'Dial 999 for stroke emergencies despite coronavirus'

People who may be having a stroke should still call 999 for emergency medical care, even during the coronavirus pandemic, say UK experts.

They are concerned that many are not seeking urgent help when they most need it, possibly due to fear of the virus or not wanting to burden the NHS.

Any delay in seeking help can lead to disability or even death, warns the Stroke Association. Prompt assessment and treatment saves lives, it says.

Data suggest people are currently staying away from hospitals, which is fine unless you really need care.

Latest figures for England and Scotland suggest attendance to Emergency Departments has dropped by over a third on the same week last year. Those who need urgent medical help should still attend, say experts.

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Source: BBC News, 6 April 2020