COVID-19 patient inquiries

It’s important to check with your national and local public health authority for the latest information and guidance. As the situation is constantly evolving, check their websites regularly for updates.
As there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, the best way to protect yourself and reduce your risk of illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. For patients with heart valve disease, prevention is of the utmost importance as you have a higher chance of developing complications if you contract the virus.
You can reduce your chance of becoming infected by taking some simple precautions.

• Stop all non-essential travel and contact with others. Maintain at least 2 meters (6.5 feet) between you and others. This is particularly important for patients over 70 years of age.

  Why? Maintaining social distance reduces your risk of being exposed to droplets in the air which may contain the virus, spread by an infected person through their cough or sneeze.

• Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub if water is not available.
  Why? Washing your hands kills viruses that your hands may have come in contact with.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

  Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

• Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the used tissue in the bin straight away and wash your hands.

  Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

• Avoid close contact with people who are or have recently been unwell.

  Why? Coronavirus is spread through droplets in a cough or a sneeze or by close contact with someone who has the virus, even if they don’t have symptoms.

Germs in the air can enter your body through open cuts/wounds, including the stitches you have from your recent procedure. Although the risk of infection for heart valve disease patients is usually low, you should take extra care in preventing your risk of infection. If you do begin to feel unwell, you should contact your hospital medical team or call the emergency services.

Unless otherwise advised by your physician, you should continue to follow his/her instructions to prepare for your procedure.

It is important that you monitor your symptoms closely in the event that your procedure has been delayed. If your symptoms get worse and you start to feel unwell, report to your GP, call the hospital medical team or in severe cases, call the emergency services.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 infection are:

• Dry cough
• High fever
• Lethargy

Older people are at higher risk of developing serious illness which includes difficulty breathing and shortness of breath.

If you experience any of the symptom of aortic stenosis such as shortness of breath, dizziness and/or chest pain, speak to your GP for medical advice. In these times, it is advised to call ahead if you decide to visit the GP in person.

Contact your GP and/or physician for advice. If you feel you need medical assistance, follow the guidelines issued by your health authority on how to best seek medical help.

It is important that you monitor your symptoms closely. If your symptoms get worse and you start to feel unwell, report to your GP, call the hospital medical team or in severe cases, call the emergency services.