Reported by
Lee Ai Lin Sr3ScB

            As the condition of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia deteriorates, Sekolah Menengah Chung Hua, Port Dickson held an online talk series hosted by Mr Chai Seong Shih, Vice Principal of the school, via Zoom and Facebook Live at 8pm in hopes of educating the public on this concerning matter. On 19th May 2021, they invited general practitioner Dr Lok Jye Chyi and microbiologist Dr Chee Hui Yee to talk about the issue of the mutating virus.

            Dr Chee began by relating the COVID-19 virus with other rhinoviruses such as the Nipah virus and MERS-CoV. They have similar sizes but vary in structure. The COVID-19 virus is an enveloped RNA virus, which is sensitive to heat and cleaning agents. However, unlike DNA which follows a “formula” during cell division, RNA replicates randomly leading to the unforeseen increase in COVID-19 virus variations. To aggravate things, a recent study by WHO confirmed the airborne transmission of the virus. Seeing the current situation, living with the lethal virus is inevitable. How can we coexist with each other?

Innate Immunity

Also known as our body’s first line of defense. This immunity reacts quickly when a foreign substance is detected. The mucosal antibody Immunoglobulin A (IgA) found in saliva, respiratory lining and body glands play a crucial role in the body defense mechanism by attacking microorganisms yet does not cause a cytokine storm (a physiological reaction of releasing excessive pro-inflammatory signaling molecules). In the early days of the pandemic, kids are less affected as their bodies produce more IgA than adults. But following the mutation and vast spreading of the virus, the disease appeared in children as well.

Another warrior fighting the virus is the Natural Killer (NK) cells. Once a foreign microorganism is detected, they rush to the scene to get rid of them. As the amount of NK cells in the body is relatively low, we have to create the best environment for these cells to reproduce.

1. Improve our diet

Flexitarian Diet that encourages plant-based food and moderate consumption of meat has become increasingly popular. Dr Chee conducted an experiment showing that vegetables contain myriads of antibodies.

rsz_image_1_experiment_conducted_by_dr_chee_on_antibodies_in_vegetablesResults of Dr Chee’s experiment on testing the presence of antibodies in vegetables

2. Practice good living habits

Exercise daily for better blood circulation, get enough rest (at least 7 hours) to encourage better NK cells reproduction and drink plenty of water (excluding sweetened drinks) to soothe the throat.

3. Avoid the 3Cs and practice the 3Ws

We should not go to Crowded spaces, Confined spaces and having Close conversation. In public places, do remember to always Wash your hands, Wear a face mask properly and Warn yourselves or others to follow SOP.

Adaptive Immunity

There are 2 types of adaptive immunity, active (long-lasting but gradual) and passive (immediate but temporary). Vaccination is an active immunity, where weakened antigens enter the bloodstream thus stimulating the production of suitable antibodies. When exposed to the virus in the future, our bodies are prepared to resist them.

The vaccine, however, is not the ultimate solution. Everybody reacts differently to the vaccine, some produce plenty of antibodies but some not many. Do not be discouraged from taking the vaccine thinking that we will get the disease either way. The main purpose of the vaccine is to show less life-threatening symptoms and inhibit the reproduction of the virus causing lesser variants. Dr Chee recommended getting the RT-PCR test as it is more sensitive to the novel virus than the RTK Antigen test, hence producing a more accurate result.

            Next, Dr Lok analysed the current COVID-19 cases in Malaysia according to the My Sejahtera app. From the recent statistics, it is clear that local cases are higher than imported cases. And today, Malaysia recorded an alarming high record of 6075 new cases.

rsz_image_2_my_sejahteraImage: My Sejahtera statistics on Monday, 17/5/2021

            Dr Lok then moved on to explaining R0 value which indicates how infectious a disease is. The higher the R0 value，the more contagious the disease. The Ebola virus recorded an R0 value of 1.5-2.5, the SARS virus at 2.0-5.0, while the novel COVID-19 virus is at 3.8-8.9, which is an alarming number. A generation was nearly gone in just one year from this disease. Following the increase in active cases, our country’s medical personnel and facilities are being pushed to the maximum.

            Living in the new norm, 3 things that must always be handy are a face mask, hand sanitiser and My Sejahtera app on our phones. It is encouraged to use an e-wallet to lessen physical contact. Previous etiquette such as handshake and embracing one another have to be avoided. We have to abide by these rules for now so that this worrying situation will not be prolonged.

            What should be done if we had close contact with COVID-19 patients? Well, we must treat ourselves as a timebomb, home quarantine is the first thing to do. While self-isolating, there are a few things to take note of. Firstly, make sure there is good ventilation in the room for fresh air. Secondly, consume a more-vegetables-less-meat diet. Thirdly, do light exercises that can be done in a confined area. Lastly, have a thermometer and blood oxygen detector at hand to check on our body. A blood oxygen level below 92% is life threatening and should be admitted to the hospital immediately. As family and relatives, we must not have any physical contact with those who are self-isolating, but that does not mean we have to forsake them. We can show support by texting and encouraging them that we are fighting against the virus together.

            Before the sharing ended, both Dr Chee and Dr Look continued to advise us to follow the SOP and the prevention guidelines so that through this MCO 3.0, the COVID-19 cases in Malaysia can turn for the better.