Infectious Diseases in Kuala Lumpur

Infectious diseases are disorders caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. They can spread, directly or indirectly, from one person to another. Some infectious diseases are transmitted by insects or other animals. Infectious diseases can also spread through the consumption of contaminated water or food or exposure to organisms in the environment.

The branch of medicine that focuses on infectious diseases is called infectiology, which is a subspecialty of internal medicine. Doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases are called infectious diseases (ID) specialists. While most common infections can be treated by general internists and other specialists, ID specialists are frequently called upon to help diagnose and assist in treating or managing unusual, difficult, or complicated infections. Since many infectious diseases are related to other medical conditions, ID specialists work with doctors in many specialty areas, such as doctors trained in dermatology, immunology, or cardiovascular medicine. 

Some of the most common infectious diseases that ID specialists diagnose, treat, and manage include:

• Bone and joint infections
• Heart valve infections
• Blastomycosis
• Complicated urinary tract infections
• Lyme disease
• HIV/AIDS
• Viral hepatitis
• Rubella, Measles, and Mumps
• Malaria
• Cholera
• Dengue
• Ebola
• Sepsis
• Tuberculosis
• Rheumatic fever
• Travel medicine
• Tick-borne infections
• Meningitis
• Pneumonia
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
• Post-operative infections.

There are numerous procedures that ID specialists and other specialists use to diagnose, prevent, and treat infectious diseases. These include, but are not limited to:

• Laboratory tests, including blood tests, urine tests, stool samples, throat swabs, and a spinal tap (lumbar puncture)
• Imaging scans, such as CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays.
• Biopsies.
• Antibiotic therapies
• Immunizations
• Infection control
• Fecal microbiota (stool) transplant
• Antimicrobial therapy (OPAT)
• Antifungal therapy
• Anti-parasitic therapy.

How Long Should I Stay in Kuala Lumpur?

Your length of stay depends on the severity of your infection and which organ is affected by the infection. Some types of infectious diseases may require hospitalization, while others do not. It is generally advisable that you plan to stay in Kuala Lumpur for at least 7 to 14 days. Even if you do not need hospitalization, some types of treatment may require several appointments. In addition, you may also need to attend follow-up checkups.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery time after infectious disease can vary, depending on the type and severity of the infection. For some infectious diseases, the healing process can take time and it can take a few months until you can resume your normal activities. Some other types of infectious diseases, however, only need around 2 weeks or even less of recovery time. Your doctor will tell you when you can return to work and resume your normal activities.

What Aftercare is Required?

Your doctor will give you detailed aftercare instruction. It is important to follow every instruction closely. They may also tell you prevention measures to decrease the risk of infection from occurring in the future. These include washing your hands frequently, to get vaccinated, practice safe sex, travel wisely, stay home when ill, prepare food safely, and avoid sharing personal items. 

What's the Success Rate?

Active research in infectious diseases has resulted in new discoveries that help doctors to refine the treatment and management approach to infectious diseases. The success rate of infectious disease treatment has increased significantly in the past several decades. Some types of treatments even have 90% success rates.   

Are there Alternatives?

There are a number of products that have been studied for preventing or shortening the duration of some infections, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, garlic, ginseng, and zinc. However, it is best that you see your general physician, a specialist, or an ID specialist to treat your infection instead of taking alternative medicine.  

Infectious Diseases in and around Kuala Lumpur

About Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and often cited as the Food Capital of Asia. The city is modern on one hand and at the same time exhibits a rich cultural legacy.

Recognized globally, Kuala Lumpur is fast becoming a favored choice for medical tourism. Many individuals making the journey to this bustling metropolis can expect to conserve anywhere from 60% to 80% in medical expenses compared to the astronomical fees seen in the United States. The appeal doesn't end at affordable prices, the city's hospitals are reputed for their outstanding post-surgery care, ensuring patients feel comfortable and well-looked after. Supplementing the exemplary healthcare, these hospitals offer luxurious accommodation comparable to a five-star hotel suite, signaling a new standard for medical facilities worldwide.

Here is why Kuala Lumpur scores high in medical tourism.

• Extremely affordable and the quality of all treatments are of a high standard
• The Doctors are all certified and the teams are well trained
• Hospitals are world-class with the best amenities and modern surgical equipment
• Excellent post-operative care facilities to help with recuperating

Medical procedures including breast augmentation, varicose vein surgery, laser eye surgery, dental procedures, fertility treatments, oncology treatments and spinal surgeries are highly demanded in Kuala Lumpur. With state-of-the-art facilities, hospitals notably Pantai Hospital, HSC Medical Center, and Sikarin Hospital lead in providing these sought-after services.

Additionally, distinct local clinics situated in and around Kuala Lumpur, such as Dr. Cheong Plastic Surgery Clinic and KTOP Clinic, are particularly renowned in the field of breast augmentation. These institutions, aptly combining professionalism with empathy, embody the heightened standards of medical care in the city.

Popular areas in Kuala Lumpur

This city boasts a plethora of iconic attractions, spanning both naturally occurring wonders and impressive manmade structures:

• The Petronas: Hailed as the Twin Jewels of Kuala Lumpur, it is an 88-story twin tower. Thousands visit every day to walk over the sky bridge that connects the two towers to see the excellent bird’s eye view of the city. On a clear day, you can see as far as Indonesia.
• The Menara KL towers: This is the fifth tallest structure in the world today. Its observation deck is a hundred feet higher than the sky bridge that rests between the Petronas twin towers; What’s more, is that the ticket to the observation deck is completely free. Make sure that you reach there early because it has time slots to control the visiting number of people.
• China town: Is on Petaling Street and is surrounded by many very old historical shophouses and temples and is home to many local street food sellers. This 24-hour vibrant market township is the best place to shop if you love a bargain.
• The Batu Caves: is a limestone hill comprising three major caves and a number of smaller ones. The 100-year-old temple has idols and statues erected inside the main caves and around it. the temple is considered an important religious landmark by Hindus.
• The Open Aviary: Ever imagined an aviary where birds are not caged? That is the KL Open Aviary for you. Visitors are free to interact, feed, and even take photographs with the uncaged birds. It is one place you must not miss if you are a bird lover. There are more than 150 varieties to see and learn about.

Weather and Climate in Kuala Lumpur

In this city, residents and tourists alike encounter a tropical climate. Its persistent heat and humidity manifest in daily temperatures that typically fall between 29 and 35 degrees centigrade. Nighttime brings a touch of relative coolness, as temperatures drop to roughly 26 to 29 degrees centigrade.

While post-rain chills can occur, the city remains largely resilient to the monsoon winds coming from both the west and east. These sporadic showers pose minimal inconvenience as the city boasts well-structured covered walkways. A variety of indoor recreational complexes, inclusive of massive malls, guarantees an enjoyable pastime that doubles as shelter from the rain.

Getting around in Kuala Lumpur

The standard of public transportation within the city is second to none. A comprehensive network of buses and subway lines ensures swift and comfortable travel throughout the city, with affordable taxis providing an alternative for both longer and shorter journeys.

Showcasing their discipline, taxi drivers adhere meticulously to all road traffic rules and signs. For visiting tourists, the Hop-on-Hop-off service proves a favorite, offering a convenient tour that traverses the city, accompanied by an informative radio guide.

Tourist Visas in Kuala Lumpur

Citizens of 35 countries and the citizens of Commonwealth countries, including British protected citizens, Citizens from Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, San Marino, and Liechtenstein do not require a visa to enter Malaysia for up to 90 days.

Citizens of India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and other countries will need to obtain a visa in advance before entering Malaysia. Visas can be obtained online or at a Malaysian embassy or consulate.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The currency is the colorful Malaysian Ringgit. Further divided are cents or what the locals call as Sen. Coins are easy to handle. Ensure you carry enough local currency for the duration of your visit, as it is convenient to use shopping malls and local businesses. However, make sure to spend all the money you have exchanged before exiting the country because Malaysian Ringgit is not traded internationally.
2. Money and payments: All retail outlets, restaurants, and eateries accept Master and Visa cards. You will also find ATMs, placed conveniently at all of the major tourist and shopping locations around the city.
3. Local language: The Locals speak Malay and Arabic is also spoken widely. Nearly all of the population will understand and talk basic English.
4. Local culture and religion: A large number of the population follow Islam and the second most popular religion in the city is Buddhism, there is also a small percentage of Christians and Hindus in the city. The culture is tolerant, and the people are extremely warm and friendly towards each other.
5. Public holidays: The locals celebrate the Gregorian New Year, the Islamic New Year and the Chinese New Year. Apart from these, the other holidays include international May Day or worker’s day and the days connected with the Coronation of the Monarchy.