With the onset of respiratory disease season in Southern California and the simultaneous surge in COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases, experts are advising a practical approach to stay on top of your health. No need for complex medical jargon – just keep a pulse oximeter handy, they say.
Although hospitals are witnessing an uptick in respiratory illnesses, it’s nowhere near the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Tanya Dall, an emergency room physician at Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, shared insights with KTLA, highlighting the resurgence of various respiratory villains like RSV, influenza, adenovirus, and rhinovirus.
Dall reminded everyone that the good old advice from the COVID-19 days still stands strong – if you’re feeling under the weather, stay home and isolate yourself from others, especially when you’re contagious. But here’s the kicker: knowing when it’s time to make that emergency dash to the hospital is crucial.
Why the urgency? Well, COVID-19 and its virus buddies have a nasty habit of causing pneumonia, affecting lung tissue, and depriving the body of precious oxygen. The key, according to Dall, is not to wait until it’s too late. Enter the humble pulse oximeter, a handy device available at your local pharmacy without any fuss.
Dall explained its simplicity: slap it on your finger if you’re experiencing cough, cold, or shortness of breath and check the numbers. No rocket science here – just look for the heart rate and oxygen levels. Normal, healthy oxygen levels dance around 98-100%.
And here’s the actionable advice – if your oxygen level dips below 92%, it’s not the time for procrastination. Head to the hospital pronto for an evaluation. The pulse oximeter becomes your health ally, helping you gauge when to seek medical attention before a respiratory virus throws more problems your way.
In a world where health advice can sometimes feel like deciphering a secret code, the pulse oximeter steps in as a straightforward tool. No need for panic, just a practical approach to staying ahead of the respiratory curve. Keep it simple, keep it spartan, and keep that pulse oximeter within arm’s reach. Your health might just thank you for it.
