This is what I read (from the various internet search) about the Covid19 Happy Hypoxia self-test? Why did I search and read about it? As mentioned in my last blog, I was in close contact with my aunt, a covid19 positive after the 2nd PCR test. The 1st PCR test result was negative, but not in the 2nd PCR test.
Currently, I am still under home quarantine and per-advised by KKM’s officer in charge of my cousin’s sister’s case, and there are 3 questions posted to me. They were:
- Was I close to my aunt for more than 15mins? My answer was: Yes, as we were in the same grab car going and returning from the PCR swab test, where I estimated about 20mins trip one-way.
- Did I hold my aunt or touch her when I was with her? My answer was: No, I only touched her hand phone (to assist her in scanning the mysejahtera code) and helped her tie her waist with a cloth because she was embarrassed by the pink band put on her after her swap test. I sanitized my hands afterward and very often too.
- Did I wear proper protection like a mask? My answer was: Yes, I wore an inner cloth, an outer 3 layer mask, and a face shield. However, I did not remove my protective masks and shield at any point in time except when I was waiting for her while she was having her swab test inside the hall.
With the above 3 points, KKM’s listed me as a non-close contact, but I was advised to get my swab test if I developed any symptoms after 3 days. Please read about my journey from my last blog article.
Now, let’s go back to what I am trying to talk about: happy hypoxia. Due to being quarantined, I am in front of my computer all the time as I’m unable to go anywhere. Of course, I am a bit worried because I read that happy hypoxia has affected those who have strong immune systems and without symptoms, yet they were admitted to the hospital for lung infection or difficulties in breathing. This I what I found out about happy hypoxia (taken from a local newspaper, linked at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/06/18/happy-hypoxia-among-younger-patients-contributes-to-increased-covid-19-cases-says-health-ministry):
PETALING JAYA: One of the factors contributing to the increased number of severe Covid-19 cases is “Happy Hypoxia”, especially among younger patients, says the Health Ministry. It said that the number of Category 4 and 5 Covid-19 patients admitted into hospital increased by 35%. “One of the factors is Happy Hypoxia among younger patients who do not realise they are experiencing a decrease in oxygen levels until the situation becomes more serious,” it said in a tweet on Friday (June 18). Happy Hypoxia is when a Covid-19 patient has a very low level of oxygen as shown on the monitor, but appears to be breathing more or less normally. In a series of videos on the Health Ministry’s Facebook page on Thursday (June 17), it said that among the symptoms of the condition or when oxygen levels were less than 91% included breathing difficulties, headaches, dizziness, skin turns bluish, and cold palms. Dr Mohd Noor Akmal who is attached to the ministry said that the young who were healthy were most at risk for the condition. He said the condition occurred when there was an infection in the lungs. “The Covid-19 virus causes infection in the tissues of the lungs, causing damage to it. Teenagers, young people, and the healthy do not display any symptoms because they have high immunity… what they don’t realise is that the oxygen levels in the blood decreases because of lung damage. This is termed Happy Hypoxia,” he said. All individuals diagnosed with Covid-19 are categorised into five stages. In the first stage, patients are asymptomatic, while those in the second stage display mild symptoms but have no pneumonia. In the third stage, patients display symptoms and have pneumonia, while those in the fourth stage have symptoms, pneumonia and require supplemental oxygen. For those in the fifth stage, they are diagnosed as critically ill and need to be intubated, as well as to be put on a ventilator.
After reading the above article, I am worried that I could be asymptomatic as I did not develop symptoms, although I have not done any swab test yet. I have to constantly ensure that I assess my own health before going for my test, which I intend to do tomorrow. I am concerned about whether I am an asymptomatic positive as I have gotten my 1st dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. To do my self-assessment on my oxygen level, I have my oximeter ready at hand for some testing.
I have 2 methods:
Method 1 (where I learned from my cousin sister while she is in quarantine center (nurses test them every morning):
- Do 10 squats and check oxygen level using oximeter.
Method 2 (I learned from the internet):
- Sit down calmly and test my oxygen level with oximeter.
- Walk around the house like I normally would for 6 minutes.
- Sit down calmly and test my oxygen level with oximeter.
- Compare both readings.
If my oxygen level dropped below 90, I would be concerned, otherwise I should be fine if my reading is between 95 to 100.
Disclaimer: The above 2 methods are for my self assessment only. I am not a doctor!
Update: I finally got my test last Saturday morning and obtained my result that evening at around 8.00pm. The result states it did not detect any covid-19 virus meaning I am tested negative. The result also been updated into my mysejahtera app on Sunday. I am relieved after tested negative.
Tweet by KKM:
KKMalaysia@KKMPutrajayaยท
https://twitter.com/KKMPutrajaya/status/1271090838735446017
Asymptomatic: people who are infected but never go on to develop symptoms.
Pre-symptomatic: people who are infected but have not yet developed symptoms.
Symptomatic: people who are infected and showing symptoms.
