Unless you’ve been living under a rock, the Coronavirus is a modern-day disease that has affected us all, shaking up the entire world with its confusing, mutating nature, and ever-emerging, new variants. With the world having already witnessed 3 COVID waves, it is best to be educated and prepared.
Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, has famously said that Nature is the best physician. With technological advancement, increasing dependency on machines and drugs, and a highly complex lifestyle, we are moving away from Nature and exposing ourselves to many unknown and infectious diseases. The Coronavirus is one such disease that is spreading like wildfire, and the post-COVID life is often called ”the new normal.”
As the Coronavirus is still raging on our precious planet, it is about time we expose some hidden Covid secrets, and bust some myths in the process too.
The latest variant of the Coronavirus, the Omicron variant is causing some confusion among the scientific community. The booster dose and the double vaccine dose seems to be working against the Omicron variant, which is positive news, as most of the vaccines were designed to work against the first variant of Covid.
The marvellous human immune system has a unique ability to remember past infections. Some diseases and infections are given lifelong protection by the immune system, whereas booster shots are required for the others.
A study conducted in London’s Imperial College shows that the risk of reinfection with Omicron is about 5.4 times greater than getting infected with the Delta variant. Omicron antibodies are not as effective in protecting the body from reinfection.
Omicron poses a major threat to public health, as a study shows that people having the S gene target failure are at greater risk of reinfection and also breakthrough infections.
When a virus makes copies of itself (replication), there is a possibility that it might change a little bit. Such changes are termed ‘mutations’. When a virus shows one or more new mutations, it is called a ”variant” of the virus it originated from. The longer a virus remains in circulation, the more it is likely to mutate and change. Such a process can create a variant that is more adaptable and better suited to the environment than the original virus. The mutation and natural selection of a better-adapted variant are known as ‘virus evolution’.
Certain mutations alter the virus’ attributes such as severity or transmission. The variant may become more transmissible or less deadly than its predecessor or the opposite could also happen.
Not all viruses change at the same pace. SARS-CoV-2 which is responsible for COVID-19 evolves at a much slower rate than other viruses such as the flu virus of HIV. This is due to the inbuilt proof-reading mechanism of the virus that corrects ‘errors’ when the virus duplicates itself. Studies are ongoing to find out more about this. It is important for us to know that the more this virus spreads from one person to another, the higher are the chances for it to mutate. Therefore, we must make every possible effort to reduce our risk of exposure to the virus.
We have often heard that the Omicron variant is ”just like the flu”, and ”extremely mild.” That is an extremely careless and silly way to handle the problem. While both COVID-19 and the Flu have similar symptoms like body aches, fever, cough, and headaches, the two diseases are definitely not the same. Research done in the John Hopkins research centre states that the overall profile of COVID-19 is much more serious. The mortality rate of patients suffering from COVID-19 is estimated to be about 10 times greater than the number of patients succumbing to the flu.
While there is plenty of research still ongoing relating to the Coronavirus, this pandemic appears to be far from over but there is a ray of hope that this too will end someday. We must stay away from forwards and other false information, and rather rely on dependable sources of information. In this day and age, proper education and knowledge is the key to overcoming this totally unforeseeable disease.
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 coronavirus pandemic is an ongoing global pandemic (that will hopefully in time become an epidemic). It has been responsible for causing widespread damage to people in terms of one’s physical, mental and financial health. The pandemic which initially started out in Wuhan, China in December 2019 soon took over the world in a matter of weeks. The effects of the pandemic have affected a huge number of people irrespective of how they are as individuals and to which social group or strata they belong to in their corresponding society.
Although the intensity of the ripple put into motion by the pandemic might have been internalised by people differently the one factor that has united everyone is the grief caused due to the pandemic.
But the storm has in all probability passed. With more than half of the population in India already double vaccinated, now geared up for their booster doses, people feel more confident than ever before. Civilians have eased into the new normal, the economy is slowly coming back up on its heels and people have found new outlets to come to terms with their new Covid-induced lifestyle as well as health (both physical and mental).
In this article, let us quickly revisit the earlier and ongoing variants and try to analyse if there is going to be variants worse than the Delta and Omicron?
For India, undoubtedly the potent and most dangerous variant was the Delta strain that hit the country in the earlier part of 2021. While the United States and the rest of Europe were reeling under the first COVID-19 wave in 2020, most Indians across households were safe and secure due to the nationwide lockdown during this time.
The Delta variant was our worst nightmare and everything we weren’t prepared to handle. While on the one hand, hopes were high due to the initiated vaccination drives, on the other hand, complacency and utter disregard for COVID-19 standard protocols had seeped in amongst the masses leading to a surge in infections with fatal outcomes.
Some of those who did not require hospitalisation and were able to recover at home suffered from fatigue, gastric troubles, shortness of breath, weak immunity, hairfall, COVID-19 brain fog and many other symptoms for months. While the world thought the worse was finally over with the successful completion of the full vaccination drive (comprising two doses), came the Omicron variant.
EG.5 is spreading quickly, but experts say it’s no more dangerous than previous versions. Another new variant, called BA.2.86, is being closely watched because of its mutations.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Out of all the strains till now, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has agreed that the Omicron is milder in terms of disease severity. The reason why people were worried about the Omicron variant was that it is highly transmissible owing to its ability to evade immunity, whether inherent (from previous infections) or acquired from the vaccines. The need for hospitalisation due to an infection from the Omicron variant was less as it mostly causes a mild-moderate infection.
The risk of death from an Omicron infection is also less unlike the Delta variant seen in India. The duration of the 3rd wave started by Omicron was short-lived. While the infection spread rapidly from the end of December to January. By the end of January, the wave had started to subside and soon by February 15th, experts believe that it will reduce significantly.
Given the mild nature of the current strain as well as the short duration of the wave we may assume that with further mutations, the strain of the SARS-CoV-2 is weakening. But this may not be true. Read ahead to get clarity.
There are 2 possibilities here:
The news has been spreading about the NeoCov virus which scientists in Wuhan, China are currently studying. There is a lot of fear surrounding that but experts around the world have emphasized that further research is required to come to conclusive evidence regarding the possibility, intensity and danger of the variant. For now, it is too soon to tell anything about this.
The debate on whether there is ever going to be a variant more dangerous than Delta and Omicron can be hard to address right away. While the Delta and Omicron variants are still pretty much amongst us, covid appropriate behaviour is the right practice. Governments are of the strong opinion that vaccination is a crucial tool for fighting this pandemic. However, as we continue to go about our normal lives, we should all be vigilant at all times; wear masks and sanitise our hands. We should get vaccinated, take the booster doses (when eligible) and seek medical help when our health seems even the slightest bit compromised. Together, we can bring an end to the global crisis by being responsible citizens.
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.
We will always remember the second wave of COVID that was triggered by the Delta variant. But the worst is behind us. We have survived.
The potent Delta variant of COVID-19 was first identified in late 2020. It was a threatening variant that spread across countries and wreaked havoc. The virus was twice as contagious as the previous variants and affected many people.
During late November 2021, as the cases began to decrease, we noticed the emergence of another mutant, better known as the Omicron variant. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced the B.1.1.529 variant of COVID-19 a “variant of concern”.
There was initially a steep rise in infections in South Africa which later spread rapidly across countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, and Mexico. In India, towards the end of January, we began to see a decline of Omicron as well.
In the wake of the two waves, scientists said that there is a possibility of people being affected by both variants.
Who is more vulnerable to co-infection from Delta and Omicron variants of COVID-19? The answer is older people with comorbidities, people with a weaker immune system, and the ones who have multiple comorbidities. But the good news is, with proper caution, everyone can be safe.
Viruses constantly change through mutation and sometimes these mutations result in a new variant of the virus. Some changes and mutations allow the virus to spread more easily or make it resistant to treatments or vaccines, Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron were the variants seen with covid.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Firstly, we must remember that both Delta and Omicron are variants of the same SARS-CoV-2 virus. There is a wide range of symptoms and certain symptoms may be more prominent in one strain than the other but more or less remains similar.
The common symptoms include fever or chills, breathing troubles, fatigue, body and headache, throat pain, diarrhoea and more. If you are infected with the Delta variant, you may experience more severe headaches, sore throats, high-grade fever, cough, breathing difficulties and loss of taste and smell may be seen less. In case you are infected with Omicron, you are more likely to experience cold-like symptoms accompanied by sore throat and weakness. Fever may or may not be present. It is also considered milder than Delta in terms of disease severity and has less risk of hospitalization and death. People usually do not experience loss of taste or smell if they have been infected with the Omicron variant.
It is important to note that both delta and Omicron variants can cause a full spectrum of diseases ranging from asymptomatic, mild, moderate or even severe cases and deaths. The proportion of the population getting a severe illness or mild is definitely different for both variants.
It is not possible to confirm whether a person is infected by Delta variant or Omicron just by their symptoms. Genome sequencing is the only way to confirm the variant.
When Delta was the dominant variant it was believed that it is highly contagious and unvaccinated people were at high risk. With Omicron we figured that it spreads more quickly than Delta due to the variant’s ability to evade immunity. It may have increased transmissibility owing to its shortened incubation period and its apparent ability to stay in the upper respiratory tract and multiply quicker there.
Though the symptom profile isn’t too drastically different between the Delta and Omicron COVID-19 variants, data show that Omicron appears to be milder than Delta. The transmissibility is more with Delta and omicron and the rate of community spread is faster.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Yes, a co-infection with both Omicron and Delta at the same time may happen. While it is not common, there are a few instances under research.
If a group of people gather at a place and some of them are infected with the Omicron variant and others have the Delta variant, you may be exposed to both variants through droplets.
As the Omicron variant will infect some cells, the Delta variant will infect others and that leads to higher chances of a coinfection. Not only that, but you may also contract both the Covid new strains one after the other in close succession.
Both rapid Covid tests and RT PCR tests cannot identify which variant of the virus someone has. Hence, it is not easy to tell if you have a coinfection without genomic sequencing. The symptoms will not help you determine a coinfection, either.
A coinfection can particularly make your body really weak and it is important to consult a doctor and take utmost care. If you neglect the infection and consider it just the flu, you may put yourself at risk of sudden complications. Proper treatment, medications, good nutrition, hydration, rest and routine monitoring of vitals can reduce the chances of hospitalizations to a great extent.
Conclusion: The first and foremost thing to note here is that a fully vaccinated person has a significantly lower risk of a serious illness due to Covid. While having a coinfection of Omicron and Delta COVID-19 variants seems worrisome, with medication and proper care you can recover well. To stay protected against Delmicron, you must continue to wear a mask, follow covid appropriate behaviour and get vaccinated.
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic struck, certain new words have entered our vocabulary. Two such words are ‘quarantine’ and ‘isolation’. These terms have been extensively used whenever measures to stop the spread of COVID–19 are discussed. All of us have heard or read about the need to quarantine or to self-isolate/isolate someone.
But these two words do not mean the same and cannot be used synonymously. Let us see what each of these terms implies.
The word originates from ‘quaranta giorni’ (Italian for ‘40 days’). According to historical records, quarantine was first implemented in the 14th century when ships were made to wait at anchor at the ports of Venice for 40 days before sailors and passengers were allowed to come ashore.
This practice came into force to prevent people who could be possible carriers of any disease from spreading the disease to healthier people.
The usage is the same to this day. When people are suspected to have been exposed to a contagious disease, they are kept separate from the healthy population. After the passage of the said period, if there are no symptoms, the quarantined people can resume their normal lifestyle.
Ever since the onset of COVID-19, quarantines have been implemented in India and internationally, especially during the COVID waves, whenever people travelled from one destination to another. Quarantine is specifically recommended to people who have flown in from international locations.
Isolation is secluding a person who has contracted a disease or is showing symptoms of it. Currently, any person who has tested positive for COVID-19 or has all the symptoms of COVID-19 self-isolates so that the others under the same roof do not contract the disease.
Quarantine is done before people test positive as a precautionary measure. Even if people are not infected, they will need to undergo quarantine if they have been exposed to the disease or been somewhere where the disease is raging on.
Isolation happens only after the appearance of the symptoms or if the diagnostic test reveals that the person is indeed infected.
Every person in every state should voluntarily go into self-isolation if he or she tests positive.
Quarantine and isolation are both means to keep people safe from COVID-19. That is why if you have been travelling during a COVID wave or if you think you may have contracted the infection, then seclude yourself to keep your loved ones and everyone else safe. Only through responsible actions, prevention measures and vaccination can we free the world from the clutches of COVID-19.
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.
We are already into the 7th week of the lockdown that began on March 24th. During the last few weeks, countries like the USA saw a surge in COVID-19 cases. However, India’s fate has turned out to be different.
Since India was one of the first countries to implement lockdown measures, our COVID-19 numbers are under control. Experts have concluded India would have had millions of cases by May if lockdown wasn’t implemented.
Although the lockdown has led to fewer cases, the fight isn’t over yet. At this moment, India has 33,509 active cases. The cases could go up exponentially if lockdown norms were to be relaxed.
But at the same time, one needs to take into account India’s economy. The lockdown has had a crippling effect on the economy, as India’s GDP growth is expected to fall to 1.5-2.8% for FY 2020-21.
To tackle the issue of restarting the economy gradually while keeping COVID-19 cases low, the Indian government has decided to adopt a dynamic approach to lockdown.
The government has divided the entire country into three zones – red, orange and green.
What does this mean? Depending on the number of COVID-19 cases a region has, it will be classified as either red, green or orange.
If a particular district has over 15 cases, then it will be considered a hotspot, and be classified as a red zone.
For districts whose COVID-19 cases are below 15 and don’t seem to be increasing at present, they will be labelled orange zones.
Green zones will be the districts with zero COVID-19 cases.
Note that air and train travel are not allowed across the country as of now.
What’s allowed
What’s not allowed
What’s allowed
In addition to all the activities permitted in red zones, the following is allowed –
What’s not allowed
What’s allowed
All activities are allowed in green zones with few restrictions. Buses can operate with 50% capacity.
What’s not allowed
Certain activities are prohibited nationwide like the opening of malls, train and air travel, interstate road movement and opening of educational institutions.
Delhi – The entire national capital region is a red zone at present.
Mumbai – Mumbai is the epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak in Maharashtra. It has been labelled as a red zone.
Chennai – With 300 cases and counting, Chennai has been designated as a red zone.
Kolkata – Most cases in West Bengal have been registered in Kolkata. The city is a COVID-19 hotspot and has been tagged as a red zone.
Comply with the government guidelines to avoid COVID-19. Moreover, follow social distancing and other personal hygiene practices to ensure you remain safe.
Update:
Note that the fight against COVID-19 is going to be a long one. It’s time all of us unite to tackle COVID-19 and keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.
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.
We all know that lockdown is essential to flatten the curve of COVID-19. But it has forced us to change our daily routine. We are not going outside for work, to meet with our loved ones or go to the movies and restaurants.
Do you miss going to the gym or jogging in a park? We can’t do a lot of activities that we liked, like going for a swim, walk or cycling around the neighbourhood. And if these are your modes of exercising, then you’ve been forced to give them up.
Not exercising for the whole duration can have an adverse effect on your health.
Luckily, there are plenty of exercises that can be done from the safety of your home and you don’t even need gym equipment. Even if you don’t exercise, now is a good time to acquire this life-saving habit because we have so much time on our hands.
Studies say, that sedentary behaviour and low levels of physical activity during lockdown will impose negative effects on our health, well-being and quality of our life. Such negativity will drastically ruin our lives in the long run, thus welcoming many hurdles towards our health.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
WHO has advised us all to stay physically active during lockdown and isolation. Exercise and health are linked. The more active you are, the less likely you are to fall ill.
In fact, it is believed that exercise reduces the possibility of contracting communicable diseases (like COVID-19, flu) and even non-communicable diseases (like cancer, heart diseases, hypertension or diabetes).
Does exercise make our immunity stronger? Yes. Blood supply to all parts of the body increases. Cells get more oxygen and nutrients, which make them stronger and more capable of handling pathogens. And through exercise, you can also ward off illnesses like heart diseases or diabetes, which make COVID-19 fatal.
Exercise also releases endorphins or happy hormones that make us feel relaxed and calm. These hormones also help us cope with stress and anxiety- something we desperately need during this global health crisis.
Push-ups and dips are some exercises that are easy to do indoors to build upper body strength and muscles, try mixing up workouts like committing to a brief 10-minute workout solely focused on cardio or core strength.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
We are going to discuss a few whole-body exercises that will put different parts of your body to use to keep them strong and flexible. Do as many repetitions as you are comfortable with.
Your strength and endurance will increase gradually and you will be able to work out for longer. Pushing yourself too hard right from the start may cause cramps and injuries.
Lunges are an all-time favourite. There are many versions of it and you can pack them all into your work-out session. Here are a few you must try-
Planks may look simple but they are truly challenging. It works your entire body. Try both the regular plank and the side plank. Once you get used to planks, incorporate leg lifts in your plank routine. Here are a few benefits of the plank-
Mix up your lunges with squats as they work really well together. Like lunges, there are different types of squats and you can pick the ones your body is comfortable with. Beginners should opt for the conventional two-leg squats.
You can base your whole exercise routine on a jumping rope or skipping because this cardio exercise is simply amazing.
The goodness of burpees extends to all parts of the body. Burpees are difficult. So start with a simple non-pushup variation of burpees and do just a few.
Also Read: Does Skipping Reduce Weight? Examining the Facts and Myths
For good luck, we’ll throw in just one more exercise into the mix. This one is called power walking. Yes, good old walking can be one of the best exercises for strength and power. If done in a brisk manner accompanied by swift arm movements, this exercise can help you lose some weight amongst other great benefits.
Since we all are stuck in this Covid-19 world, make sure you take all safety precautions before venturing out. Keep a safe distance from others while walking. Otherwise, a 10-15 minute walk in your terrace or garden can do the trick just as well. Partaking in this short workout will better the strength of cardiac muscles, and also prevent severe joint pain in later years of your life.
Also Read: FUPA Workout: Effective Techniques to Burn Lower Belly Fat
In the current situation, it can be tough to keep yourself motivated to do anything, let alone exercise! Hence, here are some simple tips you can follow to bring out the workout clothes which have been collecting dust for quite some time now:
Try different forms of exercise every day and allow yourself one rest day to let your body heal. Stay home at all times, eat healthily and exercise. We will emerge from the crisis as stronger individuals.
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 third wave of COVID-19 has recently brought the Omicron variant into India. Medical professionals report that this variant is far more contagious than the previous Delta variant. Therefore, the Government of India has issued the administration of a precautionary/booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine from 10th January 2022.
PharmEasy has been actively involved with vaccinations since the first drive. Therefore once again, PharmEasy has sought to open vaccination camps in Mumbai and Delhi to support the Government’s endeavour towards securing public health. According to the governmental guidelines, people aged 60 years or more with any comorbidities can take the precaution dose with a doctor’s advice.
The third dose i.e the precaution dose of the vaccine should be the same as the previous two doses. Eg. If a person took the first two doses of Covishield, the third/precaution dose should also be of Covishield.
Why the Precaution Dose?
Scientists have found the immunity created by the first two doses is gradually fading away in most people. This is especially true for senior citizens with co-morbidities and compromised immune systems. The third dose can amp up a person’s immunity.
The price of the covishield vaccine is as per govt norms issued for private hospitals.
Approximately half of older patients with COVID-19 have severe infection, one in five are critically ill and one in ten die, full vaccination with a booster is always advisable for the elderly population.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Eligibility Criteria of Precaution Dose
Vaccine Available: Covishield
The list of hospitals given below are within the PharmEasy network in Delhi and Mumbai and will be hosting these vaccination camps.
| Hospital Name | Address | City | Slot Time | Days Operational | Navigation Link |
| Surana Sethia Hospital | Sion – Trombay Rd, Suman Nagar, Chembur, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400071 | Mumbai | 10 am to 4 pm | MON-SAT | https://maps.app.goo.gl/qbMy7PXN1EWC9Nve7 |
| Surana Hospital and Research Centre. | End of, Tank Road, Shankar Lane, Orlem, Church, Malad West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400064 | Mumbai | 10 am to 4 pm | MON-SAT | https://maps.app.goo.gl/geN7UZqngQoPT6EC7 |
| MPCT Hospital | C7, Budhyadev Mandir Marg, Sector 4, Sanpada, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400705 | Mumbai | 10 am to 4 pm | MON-SAT | https://maps.app.goo.gl/WYKuL13oMorCivVR9 |
| Apex Hospital | E-22, Goswami Girdhari Lal Marg, Block E, Naraina Vihar, Naraina, New Delhi, Delhi 110028 | Delhi | 10 am to 2 pm | MON-SAT | https://maps.app.goo.gl/XmK5JbBRQLkckore8 |
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.
Amidst the ambiguity regarding the latest Omicron variant of COVID-19, there may be several myths and rumours. Instead of worrying about these, it is better to follow certain specific guidelines to keep yourself and your family safe. Especially if you are a person with Diabetes, you will need to consider some additional precautions.
COVID-19 appropriate behaviour- Wear an N-95 mask with a good fit or double mask, avoid crowds, follow hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. Satinise the frequently touched surfaces at home and handle anything that comes from outside with care.
To take the necessary precautions, you will need to have certain equipment and paraphernalia available at home.
If you haven’t consulted a doctor in the last couple of months, you should also take a follow-up consultation.
One may experience some or even none of the above-mentioned symptoms and still be Covid positive. There are people with no symtoms, mild symtoms and even severe symtoms.
Do not panic if you have all the aforementioned symptoms of Omicron. The first thing you need to do in such a situation is to be alert and decisive. You also need to prevent the infection from spreading to your family and loved ones. Here’s what you should do
Immediately consult your doctor or go to a hospital if –
Sick day guidelines for diabetes –
Use of insulin –
If you experience a sudden fall in insulin levels (which can lead to a sudden increase in blood sugar levels), consult a doctor immediately. Some oral medicines for diabetes may not be well tolerated during severe illness. Your doctor can adjust the dosage of your ongoing diabetes medication and start insulin as well. The most important thing is to not panic because once you have recovered there are high chances that your doses of medication will be adjusted again and recently added insulin injections can be discontinued then.
Dietary tips –
Finally, one of the most important things to keep in mind is to maintain a healthy diet. It is advisable to consume small frequent meals throughout the day to keep your metabolism regular. You should eat food that is low in sugar and easy to digest. Hence, avoid eating too many fried foods and food that is extremely high in fibre. It is best to opt for fresh fruits, a balanced salad, sprouts or even easy to digest food like Upma and Idli.
For breakfast, you can have oatmeal or daliya, while for lunch you can go for fresh green vegetables, paneer, soybeans, dal, etc. For dinner, you can have light soup and some vegetables, whole wheat flatbreads like roti/chapati, khichdi. Moreover, you should also drink enough water to keep your electrolyte levels steady.
FAQs
1. Do people with diabetes have a higher chance of Omicron infection?
Ans: There is currently not enough data to suggest the same. However, having diabetes can increase the chance of an Omicron infection becoming severe.
2. Are the risks of Omicron infection different for people with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?
Ans: There is not enough data to show the difference, but people with either kind of diabetes have been suggested to have a higher risk of complications in the case of Omicron infection.
3. Do I need to worry about DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis)?
Ans: DKA can happen to people with persistent uncontrolled high blood sugars ie above 300 mg/dL. Watch for symptoms like:
4. Does Omicron cause diabetes?
Ans: No, there is no evidence that supports this.
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.
India is battling through the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Believe it or not, every person plays a part towards recovery to a gradual and safe return to a pre-pandemic time. Especially, with the presence of new COVID-19 strains in India, it is crucial for every individual to follow safety guidelines diligently to mitigate the risk of spread.
Just as hygiene and cleanliness are being prioritised, safety protocols also need to be given high priority. Wearing a mask, maintaining social distance, avoiding crowds are some precautions to be followed. Hand hygiene is of utmost importance and using hand sanitisers or soaps at frequent intervals is recommended.
Getting vaccinated for protection is every individual’s responsibility. If a vaccine is not available, we advise you to mask up, stay protected!
The more particles that are blocked, the better you are protected against getting COVID-19. You should not wear two disposable masks or combine an N95 or KN95 with any other mask.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
Double masking is a preventive method, where one mask is worn on top of another. This helps improve the efficiency of the mask by improving the filtration rate and preventing the spread of the virus. It also limits the exhalation of droplets and the spread of droplets containing the virus.
For the prevention of COVID-19, there are generally three types of masks used:
Cloth masks are made of breathable fabric. They are recommended for the general public and can be worn daily. The fabric should be multilayered and should block light when held up to a bright source of light.
Cloth masks can be worn in public settings. It is not recommended for individuals with breathing issues. These masks can be washed frequently. However, wearing a mask must be combined with other safety protocols to ensure proper protection.
Double masking should be done by using 2 surgical masks or 1 cloth and 1 surgical masks. There is no need for double masking with N95 masks. As per CDC double masking with proper fit blocks 85 percent of cough particles.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Surgical masks are usually flat or rectangular in shape with pleats or folds. They have elastic bands to wear by looping the bands behind the ears. These masks are loose-fitting, designed to protect the wearer from large particle aerosols, sprays and so on.
However, by design, they do not filter or block small particles transmitted via coughs or sneezes. Due to the loose fit between the surface of the mask and the face, these masks are advised to be worn underneath a cloth mask for added protection.
An N95 mask is designed to protect from larger particles and smaller particles, such as bacteria. It contains a respirator, generally oval-shaped and some may have an exhalation valve. The edges of the respirator are designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth. KN95 masks are also similar to N95 masks. However, they do not have exhalation valves.
These are commonly used in healthcare settings and are considered the best mask for COVID-19 as well. It is essential to note that N95 respirators with exhalation valves should not be used by people with symptoms of COVID-19, asymptomatic people and when sterile conditions are required.
Based on research, it is advised to double mask as it not only prevents the transmission of the virus but also helps protect against the threat of more contagious variants.
Double masking should be followed while continuing to practice physical distancing and proper hygiene. Here, we outline some tips on double masking.
According to research, double masking is effective because of the enhanced filtration and gap elimination, rather than just the addition of layers of masks. Here are some precautions to be taken while double masking.
In addition to wearing masks, try our new LivEasy Covid Essentials!
Records and research prove that double masking offers a stronger barrier against the virus. A single cloth mask blocks around 52 percent of aerosol particles and the surgical mask with a knot blocks around 70 percent. However, a combination of cloth masks and surgical masks, the most common of double masking methods, blocks aerosol particles up to 85 percent. This emphasizes the effectiveness of double masking.
It is crucial to continue following safety guidelines such as social distancing, hand hygiene and restricting engagement with larger crowds. While double masking forms an essential tool to combat the ongoing pandemic, the road to recovery is possible when one also follows the rest of the safety guidelines.
Update: As of 23rd March 2022, over 70% of the Indian population has been vaccinated with 10 vaccines approved in the country. Certain studies (domestic and international) also indicate a potential need for booster shots (getting a third vaccine injection). The year 2022 saw the rise of the Omicron variant, and with its higher transmissibility rate, it has made double masking even more relevant. Vaccination for children between the ages of 15-18 started to roll out at the beginning of 2022 with younger age groups set to be eligible later in the year.
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 COVID-19 Pandemic has wreaked havoc in our lives since 2020 and we have seen our world going through many ebbs and flows for this in the last two years. One moment, everything seems to go in the right direction, whereas in the next we are preparing for a new wave. But even in these uncertain times, we have managed to create many effective vaccines for our protection. This is no easy feat and we have our brilliant scientists to thank for that.
But the one thing that is more unpredictable than the outcome of the virus is the virus itself. It has been mutating heavily, and people are confused whether the existing vaccines are going to be effective against it or not. The current mutated variant – the Omicron variant stands as the most infectious one, and we must find out if our vaccines can protect us against it or not.
Not a lot is known about the Omicron Variant, but we know that it was first reported in South Africa. We know with the help of current reports and studies that the Omicron variant is far more infectious than the Delta variant or even the earlier COVID-19 strains such as Alpha or Beta. According to the CDC, the Omicron variant is known to spread from an infected person to another very easily even if they do not inhabit any symptoms, or even if they are fully vaccinated. But there have been fewer reports of people being in critical condition after getting infected with the Omicron variant.
Vaccines should be effective against the Omicron variant, just like they have proven themselves to be effective against all the previous ones. But even then, more research is being carried out to know just how effective the vaccines are against the Omicron variant. The research will reveal if two doses will suffice, or how effective a booster dose will be, what percentage of antibody boost can we expect from a 3-vaccine schedule, etc.
For Indians, the good news is, scientists have found that Covaxin is effective against Omicron. Covaxin has proven itself to be extremely effective against the Delta variant as well as the others, so there is no reason why it shouldn’t work at all against Omicron. It has even been supported by Samiran Panda, the head of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Studies are ongoing to find more evidence to back up the initial findings. So, in the Covaxin VS Omicron battle, it is the home-grown vaccine that is going to come out as victorious. Research is ongoing to determine whether a third dose of Covaxin is required or whether people vaccinated with Covaxin should opt for cocktail vaccination, which means the third dose should be of another vaccine such as Covishield.
Also Read: Precautions to Take Against Omicron Variant
You need to continue following the general precautionary rules that have been in place for the last two years.
Another way that you can increase your chances against the virus is by getting yourself fully vaccinated. In this Omicron VS Covaxin war, if you want Covaxin to win, then get both doses of the vaccine. If you choose the right side in this contest between Omicron VS Covaxin and follow the basic COVID rules, you can keep yourself protected against the disease and even reduce its spread of it.
Also Read: Is Covishield Effective Against Omicron?
It is extremely important to stay cautious during these uncertain times and get yourself tested anytime you see any symptoms. This is going to be a difficult battle against COVID-19, but if we follow the rules we will win and emerge victoriously.
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.
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