GPs told to “test everyone” with symptoms

 

A local GP says that the State policy in identifying the level of COVID-19 infection is the “test everyone” who presents with symptoms consistent with infection.

One of the big difficulties GPs face is sorting out the “worried well” from patients presenting with COVID-19 symptoms. The fact that we are at the tail end of 'flu season means that there are a number of patients with seasonal cough and colds. About 40,000 people in Ireland are waiting for a test for coronavirus.

“The policy now is to test everyone who have symptoms that correspond to COVID-19,” one

Cavan GP told the Anglo Celt. The public concern is very high. The doctor explained that patient queries are up by over 50% in some practices.

“Where we would normally see about 10 patients a day at this time of the year that has gone up to perhaps 16 to 17,” they explained. The testing sequence is that after the doctor approves a test the HSE sent out a text, this can take up to three days. The patient then attends at a test centre and then there can be a further three days wait for the test results. At present it takes around seven to eight working days to complete the testing process.

The numbers in Cavan are relatively low at the moment, with less than five confirmed cases, however that should rise as the number of tests completed also increase. The majority of tests completed so far have returned negative.

Public concern about the virus is well founded. Around 80% will be mild to moderate, 14% have severe disease, but 6% will suffer critical illness as a result of infections. At this critical time of dealing with the pandemic the advice remains to maintain social distancing and follow rigorous hand washing procedure.

Although the risk of contracting the novel coronavirus is low anyone with symptoms is asked to assume they have positive diagnosis, socially isolate and contact a GP by phone to arrange a test.