Self-isolating can be a daunting idea, but advice from medical experts as well as from those that have already experienced it may help. PHOTO: Byron Latham.
Students having to self-isolate on their own, would be well-advised to avoid substances of abuse, and to monitor their mental health. This was according to dr Craig Thompson, director of medical services at Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Campus Health Services.
“The effects of isolation and loneliness are real,” Thompson said.
Students returning to, and those already on campus, may at some point be required to self-isolate should they test positive for Covid-19.
South Africans who test positive, present mild symptoms, or are asymptomatic, are required to self-isolate for 10 days, according to government regulations.
According to Thompson, isolation and loneliness could cause mental health disturbances, including anxiety. They could also exacerbate underlying mental health conditions, he said.
Thompson said that students should seek help as soon as they are experiencing any problems regarding their mental health.
There are numerous resources available for SU staff and students, but also for the general public as a whole, said Thompson. These include library resources about the virus, mental health resources as well as training resources for remote learning.
While isolating, “stay away from potential ‘substances of abuse’”, Thompson added.
Stay hydrated
Thompson also advised that if someone were to contract Covid-19, they should eat a balanced diet, no specific food is advised. Thompson suggested, depending on appetite, that one should eat smaller portions more regularly, while ensuring an adequate water intake.
“Veggies and fruit high in antioxidants assist immune function,” he said.
Dr Craig Thompson advises that you maintain a balance of food and to eat veggies and fruit high in antioxidants. Make sure to let your friend who is shopping on your behalf know that when they’re stocking you up. PHOTO: Byron Latham.
One postgraduate student at SU, Caiti Buenk, said that needing to go into isolation was difficult.
After staying with her boyfriend, who tested positive for Covid-19, she had to remain with him during part of his isolation. Soon after, she started showing symptoms herself, and so she had to start a second isolation period.
“Emotionally it was very difficult, especially going from staying with my family to being completely alone. My flatmates couldn’t come back to the apartment either, so staying alone was a very new experience. Socially, you feel very isolated from everyone else,” Buenk said.
Her boyfriend’s parents, as well as a friend, went grocery shopping for them while they were isolating, said Buenk.
“The [smallest] things, like buying groceries on someone’s behalf, will make a big difference to the long term direction of this pandemic,” said Lauren Coetzee, a SU honours student who brought Buenk groceries while she was in isolation.
According to Thompson, it is important to rest as much as possible while isolating and to try to stick to daily routines and schedules within one’s room.
“Read books, limit screen time and stay in communication with mates and friends and family,” Thompson advised.
Thompson cautions against exercising once infected – even if one is asymptomatic.
Why not take the time to catch up on a book or get up to date with your work? Rest is advised whilst self-isolating at home. PHOTO: Byron Latham.