Pharmacy Q & A

A day in the life of pharmacist, Mari de Villiers, Medirite Centurion 

Get to know your friendly Medirite pharmacist!

Q: Give us some insight into your daily work as a pharmacist?

As a pharmacy manager, my day is always busy and rewarding. I'm responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the pharmacy and ensuring that our patients receive the best possible care and service. This includes managing our team, dispensing medication, and providing counselling to patients on their medications and health conditions. My goal is to provide a safe, welcoming, and efficient environment for our patients, and I'm proud to be a part of a team that makes a real difference in people's lives.

Q: What’s the most fulfilling part of your day?

For me, the most fulfilling part of my day is interacting with our patients and seeing the positive impact that our services have on their lives. Whether it's helping someone manage a chronic condition, answering questions about medication, or simply providing a listening ear, I find it incredibly rewarding to know that I'm making a difference. As a Christian, I believe that serving others is a fundamental part of my faith, and I feel blessed to do this work. There's nothing quite like seeing a patient smile when they receive good news about their health or when they're able to get the medication they need to feel better. It's moments like these that remind me why I became a pharmacist in the first place – to serve others and make a positive impact on my community.

Q: Going into flu season, what do people need to know?

The influenza season in South Africa typically starts between mid-April and the end of May, peaks in mid-June or early July, and ends in August. However, the exact timing can vary from year to year. According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, the 2025 flu season has started earlier than usual.

Certain groups are more susceptible to severe illness and hospitalisation due to flu. Pregnant women and new mothers, people living with chronic conditions like heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, and chronic lung diseases are more vulnerable. Also, people living with HIV and tuberculosis and children under 2 years and elderly people, 65 years and older are at a higher risk.

The flu vaccine is an effective way to protect against influenza. It's recommended for:

• High-risk groups mentioned above.
• Healthcare workers in hospitals, clinics, and old age homes.
• Individuals with underlying medical conditions.

Other respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are also circulating. While most cases are mild, these viruses can cause severe illness.

To protect yourself and your loved ones:

• Get vaccinated before the flu season peaks.
• Practise good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you're feeling unwell.

Q:  What should I do if I miss a dose of my medication?

You can consult your medication leaflet or your healthcare provider for specific guidance. A good general rule is to take the missed dose as soon as possible if it's not close to the time for your next dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose altogether and continue with your next dose, but don't double up. So, don't take two doses at once to make up for the missed dose.

Stay on track:

1. Consider a pill box or reminders on your phone to help you remember to take your medication.
2. Take your medication at the same time every day to make it a habit and form a routine.

Q: Do caffeine or alcohol interact with any medication?

Yes, caffeine and alcohol can interact with your medication. Avoid excessive alcohol while taking flu medications, as it can increase the risk of side-effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and stomach problems. Be careful when taking paracetamol-containing flu medications with alcohol, as it can increase the risk of liver damage. Monitor your caffeine intake while taking flu medications, as excessive caffeine can interact with certain stimulant medications, increasing the risk of side-effects like jitteriness and anxiety. Always read the labels of flu medications and other products you're taking to understand potential interactions or consult your healthcare professional.

Q: How can I boost my immune system to avoid getting sick?

Boosting your immune system with supplements can be effective when done correctly. Here are some supplements or food sources that can help.

• Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, protecting your body from toxins and inflammation. Food sources include red bell peppers, oranges, kiwi, and broccoli. Consider liposomal Vitamin C for better absorption.
• Vitamin D is essential for immune health, especially during winter when levels tend to dip due to lack of sunshine.
• Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight off infection. Find it in foods like wheat germ oil, seeds, nuts, and spinach.
• Vitamin B6 is vital for producing white blood cells and T-cells. Include vitamin B6-rich foods like chickpeas, beef, chicken breast, and potatoes in your diet.
• Zinc is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that helps maintain immune cells. Find it in oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds, and Greek yoghurt.
• Selenium activates your immune system and protects against chronic inflammation. Include selenium-rich foods like Brazil nuts, tuna, and cottage cheese in your diet.

Q: What’s your best Medirite product for staying healthy?

Medirite’s buffered Vitamin C is a great supplement for me because Vitamin C is essential for immune function and it is easier on the stomach compared to other Vitamin C supplements. This helps in reducing the risk of gastrointestinal side-effects.

Q: What lifestyle changes can help reduce my need for medication?

One of the most important lifestyle changes you can make to support your body's immune system is to get enough sleep. Sleep helps regulate cytokine production, which are proteins that fight off infections and inflammation. Sleep also affects the function of immune cells, such as natural killer cells and T-cells, which help fight off pathogens. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Drink plenty of water to help your body produce lymph, which carries white blood cells and other immune system cells.

Do moderate exercises regularly and manage your stress levels. Reduce your sugar intake; high sugar intake can suppress the function of immune cells, making it harder for your body to fight off infections. Eat a colourful diet, focussing on a variety of fruits and vegetables to ensure you’re getting essential nutrients.

Last but not least, practise good hygiene, wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth when coughing, and avoid close contact with people who are sick.