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.

“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.

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.