Recent reports have highlighted a number of people who died from COVID-19 a matter of hours after confirmed infection. That has prompted some people to buy pulse oximeters online, to check their blood oxygen level. The fear is that fatally low blood oxygen levels could pass unnoticed. But one cardiologist at a Taipei hospital says most people don’t need to worry.
Workers disinfect a house in Yunlin County. On June 3, a 77-year-old resident went to hospital complaining of illness. On June 5, he was confirmed with COVID-19. He died the following day.
Yunlin County Commissioner Chang Li-shan says the man was part of a cluster of four. The other three are still in hospital.
Cases of rapid deterioration like this appear to be on the rise. And some experts think it might be down to so-called “happy hypoxia”. That’s when patients appear to be fine but have dangerously low blood oxygen levels. The news has prompted a scramble to buy pulse oximeters.
But one cardiologist says there’s no need to worry if you’re in good health. Dr. Lin Wei-wen at Taiwan Adventist Hospital says older people and those with long-term health conditions might consider buying the devices. Healthy people should still keep a close eye on any developing symptoms. He also says people with asthma might mistake COVID-19 symptoms for an asthma attack.
Lin says older people, people with underlying health conditions or heart problems, and people confirmed to have COVID-19 should monitor their blood oxygen levels. They should also monitor their breathing. Wheezing, shortness of breath and a rapid heartbeat all require immediate medical attention. That’s because the earlier the symptoms are spotted, the more time there is for doctors to help.