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Dr. Ragunathan tells patients with coronavirus not to self-medicate
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Those who contract COVID-19 and are undergoing treatment at home must only take medicines prescribed by qualified medical officers Consultant Physician Dr. M. K. Ragunathan said, addressing a press briefing, in Colombo on Wednesday (17).
Dr. Ragunathan said that many patients with no or mild symptoms were trying to self-medicate and that might have disastrous consequences.
“Those afflicted with COVID-19 must follow medical advice. Only take medicines prescribed by qualified doctors. If you have a fever, just take paracetamol. Don’t take that once in six hours but take it when you have a fever. That is more than enough,” he said.
Dr. Ragunathan added that there was no problem with taking supplements like Vitamin C, D or Zinc. “However, do not misuse antibiotics,” he said.
“A lot of doctors tell me that COVID patients are asking them to prescribe various antibiotics and antiviral medications. I kindly urge people not to pester doctors for these medicines. Do not try to self-medicate or believe everything on the internet,” he said.