Early this year, the world was shaken by the news of a novel coronavirus disease outbreak, now known as Coronavirus disease 2019 or Covid-19. When the outbreak was in its early stages, the government of Malaysia acted fast to instill precautionary measures to contain the pandemic.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), proper handwashing as well as “social distancing” (the act of maintaining a physical distance between people and reducing the number of times people come into close contact with each other) remain the two most effective measures in preventing the spread of Covid-19. The public is also advised not to touch their eyes, nose and mouth before washing their hands.
As an alternative to water and soap, hand sanitisers with alcohol content of at least 60 per cent can be used to clean/disinfect hands. The public is encouraged to use hand sanitisers that have been notified or registered with the National Pharmacy Regulatory Agency (NPRA) to ensure their quality and safety.
They can look for the registration or notification status of hand sanitizers at www.npra.gov.my or via the NPRA Product Status app.
Patients who have tested positive for Covid-19 and have respiratory symptoms are treated in healthcare facilities. The patients are monitored closely by healthcare professionals.
Malaysia was selected by the WHO to be a part of the “Multicenter Adaptive Solidarity Trial - Covid-19” clinical study, which aims to examine the effects of medicines in the treatment of Covid-19.
THE USE OF ANTI-MALARIALS
Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are medicines used in the treatment of malaria and several inflammatory diseases. In vitro studies (studies conducted with microorganisms or cells outside their normal biological context) performed using these medicines have shown some effectiveness towards coronaviruses, which include the Acute Syndrome (SARS)-CoV and Covid-19 viruses.
This has led to several countries, including the United States of America and China, to use chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine as part of their treatment for patients tested positive for Covid-19.
Following the thrilling news regarding the efficacy of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, several irresponsible individuals began selling these medicines to the public on the internet, for self-medication at home.
It is a crime to sell these medicines online, and purchasing them for the purpose of self-medication without a doctor’s supervision may bring untoward harm. Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are controlled medicines. The act of self-medicating without doctor’s supervision will cause harm to the patient and increase the risk of antimicrobial resistance.
There have been numerous reports of hydroxychloroquine poisoning due to self-medication which also includes death. There must be careful use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine in patients with liver and kidney problems, as the risks of dangerous effects are high.
SOME MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT COVID-19 TREATMENT
Can the influenza and pneumococcal vaccines prevent Covid-19 infections?
Several individuals believe that the influenza and pneumococcal vaccine may help protect against Covid-19 infections. Factually, the stated vaccines do not possess the ability to initiate the production of antibodies against the Covid-19 virus, discrediting the myth that either vaccine can protect against Covid-19.
Considering that the Covid-19 virus is relatively new (discovered at the end of 2019), the development of a vaccine for Covid-19 is in its early stages. It would be some time before we can see it administered to the public for the prevention of this deadly disease.
Are antibiotics effective against the Covid-19 virus?
Antibiotics are only effective against infections caused by bacteria, and the Covid-19 infection is caused by a virus, thus rendering the antibiotic ineffective. Using antibiotics for any infection caused by viruses will only promote antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics are only administered to patients with Covid-19 to treat secondary infections caused by bacteria.
Does bathing with hot water help prevent the spread of Covid-19?
There is an opinion that indicates the Covid-19 virus cannot survive in high temperatures; this has led the general public to believe that bathing in hot water may prevent the spread of the disease. This is, however, not the case.
Bathing with hot water does not prevent the spread of Covid-19. Hot water does not increase the temperature of the human body; thus, it does not affect the Covid-19 virus. Instead, bathing in scalding hot water will most certainly scorch the skin, causing injuries similar to burns.
Can neem leaf extract help treat the Covid-19 infection?
Lately, there have been claims regarding the effectiveness of neem leaves in the treatment of Covid-19. According to these claims, by boiling the neem leaves in water and then later drinking it, an individual may bolster his immune system as well as alleviate the symptoms associated with a Covid-19 infection which include cough and sore throat. Neem leaves are also claimed to be safe and free of side effects.
In reality, the efficacy of Neem leaves in the treatment of Covid-19 symptoms has yet to be proven scientifically. Till this day, only in vitro and in vivo (animals) studies have been carried out on neem leaves to assess its potential in treating infections such as hepatitis C, dengue and polio.
Safety data concerning neem leaf preparations are likewise something noteworthy; it shows that neem leaves are safe for adults only when taken in small doses for a short duration of time. It also states that neem leaf preparations are unsafe for children; it may cause vomiting, seizures, coma and death. Additionally, neem leaf preparations increase the risk of miscarriage among pregnant women.
Can high doses of vitamin C help the immune system in the prevention of Covid-19?
Numerous individuals have recommended that high doses of vitamin C supplements can help reinforce the immune system against the possibility of an infection with the Covid-19 virus.
However, abundant research has shown that concentrations of vitamin C in the blood remain unchanged when administered high dosages of vitamin C supplements. There is a limit to how much vitamin C can be absorbed by cells and tissues, and any concentrations higher than that limit will not bring any benefit to the human body.
High doses of vitamin C causes side effects, most notably diarrhoea and an increased risk of kidney stones. The recommended daily intake for vitamin C is between 75mg-100mg.
PREVENTION IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY
Generally, the treatment for Covid-19 is symptomatic, and it is individually catered according to the suitability and response of a patient. Medicines with high curative potential are still undergoing clinical studies to evaluate their efficacy in treating Covid-19.
Attempts to self-medicate with medicines purchased online, as well as placing faith in the outrageous allegations pertaining to the effectiveness of untested products must be stopped. The public is advised to practise proper handwashing techniques along with “social distancing” so as to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 infection. It is the collective responsibility of the Malaysian public to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and to push it into its eventual eradication.
Please call the National Pharmacy Call Centre (NPCC) at the toll-free line 1800-88-6722, weekdays from 8am to 5pm if there are any inquiries regarding medicines
The writer is a pharmacist with the Ministry of Health, Malaysia