Preventing COVID-19

There are concerns that a third wave of COVID-19 infections will hit the country after the April break, which means it would likely coincide with the start of the flu season. Where does having our yearly flu vaccination fit into this all? Can we have a flu vaccination and a COVID-19 vaccination?

With the symptoms of COVID-19 infection so similar to those of the flu, some people are wondering whether having a the flu vaccine can help to protect against severe COVID-19 illness? In short, the flu vaccine protects us against the strain of flu expected in each year's flu season. It does not protect us against COVID-19. Here's why

When a test shows you have COVID 19, do you self-isolate for 14 or 10 days? And how long do you self-quarantine for after being exposed to (having had close contact with) a person confirmed to have COVID 19? Here's clarity on the latest guidelines.

Forget capes. The modern-day superhero wears a mask. Here's everything you need to know about wearing a face mask the right way.

These important science-proven behaviours will help keep you and your loved ones safe so we need to keep doing them. Even if we're feeling corona fatigue. Here's how we can fight the spread of COVID-19 together.

Older people and people with chronic conditions are at higher risk of suffering from severe complications if they are diagnosed with COVID-19.

People older than 60 have been identified as high risk for severe illness if they become infected with COVID 19. How can families best take care of their loved ones, both mentally and physically during enhanced...

Old or young, men or women, home bodies or world travellers: are some people more at risk of contracting COVID 19 than others? Or is it time to redefine how we think about risk?

Certain people are at high risk of developing severe illness if they contract COVID-19. Paediatric nephrologist, Prof Errol Gottlich shares key insights into practices that help those who live with chronic renal (kidney) disease...

Should transplant recipients take extra precautions to avoid being exposed to COVID-19? Are transplant recipients at higher risk of severe illness due to COVID-19?

Why are people who live with a chronic illness or are immunocompromised for any reason are at risk of severe illness if they contract COVID-19? And, how can this high-risk group of people stay as healthy as possible?

Recent studies show that the impact of COVID 19 on children is often moderate or mild. Yet, there is a particular group of children who are possibly more vulnerable if they contract COVID 19. You can help protect them.

The spread of the COVID 19 virus in South Africa is cause for concern, as the virus can cause severe illness in immunocompromised people (such as those who have HIV or TB, or both).

Here, we take a look at some important considerations for someone dealing with cancer, or who has recovered, must keep top of mind.

We've fast adapted to wearing face masks to curb the spread of COVID 19. Now, face shields are gaining attention. But are they effective in protecting us, and others, from the spread of disease? For now, and until more research is done, they can't be recommended in place of face masks.

Azania Mosaka recently spoke to Dr Despina Demopoulos, a paediatric intensivist at the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre and Discovery Foundation Awards alumna, about the reality of preparing for the peak of the COVID 19 pandemic in South Africa.

Scientist Matshepo Matlejoane has a very good understanding of the COVID 19 virus and disease. However, the depth of her insight has also fuelled her anxiety that symptoms she has felt could indicate she has COVID 19. She accessed the DrConnect online doctor consultation platform to assess her risk.

At the end of March, Patricia Dube she was feeling unwell and worried that her tight chest was a symptom of COVID 19. Fortunately, a friend of hers had heard of the partnership between Discovery and Vodacom, offering all South Africans free access to COVID 19 online doctor consultations.

20 year old Nokwanda* heard about the partnership between Discovery and Vodacom, offering free COVID 19 online doctor consultations to all South Africans, via an Instagram post. That's how she was able to determine that her symptoms were not those of COVID 19.

In early April 2020, Laura* developed a sore throat. At the time, she saw her doctor who prescribed allergy medicine for her. However, the sore throat did not get better. That's when she decided an online doctor consultation was a safe way to ask for help.

Lorenzo Delate works at the Vodacom store in Westgate shopping centre on Johannesburg's West Rand. During the South African lockdown level 5, he was required to continue to work from the store...

When Conray Achilles became concerned that he had symptoms of COVID 19, he quickly accessed a free online consultation with a doctor located in another province. Within minutes he had answers and...

Julian Mulder is based in the Eastern Cape. When he developed a possible symptom of COVID-19, he was able to access an online doctor consultation with GP Dr Grant Bekker, who is based in KwaZulu-Natal.

Are you worried about optimum breathing while wearing a face mask to curb the spread of COVID 19 and possible effects on your health? Dr Philippa Wheble and Dr Ela Manga (pictured) share all you need to know.

How can you protect yourself against COVID-19? Specialist physician and hepatologist Dr Neliswa Gogela recently made a podcast with Discovery in which she recommended eight practical steps you can take to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Globally, telehealth has been invaluable in managing COVID-19. In South Africa, online platforms for doctor consultations also support patient care.

What does it mean to be pregnant in the time of a pandemic such as COVID 19? Are mothers and babies at risk of contracting the virus? What symptoms can they look for? Prof Priya Soma Pillay talks about everything pregnant women need to know.

Why does psychiatrist, Prof Cristoffel Grobler, say that telehealth is a ready made solution that can help doctors better respond to the healthcare needs of South Africans in the time of COVID-19?

How do you wear a fabric face mask? It seems simple, until you realise that you need to do a few things to make sure that you use it correctly to stay safe from the 2019 coronavirus.

Physical distancing and other measures required to flatten the COVID-19 curve have revealed the true value of telemedicine. Here are five reasons why telehealth and online consultations are playing...

Along with eight other people, Dr Grant Bekker, a GP working in Durban North, was quarantined following close contact with one of the first few patients to contract COVID-19 in South Africa.

Dr Charlene de Greef, a GP based at Mayo Clinic in Johannesburg, says in the foreseeable future, until a COVID-19 vaccine is readily available, online consultations can help keep patients and the general population safe....

To help contain the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the National Department of Health has issued new recommendations on wearing face masks. South Africans are now advised to wear a cloth face mask

While the world gets to grips with flattening the infection rate curve of COVID-19 and practising strict preventive measures, many parents are concerned, in particular, for their children.

With the recent outbreak of novel coronavirus 2019 and the flu season upon us, raising awareness and preventing viruses from spreading is crucial. Here are eight simple, yet powerful steps...

Among the best practices for stemming the tide of the COVID-19 pandemic is so-called "social distancing". How does limiting contact between people curb the spread of COVID-19?

As the outbreak of COVID 19 continues to spread across the world, containment measures are becoming more important. Social distancing is one way help stop the virus spreading.

Have you thought about the cleanliness of objects that you and the people around you touch all the time? Here's what you need to know about cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched items as part of your efforts to curb...

As toddlers, we learnt to wash our hands. But, did we ever master the skill to the extent that is needed to wash pathogens off our hands, and save lives? Multiple studies show people don't wash...

When and how should you wear a face mask? The recommendations about wearing masks have changed. Here's what the South African Department of Health and the World Health Organization have to say...

Protecting your child begins with educating yourself about coronavirus 2019 and avoiding the misconceptions doing the rounds about this disease. Speak to your children calmly about it and most importantly...

Our knowledge about COVID-19 is constantly evolving. Are children really less likely to become ill? If you're pregnant and have COVID-19, will your baby be born with it? Can you breastfeed while ill?

Currently, COVID-19 infection numbers are increasing daily around the world. What can school boards do to offer improved protection? Here are a few things to keep in mind.