The Hamad Medical Corporation recommended that people with respiratory diseases take more precautions to protect them from infection with coronavirus (Covid-19). Chief of HMC’s Pulmonary Division Dr Hisham Abdul Sattar Ahmed said that patients suffering from chronic respiratory diseases such as cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma should take more precautions and preventive measures to reduce the chances of Covid-19 infection. He pointed out that infection with this virus in this group of patients, no matter how mild, may lead to serious complications.

He explained that patients with respiratory problems are considered to be at high risk for complications if they infected with Covid-19. He noted that while everyone should be careful and cautious, patients with chronic respiratory diseases should take more precautions and preventive measures, calling these patients to follow the rules of personal hygiene and avoid social contact at the moment. Dr Hisham pointed out that patients with chronic respiratory diseases are not more likely to be infected with coronavirus but are at risk of complications from this infection if it occurs. He pointed out that patients with respiratory problems show symptoms of infection more severe than those appearing on others, and that elderly patients with respiratory disease are at risk of death if they infected with Covid-19.

There is no cause for panic as many patients, including respiratory patients, have been exposed to mild cases of infection and have had minor complications and have fully recovered from these complications, but respiratory patients must take more precautions, and they must as everyone should realise that infection with this virus is dangerous and should be taken seriously, Dr Hisham pointed out.

He pointed out that there are some simple precautions that anyone can take to prevent infection with Covid-19, among which is avoiding contact with the mouth, nose, and eyes with unclean hands, avoiding contact with people who show signs of illness, staying six feet away from others, washing hands thoroughly after coming into contact with surfaces that may be contaminated, and avoiding crowded areas especially if they are poorly ventilated. Dr Hisham Abdul Sattar stressed the need for social distancing and non-contact with others as a preventive measure to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) launched a page on its website (www.moph.gov.qa) to provide the public with the latest developments on Covid-19 and how to protect themselves and others from infection with this virus. Also, it has allocated a hotline (16000) operates around the clock and responds to public inquiries about the virus. MoPH, HMC and the Primary Health Care Corporation also launched an educational and awareness campaign that includes information and videos that are published to the public through social media platforms.

Source : The Gulf Times

More on Healthcare