Greetings. Thank you for your questions.

First and foremost, we truly understand your concerns regarding this issue of coronavirus since we’re in the midst of a pendemic.

Besides COVID-19 infection, symptoms of runny nose and difficulty breathing can be caused by other health problems such as:

• Bacterial or virus infection
• Asthma
• Allergic Rhinitis
• Pneumonia
• Tuberculosis
• COPD
• Anemia

On top of that, the signs and symptoms of coronavirus infection are very vague and it mimic other disease as well. Thus, to help the medical profession to decide, we’ll look into the risk of the individual. You can 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 with appropriate steps that should be taken. This initiative done to reduce crowd coming to hospital to do screening in fear of coronavirus. It is as well as to limit your movement out from home without any solid reason.

As for now, you are advises to watch out for your symptoms and follow these guidelines from Centre of Disease Control (CDC) as preventive measure:

• 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

You may consult a MOH doctor by clicking Ask Doctor at the Ministry of Health website (COVID-19 Portal) to ask any health issues related to COVID-19 starting from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm.

After 5.00 pm till 12.00 am, please direct your enquiries to our DoctorOnCall website at this link https://www.doctoroncall.com.my/tanya/.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind you to stay put at home as ordered by the authorities and only go out when necessary. With everyone’s cooperation, I hope we can conquer this outbreak before it get any worse. Thank you.