‘Your safety is very much in your own hands’
A local doctor, Dr Paul Vorster, gives advice in terms of keeping yourself safe in a time when Covid-19 cases in the province are rapidly increasing.
POLOKWANE – There has been a marked increase in Covid-19 cases in the past few weeks, which naturally increases the risk of contracting the virus. The internet has been flooded with videos from doctors around the world giving free advice and tips on how to keep safe.
Review spoke to Dr Paul Vorster, a local doctor, for advice on precautions to take and what to do if you experience any symptoms.
“You still need to follow all the precautions you took right at the beginning of the lockdown. You need to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 to 30 seconds, or use hand sanitiser. Always wear your mask, out of respect for others so that you cannot spread the virus or contract it yourself.”
Should you feel ill, contact your doctor telephonically instead of directly going to the consulting rooms, he said, especially if you have a fever, upper airway symptoms, diarrhoea, nausea or a dry cough.
“If you know you have been in contact with someone who tested positive for Covid-19, isolate yourself and get tested eight days after you came in contact with that person. Call your doctor first, who will then make an appointment for you at the laboratory. If you have tested positive, but have not been admitted to hospital, keep in touch with your doctor. He or she will determine if it is necessary for you to be admitted or not.”
Vorster reassured readers that it is safe to go to their doctors’ rooms for consultations other than for Covid-19. “The rooms are safe and we try to keep it that way. If we have a patient who might be infected, we would rather consult with this person in his or her vehicle and not in our rooms.”
Vorster emphasised that your own safety depends very much on you and your behaviour, and he reiterated the importance of following a healthy, balanced diet and taking a good multivitamin to boost your immune system. “Remember to stay hydrated,” he added.
A big issue that has arisen is the psychological effect the virus has on people, especially when having to go into isolation. Vorster says many patients experience anxiety, depression and financial stress given the lockdown. He accentuates the importance of talking to someone who would be able to assist.
“There is no secret tip or recipe for this virus. Simply follow the rules and regulations. It is important to talk to your children about it, but do not scare them. Instead of telling them about the virus and all the unnecessary details, teach them good hygiene practices and inform them that the masks they need to wear to school are simply part of new school rules.”
