health talk:with Dr Johannes Marisa
Many people have lost their lives since the beginning of the year after coronavirus was detected in China last year. As of Friday, more than 750 000 people are not with us as the unseen creature continues to ravage us left, right and centre. Africa has reported relatively less numbers of deaths as compared with the developed world. The less numbers may be either a true reflection of what is on the ground or may be simple underreporting due to poor data management practices. South Africa tops the mortality lists in Africa with more than 10 000 cases. Zimbabwe remains with 128 official deaths as of Friday although this figure seems unreflective of death events on the ground. Post-mortem Covid-19 diagnoses have been rampant lately.
Medical management involves two processes, prevention and cure, to be precise. A lot has been written about preventive measures and all the so-called painful measures like lockdowns, social distancing, mask-wearing and banning of gatherings are all based on the preventive strategy. With outbreaks, it may reach a point where it will become impossible to avoid contracting the virus because it will be everywhere. It will be a question of when you are going to get Covid-19 and not whether you will get it. Sooner than later, Covid-19 will be with you or me.
We understand Covid-19 has no specific cure for it, but there are so many home remedies, drugs and solutions that have helped many people. We have seen it in our practice that getting Covid-19 is not a death sentence at all. The last few weeks, I have come to conclude that there is a lot of light even in our country, Zimbabwe.
What many thought was going to wipe us out in great numbers may be reduced to nothing much if we remain positive about the scourge. For sure Covid-19 needs everyone’s support once you get it. Many people have developed complications alone in isolation while others have suffered in silence because they are reluctant to be tested. Consternation has been a major factor. It is therefore prudent to consider the following if we are to win the treatment and management battle considering the little resources we have as a nation:
lOnce you suspect Covid-19 infection, please do not run away into hibernation forever. It is wise to get tested so that early actions can be undertaken. I have witnessed two deaths during this past week of patients who visited traditional healers after developing signs and symptoms of Covid-19. No medical opinion was sought until one patient died on way to the clinic on the last day.
lFollow self-isolation guidelines so that you do not contaminate others. However, all suspected complications should be reported to medical practitioners so that early redress can be done. Shortness of breath has given many people a torrid time. Sometimes receiving simple oxygen will help many and doing so will cut mortality. Many patients go into self-isolation and do not alert their clinicians of impeding complications.
lFollow treatment guidelines from clinicians. I have noted that so many patients are now prescribing themselves numerous drugs because they searched on the internet one day. There are some drugs that are contraindicated in some specific conditions and one man’s meat is another man’s poison. Get professional medical advice. Commonly used drugs in Covid-19 management include Azithromycin, Dexamethasone, Zinc, Vitamin C and in patients with high D Dimer levels, anti-coagulants are also used.
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lPatients with co-morbidities like diabetes mellitus, heart disease, severe hypertension, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are at risk of serious complications if they contract Covid-19. My experience in the past few days seems to show that diabetes is a very serious comorbidity, if not the worst from the list. Diabetics should thus be kept away from risky places as prevention is better than cure. Let us help our friends and relatives survive.
lMedical personnel should surely work extra hard to save the nation, be they in private or public institutions. However, they should have adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) so that they remain safe and healthy.
Government should urgently address the contentious issue of PPE as a matter of urgency. All medical workers deserve support, respect and recognition at this juncture as we are the front-liners. We need corporate support. It is not surprising that so many companies are closing shop when their employees test positive for Covid-19.
Ironically, these big corporates have done nothing to assist the medical fraternity during this difficult time. Where are your employees going to be treated when you flex your hands when the nation is seeking assistance?
Now Covid-19 is here, what is left is managing it. Together, we will make it possible. Support the medical profession at the moment. lDr Johannes Marisa is a medical doctor, public health practitioner and PhD reader who can be accessed on: [email protected].
