While work from home has its benefits like personal time management and flexibility in working hours, safety from exposure to COVID during these times, it also comes with a few health implications. Long hours of work, reduced physical activity, improper sleep routine, reduced in-person interaction with people are some of the factors that may impact your mental health along with overall wellbeing.
Therefore, even though you may have a highly ergonomic work from home setup, it is still important to pay attention to some of the signs and symptoms of mental and physical health which are often left ignored.
Spending long arduous hours in front of the computer screen can put immense pressure on both the eyes as well as the backbone and joints leading to quite a bit of strain. Moreover, work from home can result in a series of health issues:
Work in the office requires a regular commute and this exposes us to the sun which is a great source of Vitamin D. Without having to regularly venture outdoors, work from home can lead to Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency can often lead to fatigue, impacting your immunity, mental and emotional wellbeing and bone health. Therefore, if you’re looking for working from home tips, getting a Vitamin D test would be at the top of such a list.
During prolonged hours of work from home, there is a reduction in physical activity, we often indulge in stress eating because of the pressures of coping with office work as well as trivial household chores. Moreover, without the need to venture out, we also tend to depend excessively on food delivery services. All of these combined could be a recipe for obesity and other allied health risks. If you consider a few quick bites as an essential part of your work from home setup, then it is recommended that you get a Lipid Profile Test.
The more obvious health risk that can emerge from prolonged hours of work from home is related to the cardiovascular system. Since work from home pushes one towards a more sedentary lifestyle we often forget that a few minutes of physical activity can go a long way in maintaining both physical and mental health. Lack of physical activity, increased screen time, improper sleep can greatly increase the risk of cardiac ailments and therefore, it is important that you get a Cardiac Risk Markers Test done.
The lack of physical connection can leave workers feeling they have nowhere to turn when they feel stressed or anxious. It becomes more challenging to form the strong support network which is crucial for good mental health.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)
Whether it be work from home or at the office, long hours of sitting in the wrong posture or straining your neck too much can inevitably lead to shoulder and joint pain. In our tireless efforts on how to be more productive, we often tend to ignore the warning signs of our musculoskeletal system. However, there are an increasing number of cases where people are complaining of muscle and joint pains. Your doctor can advise you an Arthritis Screening Health Checkup to understand to what extent your work from home setup puts you at risk of arthritis.
Besides physical health, you also need to be mindful of mental health when you work from home. This is because increased stress, anxiety, irregular sleep in some cases, burnout can also impact your mental and physical well-being. This in turn can affect your productivity at work. Indulge in some creative activities, play indoor games, exercise well, practice meditation and breathing exercises.
It is equally important to take care of your emotional and psychological well being to stay at the top of your health. By heeding the above-mentioned warning signs and undergoing diagnostic tests for early detection, you can ensure a healthy and happy work from home experience.
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.
COVID-19 vaccines have a lot of controversies and questions surrounding them since the general public is still cautious on how to deal with the virus. An important question surrounding it is the interaction between the COVID vaccine and other drugs. Are there medicines that should be avoided when getting a vaccine or not?
Most studies conducted till now indicate that the COVID vaccine and other drugs don’t interact with each other to harm your health. Thus, any medicine, in particular (unless specified by your physician), does not need to be avoided. However, certain precautions must be taken with respect to certain medications to prevent any adverse side effects.
If you recently underwent an organ transplant surgery and are taking any immunosuppressive drugs, you should consult your physician before taking the vaccine. Ideally, your doctor will advise you to wait for some time after the surgery before getting your vaccine. Immunosuppressive drugs have the possibility of decreasing vaccine efficacy. The vaccine works by triggering a response from the immune system in order to produce antibodies against the COVID-19 virus. Immunosuppressive medications can reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine as they suppress the immune system. If you are taking immunosuppressive drugs you should still go and get vaccinated. The efficacy of the vaccine may be less for immunocompromised patients, however, it does provide protection against the virus. Getting the vaccine ensures more protection than what the body can offer you without vaccination at all.
Steroids also suppress the immune system of the body. If you are on long-term steroids they should be continued along with the COVID-19 vaccine. Your doctor can help you understand and modify the dose if needed. However, if you are planning on taking steroid injections it is recommended to postpone taking them (up to 2 weeks) till after you are done getting vaccinated.
People who are on regular medication for diabetes, blood pressure, hypothyroidism, heart conditions, kidney conditions, etc should not stop their medication if they are about to get vaccinated. However, those with heart conditions and bleeding diseases should first check the kind of anticoagulant they are currently taking before rushing off to get the vaccine. Consulting with your doctor would be ideal in this case.
A prevalent practice that has been observed is the consumption of painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication before getting vaccinated. This is something that should be avoided, as taking anti-inflammatory medication will not provide any additional protection from the symptoms of your immune response. Taking these medicines before getting vaccinated can dull the immune response to the vaccine, which may reduce the vaccine effectiveness. It is ok if you take paracetamol to manage your symptoms after the COVID vaccine but it is not advisable to take any pain killer or other anti-inflammatory medicine before vaccination.
Yes. Patients taking drugs for comorbidities should get vaccinated at the earliest. Patients with comorbidities are at more risk if they contract the virus. People with diabetes or blood pressure can take the vaccine along with their ongoing medications. It is better to consult a physician before getting the vaccine as individual health needs and responses vary greatly.
COVID vaccine and other drugs do not interact negatively in general. It is safe to take the vaccine along with chronic drugs. Be mindful if you take immunosuppressive drugs or treatment for an autoimmune disorder, bleeding or clotting disorder, then ensure to consult a physician before getting vaccinated. Your doctor may advise a dose adjustment of some medicines if needed. By no means should you ever try to change the dosage or skip any of your ongoing medicines without consulting your doctor. Taking the vaccine should not be avoided even if you are taking medication. But certain precautionary measures are recommended such as discussing with your doctor. The vaccine minimises the chances of you contracting COVID-19. Always wear your masks, practice social distancing and adhere to the safety guidelines in your city.
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 Delta Variant that was responsible for the second wave of COVID-19 in India has taught us two things: Recovery after COVID-19 can be a long and strenuous process and the risk of other health complications is very much real.
That is why it is imperative that you learn and prepare yourself for the aftermath of a COVID-19 infection so that you can effectively deal with all post-COVID-19 effects and problems.
Most recovering people will tell you that though they don’t feel as ill as when they were battling the infection, they still feel very much under the weather. Recovery can take anything from 4 weeks to several months. Common post-COVID-19 effects include:
Most people with COVID-19 get better within a few days to a few weeks after infection, max of upto 4 weeks. Being active and avoiding long periods of bed-rest is important. It can help you to recover more quickly – both physically and mentally.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)
Some post-COVID-19 effects are to be expected to disappear with time and you need not be worried. But COVID-19 infection may trigger a few other serious health conditions and may impact your vital organs. You need to be alert of any unusual symptoms that you may experience and discuss them with your doctor so that you can take the right action at the right time!
Long COVID-19 or Post COVID-19 Syndrome is more likely to affect:
If you are experiencing any of the following, then talk to your doctor immediately:
COVID-19 may impact the health of someone who has already been diagnosed with a heart condition. COVID-19 may trigger an oxygen imbalance which will impact the performance of the heart and cause new cardio-pulmonary problems. But with early detection and proper medication, the post-COVID-19 effects on the heart can be managed.
Tests that might be recommended to you. Your doctor would want to analyse your health so that a further medical course of action can be determined for you. To understand the state of your health, the following tests may be recommended:
You must understand that the COVID-19 infection takes a toll on your body. You need to take care of yourself to recover faster:
Shower love and care onto yourself during the recovery period. Stay connected with your loved ones on the phone. This is a crucial phase and things can go wrong if you are not careful. Follow your doctor’s advice, do not ignore any unusual symptoms and never try to self medicate. Keep away all the stress and recover well with a positive mindset.
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.
0
With vaccine deployment on the rise, it finally looks like there is some end to this pandemic within sight. With the initial spread of COVID-19, India faced the world’s largest lockdown to control the escalation and reduce the number of people infected.
Over a year and a half later, after the initial and second waves have taken their toll, everyone is curious about the third wave. Questions like ”when is the third wave coming?” and ”how can we avoid the third wave?” are common in the news and the general public. The hopeful news is that although it is inevitable, proper measures can help us avoid it.
As per the government scientific advisors, to prevent the third wave of COVID-19 is not an impossible task, as long as we all stick to the basic precautionary methods – mask-wearing, hand washing/sanitising and 6-feet physical distancing.
With the new variants such as the Delta variant, it is wreaking havoc due to its ability to spread more easily than the earlier variants, the focus has shifted to prioritise both prevention and vaccination. With ambitious goals to have a billion people fully vaccinated by the end of the year, India faces a steep challenge.
One of the key figures being mentioned is a 60% fully vaccinated rate. It is thought that if we can cross this threshold, it can reduce the likelihood of an intense third wave by achieving herd immunity. At best, it can prevent a third wave from ever happening. Even if the third wave arrives, we will have a handle over it.
One of the more significant factors is the general public becoming relaxed with masks and social distancing protocols due to the low number of cases post the second wave. So, how can we avoid the third wave? It’s simple – wear a mask in public at all times, maintain social distance, sanitise your hands regularly and most importantly, get vaccinated as soon as possible.
So far, there is no consensus on when the 3rd wave will arrive. According to some estimates, it started on July 4th whereas others are of the opinion that the 3rd wave might be here by August. Looking into the way the virus has affected our country through the first two waves gives us some clues as to what are some possible outcomes for the future. It may be that with enough precautions to prevent the third wave of COVID-19 and successful vaccination drives we can actually avoid the third wave.
Some government officials note that 6 – 8 weeks may be a possibility, while the start of August – end of October also seems popular among experts. The later predictions even speculate that November maybe when we see the third wave. However, these are all predictions and nothing is sure at this point in time.
It may turn out that the question of ”when is the third wave?” may be unnecessary, as some speculation suggests this next wave will be a more gradual, slow rise than an actual ‘wave’ of cases. It is best to not worry and stress too much on how to prevent the third wave of COVID-19, as the news may simply lead to unnecessary panic.
There has been some alarm and fear that the ‘inevitable’ third wave will disproportionately affect children. The logic behind this theory is that children have been relatively sheltered throughout the first and second waves of the pandemic. But with more people heading outside to restart work and the public situation evolving, children may be at a higher risk now of coming into contact with the virus.
The fact of the matter is, most children experience this infectious disease in a mild form only. Additionally, most children do not have any comorbidities and health conditions common in adults (hypertension, diabetes, heart and lung diseases). This makes their risk of developing complications during COVID-19 even lower. There is a very small risk of Multi-System Inflammatory Disease of Children (MIS-C) but it is rare. Due to the nature of how the virus works, to prevent the third wave of COVID-19 in children the normal protocols are enough.
Be sure that your child is practising these safety measures even when they are not directly within your sight and instil in them the need to be vigilant without causing them stress or alarm. Avoid unnecessary gatherings and follow COVID appropriate behaviour sincerely, because children imitate what elders do.
Although it has been thoroughly fatiguing and tiring, getting through this pandemic can only move quicker if we stop the virus from spreading and get vaccinated. It is natural to get irritated and disheartened but our lives and safety should always be a priority so remain vigilant and don’t take these precautions lightly. Do your best to help others stick to the usual safety measures and avoid gatherings where you won’t be able to maintain social distance.
In the end, the question of ”how can we avoid the third wave” comes down to each and every one of us – will you be able to do your part to stop the third wave?
If we all do our part, then the third wave can remain as just a speculation and we can all move forward into regular life.
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 Vaccinations are going on hurriedly. As of 24th July 2021, around 9.28 Cr. citizens have been vaccinated. The latest news is of recovery in patients after COVID-19 being impaired due to inactive or dormant bacteria/viruses becoming active. This is different from people who recover but suffer symptoms due to the long term effects of COVID-19.
As per new studies and data coming in, the SARS-CoV-2 virus may be making it easier for viruses or bacteria that are already present in the body to activate and cause infections. Usually, these microbes are inactive but Post-COVID complications may alter things.
The CMV virus may enter the body but can’t become active unless the immune system is compromised, so it remains latent (sleeping/inactive) in most people. This virus does not leave the body, so in people with weak immunity due to some cancer, HIV/AIDS and those under immunosuppression, this particular virus has a chance to become active.
As per anecdotal information, doctors suggest that this situation may be arising due to some of the medicines used to treat COVID-19. These medicines may save patients’ lives during the worst stages of COVID-19 but they suppress the immune system which increases the likelihood of Post-COVID complications. The most common symptoms so far in patients presenting with CMV are stomach pain and blood in the stool, 20 – 30 days after they were diagnosed with COVID-19.
The long term effects of COVID-19 are not limited to an increased risk of CMV but also a suppressed immune system that may lead to fungal or bacterial infections. Apart from this, the CMV is well-studied and treatments for the same are readily available.
It’s possible that COVID is reactivating latent viruses in at least a portion of long COVID patients, causing chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms. There’s general consensus that some level of aberrant immune response happens in COVID-19 which further adds that it makes people more susceptible to latent infections like TB and fungal infections.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)
The Tuberculosis bacteria hibernates in the human body when we’re treated for this disease and like CMV, it also stays in the body. In some people, TB never manifests but the latest studies in mice show that the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 may reactivate dormant TB bacteria.
This connection between COVID-19 and Tuberculosis may have major effects across India and the world since the WHO states that latent Tuberculosis affects nearly a quarter of the world’s population.
It’s important to temper the alarm this study brings since it was performed only on mice and not on humans. The way forward will be to identify whether this is a long term effect of COVID-19 that we need to worry about and monitor the situation closely.
Some people, especially those who had severe COVID-19, experience multiorgan effects or autoimmune conditions with symptoms lasting weeks, months, or even years after COVID-19 illness. Multi-organ effects can involve many body systems, including the heart, lung, kidney, skin, and brain.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
Although not directly connected to the Mucormycosis fungal infection that has been popular in the news recently, all these post-COVID complications are caused by the same mechanism. How it works is that patients with COVID-19 are often treated with medicines that inhibit or lower their immune system, this is done to protect them and prevent them from sustaining long-lasting damage. But the side effect of this treatment is that recovered COVID-19 patients are more susceptible to other infections (fungal, bacterial, viral) due to their weakened immune systems.
This weakness to infections that normally don’t cause any sickness is also common in other people who have compromised immune systems as mentioned above. The ‘black fungus’ infection happens for the same reason, i.e., COVID-19 activates latent infections and weak immune systems but otherwise, it is not directly connected to other long-term effects of COVID-19.
If you have recovered from COVID-19 and especially if you were treated with drugs during your treatment, your risk for contracting infections is higher. It is vital to maintain proper hygiene and personal safety to lower your risk of contracting other diseases and Post-COVID complications. The usual COVID-19 protocols need to be followed stringently. More so, the Health Ministry has a detailed Post-COVID management protocol that you can refer to for guidance.
These guidelines revolve around the continuance of regular mask and social distancing protocols, using diet and supplements to support your immunity and returning to professional work gradually so as not to stress your body and immune system too much. Additionally, you are advised to seek professional help in case of mental and physical recovery, apart from reaching out to friends, family and self-help groups for support.
Remember to follow up with your doctor after your recovery/discharge, preferably a week later. Be sure to inform your primary doctor of any symptoms that persist or any new symptoms that you notice during your recovery at home.
While care needs to be taken after recovering from COVID-19, it is important to understand that self-medication should be avoided in every case. Treatment for COVID and post COVID problems should be taken on a doctor’s advice only. Do not be stressed and fearful. Maintaining a healthy state of mind is a vital part of your recovery, so don’t jump to conclusions about whether you will or won’t face the long term effects of COVID-19.
The last thing you or your body needs during this time is to panic and worry, so follow the necessary protocols and be calm. If you do notice some new symptoms, let your doctor know (either in person or via a phone consultation).
Be alert regarding the standard safety protocols and you will be able to give your body time to strengthen your immune system. Lastly, although you need to wait a while, try your best to get vaccinated as soon as your doctor approves of it.
For those who have not gone through COVID-19, it is important to get vaccinated at the earliest available slot and avoid contracting the disease in the first place.
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.
1Indians seem to be forgetting how miserable their lives had become just a couple of months ago when the second wave of COVID-19 had wreaked havoc, killing our loved ones and forcing us to knock from door to door for the arrangement of basic healthcare facilities.
As soon as the number of cases started dropping, people have once again started taking probably the deadliest virus in the history of mankind very lightly. The government lifted the curbs on travelling and visiting public places and people just lost control and thronged the hill stations and other tourist destinations completely ignoring every norm of social distancing.
The most unfortunate thing seems to be that the people did not learn anything from their mistake that they made after the first wave had started subsiding.
Since the virus’s first, second, and third-order effects manifest over various time periods, the pandemic will not be considered ‘over’ until the ‘third phase’ of the COVID-19 pandemic has passed. It is the best time to take preventative steps and immunize ourselves with vaccines in order to prepare for the predicted third wave of COVID-19 in some countries. In order to effectively suppress and monitor the COVID-19 pandemic, early and timely measures with improved social distancing policies should be enforced.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)
The newly sworn-in Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has taken charge at a time when India is recording about 40,000 COVID-19 cases on a daily basis. With the experts claiming that the third wave is ”inevitable”, it is not going to be easy for him to manage horrifying days in the offing.
Although India’s daily cases have started dropping, the third wave has appeared to have set in on July 4. A senior physicist, who has thoroughly analysed the trend of COVID-19 in India, has claimed that July 4 seems to be very similar to what it looked like back in February this year when the second wave had set in.
In another study conducted by the State Bank of India (SBI), the third wave, which is expected to be 1.7 times deadlier than the second wave, might hit India by the second week of August and possibly will reach its peak in September.
One expert is of the opinion that the 3rd wave will not be as severe as the 2nd. But we cannot be too sure, because another expert has brought to everyone’s attention the possibility of a new variant that has a capacity to overpower the immunity produced by vaccination and previous infection.
Nearly 40 crore people in the country are vulnerable because they haven’t yet formed immunity against COVID-19.
Moreover, the Union Health Ministry has also warned that there has been a slowdown in the decrease in cases and a slight increase in the positive cases. Maharashtra, Kerala and some states of the Northeast are already witnessing a rapid rise in COVID positive cases.
However, according to AIIMS chief Randeep Guleria, we can postpone the arrival of the third wave and even ensure it is not as deadly as the second wave if we adopt COVID-specific protocol.
Herd immunity against COVID-19 should be achieved by protecting people through vaccination, not by exposing them to the pathogen that causes the disease, to safely achieve herd immunity against COVID-19, a substantial proportion of the population would need to be vaccinated.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S, M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
Learning something from past experience, the government is making some efforts to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure, which seemed to have completely collapsed during the second wave of COVID-19.
Vaccines being our strongest shield against the virus, the government is planning to inoculate all adults above the age of 18 years by December this year. Ironically, not only the people but the authorities also seem to be becoming complacent, as India has seen a decrease in average weekly inoculation in the last couple of weeks.
The government, however, is ramping up preparations to ensure adequate oxygen supply. A plan has already been prepared to set up 1,200 Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen generators.
More importantly, the government has to prepare more strategies to make people aware of the potential damages the third wave can cause. Plus, inoculating as many people as possible should be the government’s topmost priority to build maximum immunity against the third wave.
ICMR chief Balram Bhargava has highlighted that the third wave is not a future challenge for us but how we react to it will define our situation. He has also said that instead of highlighting the wave aspect, our focus should be on following the COVID-appropriate behaviour to contain its spread. Dr Guleria further stated that mutations of the virus can make coronavirus more infectious and can set India back by making goals of herd immunity unreachable in the short term. In such circumstances, people need to cooperate with the governments by adopting all safety measures.
Additionally, the experts have advised keeping a close watch on the positivity rate, especially when it goes beyond 10%.
Even if the authorities execute all their responsibilities accurately, they would not be able to stop the third wave from causing damage unless we support them in the cause. We should not violate the COVID protocols like wearing a mask, maintaining social distance, not going out unnecessarily, avoiding crowded places, etc. If we do not follow these norms, there is nothing that can stop us from getting into the same situation we were in a few weeks back.
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 finally saw a silver lining amongst the dark clouds when vaccines were rolled out to the public after extensive research. India welcomed vaccines which proved their efficacy in other nations. India’s vaccination drive got a boost with the introduction of the Sputnik V and Novavax vaccines. COVID-19 vaccination in India got a further boost when Cipla announced that they will start manufacturing the Moderna Vaccine in India.
The Moderna vaccine has been developed in Massachusetts in the U.S.A. The Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI) gave the go-ahead to Cipla, a Mumbai-based drug manufacturing company to start the production of these vaccines. As per the World Health Organisation, the Moderna vaccine has an efficacy percentage of around 94.1% against the COVID-19. The vaccine offers strong COVID-19 immunity and the vaccine is scheduled to be produced under the Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA).
A person allergic to polyethylene glycol (PEG) should not get vaccinated with the Moderna vaccine. It should only be administered by intramuscular injection and in a person with a bleeding disorder using a 23 or 25-gauge needle and applying firm pressure on the injection site for 2 minutes is recommended.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
The vaccine has been highly effective in the U.S.A. in providing COVID-19 immunity. The vaccine can be officially rolled out to the Indian public after it completes a 7-day safety assessment, which is to be tried out on 100 beneficiaries. The vaccine is safe to be taken by most adults and no severe side effects have been noted when the vaccine was taken by people. It has been noticed that the body starts developing immunity to COVID-19 around 14 days after the vaccine is administered. The vaccine has a shelf life of almost 7 months and is effective for 30 days if opened.
The Moderna vaccine is proven to be effective against strains of COVID-19 like the Alpha variant (B.1.1.7) and the Beta variant (501Y.V2). Parent company Moderna Inc. is still testing the vaccine’s efficacy against the new Delta strain of COVID-19. Results are looking positive regarding the efficiency of the vaccine in offering immunity against the new strain.
Like most vaccines, the Moderna vaccine in India is planned to be administered in two doses of 0.5 ml each. The tentative duration between the two doses is set at 24 days, however, it might be extended up to 42 days depending on the production capacity and the number of vaccines getting rolled out.
Moderna’s COVID-19 shot, mRNA-1273, has been found to be the most efficacious of all. While the company wrapped up trials in, it has found that the vaccine has an efficacy rate of over 91%, with immunity peaking after administering two doses.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)
Cipla vaccine trials in India are slated to be completed at the earliest. When effective trials on 100 beneficiaries are completed the vaccines will be made available to the public. It is expected to be rolled out to the public in the middle or end of July when finer aspects of the trials are completed and it is deemed okay to be used.
The vaccine needs to be stored under negative 20 ° Celsius, which has made production difficult due to the storage requirements. The vaccine is expected to be rolled out in the private sector first as the storage requirements make the cost of the vaccine higher than some of its counterparts.
The third wave of COVID-19 is still expected to hit India even though vaccination drives are ongoing. The introduction of the Moderna vaccine in India can be a boost to fight the Delta strain and if it gets approved by the USFDA for emergency usage in India, the vaccines will start to be administered without further trials on home soil. WHO has been supporting the results which indicate that the Moderna vaccine is showing efficiency in providing immunity against the delta strain. To counter the third wave and the rise in Delta variants, India might also start importing the Moderna vaccine to increase the vaccinations.
Even though vaccinations in India are ongoing the percentage of vaccinated people still stands at only 6% of the total population. Vaccinating such a large population is difficult and the introduction of new vaccines in India like the Moderna vaccine is a huge boost.
The population needs to be more wary about getting vaccinated and staying safe by following all the guidelines issued by the government. New vaccines bring hope that the world will get back to normal and overcome 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.
1
2We have reached the crest of the second wave of COVID-19. This wave laid bare vulnerabilities of the healthcare services and has taken a tremendous toll on lives, livelihoods,s and psychological health.
Even though it has been months since the vaccination drive started in India, a very small percentage of the population has actually been able to get the COVID-19 jab. On top of that, there are many questions to which we don’t know the answer, for example, how long will the vaccines be effective?
Fortunately, we now have an answer to one particular question. Many people have wondered if vaccination in pregnancy is safe. The answer is yes. The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have given the go-ahead to vaccines for pregnant women.
Pregnancy does not increase the possibility of contracting COVID-19. However, studies have found that a COVID-19 infection in a pregnant woman has a higher risk of taking a turn for the worse than in a woman who is not pregnant.
The expecting mother’s health will likely deteriorate speedily and eventually, even the foetus’ health will be affected. That means, both the mother and the developing baby are at risk.
The risk of severe COVID-19 infection increases with the presence of comorbidities and if the woman is over 35 years of age.
Vaccination for pregnant women will drastically reduce the chances of them contracting severe COVID-19. Just like in any other individual, the COVID-19 vaccine will awaken an immune response in the pregnant woman and her antibodies will be able to detect and kill COVID-19 if she is ever exposed to the virus.
The time of vaccination during pregnancy is flexible. At any point in her pregnancy, she can opt for the COVID-19 vaccine. The benefits of vaccines for pregnant women will be the same whenever she decides to get vaccinated.
Women who have recovered from COVID can also register for the COVID-19 vaccine. They would have to wait for 3 months after recovering from a COVID infection before they can get the vaccine.
The threats are not more substantial for pregnant women. The goal of the new vaccination drive for pregnant women is to let women decide what is the best course of action for them. If you have any concerns regarding vaccination, it is better to consult your doctor, clear your doubts and then get the jab.
Studies have already found that the benefits outweigh the risks. It is in the interests of the woman and her developing baby if she opts for vaccination during pregnancy.
The side-effects of vaccination will be the same for pregnant women as for anyone else:
Your doctor will be able to guide you about the management of any discomfort or side effects arising after vaccination. Do not self medicate.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has instructed state governments to make vaccination available to all pregnant women who want to get vaccinated.
Now any mother-to-be can register on the CoWIN app and book a vaccination slot or she may walk into her nearest COVID Vaccination Centre to get the jab.
With the announcement of making vaccination during pregnancy available, 62% of the nation’s population is eligible to get the COVID-19 shot. This brings us one step closer to attaining herd immunity and winning the war against COVID-19. Continue following COVID-19 protocol even if you have been vaccinated or have recovered from COVID.
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 second wave of COVID-19 has devastated the whole world. The death toll is unparalleled and the economic losses are incalculable. The constant threat of contracting COVID-19 and the way it upends life is something that we are forced to live with.
The second wave may be slightly on the decline. We have no inkling about when it will recede entirely. Besides, it is now evident that a third wave is on its way. There is no consensus yet on when it will manifest itself but according to most estimates, it will arrive anytime between September and December.
At such a juncture, vaccination is the only ray of hope. COVID-19 vaccination was kicked off in February and by now people above 18 years of age are legible for the jab.
India has slowly been ramping up vaccination and on June 21st reached an all-time high. All of this comes as heartening news during these dark and uncertain days. Vaccine availability is increasing because by now, municipal offices, healthcare bodies, hospitals and large organizations are planning and executing vaccination drives.
Post vaccination pain is common to all intramuscular vaccines and is not limited to covid vaccine. It is a self limiting pain and very mild.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)
Despite all efforts being made to speed up vaccination, there are still some people who are loath to take the vaccine. Rumours about the apparent dangers of the vaccine and the severe COVID vaccine side effects abound. Some people are downright terrified of the after-effects that are associated with the vaccines such as fever, body ache, pain at the site of the injection or even slight nausea.
The cobwebs of misinformation can easily be swept away with scientific understanding.
If you experience severe pain at the injection site which lasts beyond 48 hours and is associated with redness, tenderness, burning sensation and a visible lump, it is recommended to visit a physician to get treated.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
Most of the after-effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are indications that the vaccine is working! Most people who’ve received one or both the COVID doses have complained of a sore arm. The pain can range from slight discomfort to a level that makes it difficult to operate that arm. These symptoms usually resolve in a few days.
Here are some of the most common COVID vaccine side effects related to the arm:
The COVID-19 vaccine is an intramuscular vaccine. It is usually injected into your deltoid muscle (responsible for giving your upper arm and shoulder their range of movements).
The vaccine that is injected into your body mimics the coronavirus and tricks your immune system into believing that the body is under attack without actually causing an infection. This elicits an immune response that may appear as the COVID vaccine side effects.
When your body senses the vaccine, it triggers a response in the form of inflammation at the site of the jab. Inflammation can cause some redness, swelling and pain and it also means your immunity is active now. This response varies from person to person hence, the post-jab symptoms are of different intensity and types in different people.
Another reason why the arm is sore after COVID vaccination and the region swells up is that it has sustained a very tiny needle injury.
COVID vaccine arm pain may last for 5 – 10 days for some, even when the other COVID vaccine side-effects die down. Also, some people have experienced a very mild pain that lasted for a couple of days. The positive note to be kept in mind is that this discomfort is temporary and will go away in a few days but the protection against a serious COVID infection will last for long.
If your sore arm after COVID-19 vaccination is not giving you a moment’s peace, then there are a few ways you can relieve the pain:
The COVID-19 vaccines are our only hope against the pandemic. The COVID vaccine arm pain and the other COVID vaccine side-effects are very short term effects and weigh nowhere near the protection granted by the vaccines. They can save your life! If you haven’t booked a slot yet, do it now.
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.
1
Even though COVID-19 has been rampaging for more than a year, a lot is yet unknown about this virus. Every day scientists are making new discoveries and adding to our knowledge and understanding of the virus. This, we hope, will better equip us in finding ways to make the world population safe from COVID-19.
To further our knowledge about COVID-19 and understanding of re-infection, a study was planned in the UK by some of the most premium academic institutions of the country.
This study was recently conducted by the University of Oxford in conjunction with the Universities of Sheffield, Newcastle and Birmingham with help from the UK Coronavirus Immunology Consortium and has arrived at a startling finding.
People who have recovered from COVID-19 may still contract the disease from the Alpha and Beta COVID variants. The alpha and beta COVID-19 variants are the ones that wreaked destruction throughout the globe last year. The alpha variant was mostly responsible for the devastation in the US. The beta variant was discovered in South Africa and triggered a spike in that region of the African continent. They are all considered as ‘variants of concern‘. WHO has given these variants such a label because these have a high transmissibility rate and can lead to severe infections with far-reaching consequences on health.
Here are a few glimpses from the study and what it says about COVID re-infection:
For the study, researchers collected samples from 78 healthcare workers. These medical professionals are at the frontline of the war against COVID-19. The goal was to observe how their immunity responds to COVID-19 and what are the chances of being infected again even after recovering from COVID-19.
The people from whom samples were taken had experienced both symptomatic (66 of the volunteers) and asymptomatic COVID infection (12 of the volunteers). All of them had contracted COVID-19 very recently. The sample pool also included 8 people who had survived very severe COVID-19 infections.
The samples were drawn every month from the first to the sixth month from the time of the infection. Several types of antibody tests such as Spike-specific and Nucleocapsid-specific antibodies were run on the samples to analyse the body’s memory of the disease and understand different aspects of the person’s immune response.
For more accurate analysis, machine learning technology nicknamed SIMON was deployed. The involvement of SIMON was a game-changer. Why? Because now, with the help of SIMON, the researchers could get their hands on complex datasets to understand patterns in the sample analyses. This had never happened before.
This means that the researchers could tell with greater accuracy what the early response to the disease is like. With that data, they could also predict how long-term immunity will shape up. This, in turn, helped them realize what the chances of re-infection are.
Through the avant-garde technology used, researchers came across an immune signature that develops in the first-month post-infection. This signature can determine how strong COVID-19 immunity will be in the sixth month post the infection.
The samples of many of the participants showed very weak immune signatures in the first month (26% for symptomatic disease and 92% for asymptomatic disease). That translated to the failure to produce antibodies that can destroy the alpha and beta COVID variants.
The samples of some of the survivors showed no immune memory at all 6 months after the infection. The findings point to an uncomfortable truth that the immune systems of COVID-19 survivors may not be able to shield them from re-infections.
This study has proved that surviving a COVID-19 infection need not necessarily grant a person complete immunity from the virus, especially because new variants too are on the rise. Just because you have contracted COVID-19 once does not mean that you are safe from it. Scientists had already assumed that the antibodies do not last long. This research has proved from another angle that re-infection is very much possible and the only way to save yourself is to get both doses of the COVID vaccine.
This means we should not relax the COVID-19 protocol even after recovering from COVID-19. A very real threat of COVID re-infection exists, especially from the alpha and beta COVID variants and also the newer variants.
It is very important to understand that you need a COVID vaccine (if not vaccinated already) after 3 months of recovery from a COVID infection as you cannot just rely on the immunity acquired from a Covid infection.
Continue following COVID-19 precautions such as hand sanitization and wearing of masks when you are outside. Clean your clothes, accessories, shoes and bags once you come home. Maintain physical distancing wherever possible. And book a slot for the COVID-19 vaccine, even if you had contracted COVID-19 earlier.
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.
