Traditional medicines have been making headlines globally, with increasing acceptance of their effectiveness and potency in helping people live healthier lives. In a significant boost to traditional Indian medicine, the ground-breaking ceremony was recently performed for the path-breaking WHO (World Health Organisation) Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) at Jamnagar in Gujarat. Traditional medicine in India has always been used for healing and various alternative treatments over the centuries.
The centre marks an important part of the WHO traditional medicine strategy and its goals to deploy advances in traditional medicine for the betterment of global citizens. The foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and the Director-General at WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The GCTM will be a unique global centre for traditional medicines products globally. Ghebreyesus called it a global endeavour where the rest of the world will depend on India for its strategic traditional medicine leadership.
He also talked about how traditional medicine products are doing well worldwide, while talking about how the centre will help several global regions understand how to use them as the first line of treatment. The centre, according to him, will focus on data, innovation and sustainability, while optimising traditional medicine usage. The core divisions here will include leadership and research, learning and evidence, sustainability and equity, analytics and data and technology and innovation.
Jamnagar was selected for the GCTM owing to the establishment of the first global Ayurvedic University in the city over 50 years earlier. It is also home to a reputed Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda.
Ayurveda is not only about healing or treatment of disorders, but also about mental, social and environmental health while inculcating compassion, sympathy and productivity. Ayurveda is the knowledge of life and is rightly called the fifth Veda by some.
Although it is believed that traditional medicines have no or minimal side effects and are comparatively cheaper, it is still challenging to rely completely on them as there are no huge trials or comparisons done with traditional medicines, inconsistency of descriptions of the treatment or product may be another challenge with their use.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D
More about traditional medicines
There are many types of traditional medicines used globally. WHO estimates 80% of the global population using them, while 170 out of 194 members stated using till now. All the Governments of these nations have also sought WHO’s assistance in building up data and evidence of traditional medicinal practices and products.
What is traditional medicine?
It is used to describe the entire skills, practices and knowledge used by various indigenous and other cultures throughout centuries for maintaining their health and well-being along with diagnosing, treating and combating physical and mental illnesses. It covers ancient methods like Ayurveda or Ayurvedic medicine along with acupuncture, contemporary medicines and herbal medicines. Traditional medicines have been shown to help people live healthier lives with their natural and beneficial ingredients. From multifarious health benefits like lower blood pressure, healthy weight levels and prevention of a host of other probable ailments to enhancing mood, happiness and energy levels, they have numerous advantages for users.
Traditional medicines have also become a part of contemporary science. At least 40% of approved pharmaceuticals today use natural and organic substances, emphasising the need to conserve natural resources. Experts highlight how aspirin was inspired by traditional mixtures that used the willow tree’s bark. Even some aspects of cancer treatment in some cases of children have been based on the precious rosy periwinkle as per experts. Ancient medicinal texts from China were also studied before undertaking research initiatives (that ultimately won the Nobel Prize) centring on the use of Artemisia annua for malaria and fever.
Traditional medicines are undeniably a crucial part of the ecosystem as more nations realise their importance and time-tested relevance. They are antidotes for better lives for a sizable chunk of the global population.
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Technological advances have afforded us the luxury of experiencing connected devices, self-drive cars and smart coffee mugs but have also made it possible for us to easily track, manage and store our health-related data through various cutting-edge digital health innovations.
The Covid-19 pandemic has made us realise how imperative is the access to digital healthcare resources – resources that could help patients access essential healthcare services at the ease of their homes.
Digital health resources could offer an efficient and convenient way for patients to address their health concerns presenting those with critical illnesses to take preventive action or seek medical advice at the right time from the comfort of their homes.
Digitized information will also provide a faster and more efficient mechanism for obtaining a medical history in the years to come. Digital healthcare resources are likely to go a long way in helping improve doctor-patient relationships through trust and transparency when physical appointments may not be possible.
It helps overcome the roadblocks like consulting a superspecialist from a distant location. Now people living in remote areas can also tele-consult specialists and super specialists from other cities easily.
Digital health encompasses mobile health (mHealth) apps, electronic health records (EHRs), electronic medical records (EMRs), wearable devices, telehealth and telemedicine, as well as personalized medicine, optimal utilization of such resources can be very helpful.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
The advancement of technology in the digital health space is altering how people interact with doctors, caregivers and the rest of the healthcare ecosystem. While this space is ever-evolving, here are some of the most popular digital resources for patients.
Digital therapeutics can improve patients’ health, increase compliance with medications and aid in providing better care. It uses advanced Artificial Intelligence to enhance patients’ lives by offering personalized care. Digital therapeutics can assist in the processes laid for the prevention, management and treatment of medical conditions or disorders.
Digital diagnostics, on the other hand, helps patients book and review their lab tests from the comfort of their homes. Apart from being a huge time-saver and being cost-effective, digital diagnostic labs seemed safer during the pandemic when social distancing and the risk of infections were high. The reports are shared via email and directly to the patient’s phone via WhatsApp too allowing a great deal of accessibility and flexibility for patients. The best part is patients have the liberty to choose a particular lab from which they would like to take the test.
Telemedicine is a platform that allows patients to connect with doctors for virtual consultations. It could be in the form of a phone call or video call or text message.
Telemedicine is a great way to seek medical assistance from anywhere. All you need is a computer or a phone.
There are a lot of e-consultation platforms available in the market-for example, Docon, Practo, Lybrate, Tata Health, Mfine, etc. E-consultation is the best solution for chronic diseases, where patients need to consult and follow up with doctors regularly.
Patient chatbots are another valuable resource for patients. With the use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, chatbots provide quick answers to patients’ health-related queries. Patients can expect answers to common questions about symptoms, treatments and complications regarding their health conditions.
One such chatbot is Anya, where you can get all your answers to common health-related queries across categories like Hypertension, Diabetes, Women’s Health, Respiratory ailments and Tuberculosis. Anya is multi-lingual and available on WhatsApp, Facebook and on the web. This chatbot has been widely accepted by HCPs and patients as a health partner providing medically verified information to improve patients’ health awareness.
But one must not consider this as a substitute for doctor’s advice or for self-diagnosis and treatment. Chatbots can only provide some basic information but do not aid in any kind of diagnosis and treatment.
One of the most critical needs in today’s healthcare environment is the ability to deliver high-quality care to patients. Healthcare professionals face new challenges on how to meet the needs of their patients in the best and most efficient way. One way to do this is by utilizing digital tools to provide better health education. These technologies can also serve as a supplement to the traditional face-to-face doctor visit. Along with numerous benefits, one must also understand the limitations of teleconsultations as some conditions require in-person consultation with the doctor also make sure you opt for trusted platforms where doctor details, registration and qualification etc. are visible to you. Clearly, there are many reasons why we must leverage these digital healthcare resources and take control of our health. With the correct understanding of the scope and benefits, these resources can be used efficiently to make our lives easier.
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Travel sickness, Motion sickness, seasickness, car sickness”¦ many names but the same outcome.
The most accepted theory is that of sensory conflict. It is a disturbance of the inner ear that is caused by repeated motion. It’s when your vestibular system tells you one thing, and the other senses tell you another. This creates a conflict, leading the vestibular system to become confused and over-active. When this happens, the body tries to make things right, leading to Travel sickness.
Travel sickness can affect even the most regular travellers. Anyone can suffer from an episode of motion sickness; however, some people have a higher threshold than others. Travel sickness is known to commonly affect children between the ages of 2 to 12 years, pregnant women and those suffering from migraine. Research also shows travel sickness is linked to a genetic factor.
Travel sickness often triggers nausea and vomiting – the two most common conditions associated with it. However, travel sickness is not just limited to nausea and vomiting but may include sweating, pallor, headaches and drowsiness. In some cases, people feel dizzy and experience rapid breathing.
While it may be impossible to prevent all cases of Travel sickness, here are a few tips that will help to lessen the intensity.
For example, while travelling in the car, putting yourself behind the wheel makes you less prone to travel sickness as the brain uses its motor commands to control the car and can predict the motion. However, if you ride as a passenger, try sitting on the front seat and looking at the horizon, which confers a sense of greater control than riding in the back. If you get stuck in the back seat, try getting involved in conversation and distraction to alleviate the anxiety of not being in control of the situation. If possible, open a vent or a source of fresh air and avoid reading.
Curb the consumption of food, drinks and alcohol before and during your travel. Avoid foods that make you feel unusually full or have strong odours, that are heavy, spicy, or fat-rich as these may worsen symptoms of nausea or travel sickness in some people.
Try choosing a seat where you will experience the least motion. For example, the middle of an aeroplane over the wing or in the lower level cabins near the centre of a ship. Distance yourself from others who may be suffering from motion sickness. Hearing them talk about motion sickness or seeing others become ill can possibly make you feel ill yourself. Face the direction of your travel.
For some people, lying down relieves their symptoms, for some others standing up works best. Depending on your type of travel, experiment with what works best for you. If travelling in a vehicle, leaning your head against the headrest can reduce the head movements.
Talk yourself out of travel sickness. Use affirmative sentences and learn breathing techniques to help achieve this.
Along with the ones mentioned in the blog , deep breathing and not using AC will help in reducing the symptoms of motion sickness
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Some studies support the use of ginger as having a preventive effect on Travel sickness. Peppermint tea is known to reduce nausea. Consider sipping on some tea before your travel or store it in a flask so you could use it during your travel.
If the above self-care measures don’t work, the other options are medications at your local drug store or through a doctor’s prescription. Try taking OTC antihistamine drugs. However, it’s not just what you take but when you take that’s important. These medicines are useful when taken correctly which means 30 mins to an hour before you start your travel so that it has a chance to work and get absorbed in your system. It should be noted that antihistamines are known to cause drowsiness. Consult your doctor before consuming any medication.
For children feeling motion sickness, offer sips of water and very light snacks if required while travelling. Avoid milk or milk-based food preparations for at least one hour before the travel to minimise chances of feeling motion sick.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
Also Read: How to Make Yourself Throw Up: Necessary Techniques and Precautions
If you are on a cruise, move towards the bow and don’t stand near the stern. It helps in disengaging your inner ear from your visual stimulus. Try sitting in the front seat instead of the rear seat. It is said that being seated in the front helps in relieving symptoms of motion sickness.
Keeping your eyes fixed on a stationary item placed at a distance is another technique that helps in disconnecting your visual sense from your inner ear that causes the sickness.
Prevent your mind from constantly thinking about how sick you feel. Instead, distract yourself by focusing on your favourite music or talk about things that bring comfort to you. Motion sickness is highly associated with psychological reasons and doing things that let you relax can help with your nausea.
Motion sickness can cause difficulty in texting or grasping visual elements that are on your screen. Constantly being on your phone can aggravate the symptoms instead of alleviating them.
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
The rapid spike in the COVID-19 cases has made us more conscious about our health. People around the globe are taking precautionary steps to avoid themselves from getting infected from COVID-19 (SARS-COV-2). But those people who are eager to get back to fitness are sure to ask this most important question; shall I exercise with a face mask on?
While social distancing and maintaining good health and hygiene is necessary; wearing a mask has been made compulsory in almost every public place. If you run outdoors, remember the importance of social distancing and avoiding others. It is essential to maintain at least 10 to 12 feet of separation during a run, because you’re breathing heavily as you work out. Runners’ “breath cloud” may contain more of the virus. (wearing a face mask protects us and others from droplet spread, even from asymptomatic spread).
You should wear a face mask when you’re running in an area where social distancing is hard to maintain. If you’re going to be passing people in and out of crowds, you’ll want to wear a mask. Keep in mind that wearing a face mask is not a substitute for physical distancing.
But if you’re running alone in your neighbourhood where you occasionally see another runner or a walker, it’s likely that you don’t need to wear a face covering. Instead, be mindful about crossing the street to avoid getting too close or give the other person at least six feet while passing.
Running or jogging with a face mask is going to decrease your airflow, making it a little harder to breathe. It won’t decrease your oxygen or retain carbon dioxide, but it will probably impact your performance or pace.
This means that you might have a harder time catching your breath if you’re running with a face mask. You might also feel more fatigued quicker than you normally would, even if you’re in pretty good shape, you might need to modify the intensity of your run.
It is most important that you should monitor how you feel or if you’re having any unusual symptoms.
It is safe to wear a mask while exercising for most people. However, if you have a chronic lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, mesothelioma, or pulmonary hypertension, talk with your doctor before attempting any physical activity while wearing a mask.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
If you’re experiencing any difficulty, find a safe place off the trail or out of the way to distance yourself from others and remove your mask. Sit down or walk until you catch your breath and feel better. If you continue to experience any difficulty, call your doctor immediately.
Running in a mask presents you with an unpleasant sensation of a damp piece of fabric rubbing against your face. A sweaty or wet mask is going to be less effective at filtering, breathing and more uncomfortable.
Look for workout masks that are made with a moisture-wicking fabric but be mindful that it’s not too thick or restrictive. Most running specific face masks come as a traditional shaped mask with strings or elastic that goes around your head.
It’s also important to keep your running mask clean and remember when wearing a mask, always wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before removing it. A properly fitted mask will reduce the need for you to fuss around with it and touch your face.
The CDC recommends not wearing a mask during high intensity activities like running if it causes breathing difficulty. Also it noted that as aerobic activity increases, wearing a mask while running can affect airflow and may increase your perceived workload and heart rate.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
1. Underlying health condition: If you are suffering from some underlying health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, it is highly not recommended to wear a mask during exercise.
2. Do not push your limit: Do not go overboard when exercising. If you start feeling weak or tired, then stop immediately.
3. The next best thing is to simply listen to your body – If you experience light-headedness, dizziness, extreme shortness of breath or numbness, you need to sit down and take a break.
4. Pick times and routes that are less likely to be busy. Try running earlier in the morning or during your lunch break to avoid the crowds. Also, try to avoid running in a busy park or sidewalk. This will allow you more open space, a change of scenery and less frustration trying to dodge others.
5. Don’t run directly behind anyone: Whether you are running with a mask on or off, it is best to avoid running directly behind anyone even if you are more than 6 feet away. Since you will be running into the person’s slipstream it is more likely for you to come into contact with their exhaled air and droplets. For those practising in a group, it is recommended that everyone in the group wears a mask and maintains enough distance from each other.
To conclude, it is better to indulge in low-intensity exercises such as walking, brisk walking or slow jogging as it will put less strain on their breathing. So, keep following the regular guidelines & stay safe.
Obviously, it is better for you and everyone around you if more people are vaccinated. Vaccinations lower your risk of severe symptoms, hospitalisation and death. They may help to cut down on the spread of Covid-19 and it is our only hope for getting out of this pandemic finally. Get vaccinated as soon as you can if you are eligible.
As the Omicron variant of COVID-19 started to wreak havoc around the world causing a steep rise in the number of cases, the authorities have been taken aback fearing another wave taking the lives of many as we saw in early 2021.
Thankfully, initial studies on the new variant indicate that Omicron is not as deadly as its predecessor, the Delta variant. It, however, is more contagious than the previous strains. So, the rapid increase in positivity rate has forced the global bodies to come up with a solution to this problem.
WHO periodically organizes consultations with an independent group of experts, the Technical Advisory Group on COVID-19 Vaccine Composition (TAG-CO-VAC), to review the evidence and analyse the implications of emerging variants on the performance of COVID-19 vaccines.
The body comprising independent experts suggested the need of more studies and research to understand if the composition of the current COVID-19 vaccines may need to be changed to ensure that they provide higher protection against the Variants of Concern (VOCs), including Omicron or any other future strains.
Some experts have stressed on the need for COVID-19 vaccines to produce broader, stronger and lasting immune responses to eliminate the need for successive booster doses. They opined that a vaccination strategy that is based on repeated doses of the original vaccine composition is not sustainable or appropriate.
The WHO panel, however, did not recommend the need for an Omicron-specific vaccine at the moment. They said that this can only be considered once there is enough evidence and also requested the vaccine manufacturers to share data available to them.
Viruses keep on changing and newer variants with newer characteristics may appear in future. There are chances of more mutations coming up in future.
As many as 10 vaccine manufacturing companies around the world are currently working on bringing up vaccines for COVID-19. Moreover, a total of seven potential vaccine candidates that are still under development are being tested against the new variant. Some of these newer vaccines are expected to be released in the months to come.
Here is the list of vaccines that are under development –
UNICEF has explained that some of the above-mentioned candidates may be used as booster shots or independent vaccines against the virus.
Here is the list of already existing vaccines that are being tested against the new Omicron variant –
Furthermore, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has also started to study the effectiveness of already existing COVID-19 vaccines – Covishield and Covaxin – against the Omicron variant.
Studies are under process to understand the effectiveness of existing vaccines and also to evaluate the need for any modification in the vaccine composition for better protection against the newer variants. It is important for us to know that even the existing vaccines offer good protection against severe illness and death due to COVID. while We should therefore continue to get vaccinated (if eligible), and keep ourselves safe from this highly contagious variant of COVID-19. State governments across India have already imposed multiple restrictions to contain the spread of the virus and its variants. Now, it is our responsibility to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe from the virus. So, keep following the social protocols and stay healthy!
The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Omicron has already started creating chaos, and now people are wondering if they are going to experience the same mayhem the Delta variant of COVID-19 had caused earlier in 2021. Well, if you are also terrified of going through the same agony again, here is good news for you!
As per the initial research and studies, the Omicron variant of COVID-19 poses 50 to 70 per cent fewer chances of hospitalisation as compared to the previous strains. They, however, have cautioned to be careful as it still has the potential to lead many people to the hospitals. Following safety protocols sincerely can help us in minimising the spread of this wave.
The UK Health Security Agency has claimed that the initial results of the research suggest that most of the infected people would recover without any hospital care but still, the variant can cause a lot of damage.
Defining the reason behind the potential threat, the experts explained that the Omicron variant spreads way faster than the Delta variant and also has the capability to dodge the vaccine, which the earlier strains were unable to do. Hence, it may infect a larger number of people and hence, can cause too many hospitalisations.
Studies conducted across all the countries including England, South Africa, Scotland and Denmark have shown similar results. All of them have accepted the new strain to be far more contagious but milder in terms of symptoms. It is important to know that it can also cause moderate to severe illness as well as death.
The United Kingdom has been one of the worst affected countries in terms of Omicron spread as of now. Since November this year, a total of 132 people have been admitted to the hospital after contracting the Omicron variant. Out of these, 14 people have died within 28 days of being infected.
The study has highlighted some interesting insights. Have a look:
The concerning thing is that the virus may be causing milder symptoms but this advantage may go down the drain because of its higher contagiousness.
Moreover, the experts are still not sure what this strain is going to do with the older people, people with comorbid conditions, unvaccinated population. Due to the high rate of transmission, it can burden the healthcare system and cause a lot of problems if taken lightly. The threat of delta is not over yet, as it is still the dominant variant.
Also Read: Is Covishield Effective Against Omicron?
Omicron has been presenting itself with milder symptoms because of the combination of people’s immunity and certain changes to the virus itself.
The initial studies have found out that most of the people who have contracted the new variant have been infected before with the previous variants or have already taken the vaccination. Both of these qualities provide a robust defence mechanism against the virus.
The lab studies have also shown that the way the Omicron variant infects our body is also different from the Delta variant. Unlike its predecessor, Omicron infects the airways of the person instead of messing up the deep tissues of the lungs, which makes it easier for it to spread, but milder as it stays away from the delicate parts of the lungs.
The precautions and steps to be taken remain the same as before. It is essential to mask yourself properly, take both doses of vaccines (if not yet vaccinated), maintain physical distancing, follow hand hygiene, respiratory etiquettes and maintain good ventilation to the maximum possible.
The Omicron variant may be able to cause breakthrough infection but vaccinations do prevent the chances of severe infection. Hence, vaccination is still our best shield against this or any upcoming variant of COVID-19.
Read More: Precautions to Take Against The Omicron Variant
Omicron for sure is here to modify our New Year plans, but with a little caution and determination, we surely can protect ourselves and our loved ones from this virus and finally push COVID-19 to the endemic stage, where it was supposed to be by the start of the year 2022. So, please keep wearing masks and avoid large gatherings till instructed otherwise. Stay safe and happy.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The holiday season is just around the corner as we are about to wrap up the year 2021. It definitely was not as anyone would have expected it to be but together, we somehow managed to emerge victorious over the Delta variant of COVID-19 that had wreaked havoc around the world in mid-2021.
Well, we might have won a battle against COVID-19 but the war is far from over as the virus has struck back with a brand new variant named Omicron, and with winter celebrations and New Year in the offing, its spread is most likely to become rampant all across the world.
There, however, are still some ways that can help us in containing the spread of the Omicron variant despite it being more contagious than the Delta variant. Below, we have mentioned some expert advice on how to stay and keep your family members safe during the holiday season amid the Omicron crisis. Have a look:
Apart from avoiding huge gatherings, you should also maintain at least a six-feet distance from others when outdoors. Masks have not yet become optional accessories but continue to be an essential safety net in the war against COVID-19.
One must wear their mask properly so it covers their nose and mouth.
This is the first thing you need to do to save yourself from contracting this virus. While the scientists are yet to ascertain if Omicron is more severe than the Delta variant, experts have advised not to join any large gatherings and to prefer being outdoors instead of attending or throwing indoor events.
As people tend to travel a lot during the New Year festive season, the experts have advised people to be a little more flexible about the place they want to visit. Doing some research about the place you want to visit and finding out the active number of COVID-19 cases in the locality can help you in staying safe. Moreover, you can also find out the vaccination coverage in the particular region to better evaluate the risk of visiting there.
Gather with others who are up-to-date on their vaccines and who you can count on to not come if they have symptoms. Smaller gatherings can be lower risk than larger gatherings. Gatherings held outdoors are lower risk for spread than indoor gatherings. All this reduces your risk of spreading a virus.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
The Indian healthcare system has impressively covered a huge number of people in terms of COVID-19 vaccinations but still, there are a lot of people who are either yet to receive their second dose or have not got jabbed even once. So, the best possible way to prevent the Omicron infection is to get vaccinated on priority. There are speculations that the new variant may be able to cause breakthrough infection, but nothing is confirmed as of now. Furthermore, the initial studies prove that the Omicron virus can dodge immunity only to some extent. Hence, getting jabbed is the best defence mechanism we can opt for at the moment.
While travelling outstation, it is a good practice to keep some rapid test kits handy to determine if you have contracted the virus or not. Despite not being fully accurate, they can largely help in diagnosing the infection in the early days helping you to get early treatment as well as isolation.
Do not ignore any symptoms of illness- fever, sore/scratch throat, weakness, body ache etc. Isolate yourself, consult a doctor and do not meet other people till you are not sure of your disease. It is important for the safety of your loved ones.
Also Read: Is Covishield Effective Against Omicron?
COVID-19 was about to enter the endemic stage before the Omicron variant first appeared in South Africa and has spread to several countries since then. India itself has reported over 200 cases as of now, with Delhi and Maharashtra being the hub of the spread with 54 cases each. Hence, it is our responsibility to celebrate the upcoming holiday season cautiously and contain the spread of this variant before it becomes rampant. Virtual parties can be a safe and happy mode of celebration. Avoid any unnecessary travel, act responsibly and don’t forget to keep your masks on!
Also Read: Precautions to Take Against The Omicron Variant
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
When the world had started believing that COVID-19 is about to enter the endemic stage, the virus has struck back with a brand new variant named Omicron, also known as B.1.1.529. The new variant has reignited the speculations over the emergence of a third COVID-19 wave in India, which can completely disrupt our life. As per the initial research, the new variant has a high amount of spike mutations that were never recorded before.
Omicron seems to be very rampant in terms of spreading as its cases did not take many days to pop up in many other countries after first being reported in South Africa. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has listed Omicron as a “variant of concern”.
The newest variant of SARS-CoV-2 was first reported to the WHO on November 24, 2021. The variant was detected in the specimen collected on November 11 in Botswana and on November 14 in South Africa.
Soon after receiving the report, WHO classified Omicron as a variant of concern on November 26, followed by the United States on November 30 before the country recorded its first case on December 1. The next day, India recorded its first two cases of the Omicron variant.
With the limited number of cases recorded so far, there is only a little information available about the symptoms. It has been said that the Omicron variant can present itself with extreme tiredness, body aches, throat discomfort (scratching or soreness), fever and some headache.
As the number of cases has been very low so far, there can be a possibility of this strain presenting severe symptoms in some people. Hence, experts are suggesting not to take this variant lightly.
The Omicron variant likely will spread more easily than some of the previous variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and how easily Omicron spreads compared to Delta remains unknown. More data are needed to know if Omicron infections and especially reinfections and breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated, cause more severe illness or death than infection with other variants. Scientists are working to determine how well existing treatments for COVID-19 work. Based on the changed genetic make-up of Omicron, some treatments are likely to remain effective while others may be less effective.
Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths due to infection with COVID-19 and also the Omicron variant. However, breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated are likely to occur. With other variants, like Delta, vaccines have remained effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations and death. The recent emergence of Omicron further emphasizes the importance of vaccination and boosters.
Scientists are working to learn more about the Omicron variant to better understand how easy it might be transmitted and the effectiveness of currently authorized or approved medical countermeasures, such as vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostic tests, against this variant. New information about the virologic, epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of the Omicron variant is rapidly emerging. Scientific bodies recommend wearing a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission, regardless of vaccination status.
Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Sex is sacred but there are a lot of abnormalities that most commonly makes the experience of sex ‘stressful’. On the occasion of International Men’s Day that falls on November 19th, we will come across the most common problems occurring these days in young men during sex – Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation.
Widely, there is a misconception that sexual problems like Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation, by and large, occur in adults but with several surveys that are conducted in recent years, it is found that younger males are more prone to ED and PE. Young adults also feel uncomfortable discussing these problems due to the myth that only adults face such problems.
A recent study conducted by Co-op Pharmacy suggested that nearly 50 per cent of men in their 30s often struggle with the problem of ED. The most common complication among them is stress from their work and personal life.
Around 30-60% of individuals with ED also tend to experience PE. Additionally, ED may lead to PE when people rush to ejaculate because they know they cannot sustain an erection and develop a habit. If a doctor suspects a person has ED and PE, they will typically treat ED first, which often improves PE.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
ED or Erectile Dysfunction is the trouble of maintaining an erection of the penis that is firm enough for intercourse. Males face this problem, leading to dissatisfaction during sexual intercourse for both partners.
This is also important to know that if the problem of ED arises sometimes, like when a person is under the influence of some kind of drugs, it might not be concerning. If this is happening too often or every time you are having a sexual encounter, this needs to be taken seriously and proper treatment is a must.
Psychological causes are the most common among the youngsters for ED. Stress, lack of confidence, relationship issues and depression stops you from experiencing pleasure while having sex and eventually it turns into a lack of interest along with fatigue and sadness. This is the most common cause of erectile dysfunction among young adults and teenagers.
One most common causes of ED among younger men are related to watching porn that is named porn-induced erectile dysfunction (PIED). Pornographic videos lead to unrealistic expectations of having sexual intercourse with your partner. Reality has a wider perspective to this as intercourse depends on the body to body. Not everyone likes or can have the same kind of sex. What you expect during sex, might not be the choice of your partner and this may further add to the stress.
Erectile dysfunction and symptoms of infertility are often considered synonymous, but this is not true. Having an erectile dysfunction does not mean that a man cannot father children. Erectile dysfunction does not have a direct impact on fertility. However, it can make it harder for the couple to conceive.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
There are many causes of Erectile Dysfunction but the most common include psychological, neurological, and lifestyle-related issues. Physical and Emotional factors also contribute to ED. Stress, anxiety and loss of sleep are a few of the most common causes of ED and this is due to the unhealthy lifestyle, the younger generations usually follow nowadays.
Erectile Dysfunction causes include:
Good sex life is very important at a certain age for both males and females as a healthy sex life also improves the quality of life. It is important to visit professionals to discuss the problems related to sexual activities. Below are a few symptoms that a male goes through if he is facing Erectile Dysfunction:
Having sex is not important but ‘enjoying sex’ is important. Premature Ejaculation is a type of sexual dysfunction where a man has an orgasm and ejects semen sooner than his partner’s desire. In simple words, a ‘climax too quickly is all about PE. A National Survey of Sexual Attitudes reported that 4.5% of young men aged between 16 to 21 face the most common sexual problem of premature ejaculation.
Experts say that PE is not a sign of a serious health problem but it largely affects the emotional wellbeing of teenagers or young adults.
Various factors affect quick ejaculation in teenagers and young adults. Some common ones include – less knowledge about sex, lack of sexual experience, possible interference of masturbation and poor self-perception of who we are sexually attracted to. It is also important to understand that sex is about having pleasure and erotically creativity rather than having intense or aggressive intercourse. Unusual expectations during sex also lead to premature ejaculation among teenagers.
There are many ways to treat premature ejaculation and it depends on its intensity.
ED & PE is a completely normal and common type of sexual concern that affects several young men. The prime cause of erectile dysfunction in younger aged men is emotional, psychological or relationship-related issues that can be easily managed with professional help (psychiatrist). Any of these home remedies, medicines and natural treatments can help you manage your symptoms. Inform your doctor if you have any history of allergy to medicines (if experienced in the past).
If your symptoms persist, consult your doctor to rule out any underlying causes and explore other treatment options.
Also Read: What Causes Morning Wood: A Scientific Explanation
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
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We all have understood that COVID-19 is here to stay and we will have to make our peace with this fact. Similar to Influenza, some experts opine that SARS CoV-2 may also enter the endemic stage. What does this really mean and how is our behaviour significant at this time? Let’s find out.
The endemic stage stands for a time when a population learns to live with a particular virus. The region where the virus has entered the endemic stage may keep observing small flare-ups of the spread but those would not be big enough to spread beyond the boundaries of that particular region. Moreover, the spread also does not become as overwhelming as it was during the pandemic or epidemic stages.
Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the Chief Medical Advisor to the US President, Dr Anthony Fauci believes that the world would start seeing a decline in the number of cases in the coming spring, while Moderna’s CEO, Stéphane Bancel claims that the pandemic would be over within next one year.
Some experts believe that the cases of COVID-19 are going to see a steady decline in the winter season
The only challenge in the way of the virus entering the endemic stage is ‘human behaviour’, claimed the experts. One of the biggest reasons behind the second wave of infection was the careless attitude of people around the world who believed that the worst was over. Expressing the same concern, CDC Director Dr Rochelle Walensky said, “We are battling with one another and not battling with the common foe, which is the virus itself.”
Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has also claimed that the pandemic is still far from over and it totally depends upon the countries to use the available tools effectively to decide when it finally comes to an end.
Optimism is totally justified, given people understand their responsibility. Experts have claimed that it is quite natural to be optimistic and believe that the pandemic would end in the next year, but it is important to understand that controlling it would require a global solution.
Learnings from past experiences of pandemics like that of Flu give us some idea of how this pandemic can proceed towards endemicity, but nothing can be assured at this point of time till further studies affirm this.
According to the experts, immunization has a major role to play when talking about COVID-19 cases. We need to encourage more and more people to get vaccinated.
Some experts have also claimed that an optional booster dose of vaccine may help the high-risk population from getting severe symptoms due to COVID infection. Challenges in the way of COVID-19 entering the endemic stage. Vaccination is the most effective way of containing the spread of the virus, vaccine hesitancy, especially among children, is the biggest roadblock in the way of the virus getting into the endemic stage.
The experts have advised people to get vaccinated on priority as this is the safest way possible to try and make a place COVID-19-free. With the belief that the virus is going to remain in circulation even after a year, we need to be alert to combat every situation.
Studies and research are still going on and no one can actually state what’s going to come next. The virus has surprised us in the part and there is no guarantee it would not do it again, so dropping the guard against the virus may not be a good idea. Social distancing, hand hygiene, respiratory etiquettes, wearing a mask and avoiding crowded places should remain the norms of conducting ourselves in future too.
Also Read: Omicron Variant: Risks & Safety Precautions
The health experts around the world are convinced that the COVID-19 pandemic is bound to enter the endemic stage sometime in the next year, but it is up to us how we conduct ourselves during the period to expedite the process.
Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation
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