Page 26 - Waterfall_Issue 5_2022

Waterfall News

6) Even after being vaccinated, it is 9) Vaccines are highly effective
important to keep taking precautions against severe illness and death Conclusion
to protect oneself and one’s loved caused by COVID-19 variants The impact of the pandemic
ones. A small percentage of people including Delta and Omicron. on the South African economy
will still get ill from COVID-19 after However, breakthrough mild and the health of its residents is
vaccination. Continue to social diseases can still occur. evolving in real-time. The virus is
distance, wear a mask indoors, prone to mutation. It is therefore
wash hands frequently and 10) Scientists still don’t know for impossible to tell when the
avoid poorly ventilated areas. certain how long protection pandemic will end. Our best
from the COVID-19 vaccines will defence is to ensure high levels
7) Take all the recommended last. Most people have strong of acquired immunity through
doses of the COVID-19 vaccine protection against serious illness vaccine usage and to adhere to
to get the maximum level of and death for at least six months. public health guidelines such as
protection. After being fully wearing masks in indoor public
vaccinated, it takes several weeks 11) If one has already had COVID-19, spaces, social distancing and
to acquire maximum protection the vaccine would add to staying in well-ventilated spaces.
from contracting COVID-19. one’s natural immunity. The
risk of contracting COVID-19 Health scientists envision a
8) COVID-19 vaccines only contain safe is still twice as high in patients future where the virus will be
ingredients. When getting vaccinated, with only natural immunity kept at bay with regular booster
it is impossible to place a microchip compared to those who have shots – much like the influenza
inside one’s body. All vaccine been vaccinated in addition virus – and medical intervention
components are safe for people. to their natural immunity. for those with active infections.

Reference List:
1 Ocular manifestations of COVID-19: A literature review. Bruna Rafaella Santos Torres et al. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992).2020 Sept; 66(9); 1296-1300
2 COVID-19 and Ophthalmology. CD Anderson, ND Welsh. SAOJ Vol (16); No 4; Spring 2021; 8-10.
3 Michael S Deiner et al. Ocular Signs of COVID-19. Ophthalmology Vol 128, Issue 1, 167-169. 17 June 2020.
4 Retinal and Choroidal Manifestations of COVID-19. Zhang, Youning, Stewart Jay M. Current Opinion in Ophthalmology Nov 2021. Vol 21. Issue 6. 536-540.
5 Neuro-ophthalmic manifestations of Coronavirus. Tisdale, Alannak; Chwalisz, Bart K. Current Opinion in Ophthalmology Nov 2020. Vol 31. Issue 6. 489-494.

24 Waterfall Issue 5 2022