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Having high risk factors is more common than you think.

Having high risk factors is more common than you think. COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. It can be very contagious and spreads quickly. Anyone infected with COVID-19 can spread it, even if they do NOT have symptoms.1

COVID-19 can affect anyone, and the disease can cause symptoms ranging from mild to very severe.2 We know that people with certain medical conditions is more likely to get very sick with COVID-19, possibly leading to serious illness, hospitalisation, or, potentially death.

It doesn't take long for even mild symptoms to turn severe - in fact, this usually happens in about a week.3 But if you're at high risk of your COVID-19 progressing to serious illness, you may also be eligible for treatment.4

Common Factors that May Put You at High RiskFor a full list of high risk factors, please visit Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
Age 50+ Cancer Chronic kidney disease Chronic lung disease Chronic liver disease Heart conditions Dementia or other neurological conditions HIV infection Disabilities Cystic fibrosis Weakened immune system Current or former smoking status Overweight and obese Sickle cell disease or thalassaemia Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant Diabetes Tuberculosis Stroke or cerebrovascular disease  Physical inactivity Substance use disorders Mental health conditions Pregnancy
Common Factors that May Put You at High RiskFor a full list of high risk factors, please visit Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
Age 50+ Cancer Chronic kidney disease Chronic lung disease Chronic liver disease Heart conditions Dementia or other neurological conditions HIV infection Disabilities Cystic fibrosis Weakened immune system Current or former smoking status Overweight and obese Sickle cell disease or thalassaemia Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant Diabetes Tuberculosis Stroke or cerebrovascular disease  Physical inactivity Substance use disorders Mental health 
conditions Pregnancy


What are COVID-19 symptoms?

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

Older adults and people who have underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.6

"Having COVID-19 was a scary experience. Having asthma puts me at high risk for getting very sick from it. But now I'm ready to act quickly if COVID-19 strikes again. If I ever have symptoms - even if they're mild - know to get tested quickly and make the call to my doctor right away if my test is positive."1,4

Aishah Sinclair

Aishah Sinclair is a highly accomplished and versatile personality known for her contributions to the entertainment industry. With a captivating presence and a diverse skill set, Aishah has established herself as a prominent figure in television, film, hosting, and entrepreneurship.

"Learning that my weight puts me at high risk for severe disease from COVID-19 was illuminating and scary, but I feel empowered having this knowledge. Now I know, even if I have symptoms that seem mild, not to wait and reach out to my doctor immediately if I test positive. And I'm encouraging my friends and family to know their risk and make a plan too, so we're all ready to go."1,4

Dida Sinclair

Dida Sinclair, whose real name is Khadijah Abdul Rahman, is the mother of Aishah Sinclair, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Known for her genuine warmth and love as a grandmother and mother, Dida's social media presence reflects the values of compassion, family, and the importance of healthy ageing.

Start your
COVID-19 action plan
Keep track of any risk factors you may be living with and know what to do if you test positive.
MYTHNot many people are at risk for severe COVID-19.
FACTAbout 1 in 5 people worldwide has at least 1 risk factor that could make their COVID-19 symptoms worse.8

What are COVID-19
symptoms? 


People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

Older adults and people who have underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.6

Common symptoms of COVID-196:

Loss of taste  or smell Nausea or vomiting Sore throat Diarrhoea Fever or chills Muscle or body aches Congestion or runny nose Cough Fatigue Headache Shortness of breath 
or difficulty breathing

Symptoms may change with new COVID-19 variants and can vary depending on vaccination status.

"Having diabetes puts me at high risk for getting seriously ill from COVID-19. My health is so important to me, so making a plan is a no-brainer. Now I know what to do if I do test positive for COVID-19 and I will be ready to act fast."1,4

Datuk Jalaluddin Hassan

Datuk Jalaluddin Hassan is a well-known Malaysian actor and director. He has acted in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions throughout his career, earning critical acclaim for his performances.

"In my journey living with depression, I've learned a lot about how it can impact my overall health. But I was surprised to find out that depression puts me at high risk for severe COVID-19. It's important to know if you may have a high-risk factor and be ready to act should you test positive."1,4

Chan Fong

Chan Fong is one of the most popular DJ’s in Malaysia. Having kick started his live broadcasting back in 1991, today his voice is recognised by many who tune into Chinese radio. Versatile and diligent, his career has also seen him host numerous TV shows and even act in TV dramas.

If you do test positive after experiencing symptoms and are at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19, talk to your healthcare professional as soon as possible about treatment options.4

MYTHIt's not COVID-19 unless you've lost your sense of smell and taste.
FACTCOVID-19 can present a range of symptoms - you could even have an asymptomatic case with no noticeable symptoms.2,10
GO

You should get tested as soon as you begin to experience symptoms or within 5 days of a known COVID-19 exposure. Self-tests, or at-home tests, are usually antigen tests that can be taken anywhere without having to go to a specific testing site.4

What do COVID-19 treatments do?

If you have COVID-19 and are more likely to get very sick, treatments are available that can reduce your chances of hospitalization and death. However, treatment must be started within days after you first develop symptoms to be effective.

COVID-19 treatments are most effective when started as soon as possible after you test positive. You don't have to wait until your symptoms get worse - you should begin treatment when you have mild-to-moderate symptoms.7

Could treatment be right for you?

 

Medications to treat COVID-19 must be prescribed by a healthcare provider and started as soon as possible after diagnosis to be effective.7 When talking to your healthcare professional about COVID-19 treatment options, consider and discuss the following:

 

  • Whether you have factors that could put you at risk for progressing to severe COVID-191

  • What kinds of treatment are available7
  • What other medications you are currently taking5

Treatment now is available at:
(please click below button for further details）

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References: 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About COVID-19. Last accessed: 2 October 2025. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/about-covid-19.html 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Understanding Risk. Last accessed: 2 October 2025. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/understanding-risk.html  3. Healthline. What to Know About Mild or Moderate COVID-19 Symptoms. Last accessed: 2 October 2025. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/health/mild-covid-symptoms. 4. CodeBlue. Do We Still Need To Worry About Covid-19? – Dr Leong Chee Loon & Dr Muhammad Yazli Yuhana. Last accessed: 2 October 2025. Retrieved from: https://codeblue.galencentre.org/2023/05/12/do-we-still-need-to-worry-about-covid-19-dr-leong-chee-… 5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People with Certain Medical Conditions. Last accessed: 2 October 2025. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms of COVID-19. Last accessed: 2 October 2025. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/covid/signs-symptoms/index.html7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). COVID-19 Treatments and Medications. Last accessed: 2 October 2025. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/treatments-for-severe-illness.html

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LoadingReferencesReferences: 1. Clark A, Jit M, Warren-Gash C, et al. Global, regional, and national estimates of the population at increased risk of severe COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions in 2020: a modelling study. Lancet Glob Health. 2020;8(8):1003-1017. 2. COVID-19 treatment and medications. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated October 19, 2022. Accessed October 31, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/treatments-for-severe-illness.html 3. People with certain medical conditions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated October 19, 2022. Accessed October 31, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html 4. Guan W-J, Liang W-H, Shi Y, et al. Chronic respiratory diseases and the outcomes of COVID-19: A nationwide retrospective cohort study of 39,420 cases. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2021;9(7):2645-2655.e14.