Overview
Medical appointments were avoided due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When a lockdown was put in place it caused people to cancel medical appointments, and many people today have not rescheduled. Your health is important. Staying inside may have been the right thing to do at the height of the pandemic, but now it is crucial you go back to the doctor, well following COVID-19 safety practices, to stay healthy. Researchers have found that people who continue to avoid medical appointments are dealing with urgent symptoms. Ignoring urgent symptoms can cause a severe illness or outcome that could have potentially been avoided. If you find yourself in this category, please see a doctor immediately.
Avoidance
For many people, going to the doctor feels like a chore. Many people do not like going to the doctor and will put it off as long as they possibly can. The COVID-19 pandemic gave people who like to avoid medical appointments at all costs, a reason to keep avoiding. People who do not like going to the doctor will find any excuse when they can, and the pandemic seems like the perfect one. It is important to understand COVID-19 is not an accuse to not see a doctor. Your health is always important. For example, if you experience feelings of chest pain, fatigue, or lightheadedness, you cannot ignore these symptoms. These symptoms could indicate a heart attack, stroke, or multiple other health conditions. Putting off seeing a doctor could result in hospitalization or even death. To prevent serious outcomes and illnesses, see a doctor immediately for any health concerns you have been putting off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What To Do
The first step to stop avoiding medical appointments, is call your healthcare provider and make an appointment. It is time to see a doctor! Stop avoiding the inevitable. No doctor’s office can guarantee their office to be 100% safe from COVID-19, however most doctors’ offices do everything possible to create a safe environment for employees and patients. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot, if eligible, is the best thing you can do to return to doctors’ offices safely. As life continues to return to some sense of normalcy, get back to seeing a doctor regularly and do not avoid medical appointments for any reason. If you experience any unusual symptoms, stay safe and healthy by making an appointment with a healthcare provider.
References
1. McCarthy, Moira. “COVID-19 Lockdowns Caused People to Delay Healthcare Appointments: Now Is the Time to Reschedule.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 23 Nov. 2021, https://www.healthline.com/health-news/covid-19-lockdowns-caused-people-to-delay-healthcare-appointments-now-is-the-time-to-reschedule.