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Covid-19 Hospitalizations On The Rise

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Covid-19 Hospitalizations On The Rise

Covid-19 Hospitalizations On The Rise

Although still not as high as September numbers, Covid-19 hospitalizations are on the rise. According to the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday October 13th, there are currently more than 41,000 cases nationwide bringing us to the highest numbers since September.

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson warned that these new high levels are once again straining the health-care system. This is the issue that many states have faced throughout this pandemic and are still facing today. 

How does an overwhelmed hospital system affect us?

When a hospital system is overwhelmed, it doesn’t just affect the hospital employees and the current patients, it also affects overall functioning healthcare. An overwhelmed hospital means overwhelmed doctors, nurses and staff. When staff is overwhelmed the risk of compromised care increases, as well as lower quality care per patient.

For many hospitals, there just isn’t enough room. The lack of bed capacity especially in Emergency Rooms and ICU’s means less space for incoming critically ill patients. Not just COVID patients either, there’s still patients with non-COVID related emergencies that may need immediate care. It could be the matter of life and death for some if there’s simply no space to treat them in a timely manner.

This affects our entire community. Communities are left without many options for quick emergency care when needed most. With covid-19 hospitalization on the rise once again, it’s important we do everything we can to help slow it. Here are some ways you may be able to help:

  • Avoid going to the hospital unless it’s an emergency
  • In the case of an emergency, avoid going to large hospitals that are treating Covid-19 patients, instead opt to go to smaller neighborhood hospitals and emergency rooms like Spring Hospital.
  • Limit your chances of contracting COVID-19 by avoiding public gatherings
  • Wear a mask if you must be out in public
  • Get a flu shot

Most importantly stay safe and stay healthy!