Photo provided by Alpro Pharmacy
In response to one of the worst floods ever recorded in the nation’s history,
Malaysia’s largest prescription pharmacy chain, Alpro Pharmacy,
And the first telemedicine provider, DOC2US,
Have teamed
up to raise awareness on flood-borne diseases
As well as caution chronic illness patients affected by the flood
On the danger
in skipping their long-term medications.
Photo provided by Alpro Pharmacy
“While the recovery processes are underway,
Water levels are still high in many places.
As a community pharmacy,
Alpro
would like to highlight that poor sanitation
And hygiene in flood areas could
Act as a catalyst for flood-borne diseases
Such
as Leptospirosis, Cholera, and Dengue fever,”
Said Ph. Lim En Ni, Alpro's Chief Pharmacist and Director of Engagement.
Leptospirosis is spread mainly by contact
With water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals.
Upon infection,
The incubation period can take 2 to 10 days.
Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, vomiting,
And diarrhoea are common
symptoms,
Especially during the early phase of infection.
At high-risk areas,
One can minimize the risk of contracting
leptospirosis
By wearing boots, goggles and gloves
When conducting post-flood cleaning.
Cholera is transmitted by eating food
Or drinking water that has been contaminated
With the Vibrio Cholerae bacterium.
It
can cause severe watery diarrhoea,
Leading to dehydration and even death within hours if left untreated.
To prevent Cholera
infection,
One can consume boiled water and thoroughly cooked food items.
Dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus,
Commonly transmitted through the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
Dengue virus can lead to a severe flu-like illness,
Sometimes causing potentially lethal complications called severe dengue.
Due to an increase in water pools around flooded areas,
Dengue cases might see an upsurge.
While fogging helps prevent
infections,
It cannot kill the larvae of mosquitoes.
Hence identification of stagnant water is essential.
“Keeping an eye out for general symptoms
Such as fever, headache, diarrhoea, muscle aches,
And vomiting will help identify
possible infections.
In the case of any such symptoms,
Please visit the nearest healthcare centres immediately,”
Lim urged.
Understanding that natural disasters leave victims no time
To collect their belongings,
Including long-term medications,
Alpro
and DOC2US pledged
To help flood victims who need chronic medications
Under their Life-saving Medication Care
Programme.
Alpro Pharmacy will provide a one-time chronic medication supply
To communities affected by natural disasters for up to 7
days for free.
Affected consumers can visit any of the 165 outlets of Alpro Pharmacy in Malaysia
To speak to the pharmacists
for more details.
A police report copy of the flooding is required for verification purposes.
Those who have lost their
prescription can get their free consultation
And e-prescription with DOC2US on the spot.
The Life-saving Medication Care Programme initiative
Is part of Alpro and DOC2US' long-standing commitment
To providing
healthcare support to the communities
Affected by natural disasters.
Photo provided by Alpro Pharmacy
Dr Raymond Choy,
DOC2US’ Co-founder and CEO said
"In times like this,
It is paramount that flood survivors continue
With their medications for chronic illnesses
Such as diabetes and hypertension.
In addition to the flood-borne risk,
Straying from prescribed medications
May put them at a higher risk of morbidity.
Through our partnership with Alpro
And our expertise in e-prescription
And online consultation services,
We are glad to be able to help by providing
Some relief to these victims for their predicament,”
Added Dr Choy.
To learn more about the initiative,
Its terms and condition as well as the nearest Alpro Pharmacy,
Call Alpro Customer Care Support at 019-6129006.
Alternatively,
The public can also chat with a professional pharmacist
Via the e-pharmacy WhatsApp hotline at 019-7021923.
