Covid-19: When to go to hospital

With a high number of new coronavirus infections spreading across the country and the healthcare system overloaded, with 88 000 cases in KwaZulu-Natal alone, when is the right time to go into hospital?

Using information from the South African Department of Health, the Courier has put together a guide of what to do when you have tested positive or feel you may have the virus.

When to stay at home:

If you have tested positive for the virus or if you feel you may be infected, then you should enter 14 days self-isolation as set out in government guidelines. 

You have to speak to your doctor for a referral to get tested (for medical aid to pay for the test), so make sure you tell your doctor about your ongoing symptoms.

They should always be your first call if you are worried.

Everyone experiences the virus at different severity levels depending on age, general health status and whether they have any comorbidities.

It is entirely possible that you may have tested positive and feel fine, but it is still crucial to self-isolate as you may be an asymptomatic carrier who can spread the virus to other people.

Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, body aches, fatigue, loss of taste or smell and other general flu-like symptoms.

These should not be cause to go to the hospital in normal circumstances and you should stay at home until you feel better, but check with your doctor first.

How to isolate comfortably:

Stay calm.

It is understandable to be worried about a positive coronavirus test, but 85% of people will experience mild symptoms and can recover at home.

Avoid social media as an information source.

There are a number of articles and theories that get circulated with no scientific backing and may leave you feeling unnecessarily scared.

Some trusted sources include the National Department of Health (sacoronavirus.co.za), the NICD (National Institute of Communicable Diseases) and WHO (World Health Organisation).

When to go to the hospital:

It is worth being sensible but not so cautious that you do not get the care you need to survive.

If you experience any of the following symptoms then it is recommended that you get to the hospital as soon as possible:

• Sudden severe constant chest pain or pressure.
• Extreme difficulty breathing.
• Features of a stroke, face droop, arm weakness or slurred speech.

These are all markers of a severe case of the coronavirus and should be treated as extreme warnings that your body needs the care of medical professionals.

More information can be found on the health department’s coronavirus portal at sacoronavirus.co.za.