Dr Mohammed Kathrada
IT IS important to remember that 80% of those diagnosed with Covid-19 will have mild flu symptoms or no symptoms at all.
For all patients we recommend:
* Vitamin C 1g twice a day
* Vitamin D 5000 iU daily
* Zinc 25mg twice a day
* Paracetamol 2 tablets (as needed) for pain and fever.
You will need to self-isolate for a minimum of 10 days, and other household members will have to quarantine. There is no need for those at home to be tested if they have no symptoms whatsoever and have no significant comorbidities.
The usual evolution of the virus is as follows:
* Day 1-5: The virus multiplies in this phase. During this phase, it's common to encounter one or more of the following symptoms: sore throat, body pain, a dry cough, fatigue, loss of taste/smell, or a stuffy nose. Most people will tell you that they feel fine around Day 4 or 5.
* Day 6 onwards: In a minority of people, this is the phase where the lungs and blood vessels in the body are attacked. This is the phase that we, as primary care providers, want to catch early, as consequences can be serious.
Who is at risk?
Obesity (BMI >30), age > 60, diabetes, hypertension and cardiac disease are the most common comorbidities in those that have complications. It's not uncommon to see obese patients under the age of 40 having complications.
If you are in this group of patients, it is imperative to get diagnosed early and be closely monitored by your GP or physician. We recommend monitoring oxygen levels via a pulse oximeter and doing screening blood tests in order to pre-empt complications in those who are at higher risk.
Covid-19 can be beaten. Get tested early if you have symptoms and if positive, keep in contact with your medical practitioner, especially if you have any of the aforementioned risk factors.
Vaccinations:
Thus far, we have already seen Covid-19-vaccinated (even with just one dose of Pfizer) elderly patients with multiple risk factors for severe disease, having milder disease than much younger members of their family, including children and grandchildren.
One can see a similar picture throughout the world where vaccinations prevent moderate to severe disease.
I have taken the UK as an example where they are currently having a surge in infections, but that has not translated into a surge in hospitalisations or deaths, as it was in October last year.
It is a tragedy that we have so many people who have access to the Covid-19 vaccinations, but still refuse to take it due to misinformation or not wanting to be "sheeple".
If you choose not to vaccinate yourself, then so be it. However, please stop sharing misinformation and being a part of the problem.
* Dr Kathrada is a GP in private practice in Brighton Beach, Durban. He is currently studying towards his Master’s degree in sport and exercise medicine at the University of Stellenbosch. You can follow him on Facebook here.
