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RECENT data from the Health Ministry, as of April 30, 2025, showed 8,488 active COVID-19 cases in Malaysia, with 74 individuals hospitalised.¹
While the pandemic may feel like a thing of the past for many, COVID-19 still poses a serious threat, especially for older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic health conditions.²
Despite this, testing and early medical intervention have become less common as public vigilance wanes post-pandemic.³
Testing Still Matters
COVID-19 often presents symptoms such as fever, cough, and fatigue — similar to the flu.⁴
However, for high-risk individuals, it can escalate rapidly, leading to severe complications, hospitalisation or even death. Early detection through testing is critical, especially for those with conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, or those who are immunocompromised.²ᐟ⁵ᐟ⁶
Individuals can find out whether they or their loved ones are at risk by taking this assessment or keeping an eye out for these risk factors below⁵:
Symptoms to watch for include: ⁴
- Persistent cough
- Sore throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of taste or smell
Testing is also vital within five days of close contact with someone infected, particularly for individuals in high-risk households.⁷
Early Intervention
Besides timely testing, early medical treatment can significantly reduce the risk of complications.⁶
Individuals with high-risk factors are encouraged to seek medical advice promptly to discuss suitable treatment options.
Healthcare facilities across Malaysia, both public and private, offer COVID-19 treatment. When consulting a healthcare professional, consider discussing:
- Personal risk factors for severe illnesses
- Available treatments and their effectiveness
- Any medications currently being taken
All in all, COVID-19 may no longer dominate headlines, but its risks remain real, especially for high-risk groups. Recognising these risks — especially during festive seasons, school holidays and crowded gatherings — and acting early can make all the difference.²ᐟ³
Find out more here about preparing and dealing with COVID-19 for people with high risk factors
The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care.
- Ministry of Health COVID-19 Dashboard. Available at: https://data.moh.gov.my/dashboard/covid-19/. Last Accessed 30/04/2025.
- CodeBlue. Do We Still Need To Worry About Covid-19? Available at: https://codeblue.galencentre.org/2023/05/12/do-we-still-need-to-worry-about-covid-19-dr-leong-chee-loon-dr-muhammad-yazli-yuhana/. Last accessed: 10/03/2025.
- Universiti Putra Malaysia. Experts warn of resurgent Covid threat amid public complacency. Available at: https://web.archive.org/web/20230803185551/https://medic.upm.edu.my/news/experts_warn_of_resurgent_covid_threat_amid_public_complacency-72621. Last Accessed 10/03/2025
- United States Centers for Disease Control. Symptoms of COVID-19. Available at: Symptoms of COVID-19 | COVID-19 | CDC. Last Accessed: 10/03/2025.
- United States Centers for Disease Control. COVID-19 Risk Factors. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors/. Last Accessed: 10/03/2025.
- United States Centers for Disease Control. COVID-19 Treatment. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/covid/treatment/index.html. Last Accessed: 10/03/2025.
- Ministry of Health. Close Contact SOP. Available at: https://mysejahtera.moh.gov.my/en/covid-19/covid-19-close-contact-cases-sop. Last Accessed 10/03/2025.
The post COVID-19: What Older Adults & High-Risk Groups Should Know appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.
