Abdus Salam khan, MD FACP
July 2020
COVID-19 is now in its eight month of being known to us. For the front line care providers it was a difficult learning curve and we continue to increase our knowledge base while facing some known and some unknown facts about the disease. Since emergency department is significant part of treatment team and need to work with all hospital, it is important for the emergency department to be able to handle the workload as well as unique challenge of dealing with COVID-19 pandemic as well as other infections coming coming to the Emergency Department due to the seasonal variation.
Things are going to get even more tough as we will start dealing with Dengue and viral hemorrhagic fever coming to the emergency department during this time of the year. The doctors and nurses working in the emergency department across Pakistan need to prepare themselves for the task. Like every year this is the time period for Dengue, malaria and also for viral hemorrhagic fever. From patient’s perspective all efforts for prevention are worthwhile and they should use all precautions in dealing with mosquitoes, avoid contact with sick patients and wearing masks with hand-washing and social distancing.
Dedicated and competent people working in the emergency department who are trained to deal with emergencies can definitely improve the level of care as well as make it safe for everyone. As every situation and every society is different, we always stand for utilization of local resources and locally trained people to improve emergency care within the boundaries of emergency departments in Pakistan.
Protecting people from avoidable infections and diseases is not just responsibility of government or doctors but also it is individuals own responsibility. In order to keep yourself safe from diseases please make sure:
- To avoid rainwater collection and mosquito breeding places.
- Avoid close contact with animals as much as possible especially during this EID time.
- Use universal precautions including handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid gathering for a longer period of time, use mask and use social distancing as the mood of prevention from corona as well as other diseases.
- If you get sick avoid exposing other people unnecessarily and stay in rooms and away from healthy people.
- Use clean and properly cooked food and also insist on taking food from clean restaurants.
- Don’t take unnecessary medications including antibiotics. Only take medications when prescribed by doctors who are actually treating you.
I hope it helps us all stay safe and stay healthy. Only healthy nations have a chance to do great.