Becoming ill with COVID-19

Most people who contract COVID-19 recover within two to three weeks. However, some people - even those who've had mild COVID-19 illness - experience symptoms for months after their initial infection. Having so called "long COVID" can be exhausting for "COVID long haulers".

Recovery from COVID-19 is a gentle process of easing back into a healthy diet and mild physical activity. Information on how to best treat extended symptoms, called 'long COVID', are still emerging.

Marion Tanzer is super fit and has always been dedicated to living a healthy lifestyle, so is hardly considered high risk for severe illness from COVID 19. However, her experience of the illness has left her with a healthy respect for the way that it can affect even a low-risk person like her.

57-year-old Colette Patience has two conditions which put her at high risk for severe illness linked to COVID-19. Colette contracted COVID-19 in June and prepared for the worst. However, she slowly recovered. A pulse oximeter sent to her by Discovery Health Medical Scheme was a huge comfort.

We've all heard people refer to the time periods relating to isolation for those who contract COVID-19, or quarantine for those are exposed to the disease. But how well do we understand how long it might take to recover from COVID-19 - and how period differs between individuals?

Multiple members of Dewald Wentzel's immediate family - including his elderly father, Jannie - contracted COVID-19 at the same time. Dewald knew that a pulse oximeter was critical to monitoring the seriousness of his father's symptoms while he recovered at home, but none were available.

Niven and Susan had looked forward to their 21 March wedding for months. And, on 18 March, Niven would also celebrate his 41st birthday. The couple could not have imagined that neither celebration would come to pass.

A Discovery Health Medical Scheme member who contracted COVID-19 while away on a friend's birthday holiday in Austria says she never expected to have been hit so hard by the disease

Clinical psychologist Dessy Tzoneva says grief is a unique experience for everyone. Losing a loved one to coronavirus disease 2019 may make the grieving process even more challenging. She shares advice on how to cope and when to ask for help.

Antibiotics are not effective in preventing or treating the 2019 coronavirus that causes the respiratory illness known as COVID-19. What's more, misusing antibiotics can result in them not working due to the development of antimicrobial resistance Try these supportive care and preventive measures instead.

To help contain the spread of COVID-19, we need to take proactive steps to prepare for an illness in the home. Here are practical guidelines on what to do if you get sick with COVID-19, basic supplies you'll need, and...

How is coronavirus currently being treated? Here's a breakdown of what you need to know.

If your doctor tells you to self-isolate, you need to stay inside your home and avoid contact with people and pets for at least 14 days, even if you don't have any symptoms. But how do you manage work and family...

Discovery and Vodacom have partnered to deliver a virtual healthcare platform that is free to use and makes doctor consultations available to all South Africans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The spread of the COVID-19 virus has drastically disrupted our lives. It is normal to feel stressed about the current circumstances. However, what could have an even more profound psychological impact on you...

Dan Mace was diagnosed with COVID-19 on 21 March 2020 in Cape Town - on what would have been his wedding day.

Spreading COVID-19 awareness is absolutely necessary. But, when does access to the narrative around this disease cross the line - from informing to fuelling fear?

If you or a family member get the virus, here are 10 things you need to know if you ever contract COVID-19.

We don't like to think about it, but what would you do if one of your family members get novel coronavirus 2019?

When Discovery Health Medical Scheme member Pamela Rosenberg tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), she immediately separated from her family, rested, and followed her doctor's advice.

Operations Director at the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Cassey Chambers shares key tips on how to manage your mental wellbeing if you've recently been diagnosed with COVID-19.