Hi Doctor My friend was sick with flu and was rushed to hospital where it was discovered it was bronchitis. This concerns me because, how would I know if I have a cold, flu or something more serious, like bronchitis?
Celeste
Hi Celeste Telling the difference can be tricky, because the symptoms can be similar. Colds usually come on gradually with a runny nose, mild cough and sneezing. Flu tends to hit hard and fast – with fever, body aches and chills. If your cough becomes chesty, you’ ve had a high fever for more than a few days or you’ re struggling to breathe, it could be bronchitis or something else. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’ s important that you consult your doctor.
Bonitas recently launched a Respiratory Illness Hub on the website which is a valuable resource for all things related to respiratory health. There’ s a symptom comparison chart, which gives an indication to which respiratory illness your symptoms are most closely related. You can also find helpful information such as prevention tips, symptoms to look out for and additional educational information. You can access the Hub by visiting www. bonitas. co. za / Respiratory-Hub.
Hello Doctor I’ ve seen the term PMB so many times, and I know that it stands for Prescribed Minimum Benefits, but what does it really mean to me as a member?
Jay
Hi Jay I’ m glad you asked the question. PMBs or Prescribed Minimum Benefits are a list of defined benefits to ensure that all medical scheme members have access to certain minimum health services, regardless of the benefit option( plan) they are on.
The Medical Schemes Act( Act 131 of 1998) mandates that all medical schemes offer these benefits and have to cover the costs related to the diagnosis, treatment and care of:
• Any emergency medical condition
• A defined list of 271 medical conditions
• And a defined list of 26 chronic conditions including diabetes, asthma and hypertension( also called the Chronic Disease List).
In a nutshell PMBs aim to:
• Protect medical scheme members from incurring substantial healthcare costs for serious illnesses or emergencies
• Provide members with continuous care, improving their health and wellbeing
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Bonitas Member Magazine Issue 2 / 2025