DrConnect helps Laura to deal with COVID-19 concerns
In early April 2020, Laura* developed a sore throat. At the time, she saw her doctor who prescribed allergy medicine for her. However, the sore throat did not get better. That's when she decided an online doctor consultation was a safe way to ask for help.
"I was concerned I might have one of the primary symptoms of COVID-19," says the 30-year-old.
"I am a Vodacom client and got an SMS from Vodacom detailing the Discovery and Vodacom partnership to offer free COVID-19 online doctor consultations to all South Africans. I followed the link included in the SMS to the website. There, I sent a request to chat to a doctor. A lovely doctor called me back and asked about my symptoms. She assessed me well and established that I did not have COVID-19. In fact, I had flu-like symptoms, which was a relief! I was very glad to have access to a free online doctor consultation to help me to deal with my anxiety around possibly having contracted COVID-19. It was also a very safe way for me to talk to a doctor without exposing anyone to any possible illness I was carrying."
Benefits of online doctor consultations
Protect everyone's health. Book a doctor consultation from your home. If you feel unwell or think you may have COVID-19, stay home.
Keep in mind:
- You can have the COVID-19 virus and give it to others before you feel sick.
- Booking an online consultation from your phone or computer on the website is a safe way to speak to a doctor - and it will also help your doctor to stay healthy.
The COVID-19 online doctor consultations platform makes it possible for South Africans to access a healthcare professional without having to travel to a healthcare facility.
Being able to connect people to healthcare through this virtual channel limits exposure to COVID-19 and; therefore, safeguards the health of our doctors and healthcare workers who are providing care to patients with COVID-19.
What the online healthcare platform is for and who qualifies for free consultations
The platform offers a dedicated COVID-19 information hub and consultation platform from a computer, laptop or smart device. You can access the service from both the Discovery and Vodacom websites.
This platform is specifically for screening and consultations for COVID-19. Discovery and Vodacom fund consultations for South Africans who are at high risk of COVID-19, and who urgently need to consult a healthcare professional. If you are not at high risk, a consultation with a doctor will not be recommended.
All medical information found on this website including content, graphics and images, is for educational and informational objectives only. Discovery Health publishes this content to help to protect and empower all South Africans by promoting a better understanding of COVID-19.
Find a healthcare professional near you
Find a doctor or hospital near you online or by using the Discovery app.
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