LEE COUNTY, Fla.– As Lee Health continues to see an increased number of COVID-19 patients, they are encouraging people to avoid going to the emergency department when possible, to avoid long wait times.
Dr. Timothy Dougherty, the Medical Director at Lee Health’s Cape Coral Hospital Emergency Department said you should go to the emergency department when you have an emergency and you need care.
If you have COVID, he said some of those serious symptoms could be shortness of breath, feeling lightheaded or like you are going to pass out, or having low oxygen levels. However, he also said people should not go to the Emergency Department just to get tested for COVID-19 if they have symptoms.
“There’s other places to do that that are better equipped and frankly, quicker,” Dougherty explained.
If you have symptoms you believe could be COVID-19 or you have a mild case of COVID-19, Lee Health is offering their Lee Telehealth service for free, to offer patients virtual visits.
“If you take a test and you’re positive, there’s things you can do at home to feel better that will prevent you from coming to the emergency department,” Dougherty said.
If possible, take Motrin or Tylenol to help ease your fever and some aches and pains, stay hydrated and try to avoid laying on your back, Dougherty said.
He said it was important to lay on your belly and rotate to your sides instead. He said doing so can help your breathing.
“If there’s any concerns we’ll be happy to evaluate them, just realize that coming to the Emergency Department doesn’t mean we have a cure. These symptoms have to run their course,” Dougherty said.
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August 13, 2021 at 05:50AM
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