Ward 50 councillor in Sinoville, Lenise Breytenbach (54), shared her experience with Covid-19, as she was still recovering from its lasting effects.
“It felt like I was dying. It’s not something you can describe to anyone who has not had Covid,” she said this week.
Breytenbach said she was now concerned about other members of her family battling the virus.
“My son Wynand, who is in Guinea, West Africa, is currently very sick,” said the concerned mum.
Her 75-year-old mother was recently admitted to hospital after testing positive for Covid-19.
“My mum also has Lupus, so it really is a very stressful time for our family. I’m praying for her to get through this.”
Breytenbach and her other son living with her in Sinoville both tested positive with Covid-19 and are still recovering.
Before becoming ill with the virus, Breytenbach said she had suffered other health problems and spent some time in hospital last month.
“This virus hits you hard when your system is already down,” she said.
“I had all the worst symptoms, including body aches, pains and the struggle to breathe.”
Breytenbach said the loss of energy and struggle to breathe made doing simple tasks, like taking a bath, almost impossible.
“People should never take their health for granted. Take your vitamins and don’t ignore any flu-like symptoms.”
Breytenbach said wearing a mask and taking social distancing seriously in public cannot be exaggerated enough.
“And if you have flu-like symptoms, don’t just think it’s a silly cold – get tested. Some clinics do free Covid-tests.”
Breytenbach said, although she is no expert on the matter, that she followed some useful tips and advice – while fighting the virus at home.
“Drinking lots of fluids to stay hydrated was perhaps the advice that helped me the most,” she said.
“Note that it should be warm liquids like coffee and teas.”
Breytenbach made her own concoction, including garlic, ginger, lemon and lime, which she drank as a hot tea.
“Very important advice I followed was to, at least once a day, get out in the sun.
“Just breathing in the fresh air and getting five minutes of natural vitamin D, made the world of difference and helped my recovery.”
Recovering from the virus, Breytenbach said it was important to properly clean and sanitise one’s home.
“The bedding I soaked in bleach and cleaned all surfaces.”
Most importantly she noted: “Get rid of your toothbrush!
“It’s so easy to forget that germs still cling to our toothbrush. Especially when we are recovering from any illness it’s best to throw away the toothbrush you were using or disinfect it in boiling water.”
Breytenbach thanked members of the Sinoville community for their support during her long illness.
“The community’s messages and prayers gave me strength throughout this difficult time.”
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