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Hess: Don’t let your Super Bowl party be a super spreader event

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Doctors from Abrazo hospitals are reminding everyone to use caution when planning those Big Game watch parties this weekend — don’t let it become a super spreader event.

The same COVID-19 precautions apply to those “must-see TV” get-togethers as were recommended by public health officials during the holidays.

Some precautions we recommend you take include:

• Wear a mask to protect yourself and others and stop the spread of COVID-19;

• Wash your hands and/or use hand sanitizer;

• Practice physical distancing — keep 6 feet of distance from others;

• Avoid crowds in public and large gatherings at home.

While we are encouraged to see reports of some COVID indicators trending downward in Arizona, and as the coronavirus vaccines become more available, we cannot let up with our precautions.

Please remember to continue following COVID-19 precaution measures at work and at home. In order to ensure the safety of our patients, ourselves, our colleagues and our families, it is crucial that we remain vigilant. If you’re having a get-together to watch the game, be careful that you are taking measures to protect the health of your family and guests.

A slight downward trend in new coronavirus cases reported does not mean precautions are not needed. In fact, avoid those get-togethers if at all possible and sign up for the vaccine when appropriate.

We may have passed the Christmas and New Year’s surge in terms of new diagnoses, but on the other hand, it’s possibly there could be a jump a couple of weeks from now if there are large gatherings in public setting or in people’s homes to watch the big game.

Collectively, we’ve improved our regular use of face masks and hand washing. The novel coronavirus has been with us for a year now and sometimes “COVID fatigue” may cause complacency. The more common prevention efforts we can continue — frequently washing our hands, wearing a face mask, maintaining social distancing and getting vaccinated when it’s your turn — will help us turn the corner.

Emergency rooms in all Abrazo hospital are open and treating patients. We want the public to know that delaying emergency treatment can result in additional health complications.

Don’t get so stressed out or excited over the game you need to go to the ER. But if you do have a health emergency, know that ERs are open and don’t delay your care. Delaying care puts you at greater risk for complications or secondary health issues.

Even during the coronavirus pandemic, there is still prevalence of heart attack, stroke and other emergencies. As the weather gets nicer, more people are venturing outdoors or doing yard work and getting injured. We are concerned that patients may not seek care until it is too late, and want to make sure that they are not afraid to seek help.

For more information on ER care and patient safety at Abrazo, visit www.abrazohealth.com.

Dr. Brian Hess is medical director of Emergency Medicine at Abrazo Health.