Long Covid patients take about six months to recover, says KJ

PETALING JAYA: Statistics have shown that 60% to 70% of Long Covid patients recover after six months from infection, says Khairy Jamaluddin.

The Health Minister said that as of April this year, 2,798 patients have received in-patient treatment for Long Covid at the ministry’s rehabilitation centres.

"Another 6,432 patients were treated via out-patient treatments at Health Ministry facilities nationwide. As many as 30% to 40% of patients are able to return back to work within three months of infections, and 60% to 70% of patients within six months.

"This comprehensive rehabilitation programme involves interdisciplinary specialists, including rehabilitation specialists, medical officers and physiotherapists," he said in a statement on Tuesday (May 10).

He added that other specialists can be provided based on the specific needs of the patients.

Khairy also said that work was underway to increase the capability of the ministry to treat cases of Long Covid, including the procurement of more equipment.

The minister added that 61.2% of Category Four and Five patients suffer from Long Covid.

Among the symptoms of Long Covid include shortness of breath, fatigue, cough and muscle pain.

"Without a structured and specific treatment plan, conditions will continue and compromise the individual's quality of life.

“It will also cause other implications such as an increase in morbidity, reduced productivity and loss of income, which in turn would lead to socio-economic stresses to the patient, family, public and the country's economy," he

Kenyataan Media Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia Perkhidmatan Perubatan Rehabilitasi Gejala COVID Berpanjangan (Long COVID) pic.twitter.com/FczOhAloC1 — KKMalaysia (@KKMPutrajaya) May 10, 2022