GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Dr Gineile Mopp who was in the midst of the fight in the Covid-19 ICU at George Hospital during the previous waves, says it is impossible to predict how severe the fifth wave, which is expected this winter, will be.
"Vaccination and natural immunity are protective, but the big unknown is a new variant and whether it will cause severe disease," says Mopp.
He appealed to the public to get vaccinated. "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."
He encouraged the public to get the 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."
He says it is important to ventilate indoor spaces, wear a mask when indoors and in crowded spaces, and to get a flu vaccine.
As at Tuesday 3 May, the Garden Route had 431 active Covid cases (George 145, Mossel Bay 95, Oudtshoorn 68, Knysna 43, Bitou 42, Hessequa 32 and Kannaland 6).
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) on Tuesday 3 May reported 473 new cases in the Western Cape. Nationally 3 785 new cases were reported, which represented a 17,6% positivity rate.
READ MORE: Mask wearing rule stays
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