COVID-19 and respiratory infection prevention

Take steps to protect yourself

If you have cough, fever, sore throat, unusual tiredness or other respiratory symptoms, stay away from close contact where possible, inform your healthcare or rehabilitation team before attending, and follow current advice from Malaysian health authorities. Simple measures such as cleaner air, hand hygiene, cough etiquette and sensible mask use can help reduce spread, especially around older adults and people with health vulnerabilities.

This page provides general prevention guidance for people attending physiotherapy, family caregivers and household members. It does not confirm whether you have COVID-19 or another infection, and it does not replace medical assessment.

Five practical ways to reduce respiratory infection risk

5. Stay home and contact the right team when unwell

Do not attend a centre or home session without notice if you have new respiratory symptoms. Contact the service before the appointment so the team can advise whether the session should be rescheduled or reviewed. The World Health Organization advises people to keep up with current information from trusted national and local health authorities and to seek medical attention promptly for concerning symptoms. Read WHO advice for the public.

Planning physiotherapy safely after illness

After an infection, some people return to their usual activity quickly while others notice reduced stamina, weakness, breathlessness or difficulty managing daily tasks. These symptoms have many possible causes and should not be self-diagnosed. A physiotherapy assessment may be considered after appropriate medical review or clearance when movement, exercise tolerance, balance or daily function has been affected.

A first assessment should clarify your recent health history, current symptoms, medication or medical instructions already provided, mobility at home and the activities you want to resume. The physiotherapist may review safe movement and function, then explain whether physiotherapy is suitable, whether the programme needs modification, or whether further medical input is required. Physiotherapy does not replace diagnosis, emergency care or management by a doctor.

Before a centre or home appointment

• Tell the team about recent fever, cough, breathing difficulty, a positive test or close exposure.
• Follow any medical advice and isolation requirements that apply to you.
• Prepare an updated medication list and relevant discharge or medical notes, without stopping or changing medication on your own.
• Ask household members with symptoms to avoid the treatment area during a home visit.
• Keep the space ventilated where practical and allow access to handwashing facilities.

NHS guidance says respiratory tract infections often spread through coughs and sneezes and recommends covering coughs or sneezes, washing hands regularly and disposing of used tissues promptly. Review NHS guidance on respiratory tract infections. Malaysian requirements may differ, so follow current local instructions first.

Why consider an early functional assessment?

If symptoms continue to affect walking, transfers, balance, exercise tolerance or caregiver workload after the acute illness has been medically addressed, an early functional assessment can reduce uncertainty and help clarify the next appropriate step. This does not mean everyone needs physiotherapy. It means suitability and safety can be reviewed before problems interfere further with daily life.

Depending on assessment and coverage, suitable care may be considered at a centre or through physiotherapy at home. You can also review Physiomobile’s cardiorespiratory rehabilitation information. Medical clearance and clinical suitability may be required.

Frequently asked questions

Disclaimer: This information is for general education and is not a diagnosis, prescription or substitute for advice from a qualified medical professional. Guidance can change; follow current Malaysian health-authority instructions.