving the chances of surviving before any rapid infection decline by being in a hospital when symptoms begin.” Why the contribution is important 1. The suggestion may be a significant contribution to saving lives. 2. There may be improved health outcomes in terms of chronic health conditions arising from the virus. This is clearly good for the people affected, and good for the best use of NHS resources in the longer term. 3. Once more people are back at work, enabling Covid sufferers to return to good health more quickly, and with less chronic secondary illness, will have beneficial effects for the Scottish economy.
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