TV, the internet chat pages, and newspapers have been packed lately about what’s being called a “fifth wave” – and they’re not talking about rollers crashing onto the beaches at Jeffrey’s Bay or on the Sunshine Coast. The COVID-19 virus has been lying quiet during autumn, but now, in the Southern Hemisphere, with people spending more time inside, indoor heating and wetter weather are keeping the air warm and humid, the perfect environment for SARS-CoV-2 to do the dirty.
It’s time to start taking whatever preventive measures will keep the bug at bay.
The latest statistics show some concerning indications that COVID-19 is still among us.
New ZealandNew Zealand has crossed a line, reporting its 3000th confirmed Covid-19 death in the past week, and has 12,000+ confirmed or probable cases – and the virus is on track to claim twice as many lives as flu this year. |
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AustraliaAustralians are falling ill in large numbers each day as rates of influenza and COVID-19 skyrocket. Australia has consistently reported more than thirty thousand fresh COVID-19 cases each week, along with 80 deaths, and has a hospitalization rate of more than 1,300 people at any one time. |
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South AfricaStatistics are hard to come by for the latest months as South Africa shifts into the winter months, but even up to May, the figures were starting to point the same way as for other Southern Hemisphere countries. Similar to Australia, influenza cases are shooting up earlier in the year than expected, as reported by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases. |
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Handling the winter mini-pandemic
Hard lessons were learned when the pandemic first spread. Here are a few simple things you can do to keep yourself safe.Immunize with vaccination
According to the news.com.au website, “The latest health records show 16.6 million Australians have not had a Covid-19 booster in more than six months, as cases had increased by 28% over the past month. It’s estimated the number of people getting vaccinated has fallen by 10,000 per week over the past three weeks, leaving health officials worried ahead of the colder months.” The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (ATAGI) recommended in April that all adults and people aged 12-17 who are eligible for a 2023 booster dose should get it.Protect with barriers
There is a clinically proven way to stop the COVID-19 virus from multiplying before it has even reached the lungs. Enovid‘s patented nasal spray is designed to stop any virus (including the SARs-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19) in the nasal passages and upper airways, preventing it from even getting to the lungs and incubating there. Enovid creates a physical barrier in the nasal passages to stop viruses before they can pass through to the lungs. It also creates a chemical barrier of nitric oxide, which is known for its antimicrobial qualities.
The Enovid spray can be carried around like a portable shield to raise a barrier against infection when risks are high. A dose of the spray in each nostril will provide protection for four to five hours. The spray has no side effects, doesn’t interfere with everyday activities, and can be used safely by youngsters, pregnant women and people who are on almost all types of medications. It’s a small, easily transportable spray that you can pop in the kids’ school bags or right into Nanna’s purse. Especially for the residents of retirement villages and homes, it’s a great feeling for them to know they have that extra layer of protection.
