Long term health implications

[cheeseandcrackers88]

Just wondering tonight how the whole coronavirus pandemic will impact on general health for people going forward. I know it's still possible to see a doctor for other health issues if needed but all things considered, now is not a good time to get ill.

I've had niggling intermittent stomach pains for a while. Kept meaning to get it checked out but never made time. I'm confident it's nothing but it made me think how many people will put off seeing the doctor for 'minor' ailments at the minute that could turn out to be major. What implications will it have going forward for the nhs and the general public?

Right now there will be people developing early stage cancer who won't be able to pop and see a GP like they usually would. Who will probably put it off until after this has all blown over. Who may do irreparable damage to their health because we are being told to stay home and not see a doctor unless urgent.

Sorry to sound morbid it's just been on my mind tonight. What are your thoughts?

I think there will be an utterly tragic human cost to this lockdown - partly because people don’t seek treatment, partly because those that do are having treatment postponed. The recession will cost thousands of lives if the aftermath of the banking crash is anything to go by.

I hope your stomach turns out to be nothing

@OhClover me too! It is a very scary thought. Even when the imminent threat is over I feel the implications going forward will be massive. So many people will just put off seeing a doctor right now. I also needed to go for some anxiety issues before all this but am managing that ok myself for now.

It's terrifying really. I know it has to be done but at what cost?