The Lagos University Teaching Hospital LUTH, on Wednesday, warned Nigerians that the second wave of COVID-19 is deadlier than the first one.
LUTH issued the warning in an advisory issued by its Chief Medical Director, Professor Chris Bode,
He warned that the second wave of the virus is easily transmissible.
Prof. Bode urged Nigerians to take all the COVID-19 protocols seriously, adding that the hospital may be overwhelmed if the spread does not stop.
Part of the statement read: “We have seen an upsurge of people treating malaria instead of going for COVID19 test. Most of the people that have died from the disease went to the hospital late for diagnosis and treatment.
“This is to alarm the people but rather to alert us all to what is important and call on each person to do again what we have done well before.
“We implore Nigerians to do whatever is needed to save our people.
“The present thread is worrisome and if it continues, it will overrun our capacity before we can ramp up again to catch up.”
Read the full statement:
• Let every family member know these facts and discuss them openly.
• We have seen an upsurge in the number of people who keep treating “malaria” instead of going for the Covid test. Many such then start using all sorts of steam inhalation and home remedies for their cough and chest congestion. It is not helpful to do this, especially if you are also diabetic, hypertensive, or with a number of other health pieces of baggage, or above the age of 60. It may be rather late by the time you are breathless and are rushed to the hospital. Most of those dying delayed going to the hospital till very late.
This is not to alarm the people, but rather, to alert us all to what is happening and call on each person to do again what we have done very well before. Eve, life is precious and we implore Nigerians to do whatever is needed to save our people.
The present trend is worrisome and if it continues, it may overrun our capacity before we can ramp up again to catch up. So let us hearken the directives given by the authorities. This will save many lives.
We are collaborating and coordinating with the State Government, FMOH, the PTF, NCDC, Tertiary Institutions, and other stakeholders to deepen this public discourse on all that should be done to bring the situation under control within the shortest time possible.
Remember, let us do the work of staying safe before we pray that God should help us. Prayers alone, without the work, is futile.
Please Stay Safe.
PROF CHRIS BODE
Chief Medical Director
Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH)
