Battling The COVID-19 Pandemic As A Medical Professional – Here’s What You Need To Know

Battling The COVID-19 Pandemic As A Medical Professional – Here’s What You Need To Know

COVID-19 was officially declared a global pandemic on March 11th by the World Health Organisation (WHO), and with only 2,000 NHS frontline workers out of about half a million having been tested so far for the novel Coronavirus, the effect that the pandemic is having on the UK’s health system is significant. With more and more reported cases of the virus occurring each day, medical professionals in the UK and around the world work around the clock to ensure hospitals run smoothly. From personal protection and supply shortages to testing and rapidly changing hospital protocols, here’s how you can battle the Coronavirus pandemic when you’re on the frontline.

A mental approach

The Coronavirus pandemic has taken a major toll on how doctors and nurses do their jobs around the world, creating unique challenges that must be faced. With a severe lack of basic personal protective supplies like masks and other necessities, rationing what is left and scrounging for more is becoming commonplace. At some hospitals in the United States, doctors and nurses are saying that they’re being told to clean and reuse their N95 masks, despite the standard protocol of disposing of them. Furthermore, the lack of essential lifesaving supplies like ventilators is becoming an increasing problem as more and more patients are admitted.

With all the challenges that the pandemic has brought to medical professionals around the world, including the fear of contracting the disease and bringing it home, those treating COVID-19 patients may experience mental health issues. In fact, one study found that high rates of depression and anxiety were reported, along with other issues like insomnia and psychological distress. 

Different personality types may handle stress and anxiety differently, but many medical professionals – especially those with the INFJ personality type – pioneer ahead and think of ways to make things better for both themselves and those around them. This is because those with this kind of personality have a strong sense of purpose and empathy, both of which are good traits to have when it comes to handling the situation emotionally and mentally.

Practice what you preach

For any medical professional working during the Coronavirus pandemic, bringing the virus home is a real concern – especially since the virus has knocked thousands of healthcare workers out of action across Europe already. With that said, there are a few things you can do to ensure that you and your family stay safe. For instance, many of those who are working in close proximity to the virus are removing work clothes or scrubs before going inside the home, placing the potentially contaminated clothing into a bag, and putting it straight into the wash. Hand washing and showering are additional preventative measures that many are taking as soon as they arrive home, as well as continuously monitoring themselves for any signs and symptoms of the disease.

One day at a time

Battling the Coronavirus pandemic is challenging for any medical professional, whether you’ve lost your job or are working in close proximity to the virus on a day to day basis. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to take it one day at a time. Staying healthy, practising basic hygiene, and additional protocols like social distancing at work and at home is especially important in order to prevent the spread of the virus, though it’s imperative to stay healthy in other ways as well. For instance, ensuring that you’re continuing to maintain a healthy diet and getting the appropriate amount of sleep and exercise is also essential to staying healthy, especially during times like these when a healthy diet or sleep may begin to take a backseat.

The COVID-19 global pandemic has rocked healthcare systems around the world, including that of the UK, and being a medical professional under such conditions is tough. From supply shortages to new protocol, taking it one day at a time while taking as many preventative measures as possible is necessary.