India is slowly but surely weathering the deadly second wave of COVID. The past months have been marked with pain, loss, anxiety and heartbreak. It was also a time of hope as India accelerated the COVID vaccination drive and millions are on their way to developing immunity against COVID-19.
According to scientists, the COVID variant responsible for the second wave is Delta. WHO had earlier classified Delta ‘a variant of concern’.
Now it has come to light that there is another new COVID variant that is doing the rounds. This one is called Lambda. How dangerous is Lambda and what does it mean for India?
The nature of viruses is that they mutate with time and new variants are formed. The rule applies to the SARS-CoV2 virus as well. In fact, we have already heard and read about many of the earlier variants of this virus. The first wave was triggered by COVID variants such as Alpha, Beta or Gamma. Along with Delta, all these are in the ‘variants of concern’ bracket.
At times, mutation may bring little or no change in the properties of a virus. However, sometimes it plays an influence on the virus properties like how well vaccines work against the virus, the severity of the infection, transmission rate, post-recovery complications, etc.
Lambda, the COVID new strain, was originally detected in Peru and by now it has already spread to 29 countries. This is what drew WHO’s attention to this new COVID variant. Not much is yet known about Lamda, but it is believed that this COVID variant has the potential to spread fast.
WHO has labelled Lambda as a ‘variant of interest’.
Although Lambda variant is not a newly discovered, it is found to be a dominant strain in Peru where it originated. The variant has been identified to cause significant community transmission or multiple COVID-19 clusters.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
To make it convenient to monitor, manage and gather the data on the spread of different variants of SARS-CoV-2, WHO has designed a classification system for these variants. This helps in assessing the risks posed by a particular variant and signalling the degree of preparedness required to countries across the globe. Read further to know the differences between variants of concern and variants of interest –
| VARIANTS OF CONCERN (VOC) | VARIANTS OF INTEREST (VOI) |
| It has been demonstrated to be associated with one or more of the following changes at a degree of global public health significance: Ӣ Increase in transmissibility or detrimental change in COVID-19 epidemiology; or Ӣ Increase in virulence or change in clinical disease presentation; or Ӣ Decrease ineffectiveness of public health and social measures or available diagnostics, vaccines, therapeutics. | A SARS-CoV-2 virus can be a Variant of Interest (VOI) if: Ӣ It has been identified to cause community transmission/multiple COVID-19 cases/clusters, or has been detected in multiple countries; OR Ӣ is otherwise assessed to be a VOI by WHO in consultation with the WHO SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution Working Group. |
| Variants in this category are – Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta. | Variants in this category are – Epsilon, Zeta, Eta, Theta, Iota, Kappa and Lambda. |
The mutation of the Lambda variant resembles those found in several other highly contagious or worrisome variants which means more dangerous than the original strain
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)
The war against COVID does not end with vaccination. There is a lot that scientists do not know about Lambda or any of the future variants that may arise. So India will have to keep its guard up. It is too early to say if Lambda will trigger the third wave.
We the citizens need to be cautious too. Vaccination does not mean we can relax COVID norms like masking, physical distancing and hand hygiene. As of now, it is difficult to predict what the new variants like Lambda can bring to us. All that we can do is to follow all safety norms and practice COVID appropriate behaviour.
We are all together in this. Let’s hope to win this battle against COVID soon.
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.
Indian monsoons usually bring respite from the summer heat but also bring a host of vector and water-borne diseases. With the rise of humidity and climate change, people become more prone to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. There is a looming fear of how these existing infections will play out during the monsoons. We also see a rise in the cases of COVID-19 in India.
Monsoons come and the number of air-borne diseases like the common flu, viral fever, cold, and other water-borne infections increases. Many experts debate how COVID-19 and the rainy season will play out with the impending monsoons.
In 2020 and 21, there were speculations about how the monsoons will cause an increased spread of the virus. However, the experts have no conclusive proof of the monsoon effect on COVID-19. This year also, experts are unclear about how the curve of cases will be affected by the rains.
A few weapons we need to have to fight against COVID-19 today are vaccinations and masks, with other COVID-19 appropriate measures. However, the wet monsoons are sure to cause many of these difficulties in the subcontinent. We’ve got you a few handy tips and actions that are sure to provide monsoon COVID-19 protection:
Air-borne microbes like the common flu virus, the COVID-19 virus and others, affect the respiratory system. These air-borne infections are more common during the monsoon season, so protecting the immune system and strengthening our immunity is essential. Some home remedies that you can use to protect your respiratory system during the rainy season are:
Contagious and mosquito-borne diseases are very common in monsoon season especially diseases like malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and Covid, prevention and earliest reporting of any symptoms are. essential to halt the progression and spread of such diseases.
Dr. Ashish, M.B.B.S., M.D.
Even though we have routed back to the normal way of living with schools and colleges opening up, we must not forget the appropriate Covid behaviour. At the same time, we must do our bit to provide the homeless and the vulnerable monsoon COVID-19 protection. As the country ramps up its vaccination drive to protect every Indian, we must take precautions daily to avoid COVID-19-related complications that can arise during monsoons. Following basic hygiene measures and COVID-19 safety protocol, we can surely tide over the monsoons safely.
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 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 of 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.
As the second wave of COVID-19 shook the roots of Indian healthcare machinery, some researchers used this disastrous time as an opportunity to prepare a self-testing kit for common people, which they can use to know if they are infected with SARS-CoV-2 or not within the safety and comfort of home in a very short time. The quick results given by CoviSelf will help you seek proper treatment at the earliest, thereby reducing the risk of developing severe illness due to delay in diagnosis and the initiation of treatment.
The self-testing kits, which can potentially release a huge burden off the healthcare system, have now also received a green signal from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
The self-test kit, approved by ICMR, has been developed by a Pune-based molecular company named MyLab Discovery Solutions. The name of the kit is CoviSelf.
It uses a rapid antigen test. In it, the patient just has to take the nasal swab sample, and it will give the result within 15 minutes. It only takes about 2 minutes to carry out the test.
This test kit costs only Rs 250. The manufacturing company currently has a production capacity of 70 lakh kits per week, and they are expecting to expand it to one crore kits per week in the next 14 days. The kit will not only be sold at the local medical stores but also at the e-pharmacies in India.
Aiming to fight against the upcoming waves of COVID-19 with more efficiency, MyLab has also prepared an AI-powered smartphone app to update users about their positive status. They can also submit their report directly to the ICMR for traceability purposes. The app will also tell them what to do next in case of either result.
ICMR recommends taking this test only if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have come in contact with a COVID positive patient. If found positive, the patient will not require an RT-PCR test for confirmation, and all the government-specified protocols will be followed for isolation and high-risk contact tracing.
If your result comes out positive, your report will be automatically submitted on the ICMR portal, as the test is in sync with MyLab’s mobile app CoviSelf. ICMR, however, recommends not to take this test in public places.
Moreover, if a person has tested negative but still has symptoms, he/she is recommended to take an RT-PCR test.
The self-test kit includes the following:
To begin, the user has to download the CoviSelf app on their smartphone and enter all their details. This data will be saved on a secured server that is directly connected with the ICMR portal, making your test reports available to the government.
All the self test kits are rapid antigen detection kits which have high false negative rates. The definitive diagnosis should always be made by RTPCR.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)
Covid self tests would be helpful ideally 5 days after an exposure to covid virus. If you are negative for the first time you may repeat the test after 48 hours for a total of 3 times.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
You will get the result within 15 minutes of taking the test. In case the result is positive, two lines will appear on the testing card. One line will be on marker “t” for the testing line, and “c” for the quality control line. If the result is negative, there will be only one line at marker “c”.
If the result takes more than 20 minutes to appear or if you can not see any line on marker “c”, then the test is considered invalid.
Many states in India are currently struggling to get through the second wave of COVID-19, and all of them are preparing to combat the possible third wave, which is expected to affect kids the most.
The exponential spread of COVID-19 not only puts a lot of pressure on the hospitals and treatment centres but also creates a huge burden on diagnostic labs.
The RT-PCR test is considered to be the sure-shot way of diagnosing COVID-19, and with a huge number of cases coming daily, the laboratories were finding it difficult to deliver test results even in 3-4 days. This was causing a delay in the hospitalization of the patients.
With the introduction of these self-test kits, COVID-19 management in India can see a huge improvement. It will release a lot of pressure from the limited manpower that has been responsible for collecting the samples, executing the tests and delivering the result.
Using these kits, people can check their status within just 15 minutes, enabling them to get the required treatment in time.
The United States was the first country to approve the use of such self-test kits back in November 2020. California-based Lucira Health had produced this all-in-one rapid result test kit and was approved for emergency use in the US. Europe and South Korea have also approved similar kits already.
There are certain shortcomings of these self-test kits as well. The biggest of them all is reliability. There are chances of improper sample collection or contamination of swab sticks.
There are high chances of rapid antigen tests showing false-negative results. In that case, a COVID-positive asymptomatic person may turn out to be a super spreader of the virus without even being traced.
On one hand, where the self-test kits can help in easing the pressure on diagnostic labs and hospitals, on the other, over-dependence on this particular method can lead to an even worse situation. Hence, it should only be recommended and used by those who can carry out the guidelines perfectly and interpret the result accurately.
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
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Since the beginning of 2020, many of us have been scouring through the internet for tips on how to increase immunity. With the massive death rate of the second wave of COVID-19 in 2021, we have become all the more cautious and concerned about personal health. This is because boosting our immune system is still considered one of the most effective ways to prevent contracting COVID-19.
While doctors and other medical health workers have been actively educating the masses on how to boost immunity, the mutating nature of the virus adds a lot of ambiguity. Therefore, despite the vaccinations, we should not stop following COVID protocols.
Now that lockdowns are easing and we may be going out, it is important to understand if we have good immunity against the virus. Here are a few things that can be helpful.
Not sure if you had COVID or had come in close contact with a COVID patient and did not develop COVID symptoms? Or you have recovered from COVID, then test yourself for IgG COVID antibodies. This test tells you that you have been infected with COVID in the past and now you have developed antibodies.
The vaccines developed for COVID-19 have till now proven to be about 90% effective against the deadly disease. Moreover, this 90% protection is only guaranteed after the second dose of vaccination. People who have been vaccinated can undergo the COVID Spike S1 Antibody Test. This can give an idea of if antibodies have developed and how many. Such antibodies reduce the probability of getting the infection or manage the severity of it.
To better understand the health of our immune system, we can undergo other simple diagnostic tests as well.
People undergoing COVID treatment are prescribed heavy doses of medication that can often be harmful to the kidney and liver. Therefore, taking a Kidney Function Test (KFT) and a Liver Function Test (LFT) is beneficial to understand the status of your kidney before stepping outside.
Quite a lot of us are now working from home and rarely get a healthy exposure to sunlight. This can result in vitamin D deficiency that can prove detrimental to our immune system. To identify the extent of deficiency, it is advisable to take tests that also identify the levels of Vitamin C, D and B12 in our body. Comprehensive tests that include the aforementioned, as well as Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Haemoglobin count, can also give us a good idea about our level of immunity.
With the arrival of the monsoon, many of us are even more prone to contracting infectious diseases like the flu and the common cold. To understand how to make the immunity system stronger during such times of season change, it is better to first get an idea of your current health status.
Early signs of infection include a fever, a sore throat, headache, and a loss of the sense of taste or smell which usually appear within 2-14 days of being exposed to the virus, getting diagnosed at the earliest is very essential.
Dr. Ashish, M.B.B.S., M.D.
When looking for ways and means on how to increase immunity, it is important to know the current status of our immune system. This is because to boost our immunity we need to first know where we stand and only then can we set our health goals right. Therefore, by standing together as a community that is well-informed about personal health, we can overcome this pandemic. Also, with the help of diagnostic insights about our personal health, India can fight COVID-19 successfully.
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 witnessing a drastic change economically as well as epidemiologically. India has come a long way in the last few decades in terms of the economic sector, be it an improvement in the infrastructure of India or an increase in the industrial sector.
In the year 2020, COVID-19 emerged in India. COVID-19 mainly attacks the respiratory system that reduces the ability of the lung to provide the required oxygen to the body. The relationship between air quality and the COVID-19 virus has been under investigation in several studies. According to research conducted by Harvard University, a minor increase in long-term PM2.5 exposure causes a substantial rise in COVID-19 fatality rates.
Air Quality Index (AQI) is the EPAs index for measuring air quality. According to the Air Quality Index higher the AQI value, the higher the degree of air pollution and the greater the health risk.
Every day, an adult breathes in and out 11,000 litres of oxygen. Breathing fresh air increases the oxygen capacity of the lungs. When fresh air is combined with dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen, then the oxygen content in the airdrops result in poor air quality. As we breathe, hazardous substances in the atmosphere enter the lungs. It harms the respiratory system, resulting in significant health issues including asthma, cardiovascular disease, cancer and increased mortality. Therefore, maintaining quality air is essential to keep lungs and body healthy, making us less vulnerable to COVID-19. And if infected, a healthy immune system will help to fight against the deadly Coronavirus.
As COVID-19 is a contagious virus, it can spread like wildfire. According to research issued by the World Bank, fatalities rise by 5.7 percentage points for every 1 % increase in long-term PM2.5 exposure.
As said earlier, COVID-19 is termed as SARS; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome harms the lungs particularly, which makes us incentivized to take more care of our lung health. People suffering from previous respiratory illnesses like asthma, COPD, allergic bronchitis, Pneumonia etc may face greater difficulty in recovering from Covid 19 infection.
Some of the habits that are injurious to the lungs are:
The practices mentioned above might lead to diseases such as pneumonia, cancer, etc. Studies have also shown an increase in the use of tobacco and nicotine products since lockdown. As lungs are already affected, fighting and recovering from COVID-19 Infection becomes difficult. It also reduces the immunity of the body to fight deadly COVID-19. Quit these bad habits today and shift to a healthier lifestyle.
Making an environment safe to live in is our duty. Reducing petroleum usage and reducing the use of products that produce carbon monoxide can help to reduce air pollution. As of now, when air pollution is at its worst, precaution can help us prevent lung damage. Specific steps to minimise the impact of air pollution on the lungs are:
Stay indoors as much as possible since the government has asked us to do so for our protection. Staying at home or having short-term exposure to PM2.5 puts residents in a safer position. Shift to a healthy lifestyle by consuming healthier food and engaging in exercise. If you are consuming any tobacco products, try to get help and quit them today. Keeping your lungs healthy will keep you protected from the virus and its effects.
If you notice any COVID-19 symptom, get yourself treated before it ultimately damages your lungs and respiratory system. With the help of our healthcare workers, the government is doing its best to combat COVID-19 till then, wear a mask, maintain social distance and get COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible.
To know about the COVID-19 live update, visit https://www.mohfw.gov.in/.
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.
A pandemic COVID-19, a Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, is a major health concern worldwide. Even after the vaccine’s production, how long does immunity against the COVID-19 Vaccine last is evident among the masses?
Increased spreading of the virus with a high mortality rate, no ideal medicinal protocol and the emergence of several variants are still the most difficult tasks in managing the pandemic.
As several aspects of COVID-19 are still uncovered, research is still going on the COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness.
A Hope comes from the recent studies done in May 2021 that suggest the immunity from COVID-19 vaccines lasts at least a year, possibly a lifetime or may improve over time. Nothing can be claimed with full assurity as of now, this is a topic of ongoing research and we are getting newer updates and results every now and then.
In May 2021, two recent research studies were held that provided evidence that the immunity from the COVID-19 vaccine is long-lasting.
In the first study, blood samples of 77 mild COVID-19 patients were taken and the antibodies in the blood against the SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus) were noticed.
It is found that the antibodies in the blood declined rapidly in the first four months, then slowly degraded in 7 months, but even after 11 months, the antibodies were still detectable.
This study provides evidence that COVID-19 infection triggers the immune cells located in the bone marrow to keep a memory of coronavirus and can create protective antibodies when needed.
This evidence helps in believing the potential long-term immunity both from infection and vaccination.
Another study suggests that COVID-19 vaccines produce antibodies in the blood and initiate memory B cells cloning that provide immunity against the COVID-19. It also protects against the COVID-19 variants.
This study provides evidence that the vaccine not only produces antibodies in the blood but also increases the number of memory B cells and other white blood cells which are responsible to fight infection.
It memorizes the characteristics of any foreign body and triggers an immune response when the body encounters a similar foreign body again.
The data suggest that immunity in convalescent individuals will be very long-lasting. Also, the convalescent individuals who receive available mRNA vaccines will produce a good number of antibodies. These should be protecting against circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants, as the researcher wrote.
Immunity is the ability of the body to kill and stop the spread of any foreign invader or pathogen (virus, bacteria or fungus).
It is of two types:
Innate Immunity is the body’s inborn capacity to fight against diseases and it is the body’s natural immunity – the first line of defence against any disease.
Adaptive Immunity is a learned response. The immune response developed in the body against the specific foreign body after the first encounter. Vaccines use this concept of immunity and prepare the body to fight against the disease one has been vaccinated for.
During vaccination of COVID-19, it induces immunity against COVID-19 by the production of antibodies specific to the COVID 19 virus.
These studies and their relevant evidence with a connection of bone marrow and immunity give hope in producing antibodies that may result in the body being able to fight against different variants of SARS-CoV-2 i.e Coronavirus.
The memory B cells that were found detectable in the studies even after 11 months might enhance the immunity from the COVID-19 vaccine and there will be no need for boosters.
With the help of these studies, scientists can now move in a definite direction to aim for, which will probably give the best immunity against the COVID-19 in masses.
With recent research regarding COVID-19 and its vaccination, it has been seen that the result of the immunity from the COVID-19 vaccine will last longer than the months. The chances of prolonged immunization against the virus are high.
Antibodies against Covid 19 can be detected in your body for months and even if the antibody counts decline, there is no need to worry. Because your white blood cells keep a memory of the invader’s protein and multiply rapidly to produce more white blood cells and antibodies whenever a COVID 19 virus infects your body again. It is important to receive a full course of vaccination to achieve this kind of immunity.
It is also stated by researchers that even if you have recovered from a previous COVID 19 infection and your body has generated antibodies in the blood, you must get both doses of vaccination as recommended by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfares, India.
As vaccination provides more power to your body to fight various strains of COVID 19.
After being vaccinated, It is important to follow social distance, wear a mask and avoid crowded places. It is necessary to take precautionary measures not to get infected 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.
With the pandemic well into the second wave, COVID-19 in India seemingly still has a stronghold over the country. While the COVID-19 is foremost on everyone’s mind during these times, it is important not to neglect other areas of your health. To address this situation, PharmEasy brings to you a broad and comprehensive package of tests that also includes a check on your immunity against coronavirus.
It is a misconception that immunity to COVID-19 is a mysterious bit of knowledge, as we can now simply take this health test and find out where they stand. The test covers a wide range of parameters including a COVID-19 Antibody Test. This allows you and your doctor to assess important aspects of your health with one package.
Apart from standard medical advice (hydration, balanced diet, exercise, vitamins and minerals), there is not much else that people can to meaningfully change their immune system response. However, home remedies and myths still get popular via social media and messaging apps.
Antibody testing is not currently recommended to assess for immunity to SARS-CoV-2 following COVID-19 vaccination or to assess the need for vaccination in an unvaccinated person.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Instead of allowing your health to be dictated by advice circulating online, take the Advanced Full Body Checkup with COVID Antibody Test. This holistic test package covers Liver, Thyroid, Kidney, Blood, Sugar, Cholesterol and tests your blood for COVID-19 antibodies. This suite of tests on your blood and urine will provide a lot of information for your doctor to be able to assess your overall health as well as antibody levels against COVID-19. Taking these tests may also bring to your notice an undiagnosed underlying condition that may pose a risk of serious complications if you, unfortunately, catch a COVID infection. You can get a broad idea of your health status, can consult your doctor and get any underlying condition treated well on time before it can worsen up. You and your family deserve to know what your health situation is without any doubts or fears clouding your judgement.
SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests detect antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests can help identify people who may have been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus or have recovered from COVID-19. Antibody tests should not be used to tell you if you have an active COVID-19 infection.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
The package includes 72 health parameters such as:
It Is important to note that the COVID-19 antibody test should not be used as a diagnosis for detecting the active COVID-19 disease. Irrespective of your covid antibody test being positive or negative, you need to follow COVID appropriate behaviour for the safety of yourself and others.
With an easy home collection of the blood and urine sample, you and your family can get tested from the comfort of your home! Stay home, stay safe and book PharmEasy’s Advanced Health Checkup package for yourself and your family.
With an affordable price and safe sample collection, the Advanced Health Checkup with COVID-19 Antibody package provides an overview and a starting point to better health. Go on, book a test today!
Let’s get fit and beat 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.
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1With the second wave of COVID being much more contagious than the first wave, the need for testing has sky-rocketed because so many people are contracting the disease. Even if you are following all the safety measures, you should familiarize yourself with the different types of COVID test, their purposes, when they are necessary and how you can book such tests. In the time of emergency, the sooner you act, the more quickly you or your loved one will receive the medical care needed.
PharmEasy, India’s beloved and trusted online healthcare platform has jumped in at this time of crisis to help people in all possible ways, from safely delivering medicines at the doorstep, organizing vaccination drives to making the COVID test easily available. Read on to find out which tests can be booked on PharmEasy. This COVID test at home is made possible through the home collection of samples.
This test detects the presence of coronavirus RNA in the mucosal lining of your nose or throat. You can opt for this test the moment you notice the symptoms of COVID, such as fever, sore throat, body ache or headache, diarrhea, nausea, conjunctivitis or loss of taste and smell.
You can book a test by filling out this form and you can also share it with your acquaintances who might need it in the future.
After the diagnosis of COVID, it is essential to monitor the patient because COVID can have many consequences on the person’s health. For this reason, PharmEasy has made provisions for the following tests for COVID patients:
This test detects the level of C-reactive proteins (produced by the liver) to determine how effectively the liver is functioning post injury or infection.
Lactate dehydrogenase is an essential enzyme that helps the body produce energy from glucose. It is formed in the cells of the body. But if the tissues of the body are damaged, then traces of lactate dehydrogenase can be found in the blood. This test can find LDH in blood.
Ferritin stores iron and is present in all our cells. This test can tell you if your ferritin levels are below normal which would indicate that your body is unable to store adequate iron in its cells.
The goal of the COVID-19 vaccine is to induce immunity against COVID-19 by generating antibodies in your blood. The COVID Spike S1 Antibody test can help determine how strong your immunogenic response is by checking for the presence of COVID S1 spike protein antibodies.
The Advanced Full Body Check-Up with COVID Antibody test is a comprehensive test that will check multiple parameters including the presence of COVID antibodies, lipid profile, liver function, thyroid profile, etc (66 parameters altogether).
You can book any of these tests through the PhamEasy app or by calling us directly. Share the information with your friends and family. Stay home, maintain the COVID safety protocol and get vaccinated as soon as you can.
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 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 of 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 Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare updated its COVID-19 treatment protocol for children in April. While India was battling its deadly second wave, health experts warned the administration and the people of an impending third wave, which is likely to affect children. Also, speculations about Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) occurring as a post-COVID-19 complication in this age group prompted health experts to prepare guidelines to reduce the effects of COVID-19 in children.
Pediatric COVID-19 treatment guidelines in India have been grouped under three categories:
Symptomatic care for COVID-19 in the outpatient setting is similar to that for other upper respiratory or gastrointestinal clinical syndromes. For sick cases with saturation less than 92 hospitalisation is necessary.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)
The majority of children infected with COVID-19 were found to be asymptomatic or have mild symptoms. The symptoms of COVID-19 in children are similar to those in adults, including fever, cough, breathlessness, fatigue, shortness of breath, sore throat, diarrhoea and loss of taste and smell. Asymptomatic COVID-19 cases can only be detected using screening when a family member has been diagnosed with the infection. Most of these children do not show any symptoms and therefore, do not require treatment.
However, they must be monitored for any symptom development, especially if they have any comorbidities like congenital heart conditions, asthma, chronic lung diseases, etc. Children with mild COVID-19 disease usually present with a running nose, cough, sore throat and sometimes, an upset stomach. They do not have breathing difficulties and these cases can be easily managed with home isolation and symptomatic treatment.
According to the latest COVID-19 Treatment Protocol For Children, the treatment given at home must include:
The parents or the caregiver must ensure appropriate isolation facilities at home and must constantly monitor the child. Stay in touch with the child’s doctor and update them regularly about the child’s condition.
While children appear to be largely spared the direct mortality impacts of COVID-19, the indirect effects stemming from strained health systems, disruptions to life-saving health services, long term mental impact can result in devastating impacts on children.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
A child is a moderate case of COVID-19 if they show one or more symptoms of COVID-19 along with rapid respiration, but their oxygen saturation remains over 90%. Rapid respiration varies for different age groups:
In many moderate COVID-19 cases in children, pneumonia may be present, but symptoms may not be evident. A routine RT-PCR test is done to confirm COVID-19 moderate cases. However, if a child has comorbidities, additional tests may be necessary. As per the latest COVID-19 Treatment for children, the treatment for moderate COVID-19 infection must be provided in a dedicated COVID-19 facility or hospital.
Treatment of a child with moderate COVID-19 includes:
Also Read: Post Covid-19 Complication In Kids
In the ongoing fight against COVID-19, vaccination stands as the most effective preventive measure to significantly lower the likelihood of hospitalization, severe illness, or fatalities. If, by any chance, your child does contract the virus, seeking prompt medical attention becomes paramount, as it can ensure appropriate treatment for their recovery and symptom reduction.
Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Severe COVID-19 cases in children are characterized by:
If these symptoms are not managed immediately, the child can go into Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), shock, acute thrombosis or multiorgan failure. A child with severe COVID-19 must be admitted to a tertiary hospital, preferably in the ICU. To provide treatment to a child with severe COVID-19, some investigations include CBC, RFT, LFT, CRP, ECG, ABG, CXR, LDH, Ferritin and ECHO, among others.
Treatment for severe COVID-19, as per Pediatric COVID-19 treatment guidelines India, includes:
Though the number of COVID-19 cases among children has been relatively low, the lack of vaccines for this age group increases their risk of developing the infection. COVID-19 Treatment for children with mild disease can be managed at home, with a doctor monitoring them. Moderate to severe cases of the disease requires immediate medical attention and a hospital setting where adequate treatment can be provided.
Self-medication is not advised as it can lead to more complications. Parents and caregivers need to be attentive to the various symptoms that can appear in the child post-COVID-19 recovery. Children must follow all precautionary measures such as wearing masks, practising hand hygiene and social distancing to protect themselves from COVID-19. Parents must ensure children are safe and protected at all times.
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.
With Cipla’s continuous efforts in ensuring treatments to detect and challenge this COVID-19 pandemic, the new COVID-19 RT-PCR test kit ‘ViraGen’ by Cipla has been launched and is now available in the market. The drug major partnered with Ubio Biotechnology Systems for the development of this New ViraGen test kit. As per Cipla’s regulatory filing, this launch of the ViraGen COVID-19 test will aid in addressing the ongoing testing and diagnosis issues in COVID-19 due to capacity while moving forward with the company’s expansion in the diagnostic field.
This New COVID-19 RT-PCR test will be very fruitful in boosting up the COVID-19 diagnosis. ViraGen Cipla test kit has concluded the lagging demand of diagnostic kit and hence the management of COVID-19. ViraGen COVID-19 test kit is Cipla’s third effort towards COVID-19 testing.
ViraGen COVID-19 test is Cipla’s latest offering for COVID-19 management and care. ViraGen Cipla test kit has received approval from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) as a diagnostic kit for COVID-19. ViraGen Cipla test kit is a real-time detection kit. It is based upon the multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology.
ViraGen assists in the diagnosis and detection of the SARS-CoV-2 N gene and the ORF lab gene. It provides a specificity of 98.8% and a sensitivity of 98.6% when compared with the ICMR standard tests. ViraGen Cipla test kit performs qualitative detection. ViraGen COVID-19 test kit detects the nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, both in the lower and the upper respiratory specimens from individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19.
With the COVID-19 infection being widespread, there is always a need for diagnostic kits that can detect the virus at the initial stages and help in controlling further expansion. There has been antigen testing and RT-PCR testing being extensively used to track down and break the chain of coronavirus infection. Cipla has already partnered for antigen and antibody detection kits. This New COVID-19 RT-PCR test kit is now easily accessible from the market. The ViraGen COVID test kit is one step forward towards this motive by Cipla. Cipla has also taken various other efforts towards the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the past.
At present, the real-time PCR test is the uttermost reliable, accurate and preferred method for the detection of COVID-19 in symptoms. ViraGen COVID-19 test being the real-time detection kit provides the highest accuracy and diagnosis if there is the existence of coronavirus in your system. The test involves sampling on a nasal swab or a throat swab that is sent to a laboratory to be analysed for further diagnosis. The RT-PCR test continues to be the ”gold standard” for diagnosing COVID-19.
India, being one of the most populated countries, turned into a COVID-19 warplace. The need for diagnosis of COVID-19 before one individual infects another individual is crucial. The New ViraGen test kit was the need of the hour. This New COVID-19 RT-PCR test kit will help manage the volume. A densely populated country like India will benefit from the ViraGen Cipla test kit. Cipla has used its market distributors to make sure that ViraGen is available in the market from May 25, 2021.
In case one shows symptoms of COVID-19 infection like high fever, dry cough, loss of smell or taste, sore throat or breathing issue, it would be smart to choose the New ViraGen test kit to have accurate results. Even if one may have been in contact with any individual who has tested positive, they should undergo COVID-19 testing.
In case you are diagnosed positive of COVID-19, isolate yourself to protect the ones you love and stop the infection chain. Keep a thermometer and oximeter handy and maintain track of your temperature and oxygen levels. Contact your healthcare provider immediately and take the medications as per their suggestion. Also, do not stop taking the precautionary measures of covering your face and mouth and regular sanitisation of hands to control the spread of the virus.
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.
