You will have heard about ‘comorbidities’ in Covid-19 conversations – what does it mean, and why should you take it very seriously?
Juvena Rhodes explains.
A comorbidity refers to having one or more chronic diseases. Having a comorbidity does not necessarily increase your chances of being infected with Covid-19. However, if you have a comorbidity, you could experience extreme symptoms and the risk of mortality increases.
What are the most prevalent comorbidities?
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure ( also known as hypertension)
- Chronic lung diseases (e.g. asthma, TB, cystic fibrosis).
- Cancer, and
- Diabetes.
While some of these comorbidities have obvious symptoms, the problem with diabetes and high blood pressure is that the symptoms are not easily felt. Hence, high blood pressure is called ‘the silent killer’. Even if Covid-19 did not exist, it is advisable to be screened for these two silent comorbidities as both diseases can treated if diagnosed early. The screenings can be done at your pharmacy clinic or GP, a quick and non-invasive process. If diagnosed, your GP can treat you and reduce your risk during the pandemic.
If you have been diagnosed with a comorbidity, here are some tips to reduce your risk as you manage your way through Wave Three.
- Follow your treatment plan and take your medication as prescribed, only stopping or deviating if advised by your GP.
- Keep your appointments with your GP for check-ups.
- Avoid actions which can trigger your condition (e.g. asthma).
- If you’re not feeling well, do not fall into the ‘it’s only a cold’ trap but call your GP.
- Make a special effort to adhere to any lifestyle changes suggested by your GP (e.g. diet, exercise, quit or smoke less).
- Find ways to manage anxiety – we are living in stressful times which can exacerbate a condition.
Most important, be extra vigilant about taking safety precautions. If ever there was a good time to look after yourself (and family, friends and colleagues!), it is now.
This article is intended to raise awareness amongst Trade Ocean staff about the relationship between comorbidities and Covid-19. Recent articles from credible sources serve as references but Trade Ocean, the author or publishing Agency do not accept any responsibility should new or later findings emerge or the content is misinterpreted. The content of this article does not replace the guidance or responses from professional medical practitioners.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-risks-and-safety-for-older-people
https://www.nicd.ac.za/diseases-a-z-index/covid-19/frequently-asked-questions/
https://www.gov.za/coronavirus/faq#:~:text=If%20you%20are%20at%20higher,contact%20to%20essential%20people
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension
