Scared of going to GP

[InvisibleWombat]

I need to go to my GP this afternoon for a non covid related health issue. And I’m really scared that I’m going to pick up coronavirus while I’m there, to the point of really wanting to cancel my appointment. I know that’s my anxiety talking and I’m trying to stay calm. But how likely is it to pick up from a visit to a GP?

I went to the GP on Friday, and yesterday for a blood test. Couldn't have felt safer tbh

I took DS2 for his MMR vaccination last week, it was absolutely fine. I had to wear a mask and used hand sanitizer on the way in. Staff were in PPE, it was fine. I’d imagine it’s very low risk.

Very very unlikely. In normal times, GPs see people with all sorts of contagious illnesses and they don't wear any PPE. Generally they don't pass anything on to their patients because they are aware of hygiene and are careful. At the moment, those measures are even stronger, so arguably it's safer now than it's ever been.

I had to have a blood test a few weeks ago. I was apprehensive but wore a mask, hand sanitised before and after and the nurse doing the test was in PPE. Waiting room had most of the chairs taped off for social distancing. It felt very safe.

I also had a blood test a couple of weeks ago and the set up was very organised. I was called to come in from my car, nurse had full PPE and I felt completely safe with it all. Don't worry OP, it will be fine.

How old are you and do you have significant health problems?

I think going to the GP is probably ‘safer’ now than its ever been! They are all in PPE, you can’t get through the door if you have the slightest symptom of corona, no-one sits in the waiting room coughing all over you, they are cleaning even more than usual & GP’s are physically seeing maybe 20% of patients they’d normally see!

In regular life, GP’s saw people daily with all kinds of contagious illness and never wore PPE. Yet I doubt many people ever picked up something nasty from the doctors. Maybe a cold if you were unlucky.

In summary, it’s fine. I’ve been several times after giving birth in March. Don’t appear to have caught Corona & nor has my baby!

I went on Monday as an urgent appointment( post Menopausal bleeding) I was the only one in waiting room, Chris lspaced 2m Hand sanitiser on wall. Dr in PPE ( visor) examined and referred to hospital under 2ww Out through one way system
Couldn't have felt safer

Chairs not Chris!

I’m mid 20s but have a heart condition so more cautious than most. Also I work from home/ have limited contacts outside the house and now going out seems this big scary thing. My appointment is at 2 and you’ve all made me feel better about it. Thank you.

Good luck with you appointment

I had to go to Moorfields a few weeks back, no problems everyone works masks as we were given them, so you should have no problems,

Thank you. I went to my appointment but am now freaking out because the Doctor coughed. She was in full PPE but I was in the room for longer than. 15 minutes. I wish I hadn’t gone. ☹️

What is your heart condition. I really don't think you need to be so fearful.

Honestly OP I really think the chances are incredibly low. Are you getting support for your anxiety? It’s a very anxiety inducing time and I think everyone probably needs a bit more support than usual.

My heart sank when DH told me mid-migraine that he needed a doctor, I knew the doctor would tell him to go to hospital, as we've been through this before. We were both upset at the thought but it had to be done as he was in unbearable pain. He was in hospital for a few hours till they got the pain under control. All fine, no one caught anything.

If the GP hadn’t coughed I would feel much less panicky. If she does have it what is the chances I’d catch it after 20 mins in a room with her wearing a mask?

@sunshine I am getting support for anxiety thank you. It’s been terrible ever since one of my cousins (early 40s - no health conditions) passed away from coronavirus last month. I didn’t know her very well but can’t help but think that’s going to happen to me. I am getting help. But it’s a slow process.

What’s even worse is the reason I went in (a rash on my arm that is growing) they don’t want caused it and want me to go back in again in a weeks time. So now I’m worrying and will be for at least two weeks but it was all for nothing. 😔

In my local gp surgery, they have a separate COViD area. Normal patients do not enter that space, and access the area via a back door. There’s probably a greater risk in your local supermarket.

I'm sorry about your cousin but try to reassure yourself your chance of death is incredibly low. There was a thread about a risk calculator you may find reassuring.

Also sorry about your cousin, how horrendously unlucky she must have been the number of women aged 40-49 who have died is very small & many of those will have had severe health issues (not just a bit mild asthma or overweight). It might help to place the risk in context.