Covid-19: How to navigate your way through a global pandemic

The current variant of the Covid-19 coronavirus, referred to by scientists as 501Y.V2 or B.1.351, is proving to be more aggressive than the original, and whether you subscribe to all the warnings or not, it is out there. Everyone needs to apply themselves to contain the virus's spread and stay healthy.

January 29, 2021

Lowvelder 4 minutes read

How do I know if I have to go for a test? What do I do when my test is positive?

It is important to remember that your illness starts on the day you begin to develop the symptoms – not when the sample is taken to be tested or when the test is proven positive.
The most common symptoms are tiredness, a sore throat, a dry cough and fever.

Less common symptoms are headaches, diarrhoea and a loss of smell and taste.

Serious symptoms are shortness and difficulty with breathing, chest pains, loss of speech and/or movement.

If you suspect or show any symptoms, the sooner you call your doctor, the NICD helpline (0800-029-999) or a health facility to discuss and confirm your symptoms, the better. Do not just rush off to a medical facility, though.

Although symptoms of the infection can show up in five to six days in more serious cases, it can take as many as 14 days to manifest.
Your doctor will assess your status and send you for testing. Should you test positive, you will be assessed in terms of your risk factors which can, among others, include age and underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, pulmonary hypertension and immunosuppression.

Should you show mild symptoms or test positive and need to isolate at home, your healthcare worker/doctor will advise you about the steps to be taken while isolating at home.
It is critical that you monitor your symptoms at home and seek medical advice and intervention should it worsen.

Emergency warnings signs are troubled breathing, chest pains or pressure in your chest, coughing up blood, becoming confused, severe sleepiness, and blue lips or face.
In case of the aforementioned symptoms showing up, report this to the nearest medical facility – call an ambulance. It is preferable to not use public transport on your way to hospital or a healthcare facility, and of course, always wear your mask.

How to treat Covid-19 at home

More people than not will only show mild symptoms of the virus infection and should begin to feel better within a week after contracting it. They should be fully recovered within 10 to 14 days of their infection.

With no specific antiviral treatment for the virus, it is suggested that your stay hydrated by drinking enough water and clear fluids.

Your urine should be a constant pale, clear colour. Over-the-counter medicine for fever is allowed when used according to its recommendation. It is also important to continue taking your chronic medicine as per your doctor’s instruction.

If you share a house with others, and it is possible, use a separate bedroom and bathroom and avoid contact with the others as far as you are able.

Caregivers should wear disposable gloves and protective clothing and also supply the infected person with the necessary cleaning supplies should they be able to clean and disinfect their room.
Practice social distancing and avoid touching or hugging other people in the house. Eat in your room. Eat regularly and as healthy as possible – green veggies and fruit is a must. Get plenty of rest. Exercise is a no-no. Your dishes and eating utensils should be kept and washed separately, with hot water and while wearing disposable gloves.

Even your trash should be handled with disposable gloves and be kept separate from that of the other members in the house. Be sure to wash and sanitise your hands regularly.
Your linen should be washed separately from that of the rest of the household.

You can end your home isolation 10 days after your illness began and all sources indicate that no follow-up test is required.

How to build your immune system, even if you do not have Covid-19

Optimal health should be everyone’s goal, but as we all know, life is very demanding and more often than not, our personal health is not necessarily our priority.
However, with the advent of Covid-19, it is most important that one makes the effort to strengthen the immune system. This does not necessarily require special diets and or demanding exercise programs.

Here are some suggestions:

• Exercise regularly – start with a brisk daily walk
• Use alcohol with moderation
• Quit smoking
• Keep a watchful eye on your weight
• Eat healthy food
• Be sure to eat some nuts and fruit everyday
• Enough sleep is critical
• Eliminate stress

Seniors should discuss supplementation with their doctors, but generally things like magnesium, iron, folic acid, vitamins A, B6, C and E is suggested for strengthening the immune system.

How to sterilise and sanitise your home

• This may sound strange, but ensure good ventilation at all times.
• Clean all surfaces with water and soap before applying disinfectant.
• Wear gloves and wash your hands when you remove them.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Do not eat, drink, breathe or inject cleaning or disinfection products into your body or apply it directly to your skin, as they can cause serious harm.
• Do not wipe or bathe pets with any cleaning and disinfection products.
• Vacuum your carpets regularly.
• Ensure to also clean all electronic devices such as cell phones, tablet screens, keyboards and remote controls.
• To minimise the possibility of dispersing the virus through the air, do not shake dirty laundry.
• Wash hands with soap and water or use a hand sanitiser with at least 60 per cent alcohol after handling dirty laundry.
• Hand sanitiser: If soap and water are not readily available and hands are not visibly dirty, use a hand sanitiser that contains at least 60 per cent alcohol. However, if hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.