ACCORDING to a study by the Health Ministry (MOH), almost 70% of Covid-19 patients in stage four and five suffer from Long Covid symptoms, said Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

Covid-19 has five stages. Patients who are diagnosed at level 1 and 2 will display mild symptoms or none at all.

Stage 3 patients are those with moderate symptoms who are now being sent to low-risk quarantine centres.

Stage 4 and 5 Covid-19 patients are those who require oxygen and ventilators respectively.

The health director-general said these patients could show symptoms for up to 12 weeks or more.

 “In general, clinical data indicates the majority of Covid-19 patients in Malaysia recover fully. However, there are a handful who are affected with Post-Covid Syndrome.

“According to a clinical study conducted by MOH involving 1,004 patients from category 4 and 5, who are receiving follow-up treatments, it was found that 66% of these patients had Post Covid Syndrome,” he said in a statement today.

According to reports, Long Covid is a range of symptoms that can last weeks or months after infection or can appear weeks after infection.

Long Covid can happen to anyone who has had Covid-19, even if the illness was mild, or they had no symptoms.

Noor Hisham said these patients generally suffer five common symptoms: fatigue, breathing difficulties during activity (exertional dyspnea), insomnia, cough, and anxiety.

He said to date, the treatments offered are based on symptoms exhibited by the patient (symptomatic relief) and based on the involved organ.

He added that references to relevant expertise will be done to ensure the patient gets optimal clinical treatment.

“Covid-19 patients who are discharged from hospital will be given follow-up appointments and they are reminded to attend their appointments based on the set dates.

“For those former Covid-19 patients who still have symptoms, they are advised to seek medical advice or treatment at the nearest clinic or hospital,” he said.

Noor Hisham advised everyone to remain safe and register for the vaccination programme in order to reduce the risk of contracting Covid-19.

He said the effects of the virus could be prolonged, and thus would diminish one’s quality of life as well as productivity. – June 11, 2021.