Covid-19 high-risk groups or their caregivers will need to be aware of any symptoms that could be related to Covid-19. I know many of us are continually letting our guards down. A word of caution though — if you are at increased risk of being exposed to severe illness, or are often in the company of someone at higher risk by spending a lot of time with them, be wary! I am not trying to frighten you off.
Symptoms of Covid-19
Most common symptoms:-
- Fever
- Cough
- Tiredness
- Loss of taste & smell
Less common symptoms:-
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Aches & Pain
- Diarrhoea
- Rash on skin / Discolouration of finger or toe
- Irritated / Red Eye
Severe Symptoms Requiring Medical Attention
- Shortness of breath / Difficulty breathing
- Loss of speech / Mobility / Confusion
- Chest Pain
A group of people are at higher risk for severe infection if they catch the coronavirus that causes Covid-19 where they need to be hospitalised and may be ventilated:-
- Older age
- Chronic lung disease
- Heart disease
- Brain and nervous system
- Diabetes and obesity
- Cancer and certain blood disorders
- Weakened immune system
- Chronic kidney or liver disease
- Mental health conditions
- Down syndrome
- Children younger than 1-year-old
- Pregnant women
Here are some preventive guides for those who are Covid-19 high risk according to WHO:-
- Seek medical care immediately if you are at a higher risk of severe Covid-19. Some common symptoms of fever, cough, fatigue and difficulty in breathing are tell-tale signs. Waste no time seeking medical treatment.
- Wash your hands often, clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces if you are at higher risk of severe covid-19. Always protect yourself. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Remember to keep a distance of 1 metre from others and wear a protective face mask when in crowded places. Avoid crowded spaces and close contact with anyone who has a fever or cough. A healthy routine like exercising daily and eating nutritious food is a healthy lifestyle that should be observed.
- If you are at a higher risk of severe Covid-19, always plan ahead with your doctor on when to seek routine care and do a screening test if you were to get sick. Ensure you have taken all the mandatory vaccinations. Always have a sufficient quantity of your regular medication on standby. Stock non-perishable food and other supplies to avoid unnecessary shopping trips outdoors. Limit the number of visitors to your residence. Stay tuned for national public health advice.
- In older adults, the risk is even higher as it is easier to get severe sickness due to another comorbidity. Covid-19, treatment is available everywhere. Contact a healthcare provider right away after being tested positive even if your symptoms are mild. Early treatment is the key to a quick recovery.
Caregivers to high-risk individuals or high-risk individuals themselves should get tested frequently to ensure that he or she is free from Covid-19 when taking care of high-risk individuals or early detection to get medical attention for high-risk individuals themselves.
Caregivers and high risks individuals may find it inconvenient to get tested at clinics or labs due to the risk of exposure to the Covid-19 virus, mobility, time and convenience. What if we tell you that you can get your PCR test done without the need to leave the house. This is definitely not the usual home-based PCR where doctors or nurses come over to perform the test on you.
CLEADOC offers Virtual PCR. The best thing about it – It’s a Saliva PCR and you can do It yourself at home.
Saliva PCR – Non-invasive, easier sample collection, as accurate as nasal PCR – suitable for kids and elderly
Do it yourself at home – Book your time slot, the rider will send the PCR kit to your address, launch CLEADOC App and perform the test virtually with the doctor, and return the sample collection to the rider. Your sample will be sent to the lab and you’ll get your Covid-19 result within 24 hours. It’s that fast! At only RM 160!
Check out CLEADOC’s website: https://cleadoc.com
For enquiries, contact CLEADOC’s friendly Helpdesk: https://linktr.ee/cleacovid
References:
- World Health Organization (WHO) Covid-19: vulnerable and high risk groups, available at: https://www.who.int/westernpacific/emergencies/covid-19/information/high-risk-groups
- Centres for disease control and prevention (CDC) Covid-19 Information for specific groups of people, available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/index.html
- Mayo Clinic, Covid-19: Who’s at higher risk of serious symptoms, available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-who-is-at-risk/art-20483301
