Covid-19: Early medical attention can prevent complications, say health experts

PETALING JAYA (Dec 12): Early medical attention can prevent severe complications from Covid-19 infections, The Star reported health experts saying.

“With early detection and treatment, it can arrest the spread of Covid-19 and lessen complications,” said Medical Practitioners Coalition Association of Malaysia president Dr Raj Kumar Maharajah.

Dr Raj also said that many people have sought treatment at a late stage as they were “in denial”. He added that early detection would also usually mean a shorter stay in hospital.

Universiti Malaya Department of Social and Preventive Medicine public health medicine specialist Assoc Prof Dr Rafdzah Ahmad Zaki said those having mild Covid-19 symptoms could quickly develop severe and life-threatening conditions.

“It is important to get an early diagnosis so that we can prevent further spread (of the virus) and identify close contacts,” she told The Star.

“It is similar to many other viral infections, most of which can be self-limiting and will be resolved without treatment. The vast majority of people may not realise they have been infected with Covid-19, until they are tested or if they are seriously ill,” she said.

But Dr Rafdzah also explained that there were patients who showed “rapid deterioration within seven to 14 days from the onset of symptoms to severe illness”.

“Those who had contact with a positive case should get tested. Those with diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, old age, or other underlying medical conditions with mild symptoms should seek medical attention early for proper diagnosis and management.

“Early detection of Covid-19 will reduce complication and will lead to a better outcome. Early diagnosis will also prevent further spread, especially to your family members and close friends,” she said.

Meanwhile, Universiti Malaya public health medicine specialist Dr Victor Hoe said that “when you develop any of the symptoms associated with Covid-19 like fever, headache, sore throat, nausea/vomiting, diarrhoea, acute nasal congestion or runny nose, you should seek treatment from your family doctor or the nearest clinic”.

“We must understand that many people with the symptoms mentioned earlier may not be at risk of having Covid-19,” he said.

Get the latest news @ www.EdgeProp.my

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest stories and updates 

Click here for more property stories