7 Things To Do When Suspected With COVID-19 Infection

With COVID-19 cases on the rise in Kuala Lumpur and showing no signs of easing across Malaysia, you might be wondering if you will inevitably get caught with the virus. Even more so, if you have not taken your vaccination.

The truth is, whether or not you are vaccinated, there is still a risk of catching this lethal infection. This article discusses what you should do if you suspect you have symptoms suggesting that you might be having a COVID-19 infection. 

1. Knowing the symptoms

To first know if you might be infected, here’s a full range of possible COVID-19 symptoms. The most common ones are fever, dry cough, and fatigue. Others include loss of taste, loss of smell, sore throat, headache, runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhoea, red eyes, or a skin rash.

2. Stay at home

Unless it is an emergency, you will need to self-quarantine and stay at home as much as you can, even if you are only experiencing mild symptoms. Do not go to school, work, or any public areas. Most importantly, avoid all means of public transportation. 

(Medical emergencies: Trouble breathing, persistent pain in the chest, pale, grey, or blue-coloured skin tone or lips) 

3. Have someone bring you supplies

If you need food or medicine, have someone do the shopping for you. Remember, unless it is an emergency, never leave your house or have anyone near you. Consider using a grocery delivery service if you do not have someone close by to help you. 

4. Maintain good hygiene

Make sure you wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds each time with soap and water. Do not share your personal household items such as towels, bedding, and utensils with any family members. Use proper disinfectant to clean all high-touch surfaces such as tabletops, doorknobs, handrails, and TV remotes every day. 

5. Perform a COVID-19 test, then contact the local health authorities or your health care provider

If you were recently in close contact with someone who is positive for COVID-19 infection, you MUST do an RTK test as soon as possible. You can either choose to get a self-test kit online or visit a nearby medical facility to get an RTK Antigen test. If you are symptomatic, it is advisable to get a PCR test. Then, contact the local health authorities (CAC – Covid Assessment Centres) for advice. Be sure to go to your appointment alone, if you were told to report to a designated medical facility for an evaluation or treatment. Do not bring along your children or any family members unless you require assistance. 

(If you need to purchase a COVID-19 self-test kit online, you may contact us or visit QM CARE!

6. Follow the health care provider’s instructions and stay up to date with the latest information

While staying quarantined, it is important that you stay updated with any latest information regarding the infection from trusted sources. Local health authorities, public health units, and WHO are your best choices. Continue to monitor your own health and keep your health care provider informed. Stay at home and wait for further instructions. If your symptoms worsened and you feel the need to seek medical care, contact the health care provider before you head over. If it is a medical emergency, call the ambulance and describe your symptoms to the dispatcher. 

7. Stay calm and maintain a positive mentality

It can be unnerving to know you might be suffering from a deadly virus, but practising good self-care measures can help you to alleviate the symptoms. We recommend you get ample rest, drink plenty of water, and consume a healthy diet. The isolation imposed by quarantine can leave you daunting as well. Engage yourself in various indoor activities and check in with your friends and family every day via phone.

REFERENCES

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/sick-with-2019-ncov-fact-sheet.pdf
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html
• https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
• https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/COVIDcasepositive.pdf
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-to-do-if-you-start-to-feel-covid-symptoms
• https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/coronavirus-what-if-i-feel-sick