Health

S’poreans Should See A Doctor Even With Mild Respiratory Symptoms, To Prevent Community Infections

Respiratory Symptoms Warrant Medical Attention Regardless Of Severity

Following a string of community Covid-19 cases recently, medical experts have come forward to address what seems to be a worrying situation.

According to Channel NewsAsia (CNA), investigations revealed that several cases from the K-9 para-veterinarian cluster had failed to seek medical attention even after developing respiratory symptoms.

Image for illustration purposes only
Source

They tested positive for Covid-19 shortly after, raising concerns that similar incidents might be happening within the local community.

Several patients from new cluster didn’t seek medical help

After several cases linked to a K-9 para-veterinarian surfaced in recent weeks, Singapore recorded our first infection cluster in months.

What was more concerning was that at least 3 patients from the cluster delayed seeking medical attention despite showing symptoms, reports CNA.

Some of their symptoms include:

  • Dry throat
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Loss of taste & smell
  • Respiratory symptoms
  • Diarrhoea

Acknowledging that staying home to recover from these symptoms may have been normal before the pandemic, experts are stressing that things are different now.

3 to 5-day MC may deter patients from seeing a doctor

Experts CNA interviewed offered several likely reasons why patients may hesitate to see a doctor even with mild symptoms.

One possibility is that they might think 1 symptom alone may not warrant a visit. Instead, a possible infection would come from a combination of symptoms like fever and cough.

 

So like their pre-pandemic habits, people would be pre-disposed to monitoring their condition at home first.

Other likelihoods considering current circumstances could be one of the following:

  • Reluctance to take a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test
  • Concern about exposure to illnesses at the clinic
  • The inconvenience of a 3 to 5-day MC

Source

Regardless, experts insist that even the mildest symptoms should spur someone to see a doctor. The new cluster is proof enough of the undesirable consequences should a patient decide against doing so.

Even mild respiratory symptoms can be signs of infection

While the loss of taste and smell are unique indicators of a possible Covid-19 infection, they aren’t the only symptoms, reports CNA.

Experts note that common flu symptoms are likely signs too, and the only way to find out is through a test.

Hence, they encourage anyone even with the mildest respiratory symptoms, with or without a fever, to seek medical attention immediately.

To help you ascertain better, here are some signs to look out for:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Body aches & pains
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Runny nose

If you or anyone you know shows any of the above symptoms, make sure to arrange a visit to the clinic ASAP.

Keeping our community safe is a shared responsibility, so let’s do what we can.

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at hello@mustsharenews.com.

Featured image adapted from Facebook.

Fayyadhah Zainalabiden

Fayyadhah spends most of her free time wondering why there's nothing fun to do and wastes the rest of her time on Netflix.

Recent Posts

4 winners split S$13M TOTO jackpot on 14 Nov, 1 winning ticket bought from Tong Aik Huat again

Tong Aik Huat also sold a winning ticket for the 21 Oct draw.

15 Nov 2024, 1:39 am

Online model seller in Japan scammed by buyer who returned different kit with pieces cut out

The seller was soured by the experience with Mercari, saying the platform only provided compensation…

14 Nov 2024, 6:57 pm

Woman in Indonesia steals formula milk by placing them between thighs

The woman walked away naturally despite the boxes between her thighs.

14 Nov 2024, 6:20 pm

Leopard in Thailand caught wriggling on zoo visitor’s pickup truck, netizens joke driver should bring it home

The leopard reportedly jumped off the truck once it saw zoo staff approaching.

14 Nov 2024, 5:53 pm

Motorist in M’sia crushed to death after container falls from trailer, lorry driver arrested

The trailer driver made a V sign for the media while being escorted to the…

14 Nov 2024, 5:42 pm