Page 140 - COVID-19 COUNTRY REPORT: Moving Beyond Pandemic EDITION 2022

Moving Beyond Pandemic (Edition 2022)

The initiation of oral antiviral therapy in mild disease (Category 2-3) is based on Eligibility Criteria,
as stated in Figure 6.3, and are not in the non-indication/ contraindication criteria. Non- Indication/
contraindication criteria are provided below:
i. Age < 18 years old
ii. Symptoms onset > 5 days
iii. Patient requires oxygen
iv. Pregnant/breastfeeding
v. Drug-to-drug interaction (refer to https://www.covid19-druginteractions.org checker)
vi. Severe renal disease
vii. Severe liver disease

a)

b)

Figure 6.3: a) Eligibility criteria for Antiviral therapy and b) Immunocompromised conditions

The Ministry of Health has also updated clinical guidelines to outline the management plans for
special populations such as pregnant mothers and paediatric patients, including neonates.

6.4 Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is crucial in the aftermath of COVID-19 infection, as a significant proportion of
patients experience lingering respiratory, musculoskeletal, cognitive, and functional difficulties and
complications (24). These issues, including breathing difficulties and physical and emotional fatigue,
can impact patients’ daily activities and overall quality of life. Appropriate support and interventions
are essential to help individuals recover and regain their optimal health.

6.4.1 Long Covid
6.4.1.1 Definition of long Covid
Long COVID is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) (2022) as “the continuation
or development of new symptoms three months after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, with
these symptoms lasting for at least two months and having no other explanation” (25). As
of February 2023, over 756 million confirmed cases and 6 million deaths from Coronavirus

130 Chapter 6 -Evolution of COVID-19 Patient Management