MUCH has been said about our society going back to our daily routine with our new norms. However, have we overlooked a few things? Here are some of my opinions based from a medical point of view.

We are going to see more of the following so best be prepared:

Anxiety among those who are healthy but exposed/think that they are exposed

We have been seeing a rise in cases (general practice) among the working-class group who were not able to sleep at night – thinking if they/their loved ones have contracted the Covid-19 virus. Some are worried for the country and if we will ever recover from the situation. Some are worried about their families and their own livelihoods, especially breadwinners and self-employed people. We have people that fear seeking medical help as they may be stigmatised in case they are diagnosed or for the fact that they might contract the disease if they visit the doctor.

Obsessive and compulsive about hygiene and hand-washing

We have seen how people rushed to buy hand sanitisers, soap and disinfectants when the movement-control order (MCO) started. There were so many messages on hand-washing and sanitising that the people started following – some elevating levels up to being obsessive in nature. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but overtly performing it can lead to a disorder called obsessive-compulsive disorder aka OCD. This can cause dermatological problems and, up to a certain extent, skin infection of the hands. Some might suffer a severe form and others, milder. This will require medical attention especially those of the severe form.

Contact dermatitis due to protective materials – masks, hand scrubs etc

Similar to that above with the hand sanitisers, there are also a number of patients who are coming in with a developed rash around the mask lines – areas of masks that come into contact with the face, especially around the nasal and chin areas. This might not be severe but can lead to permanent scarring (not an excuse to stop wearing masks!). Thus, anyone with this should seek medical attention.

Patients who have recovered from Covid-19 and their acceptance back into society

As mentioned in point 1, many are scared to seek treatment for the fear that they will be diagnosed with Covid-19 – the fear being mainly of suffering death and secondly, their stigmatisation among society after being cured.

What we need to do and how should be prepare ourselves for this:

Step up our psychiatric and mental health services

All the above-mentioned conditions (other than the treatment for dermatitis) – OCD and anxiety will fall under the care of psychiatrists. We need to train more clinical psychologists and ensure that these services are made available. With the volume that is expected, we hope that online services can be started with an eventual referral system to the psychiatrist if needed (some conditions can be modified with behavioural therapy). There must also be a bridging of services with existing charity groups like Befrienders to help with this cause. A setting up of counselling or psychiatric services in health clinics might ease the burden at hospital psychiatric clinics. There must also be combined clinics of dermatologists and psychiatrists in order to encounter the contact dermatitis issue and progress of the condition. Those suffering from anxiety and those who have been stigmatised from Covid-19 infection will also eventually need some amount of help from the psychiatric services. The question remains – will there be a change in our sick leave entitlement for Covid-19 from the regular days? Will there be a mental health recovery period given for this? These are questions that must be addressed.

Education and re-education of the public, not just on Covid-19

We must educate our society – on the stigmatisation of going to a psychiatrist (something that will be on the rise for the above mentioned issues). We must also address our society’s stigmatisation on those who recovered from Covid-19. Education on how the disease progresses and the recovery process/infectivity is needed. Our society must step up in wanting to learn more about the Covid-19 situation, condition, recognising symptoms, understanding the importance of early intervention and where to get help. This will eventually help the healthcare system in the long run. They must also be educated and reinforce education of preventive measures in the school, public places, public transport and etc will help in this. We must learn how to live with Covid-19 and how we can win the war. There must also be motivational posters/announcements on the vaccine and how people should opt for it when available. Education on basic materials such as masking ourselves in public, basic hand hygiene, disinfecting materials, strict social distancing and adherence to the new norms. – May 1, 2020.

* Dr Arvinder-Singh HS is a medical officer.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.