In a time when every trip out of the house and every person we come in contact with poses a threat of contracting COVID-19, it can be difficult to weigh the risks and benefits of venturing out.
In a time when every trip out of the house and every person we come in contact with poses a threat of contracting COVID-19, it can be difficult to weigh the risks and benefits of venturing out. One of the places people are most weary of are medical facilities. A new national survey by the Orlando Health Heart & Vascular Institute finds many Americans are hesitant to make doctor’s appointments and even seek emergency care when COVID-19 rates are high. However, experts say hospitals and doctor’s offices are some of the safest public spaces and that delaying medical care can be very dangerous.
“Because of the extensive protocols in place, COVID-19 transmissions in hospitals are very rare,” said Joel Garcia, MD, an interventional cardiologist at the Orlando Health Heart & Vascular Institute. “There is more risk in not paying attention to symptoms or medical conditions than the benefit of staying home thinking you will not get exposed to COVID-19.”
The survey found 67 percent of Americans would be more concerned about going to medical appointments when COVID-19 rates are high in their area and nearly three in five would even be hesitant to go to the hospital for an emergency.
Read more at Orlando Health Heart & Vascular Institute
Image: Exercise physiologist Nicholas Walker checks Will Fontaine's blood pressure at his cardiac rehab session at the Orlando Health Heart & Vascular Institute. A new national survey by the Orlando Health Heart & Vascular Institute finds many Americans are hesitant to make and keep medical appointments when COVID-19 rates are high. (Credit: Orlando Health Heart & Vascular Institute)
