MIRI – Covid-19 patients with mild symptoms and under home quarantine can die from oxygen deprivation.
Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) adviser Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said that the condition of those in Category 2 can quickly deteriorate if their lungs are infected.
Hence, the lack of oxygen is a silent killer that many with mild Covid-19 symptoms are unaware of.
“For those under home quarantine with mild symptoms, they must be proactive in self-monitoring to save their life, especially with the spread of the Delta variant.
“They must be aware of the danger signs and warnings of deterioration to their health conditions.
“Covid-19 affects multiple organs, but lung infection (pneumonia) is one that our medical specialists worry about the most.
“The challenge in the post-vaccination era is that even if you know that you are infected by Covid-19, your lungs may be infected without you realising it, if you are not getting oxygen.
“It is called silent hypoxia or happy hypoxia (not enough oxygen).
“It is not necessary that you experience shortness of breath.
“But there are warning signs: your lips become cyanosis (turning blue), your brain while lacking oxygen will just have subtle delirium.
“It can be flickering… but once you start to exert yourself, you can just collapse and die,” Dr Sim said in his social media postings.
Sim, who is also state housing and local government minister, said a pulse oximeter is a very important medical equipment, which can detect whether a person is suffering from hypoxia unknowingly.
“Like all instruments, you must know how to use it correctly.
“Early detection in Category 2 of Covid-19 allows medical experts to immediately intervene and save lives.
“It will help prevent sufferers from progressing to higher categories,” he said.
The Kuching Health Department has set up a hotline – Telekhidmat Kes Positif Covid-19 Bahagian Kuching – to provide advice to the public on this matter.
They can be reached at the following numbers:
- 019-961-2300
- 019-276-3200
- 082-597-468
- 082-354-318
However, Dr Sim said those suffering from an emergency situation must call 999 immediately.
The number of Category 2 patients is increasing throughout Sarawak, with 1,275 reported yesterday.
A total of 27 individuals were admitted for Categories 3, 4 and 5 with lung infection, requiring oxygen support and ventilators. There were 20 Covid-19 deaths yesterday, surpassing the state’s fatality toll to beyond 950 with many brought in dead. – The Vibes, October 8, 2021
