The widespread panic and fear generated by COVID-19 have brought the world to a grinding halt with authorities imposing quarantine protocols.
The pandemic has caused many Filipinos to hesitate to visit doctors’ clinics primarily due to the fear of contracting the virus outside their homes. Medical practitioners are now conducting teleconsultations or virtual consultations, allowing patients to have access to doctors through phone or video calls to mitigate the situation.
Some hospitals have already opened outpatient clinics but on an appointment basis only, with the patients required to accomplish health declaration forms.
While the spread of COVID-19 currently dominates health concerns, Filipinos should not ignore their pre-existing health conditions or non-COVID-19 symptoms, as this can put patients at enormous health risk. Among health conditions that must be paid close attention to are diabetes and hypertension.
Studies have shown an increasing prevalence of diabetes and hypertension with nearly four million cases of diabetes recorded in the Philippines as of May 2020[1], while hypertension is the leading preventable cause of premature death worldwide.[2] The emergence of COVID-19 leaves these patients vulnerable to the virus.
“When seeing a doctor, the risks and benefits must be considered. Whatever circumstances we’re in, it doesn’t change the fact that when symptoms persist, people shouldn’t hesitate to consult a doctor, be it on-site or through virtual consultations,” said Dr. Alex Junia, Cardiologist at the Perpetual Succour Hospital and Past President of the Philippine Heart Association.
photo from pexel
“Early medical intervention saves lives,” the doctor emphasized.
Among the early warning signs of diabetes emergencies that should not be ignored are extreme thirst, dry mouth, frequent urination, unplanned weight loss, hunger, fatigue, irritable behavior, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, skin that itches, or is dry and/or yeast infections.[3]
However, not all symptoms of diabetes are the same. According to Dr. Grace De los Santos, Diabetologist at the Metropolitan Medical Center and President of Diabetes Philippines, “Type 1 diabetes symptoms may also include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, while Type 2 diabetes symptoms may include shortness of breath, pain or numbness in the extremities.”
Likewise, the symptoms of hypertension must also be discussed with doctors for proper medical attention. While people with high blood pressure often have unnoticeable symptoms, there are instances when the blood pressure is alarmingly elevated that the patient may experience the following: headache, dizziness, and blurred vision.[4]
Some of the symptoms may resemble other medical conditions, so it is best to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis.
“There is a variety of treatment and management options for patients with diabetes and hypertension. The decision on which medications to opt for to achieve target blood sugar levels and to lower the blood pressure depends on many factors including patient’s medical history and other health problems a patient may have. This is why it is crucial to seek and consult a doctor to discuss the best treatment plan for one’s condition,” Dr. Greta Cortez, Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines Inc. Head of Medicine, Human Pharma, explained.
To alleviate concerns about visiting the doctor for consultation, patients are advised to take safety precautions such as having temperatures checked, wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and making a habit of bringing alcohol for sanitation and disinfection.
[1]https://idf.org/our-network/regions-members/western-pacific/members/116-the-philippines.html
[2] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jch.13058
[3]https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/diabetes-warning-signs#warning-signs
[4]https://www.medicinenet.com/high_blood_pressure_symptoms_and_signs/symptoms.htm
The situation is same everywhere. I wonder at times, why the people aren’t wearing the masks or maintaining the social distance norms here in the UK even though they are fully aware of the current situation. I hope this pandemic ends soon and patients especially aged people with severe (pre-existing) health concerns can visit the Doctors for their treatments.
Great advice! I usually give my symptoms a few days before seeing a doctor, but not longer than a week!
Yes visiting a doctor is important. It’s for our own safety too. So we should all visit our doctor for checkup once in a while.
Thank you for your encouragement! These are all very important to remember.
I totally agree with your post. I can understand how more people are hesitant to visit the doctors but it will helps us all collectively if we just go. Very informative and thank you for educating us further.
You are so right. it is very important to consult a doctor if there is a concern.
Yeah, we are all a little bit scared! This is a good reminder to visit the doctor when you really have to!
I think many people now are afraid to visit the doctor’s for non-COVID-related symptoms, because they’reafraid of catching the virus in a medical clinic setting. However, there are so many other sicknesses that we should be wary of too, and they deserve attention and care.
this is truly very helpful and useful blog post…glad you shared this with us..loved it..great work though..
It can be really scary to go visit a doctor nowadays but you are right. We need to be able to go to the doctor when we need to.
Thank for sharing this. I’m a nurse and the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension is unbelievable. I take care of very sick patients and I’m always surprise if their medical history does not include either diabetes or high blood pressure
communicating with your health care team will help you get the best outcome!
I would definitely prefer to do virtual consultations right now. I would be afraid that catching covid in a clinic or hospital would be more risky than getting my ailments taken care of.
This is really a time to be more mindful! Thanks for sharing!
I am guilty of avoiding going to a doctor until a little too late! I know that I shouldn’t do that and I agree with you, communication with my family doctor is very important.
I’m so thankful that I don’t have a preexisting condition during this pandemic! Those that do need to be extra careful!
This is what every doctor and nurses are suggesting now. But here in India people are facing issues as others are avoiding them and family. Still I agree one should visit doctor if the symptoms are serious.
Thanks for a wonderful advice. During COVID19 times, there have been many speculations about what are the real symptoms of the virus. So thanks for an informative blog post!
It’s so important and vital to see a doctor asap for the benefit of your own health, your family, friends and others!
This is so true! I had a cold that wouldn’t just go away and it
turned out to be a sinus infection! Always important to check.
Thanks for sharing. This is super important for everyone!
I must agree, if you have symptoms you don’t need to be afraid or hesitant to visit your doctor. Always remember that prevention is always cure.
Thanks for the advice, keep safe everyone!
This is so important to remember! It could save your life heading to the doctor.
The virus is on his second wave over here in Belgium and I hate going to the doctor or hospital too when there is such a high risk
I prefer virtual doctor visits now, but still have to go to mine. 🙁 This is valuable advice.
Great advice. It is always better to choose prevention rather than a complicated and long treatment later.
Agree with this. Great advice. Also don’t be self doctor