SOCIETY NEEDS TO BE MORE AWARE OF COVID-19

BERTAM, 19 February 2020 – The rapidly spreading coronavirus is causing major panic for people around the world and every day cases are on the rise. A new coronavirus known as Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) was first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and spreads rapidly to 28 countries including Malaysia.

Dr. Muhammad Amir Yunus as a Virology Scientist from the Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) said COVID-19 spreads quickly due to mobility factors where infected people travel around the world.

“People infected with COVID-19 will usually have similar symptoms such as a cold, fever, and cough which are all common symptoms of the virus. However, there are those who do not have any direct symptoms but nonetheless are infected with the COVID-19 virus. This is why the virus is spreading rapidly and widely,” he said.

“Coronavirus is a zoonotic infection that is present in wild animals such as bats. Virus from animals will mutate and transmit into the human system that has low immunity when interaction between them occurs,” he explained.

For paediatrician Dr. Nur Arzuar Abdul Rahim, his stance is that parents should play an important role in ensuring that children receive early treatment if they have the symptoms.

“Among the symptoms of the viral infection in children are cough, cold and sore throat. The virus generally attacks the lungs and interferes with the respiratory system. Be wary of your kids’ heavy breathing and pale face, get treatment at the hospital right away,” he said.

“Those at risk of being attacked by the virus are children under the age of 5, adults aged 65 years and older, chronic patients and those with low immunity such as immune deficiency patients (PID), cancer patients, and those who are taking drugs such as steroids,” he explained.

They explained in a forum for a ‘Professional Talk Series’ that had been organised by the Islamic Affairs Unit, USM, and IPPT, entitled “Selamatkah Anak-anak Kita dengan Penularan Jangkitan Virus?”, which took place on 14th February, with lecturer Dr. Mohd Afifuddin Mohammad of Lifestyle Science Cluster, IPPT who is also the moderator in the forum.

Almost 200 people attended the program including the public.

The programs aim to provide information about viruses that can be harmful to humans especially Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) as well as preventive measures from infection for self and family.

Meanwhile, Director of IPPT Professor Dr. Syed Azhar Syed Sulaiman said IPPT is not only an educational and medical institution but also a research institution that can serve as a platform for spreading knowledge.

“Through this program, IPPT will be a location for IPPT staffs and the local community to help each other and understand health aspects better” he said there.

Attendees learned about preventive measures such as the use of face masks, face hygiene practices, and watch a demonstration of 7-steps on washing using soap and water by IPPT’s nurses. Also participating in the program was Deputy Director of Research and Networking IPPT, Dr. Hasni Arsad.

Text: Wan Ezrin Irdina Wan Azhar (practical student) & Mohd Faisal Jamaludin