Anonymous

3 years

My brother confirm Covid19 positive, what should we do?

Good afternoon, Doctor
Last Monday 28/12/2020, my brother went to Plaza Law Yet and brought a handphone from his friend, who is working in the Plaza Law Yet. Yesterday 3/1/2021, his friend called and told him that he is a covid-19 patient after done a swab test on 1/1/2021. During the sale of handphone, both of them were wearing mask, communicated about 0.5 hours, keep a distance ± 1 metres. So far, my brother has no common symptoms of COVID-19. Would like to seek Dortor’s advise whether my brother should do a swab test? or what should he do?

Good afternoon! Thank you for your questions.

Through the question and statement you gave on the above section, I completely understand your concern over this matter.

For your information, according to the MOH, the group that compulsory for swab test is close contact and those who have symptoms. COVID-19 close contacts are those who are closely connected within ONE meter with a case that has been POSITIVE.

According to the MOH as well, close contacts are categorized into the following groups:

  • Exposure from health care, such as health workers handling Covid-19 cases without proper personal protective equipment (PPE), visitors, and patients in the same ward as Covid-19 patients.
  • People who work with Covid-19 patients in close proximity, or share a classroom with them
  • People traveling with Covid-19 patients in any form of transportation.
  • People living in the same house as Covid-19 patients.

According to the situation that you have described, if he met the criteria above, he is considered as a close contact. I do urge you to continue monitoring your health, same goes to your brother and please take necessary precautions to protect yourself from the virus. According to WHO, the common symptoms of COVID-19 infection are:

Most common symptoms:

  • fever
  • dry cough
  • tiredness

Less common symptoms:

  • aches and pains
  • sore throat
  • diarrhoea
  • conjunctivitis
  • headache
  • loss of taste or smell
  • a rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes

Serious symptoms:

  • difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • chest pain or pressure
  • loss of speech or movement

Thus, you are also encouraged to answer the quiz on Risk Assessment for COVID-19 to evaluate your health status in regards to this disease. After completing this quiz, you will be classified into several categories. The decision of whether a person needs to be checked is depending on the doctor’s evaluation of the patient’s history and risks which is those of high risk. We also provide home testing services, accessible through this link: COVID-19 Screening At Home.

These are the guidelines from the Centre of Disease Control (CDC):

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

Click on this link (DoctorOnCall) to talk online with our certified doctors. Thank you.

Boost your immune system with a balanced diet and good nutrition.

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