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I see a lot of advice to people with COVID that says don’t go to hospital.
The thinking is, understandably, based on anecdotal experiences of individuals who have died when they went to hospital compared to those who did not when they went to hospital.
The thinking is, understandably, based on anecdotal experiences of individuals who have died when they went to hospital compared to those who did not when they went to hospital.
Let me put some at ease.
It is a sad reality that some people with COVID will die.
Also a percentage of people with COVID will end up critical from the disease needing ICU.
Another percentage will do with a ward admission and what we call supportive care.
It is a sad reality that some people with COVID will die.
Also a percentage of people with COVID will end up critical from the disease needing ICU.
Another percentage will do with a ward admission and what we call supportive care.
Others will see their clinic nurse or GP for mild symptoms and do well. Others will feel absolutely well bar a positive COVID test if tested.
The reality is that those who need hospital sadly are in the same group as those who are likely to die.
The reality is that those who need hospital sadly are in the same group as those who are likely to die.
Delaying care within hospital sadly increases chance of death. COVID is a vicious disease and needs hospital at times.
However great your healthcare workers are you may succumb to the disease.
But not going to hospital, refusing ICU care or ventilation will certainly kill you.
However great your healthcare workers are you may succumb to the disease.
But not going to hospital, refusing ICU care or ventilation will certainly kill you.
Trust me when I say that we don’t give ventilators willy nilly- a ventilated patient is a lot of work and when we can avoid it we always do.
I also avoid it even after major brain surgery when possible. It is hard work for the patient and the treating team.
So it’s no thumbsuck
I also avoid it even after major brain surgery when possible. It is hard work for the patient and the treating team.
So it’s no thumbsuck
Please attend hospital immediately when symptoms are overwhelming and use COVID hotline for more help.
But please don’t die refusing care bantase- it’s not worth it.
We offer the care to the ones most likely to make it.
But please don’t die refusing care bantase- it’s not worth it.
We offer the care to the ones most likely to make it.
Also there maybe no better time than now to discuss death in your families.
As a young girl I was an avid church goer and I recall clearly one sermon delivered by uMfundisi uNopece kwaYohane ongcwele- he said: Thethani ngokufa ukuze ningakoyiki ukufa.
As a young girl I was an avid church goer and I recall clearly one sermon delivered by uMfundisi uNopece kwaYohane ongcwele- he said: Thethani ngokufa ukuze ningakoyiki ukufa.
It’s that time when we have to be honest with each other as families about the reality that is ahead for many.
But most importantly give your HCW a fighting chance.
But most importantly give your HCW a fighting chance.
