Should you have elective surgery during the coronavirus outbreak?
Elective surgery is a personal decision but during the coronavirus outbreak, it’s not the best idea to be in close proximity to other people. Hospitals are not the best place when it comes to germs either. Also, after surgery, your body will be fighting to repair itself. All that attention to recovering from surgery can be compromised if you are also fighting a virus. But it is ultimately up to your doctor. If you are in a surgery center with lots of precautions, your doctor might agree that you should go ahead with the surgery. Obviously you will be cleared before surgery with blood tests and a good bill of health. Some doctors, however, might postpone their elective surgical procedures. It is up to you and your doctor. The question is: how important is it for you to have the surgery and can it wait? If you are already told to work at home, it might be a good time or if you have a good break where you can heal that can make a difference. The best thing to do is to ask your doctor and decide based on the doctor’s recommendation. Flying for a long distance for surgery might not be a good idea as there are warnings for domestic travel as well.
My plastic surgeon sent out a letter to all of his patients saying that he has been forced to close his office. The surgeries he performs are elective. He is saying April 19 at a minimum before he opens his office. The mayor of Los Angeles is estimating mid-May for the opening of non-essential businesses.
Well, now they are asking people not to go through with elective surgery because they need all the hospital supplies available for coronavirus patients. It’s selfish to have elective surgery now.