Call centre & authorisations 0861 083 084

ARE YOU AS AN UMVUZO MEMBER
FEELING ILL OR HAVE CONCERNS
ABOUT HAVING CONTRACTED COVID-19?

Do our online assessment and, subject to your risk rating,
a clinical consultant may contact you and guide you further.


ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COVID-19 VACCINE

An Expert view on the Covid-19 vaccine.

Dr Eric Hefer


Dr Hanlie Snyman

COVID 19 VERSUS THE FLU

The typical symptoms related to COVID-19 disease are similar to those of influenza (the flu).

COVID-19 and Common Flu symptoms:
  • Fever or feeling feverish/having chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue (tiredness)
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle pain or body aches
  • Headache
The flu vaccine will not protect you against COVID-19, but it will protect you against serious illness if you contract the flu.

Since the 2022 flu season overlaps with winter, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) in South Africa has recommended that every South African citizen receive a flu vaccination for influenza season.

COVID-19 PROCEDURES TO QUALIFY FOR BENEFITS

COVID-19 benefits have been declared Prescribed Minimum Benefits. That means the Scheme will pay for the diagnosis, treatment, and care of COVID-19.

However, the Scheme will pay for the services when this procedure is followed.

WILL YOU PAY FOR MY COVID-19 TEST?

Yes, if you have been referred by a doctor after he/she has evaluated your risk as defined by NICD.

IF YOU ARE WORRIED, BUT WELL AND FREE OF SYMPTOMS

What to do

Send “Hi” to our COVID-19
WhatsApp number 060 070 2094


IF YOU ARE STILL WORRIED, click here to complete the free questioinnaire

Complete the free questionnaire that will help to identify whether you are at risk/should talk to a healthcare member.

Note that the consultation with the medical staff will be charged to your Scheme benefits.
How we will respond

You will be guided through signs, symptoms, contacts, and information about where to go and what to do.

A Professional Nurse will review your questionnaire, under the supervision of the doctor, and:
  • If the doctor confirms that you are likely infected, you may be referred for a test.
  • The nurse will contact you and send you for the test.
  • If you have symptoms, but do not require a test, the Nurse will inform you.

WHEN YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED

What must you do

Check your symptoms, by completing the free questionnaire

(This is necessary because of the flu season and the similarity of some symptoms.)

If you do not get a response in two hours, call 0861 083 084, and tell them that you have COVID-19 symptoms.
How we will respond

The nursing team will respond immediately. They will check your questionnaire, clarify symptoms, and consult the doctor for further instructions.

Your details will be added to our COVID-19 register to ensure that other services that qualify are authorised. We will follow up with you telephonically twice a week.

YOU TESTED POSITIVE AND RECOVERED – WHAT NOW?

ONCE YOU HAVE RECOVERED:
  1. PRECAUTIONS. Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Maintain at least 1.5-meter distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unclean hands.
  2. LIFESTYLE. Avoid excessive drinking, and smoking, get enough sleep and maintain a routine.
  3. EAT HEALTHY FOODS containing vitamins to boost your immune system and help fight infections:
    • Vitamin A is present in Sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, kale, pumpkin, cantaloupe.
    • B vitamins are present in Animal products (meat, fish, dairy, eggs), and leafy greens.
    • Vitamin C is present in Citrus, strawberries, kiwis, red peppers, broccoli.
    • Vitamin D is present in Sunlight, oily fish (salmon, sardines), meat, chicken, eggs, fortified cereals, margarine, beans, broccoli, and mushrooms.
    • Vitamin E is present in Nuts and oils from the likes of soybean, corn, canola and sunflower.
  4. EXERCISE. Exercise only from one week after your symptoms have cleared up. Thereafter, gradually reintroduce exercise, e.g. walking for 10 minutes a day for 7 days, then 20 minutes a day for 7 days, then 30 minutes a day.
  5. SUNLIGHT. Ensure that you are in the sun at least 10 minutes a day but avoid sunburn.
  6. MONITOR YOUR TEMPERATURE. Scan your temperature once a day.
RE-INFECTION
  1. If you develop fever or other COVID-19 symptoms, contact us immediately.
  2. If you develop breathlessness or very fast heart rate, contact us immediately or go to your nearest emergency facility. Call them in advance to advise them of your symptoms. They will tell you what you need to do on arrival.


COVID-19 VACCINE IS
REGARDED AS A PMB CONDITION.

We cover COVID-19 vaccine as received from pharmacies and designated vaccination sites at cost, for the beneficiaries of the Scheme.



UMVUZO HEALTH COVID-19 BENEFIT GUIDELINE

Here you will find all relevant and new information for your safety on Covid-19.

Click on the image to download:




Copyright © 2004-2024 Umvuzo Health  Archives