NATIONAL NEWS - A fifth Covid-19 wave is expected this winter and it is impossible to predict how severe it will be, says Dr Gineile Mopp of the Covid-19 ICU at George Hospital.

Vaccination and natural immunity are protective, but the big unknown is a new variant and whether it will cause severe disease, says Mopp.

"As with any war we want to overcome, we need well-trained and equipped defence forces. This pandemic will require our immunological defence forces to be at full strength, so let's teach, train and support our immune systems to conquer this pandemic the best way we know how - get vaccinated."

Long Covid is very real

Mopp says although there is no longer a state of disaster, it is important that people continue protecting ourselves and others. "We have heard about 'Long Covid'. Long Covid is very real - many people who experience mild infections suffer from fatigue and cough for many weeks to months afterwards, impacting their quality of life. This has long and personal implications on one’s health. You can avoid it by getting your vaccination."

The Western Cape has administered 5,34 million vaccines with more than 2,5 million people already having received their full primary series and almost three million having received their first dose. To add further protection, more than 450 000 people have taken up the opportunity to receive their booster dose along with 61 500 healthcare workers, while 9 858 people living with immunocompromised conditions have received their additional dose.

The health department encourages people to get their booster dose as it will provide longer lasting immunity protection. Some people with immune-compromised conditions require additional doses of the vaccine.

"Both vaccines are highly effective and safe. The best booster is the one in your arm. If you are living with a weakened immune system and are going for your third dose, we recommend that at least one of your three doses be a Pfizer vaccine," says Mopp.

Steps for protection against Covid

In addition to getting vaccinated, other steps to protect yourself include ventilating indoor spaces, wearing a mask when indoors and in crowded spaces, getting a flu vaccine, and knowing what to do when you have flu-like symptoms.

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