NATIONAL NEWS - The most common symptoms of the new coronavirus, Covid-19, are fever, shortness of breath, tiredness and dry cough.
Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, a runny nose, sore throat or diarrhoea.
These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually.
Some people become infected but don't develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell.
Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.
If you show these symptoms, do not panic. Here's what to do:
- Step 1: Self-quarantine. Limit, or even better, avoid contact with people.
- Step 2: Call the National Coronavirus Hotline (0800 029 999 or 0800 111 132)
- OR Western Cape Provincial Hotline (021 928 4102);
- OR Whatsapp "Hi" to 060 012 3456; OR
- send an e-mail to doh.dismed@westerncape.gov.za.
One of the coronavirus call centre experts will ask you a series of questions and should they deem it necessary for you to undergo a Covid-19 test, will advise you exactly what to do and where to go.
- Step 3: If the expert feels you are at risk of having the virus, you will be referred to a state hospital or a private hospital for nasal and throat swabs.
These will be sent to a laboratory for analysis and after 72 hours you will get the result.
The call centre will tell you exactly what to do and what protocol to follow to ensure that you do not put other people at risk.
NB: You can also visit your local clinic or your own doctor for the swabs.
Please ensure that you phone the clinic or your doctor before you go.
Mediclinic George also conducts swabs between 08:00 and 15:00, but this is expensive.
The cost is R1 000 plus R250 if you do not have an existing file. Pre-notify MediClinic George on 044 803 2053.
Hotline for doctors
Hotline for clinicians only: 0800 11 1131.
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