AHEAD of the upcoming Hari Raya festive period, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has reminded the public not to let their guard down for COVID-19 is still around.
The virus has not changed the way it spreads, hence can still cause severe symptoms or even long COVID (prolonged symptoms of COVID-19), according to its president Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai.
“Although most cases reported are mild, some do experience severe or prolonged symptoms which may require hospitalisation and rehabilitation,” he warned in a media statement. “We may be in the post pandemic stage where COVID-19 is well under control in the country, but there is still need to ensure that those at high risk remain protected.”
For the period between April 2 and 8, a total of 4,574 new cases were recorded or 49% higher than the 3,069 cases for the week ended April 1 (March 25: 2,228 cases). Over the same period, a total of 12 deaths were reported which were higher than five for the week ended April 1 (March 25: seven).
Recall that in his update for the week ended April 1, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah had said the number of COVID-19 patients admitted to public hospitals under Category 1 and 2 increased by 80% per 100,000 from the preceding week while the number of admissions involving Category 3, 4 and 5 patients was up by 33.3%.
Given the uptrend in the number of cases, Dr Muruga urged those having symptoms regardless of age to get themselves tested and isolated for the prescribed period if the test result is positive.
“It would be wise to not dismiss influenza-like illness (ILI) symptoms as the common flu. Get tested for COVID-19,” he cautioned. “Facemasks should also be worn when in the presence of older persons, those with comorbidities and when in crowded spaces with poor ventilation.”
Above all else, Dr Muruga stressed the need to strengthen the immune system. “Observing a healthy diet, getting sufficient rest daily and exercising will help boost the immune system which is the body’s natural defence against infections,” he added. – April 12, 2023
