Vaccination will protect you, say doctors
WITH KZN deep into the third wave of Covid-19 infections, healthcare workers are pleading with citizens to take the jab as soon as possible.
And while five million South Africans have been fully vaccinated, it is noted that it is out of fear and largely through misinformation that some are hesitant to take the vaccine.
Queen Nandi Regional Hospital acting CEO Dr Menitha Samjowan, who has been advocating for vaccinations, said there are several reasons, based on scientific evidence, that people should be getting the Covid-19 jab.
'The facts are that the vaccination greatly reduces your risk of hospitalisation and death,' she said.
'If you are vaccinated, you may only contract a mild Covid-19 infection. One of the worst consequences of severe Covid disease - apart from death - is long-term Covid-19 infection.
'Ask someone who has had a moderate to severe Covid-19 infection. Just ask me. We never fully recover. Health issues linger. You may be better and functioning well in everyday life, but you never feel 100%.
'Long Covid is a recognised medical condition now, requiring medical treatment and follow-ups, but some long-term damage from the infection is irreversible.
'And these are symptoms in people who are young and who were incredibly fit and active prior to Covid, with no co-morbidities.
'Severe Covid sees people on oxygen months later, unable to walk, with severe neurological dysfunction and cardiac complications.'
Dr Samjowan said long-term Covid is also a massive problem for children, and added that it is vital for people to know their Covid-19 status, especially while the numbers are high in KZN.
She said it is essential to know when to use which test. Tests available for Covid-19 are the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), antigen, and antibody tests.
'When you think you may have Covid and want to test for diagnosis, you use the PCR or antigen test.
'The PCR test is most reliable, and the results take slightly longer, while the antigen test is not as reliable, but results are much quicker.
'Both are swabs, and if you have symptoms and the antigen test is negative, follow up with the PCR test.'
Dr Samjowan warned against using an antibody test to test for a new or current infection.
'Antibody tests are used to assess whether or not you developed antibodies after recovering from the Covid infection.
'It is advised to do such a test 2-4 weeks after your infection.
'If you test too early, it will most likely be negative as you would not have developed antibodies so early.
'Antibody tests are not generally advocated for as they may not specifically search for the correct antibodies, giving a negative result. 'On the other hand, an antibody test may be positive weeks after vaccination as the purpose of vaccination is to create antibodies.
'If someone with a new infection comes in for antibody testing, they would not yet have developed antibodies.
'If the patient is incorrectly tested with the antibody kit - which will be negative - they are sent away, incorrectly believing they are negative.
'This is catastrophic and will lead to the unchecked spread of disease.
'Be vigilant and aware of the tests you are being subjected to, and demand an antigen test (swab) to test for infection.
'Always remember, state facilities will test you for free. Clinics and hospitals all do testing.'
The facts are that the vaccination greatly reduces your risk of hospitalisation and death