Even with the MCO, the increasing number of cases is doing nothing to calm us down. Most of us would have felt a tingle in our throats, and immediately thought: “Do I have COVID-19 now?” Well, if you haven’t really been out and about like a good citizen, chances are, you’re fine. On the other hand, if you have actually been out and think you may have been exposed, and now you seriously think you’ve contracted the disease, here’s what you can do – and do not panic!
Step 1: Ask yourself: are you a patient-under-investigation (PUI)?
Currently, the Ministry of Health Malaysia has defined PUI as the following:
Acute respiratory infection (sudden onset of respiratory infection with at least one of: shortness of breath, cough or sore throat) with or without fever AND travelled to / resided in a foreign country within 14 days before the onset of illness
OR
Close contact*(refer to the definition of close contact at the end of the article) 1 in 14 days before illness onset with a confirmed case of COVID-19 OR Attended an event associated with known COVID-19 outbreak.
- To know whether you are a PUI, you may carry out an online test for yourself.
- If you’re still unsure or sceptical, go to Step 2.
Step 2: Use teleconsult/telemedicine/virtual clinic apps to consult an online doctor.
As you are still unsure if you have contracted COVID-19, we suggest that you avoid visiting a clinic or a hospital unless necessary. Use these apps to ask an online doctor instead: (They are FREE!)
- Doctoroncall – MoH Virtual Portal A collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Doctoroncall, where general advice about COVID-19 is provided https://www.doctoroncall.com.my/coronavirus
- Doc2Us Download the app http://onelink.to/doc2us or use webchat https://web.doc2us.com/
- Bookdoc https://www.bookdoc.com/
- Doctor2U https://www.doctor2u.my/
- Teleme https://teleme.co/
Step 3: If you’re indeed a PUI, please visit a public hospital immediately.
You may refer to the list of public hospitals available for COVID-19 test here.
NOTE: Only public hospitals can handle PUI and confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Step 4: If you’re not a PUI, visit a private healthcare facility.
If you do not meet the criteria of a PUI, the public hospital will NOT carry out your test. As of the latest instructions given by the Ministry of Health, only the public hospitals can handle PUI cases. As such, anything else that is not a PUI case will be handled by a private healthcare facility.
For instance, if you suspect yourself may be at risk of COVID-19, or are already in self-quarantine, or are hesitant to visit a crowded hospital, then this is for you.
Currently, many private hospitals and clinics provide either COVID-19 test at your home, and/or drive-thru at their facilities to get a swab test done. There is no major difference between these two. The home test is usually more expensive, but it can be done at the comfort of your own home.
For a list of COVID-19 home tests & drive-thru tests, click here.
Step 5: Patiently wait for your lab result, stay at home and follow your doctor’s instructions (if applicable).
While it can be really scary when waiting for the COVID-19 result, please stay calm. As many labs right now are overwhelmed with the influx of COVID-19 test cases, your patience is much appreciated.
During the movement control order, please limit your travels outdoor. If you’re supposed to self-quarantine, please do it strictly. As your COVID-19 status is uncertain, it is better for you to stay at home and minimise the potential risk of transmission to others.
You may continue to follow-up with your online doctor from Step 2 and clarify any medical enquiries you may have for the time being.
At Doc2Us®, we have a wide range of services to provide during the #covid19 outbreak and movement control order!
- Have any questions related to COVID-19? Let our COVID-19 Task Force answer them for free!
- Have diabetes? High blood pressure? High cholesterol? Let us deliver medications to your doorstep!
- Doctor house call for those who cannot go to the hospital due to frailty, immobilization or fear of getting infected.
Start by downloading Doc2Us® app at http://onelink.to/doc2us or use our web chat https://web.doc2us.com/. You can also make an appointment for a house call at https://qmed.asia/AMC.
Let’s fight COVID-19 together by staying safe and healthy during this time! Get some face masks and alcohol wipes ready as well to combat the disease!
Close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case is defined as:
- Healthcare-associated exposure without appropriate PPE (including providing direct care for COVID-19 patients, working with health care workers infected with COVID-19, visiting patients or staying in the same close environment of a COVID19 patient).
- Working together in close proximity or sharing the same classroom environment with a with COVID-19 patient.
- Travelling together with COVID-19 patient in any kind of conveyance.
- Living in the same household as a COVID-19 patient.
Article courtesy of Doc2Us, and has been edited for length and clarity.
