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Tested Positive? Keep calm, follow doc’s advice

While health experts have been saying that Covid-19’s new variant Omicron has milder symptoms and can be treated at home, many of those testing positive for the virus are eager to get admitted to hospitals. They fear that once the number of cases rise it will be difficult to get a hospital bed when needed. The memories of an overwhelmed healthcare infrastructure during the first two waves of Covid-19 is still fresh in their minds. Experts’ advice that they should keep calm and go by what their physicians’ say, reports Kumaran P.

Over the last two days, volunteers and teleconsultation doctors have been receiving calls from patients for getting admitted to hospitals. Doctors say that this is due to panic and anxiety issues.

Patients, who are not even seriously ill, are demanding beds in Intensive Care Units, as they fear they may not get one if their condition deteriorates.

A volunteer from the Emergency Response Team (ERT) said, “The patient is tested positive for Covid-19, but due to panic and fear, they are asking for ICU beds. They are having mild symptoms and are being given medical advice at home, but they are feeling panicky as the number of cases is rising and there could be a shortage of beds. “

City doctors are worried about this trend. Dr Satish Kumar, Consultant - Clinical Psychology, Manipal Hospital Old Airport road, said, “The current situation is definitely anxiety provoking. The rise in Covid cases is bringing health insecurities in people. Giving priority to the physician’s advice and going as per it and following the right instructions is all about the current pandemic. The Internet is not always the best source, especially when it comes to health. Go to a physician for the best advice. Self-care practices such as relaxation exercises, nutrition, safe socializing and keeping oneself well hydrated and happy is the key for food, physical and mental health.”

Dr Naveen Jayaram, visiting consultant- Psychiatry, Sakra World Hospital said, “Covid cases are increasing rapidly... traumatic experiences from last year like lack of beds, oxygen supply, crematorium pictures in the media are again getting reactivated in the mind. So panicking for bed and constantly looking at saturation levels have increased.”

“Please get vaccinated ASAP. Vaccinated people are having mild symptoms. Lung involvement is very less with this new variant. Anxiety is natural, try to accept and acknowledge, positive affirmations and relaxation helps. People should avoid too much indulgence in information about Covid wave.”

As per the information available with us today, the Omicron variant has milder symptoms which can be treated at home. Doctor’s advice so far has been to not panic, to avail tele-consultation services and treat mild symptoms at home. Dr Shradha Shejekar, Consultant - Psychiatrist, Aster RV Hospital said, “In case of anxiety disorders, be in touch with your therapist so that you can differentiate between a panic attack and lung related symptoms. In case you have symptoms of Covid, stay calm and seek expert guidance.”

Coping mechanisms

“Look for distraction techniques. Once you are in touch with your doctor and know that you are under expert guidance and advice, the best way for you to recover would be to keep yourself physically and also mentally healthy. Whenever you start having more anxious thoughts, look for distraction techniques, do something you like which could be a creative thing like singing, art, discussion, debates, etc. The techniques which work best would differ from person to person, for example some people meditation would provide relief, for some people exercise, some people would require medication. In case it is very serious, seek a professional’s help. Talk to other people who are also fighting Covid, so that you do not feel isolated. If you can talk to your friends and family about your anxiety, please do so, so that they can also help support or help you find a professional,” added Dr Shejekar.

Ghosts of second wave

Dr Girishchandra, Sr. Consultant - Psychiatry, Aster CMI Hospital said, “The horror stories of previous Covid waves, especially the second one, is worrying in many people. Mental health symptoms are very common with Covid and are least understood. The corresponding situation of isolation, negative news doesn’t help either. The patients need not lose hope. They should be asked to reach out for help. The people around them also need to be watchful and help the patients to seek help. Many of the mental health resources are available online these days.”

“The patients can reach out from their isolation as well. While in isolation, it’s very important to maintain a goo