Dr Kian Barrett

03/04/2023

First visit down to Tygerberg Hospital for the MSc SEM course. Amazing content, fantastic lecturers and a brand new Biomedical Research Institute.

04/08/2021

A brief summary of a few frequently asked questions that I’ve received with regards to the vaccine.
I hope that this is helpful.

17/06/2021

The three major variants of COVID
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What are variants and why are they important?

Variants are versions of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that have undergone changes, or mutations, in their structure.
This is something that happens to all viruses over time and most of the changes are insignificant.
But in some cases, these small alterations to the genetic code of the virus can affect how it behaves, such as helping it spread more easily or causing more severe disease.

A variant of interest is a version of the virus which causes community transmission or has been detected in multiple countries.

All three variants above are classified by the WHO as variants of concern.

The main form of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in South Africa is the 501Y.V2 or Beta variant — it still accounts for over 90% of COVID cases, says Richard Lessells, who was part of the team that first identified the variant and continues to follow it.

What does it mean for vaccinations?

Variants which are able to evade immunity could potentially make vaccines work less well.
In the case of the Beta variant, that has turned out to be true — and there is some evidence that it may also hold true for the Delta variant.
South Africa has already seen what happens when vaccines are put to the test against the Beta variant.
Both the Johnson & Johnson AstraZeneca vaccine trials and took place last year as the Beta first began circulating.
Results from these trials showed how the jabs offered less protection in a South African context compared to other countries.
But this is where the baseline of a vaccine’s protection becomes important.
Just because variants can reduce a jab’s efficacy doesn’t render it completely pointless.
If the starting point for protection is high enough, then even with the dip in efficacy it is still worth using.

The above information is from Aisha Karim’s article “Three for three”. Please read for more information.

16/06/2021

Please note the changes to our lockdown level.

02/06/2021

COVID 19 symptoms and when you should seek medical help.
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As we move into the third wave, it is important to be aware of the signs and when to react to them.

If you are having mild symptoms and do not have any risk factors, it is best to isolate and avoid hospitals.
Inform your local doctor telephonically so that they can monitor your symptoms closely. You should notify them of any changes.

If you have risk factors or have any of the symptoms in the infographic about medical help, it is best if you see the doctor face to face (make sure their practice is capable of seeing patients with possible COVID, call ahead).
They may need to do the PCR nasopharyngeal swab, bloods and a clinical examination. Depending on these finding will dictate the need for hospitalisation.

I advise my clients who are at risk to purchase a pulse oximeter.
There are a number of patients who have mild symptoms, however they are not able to oxygenate appropriately.
It is best for them to do a daily reading to screen for such abnormalities. Any reading below 95% is abnormal and should be acted on. @ Sharks Medical Centre

31/05/2021

Level 2 lockdown starts today.

Please see the above changes to our staging. @ Sharks Medical Centre

28/05/2021

A brief explanation of how the two vaccine that are available in South Africa work.

I have been asked about this multiple times in the last few weeks and thought this graphic might assist.

24/05/2021

The national prediction of the third wave of Covid 19

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Whether or not our nation is locked down, it is important to be aware of our health during this time.

We are social creatures; the vast majority of people have gone back to spending time with one another and social distancing feels like something from the past.
It is understandable, our mental health is just as important as the physical.

It has been good to have a moment of reprise, however, we need to start preparing ourselves. We will need to start putting our boundaries in place and social distance during the third wave.

I have posted these dates not to scare or intimidate, but to give you time to prepare.

It does not matter if the mandate comes from the government, we should start implementing our own rules to protect ourselves and the ones we have surrounded with.

06/05/2021

Non-Communicable Disease
Part 2:

This presentation is just an introduction into a topic that more time will be spent discussing.

I have started with these particular illnesses, as the majority of them are determined by the lifestyle decisions we make.

Globally, these are the largest growing diseases and responsible for the most deaths.
@ Sharks Medical Centre

06/05/2021

Non-communicable diseases
Part 1:

The diseases that are responsible for the highest morbidity and mortality in the world 🌎

A short highlight from today’s presentation for The Sharks’ staff.
They have undertook to focus on their health and well-being.
They put aside time from their work day to do an active activity or listen to talks from myself and other SMC personal.

@ Sharks Medical Centre

26/04/2021