PharmEasy Blog

Red, Green And Orange Zones – What’s It All About?

We are already into the 7th week of the lockdown that began on March 24th. During the last few weeks, countries like the USA saw a surge in COVID-19 cases. However, India’s fate has turned out to be different.

Since India was one of the first countries to implement lockdown measures, our COVID-19 numbers are under control. Experts have concluded India would have had millions of cases by May if lockdown wasn’t implemented.

The COVID-19 fight continues

Although the lockdown has led to fewer cases, the fight isn’t over yet. At this moment, India has 33,509 active cases. The cases could go up exponentially if lockdown norms were to be relaxed.

But at the same time, one needs to take into account India’s economy. The lockdown has had a crippling effect on the economy, as India’s GDP growth is expected to fall to 1.5-2.8% for FY 2020-21.

To tackle the issue of restarting the economy gradually while keeping COVID-19 cases low, the Indian government has decided to adopt a dynamic approach to lockdown.

The idea of zones

The government has divided the entire country into three zones – red, orange and green.

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What does this mean? Depending on the number of COVID-19 cases a region has, it will be classified as either red, green or orange.

What are the criteria for classifying a district into a particular zone?

If a particular district has over 15 cases, then it will be considered a hotspot, and be classified as a red zone.

For districts whose COVID-19 cases are below 15 and don’t seem to be increasing at present, they will be labelled orange zones.

Green zones will be the districts with zero COVID-19 cases.

Do’s and Don’ts according to the zones

Note that air and train travel are not allowed across the country as of now.

Red zones

What’s allowed

What’s not allowed

Orange zones

What’s allowed

In addition to all the activities permitted in red zones, the following is allowed –

What’s not allowed

Green zones

What’s allowed

All activities are allowed in green zones with few restrictions. Buses can operate with 50% capacity.

What’s not allowed

Certain activities are prohibited nationwide like the opening of malls, train and air travel, interstate road movement and opening of educational institutions.

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 Zone classification in major cities

Delhi – The entire national capital region is a red zone at present.

Mumbai – Mumbai is the epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak in Maharashtra. It has been labelled as a red zone.

Chennai – With 300 cases and counting, Chennai has been designated as a red zone.

Kolkata – Most cases in West Bengal have been registered in Kolkata. The city is a COVID-19 hotspot and has been tagged as a red zone.

What should you do?

Comply with the government guidelines to avoid COVID-19. Moreover, follow social distancing and other personal hygiene practices to ensure you remain safe.

Update:

Conclusion

Note that the fight against COVID-19 is going to be a long one. It’s time all of us unite to tackle COVID-19 and keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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How Can We Deal With The Mental Wellbeing Challenges Post COVID-19?

There has never been a more urgent time to discuss mental health than now. Mental health is as important as physical health. And everyone is entitled to mental healthcare. That is why the theme of World Mental Health Day, for the year 2021 is ‘Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality’.

The two waves of COVID-19 shook the foundation of how the world functioned and changed our lives completely. Each and every one of us got reminded how interdependent we are on each other when we stayed confined to our homes. As we re-enter social life after COVID-19 slowly, there are a lot of ways in which each of us has been impacted. Greater access to mental welfare is the need of the hour because not only have we all been scarred by the events of the past year and a half, new challenges such as getting used to a new routine all over again await us.

Let us look into how we can prepare ourselves mentally to face the challenge that lies ahead of us.

How COVID-19 impacted our mental well being

It is not just the physical health of people affected due to COVID-19. It is no secret that the pandemic severely impacted the mental health of people around the world. Everybody from COVID affected individuals, non-affected members and even healthcare workers were severely impacted. Uncertainty surrounding the treatment, the daily death toll and loss of jobs around the world put people under severe stress. The shift in daily life activities and staying confined to a space also led to people developing problems like anxiety and depression. The National Mental Health Survey found that around 10% of all adults in India met the diagnostic criteria for mental health conditions.

The World Health Assembly in 2021 brought together several governments from around the world. In the conference, it was recognised that mental health services need to be scaled up. Life after COVID-19 presents newer challenges. You can start preparing yourself mentally to face the new normal and the bigger challenges that lay ahead.

Information overload, rumors and misinformation can make your life feel out of control and make it unclear what to do. During the COVID-19 pandemic, you may experience stress, anxiety, fear, sadness and loneliness. And mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression, can worsen.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Dealing with mental health post COVID-19

Social distancing, uncertainty, staying locked in and a grim atmosphere took a toll on the mental health of people. With the world slowly returning back to normal, a big challenge is how to deal with the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of people.

Feeling stressed, confused or anxious is very normal and anyone reading this should not feel like they are weak if they experienced the same feelings. Another factor that is taking a toll on our psyche is acclimatizing ourselves to the old pre-COVID routine. We had got used to WFH and managing everything from our homes. Returning to the old norm is especially stressful for people who have trouble with social interactions.

Dealing with these feelings during the pandemic led to a lot of meditation, exercise, yoga and keeping the body healthy. This norm needs to be continued so that we can maintain our mental equilibrium in the post-pandemic world.

For life after COVID-19, the following can be helpful tips to develop mental strength: 

1. Focus on everyday actions no matter how small they are

Dealing with new challenges starts with dealing with the small challenges that lay ahead of you. Start setting small goals for yourself like getting physical exercise, reading daily or even remembering to appreciate the nature around you. The feeling of achieving small tasks can translate to a healthy mindset that is ready to face greater challenges.

2. Empower yourself and the people around you 

Mental wellbeing is a journey that should not be tread alone. COVID-19 already isolated us enough. Now is the time to engage in positive dialogue and motivate those who are dealing with a negative headspace since the pandemic. The pandemic brought the world together as a community that are facing the same problems. Building a strong support system helps you and others around you to be ready for greater challenges. 

3. Set small goals and prepare yourself for the upcoming changes

Going back to work or educational institutes, after staying home-bound for long may give a lot of anxiety to many. Prepare yourself by visualizing your visit and routine at your workplace, interacting with colleagues and pre-visit the campus once or twice to overcome any hesitation. Accustom your daily routine based on the new changes to bring your body clock in sync with the new schedule.      

4. Seek help

Mental health has always been a topic associated with mass stigma. The pandemic has forced people to hush mental health issues. The pre-contagion world had a higher level of hesitation for mental health issues. It is now a task for citizens and policymakers to address this and create a ‘new normal’ that is inclusive of the emotional needs of people. There is a clean slate to work with in life after COVID-19. Keep it real, share your emotions, feelings and problems with your loved ones and feel free to seek professional help.

The challenge of creating a new normal considering the needs of all people 

Mental wellbeing and overall health should be a priority now. With the learnings from this pandemic, we should be able to plan our goals, finances and education better. Ensuring safety for all by getting vaccinated and following COVID appropriate behaviour is important. The emotional and physical needs of each age group of the society are different and significant. Every member of society and their needs should be taken into account when crafting the strategies for the new normal.

Also Read: What Is Meningitis? A Detailed Research-Based Overview

Conclusion 

As life after COVID-19 continues there are lots of questions that are posed to humanity as a whole. Are we really ready to face the challenges that lie ahead of us?

Mental wellbeing is one of the factors that affect the whole of humanity in a similar manner. It is not easy to suddenly take a positive outlook after being affected negatively for such a long time. However, as we face new challenges it becomes vital to look for ways to create a better world after the pandemic. To help people face challenges post the pandemic, it has become a need of the hour to address their mental health and help them cope with life. Cooperation and determination can help turn this crisis into an opportunity for improvement. 

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.

How Vitamin Deficiency Can Affect COVID-19 Severity?

The second wave of COVID-19 is almost over even though some states of India are witnessing sudden spikes of COVID cases. The second wave devastated the country and affected everyone in some way or the other, either financially or emotionally or both.

But now we have almost finally reached a stage when cases are low. But this does not mean that we are safe yet. The battle is not over yet. The MHA and many scientists have warned that the third wave of COVID is likely to arrive sometime in October. There is no clear idea of what this wave will be like, whether it will be even more dangerous than the second wave and how long it will last. 

It is not yet the time to discard caution and live life the way we used to before COVID-19 struck. In fact, this is the time to prepare ourselves and do everything we can to stop the third wave. 

Is the third wave inevitable?

There is a very distinct possibility that the third surge of COVID cases will arrive. The nature of pandemics is that new waves arrive as new variants of the virus come into existence and also because of human carelessness. There are periods of low rates followed by a rapid surge. This holds true for COVID-19 as well.

Will the third wave be more dangerous?

The level of threat the third wave poses is yet unknown. Usually, a virus is the most dangerous when it first emerges because the human body does not have the right antibodies to deal with it. As it mutates, it can either become more notorious or less powerful and also human beings are assumed to become more resistant through herd immunity.

Another factor that will influence how dangerous the third wave will be is our actions. From the learnings of previous waves, it has been established that keeping ourselves healthy and safe can prevent us from getting severe symptoms due to COVID.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increase in thrombotic episodes, which are frequently observed in COVID-19. Vitamin D deficiency has been found to occur more frequently in patients with obesity and diabetes. These conditions are reported to carry a higher mortality in COVID-19.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

The link between COVID-19 and vitamin deficiency

With the progress of the pandemic, a lot of new things are coming to light. It has been found that there is a direct link between COVID-19 severity and Vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is usually not available in foods and the chief source of this Vitamin is sunlight.

But unfortunately, the pandemic forced us to stay indoors. People could only leave the house to purchase necessities and not always during the day. That means most of us barely got any exposure to sunlight. This resulted in a rapid dwindling of Vitamin D levels in many people. 

It was also discovered that people who are deficient in Vitamin D also develop more severe symptoms of COVID. One reason for this could be the fact that Vitamin D is crucial to your immunity and in the absence of sufficient Vitamin D, the body cannot mount a strong immune response against the coronavirus.

Similarly, a shortage of Vitamin B12 was also found to be linked to more serious COVID-19 infections. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anaemia, weakness and nerve-related issues. Some researchers also suggest that vitamin B12 can bind with viral proteins to slow down the replication of the virus. Thus, if there isn’t enough of this Vitamin in your system, you may be likely to fall severely ill. People taking medicines for some seizures, diabetes or heartburn tend to have low levels of Vitamin B12.

The paucity of both Vitamin D and B12 are particularly responsible for increased respiratory distress among COVID-19 patients. 

How to increase your Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 levels?

The good news is that increasing the levels of these two vitamins is really easy.

It is still not safe for you to go out unless you have a good reason to. But you can still get enough sunlight and replenish your Vitamin D reserves. Just head to the terrace of your house or apartment building every morning and bask in the sunlight for about thirty minutes.

Three excellent food sources of Vitamin D are:

You may also have to take Vitamin D supplements.

Foods containing Vitamin B12 are:

Most people keep on struggling with the symptoms like fatigue, memory issues, anxiety, depression, bone and joint pains, leg cramps but have no clue about the underlying vitamin deficiency that may be causing it. To check if your Vitamin levels are normal, you can opt for a simple blood test.

Also Read: Magnesium Deficiency: Understanding Causes, Signs, and Solutions

What else you can do to keep yourself safe

Other than boosting your Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 levels, you need to do the following to keep yourself safe from the third wave of COVID-19

Just because fewer cases are being reported, we cannot start thinking that the pandemic is over. A third wave may be on its way. How we act now will decide how dangerous it will be. We all need to be cautious for our own sakes as well as for the wellbeing of our loved ones. 

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.

Is It Possible To Contract Two Coronavirus Strains At The Same Time?

The SARS-CoV-2 or more popularly known as COVID-19, has caused one of the worst pandemics in the history of human civilization with a death toll exceeding more than 4 million worldwide (as per WHO reports). This virus has been mutating constantly and it has been documented that different people have been tested positive with different COVID variants. However, recent reports have found that there is now a possibility of coinfection from two different COVID-19 variants at the same time as well.

The First Case of Coinfection

The first case of such a coinfection was discovered as early as November 2020 in southern Brazil. Researchers in Brazil had documented two patients, both in their 30s. These two patients had been infected with the P.2 (also known as the B.1.1.28) variant and one other Variant of Concern (VOC). This led to the new possibility of contracting two COVID strains at the same time. Co-infection cases caused leading researchers at Feevale University, Brazil to conclude that such combinations will generate variants more quickly which poses the risk of a higher transmissibility rate. 

The Most Recent Case of Coinfection

On 3rd March 2021, the most recent case of coinfection was documented when a woman was admitted to a hospital in Belgium and tested positive for the virus. The nonagenarian passed away within 5 days of hospitalisation and upon later inspection, scientists found that her respiratory samples had both the Alpha (B.1.1.7) and the Beta (B.1.351) COVID mutations. Both of these were VOCs since they were studied to be highly infectious and fatal.

How Does Coinfection Occur?

Viruses usually have either DNA or RNA as genetic material that is needed for replication. The SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus but has already been shown to undergo a number of mutations so far. According to the records of the World Health Organization (WHO), there are at least 9 different COVID mutations that have been officially documented and classified under two categories. These are:

  1. Variants of Concern 
  1. Variants of Interest

Coinfection usually occurs due to exposure to a large crowd with high chances of exposure to people infected with different COVID variants. However, scientists have also proposed that the virus can undergo a process known as recombination inside the body of the infected person. This can only happen when two viruses infect the same cell and end up exchanging and recombining their genetic material to create a newly mutated variant of the virus.

Who is at a Higher Risk?

According to a report published in the online medical journal repository medrXiv, a Portuguese teenage girl who had been recovering from a previous COVID infection was found to be infected with another variant at the same time. This depicts the possibility that people who are recovering from COVID-19 may be at a higher risk of coinfection too. Scientists have also confirmed that people living in areas with lower vaccination rates are at greater risk. Moreover, old age, comorbidities and a compromised immune system continue to be factors of high risk even for COVID-19 coinfection.

Conclusion

Since RNA viruses like Hepatitis C and Influenza have been known to cause coinfections upon mutation, there is no reason why the same wouldn’t happen with COVID-19. Moreover, with the recent reports of the cases of coinfection, it is all the more reason to avoid large crowds and observe COVID-19 protocol at all public places.

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.

Do Heart Patients Have Increased Chances Of Getting COVID-19 Infection?

The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken up the world in ways unimaginable. Starting from destabilizing all established institutions (healthcare, economic) to pushing everyone into a perpetual state of uncertainty, this highly unpredictable pandemic has made its deadly presence felt everywhere. Although the viral strain is constantly evolving, one thing has stayed certain for the most part; the elderly and those with underlying conditions are at greatest risk. It is important for everyone to be aware and vigilant about our health in order to avoid any serious illness.

It is crystal clear by now that the Novel Coronavirus has the potential to trigger a dangerous respiratory infection. It has been seen that people who earlier never experienced respiratory trouble also felt severe respiratory distress during a COVID-19 infection. In the event of your lungs not working in their highest capacity, your heart activity too will be affected because like all other organs, the heart also depend on the lungs for a fresh supply of oxygen. And in the absence of enough oxygen, it will have a hard time pumping oxygenated blood throughout your body. This inevitably puts a lot of pressure on your heart and other vital organs. And if you are someone with pre-existing heart disease, then your heart is already at risk of a more severe COVID infection. So, what should you know and do to safeguard your heart?

Let’s find out in this article how COVID affects the heart. 

Actually people with heart disease when they get COVID are at increased risk of getting heart failure. COVID-19 infection has been linked to the development of HF via myocardial infarction, myocarditis, microthrombi, and stress cardiomyopathy. There are several potential mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 may lead to these conditions through direct viral or immune-mediated effects.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Heart diseases and COVID  

Heart patients with COVID need to understand that a Coronavirus infection can affect anyone but having a pre-existing heart condition means that your infection can be severe. According to a professor of cardiovascular medicine at UTHealth, Houston, many viruses (including SARS CoV-2) can even bring about heart attacks. The exact reason is still a subject of research, however, it has been proposed that the COVID-19 virus causes inflammation in the body. When a severe inflammation happens during COVID infection it may lead to the formation of blood clots which can block your blood vessels. If these clots form in the small blood vessels of your heart or travel to your heart a heart attack may occur. It has been observed that the coronavirus can also affect the muscular structure of the heart making it weak. It stands to reason that people already diagnosed with heart disorders are likely to experience a worsening of the ailment if they do not get proper treatment when they contract COVID.

COVID complications related to the heart must never be neglected and one should seek medical attention right away if they experience any symptoms of COVID-19 or the warning signs associated with a heart attack or stroke. Immediate action can save lives. 

COVID treatment for heart patients

COVID treatment for a heart patient as well as a non-heart patient is almost the same. Your doctor will advise some tests to check for the risk of blood clots and may advise some medicines called blood thinners if needed. During your infection period, if at any point you feel severe chest pain, palpitation, shortness of breath or even episodes of fainting, it is imperative that you get yourself admitted to a hospital or nursing home at the earliest. The doctors there will determine what medications to put you on or carry out any procedure required to prevent the worsening of the condition.

There is no proven method of preventing COVID-19 induced myocarditis or arrhythmias (rapid or irregular heartbeat). The only way you can keep your heart safe and healthy is by following standard COVID safety protocols and seeking immediate treatment if you get an infection. 

How to stay safe  

The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken up the world in ways unimaginable. Starting from destabilizing all established institutions (healthcare, economic) to pushing everyone into a perpetual state of uncertainty, this highly unpredictable pandemic has made its deadly presence felt everywhere. Although the viral strain is constantly evolving, one thing has stayed certain for the most part; the elderly and those with underlying conditions are at greatest risk. It is important for everyone to be aware and vigilant about our health in order to avoid any serious illness.

It is crystal clear by now that the Novel Coronavirus has the potential to trigger a dangerous respiratory infection. It has been seen that people who earlier never experienced respiratory trouble also felt severe respiratory distress during a COVID-19 infection. In the event of your lungs not working in their highest capacity, your heart activity too will be affected because like all other organs, the heart also depends on the lungs for a fresh supply of oxygen. And in the absence of enough oxygen, it will have a hard time pumping oxygenated blood throughout your body. This inevitably puts a lot of pressure on your heart and other vital organs. And if you are someone with pre-existing heart disease, then your heart is already at risk of a more severe COVID infection. So, what should you know and do to safeguard your heart?

Let’s find out in this article how COVID affects the heart. 

Heart diseases and COVID 

Heart patients with COVID need to understand that a Coronavirus infection can affect anyone but having a pre-existing heart condition means that your infection can be severe. According to a professor of cardiovascular medicine at UTHealth, Houston, many viruses (including SARS CoV-2) can even bring about heart attacks. The exact reason is still a subject of research, however, it has been proposed that the COVID-19 virus causes inflammation in the body. When a severe inflammation happens during COVID infection it may lead to the formation of blood clots which can block your blood vessels. If these clots form in the small blood vessels of your heart or travel to your heart a heart attack may occur. It has been observed that the coronavirus can also affect the muscular structure of the heart making it weak. It stands to reason that people already diagnosed with heart disorders are likely to experience a worsening of the ailment if they do not get proper treatment when they contract COVID.

COVID complications related to the heart must never be neglected and one should seek medical attention right away if they experience any symptoms of COVID-19 or the warning signs associated with a heart attack or stroke. Immediate action can save lives. 

COVID treatment for heart patients

COVID treatment for a heart patient as well as a non-heart patient is almost the same. Your doctor will advise some tests to check for the risk of blood clots and may advise some medicines called blood thinners if needed. During your infection period, if at any point you feel severe chest pain, palpitation, shortness of breath or even episodes of fainting, it is imperative that you get yourself admitted to a hospital or nursing home at the earliest. The doctors there will determine what medications to put you on or carry out any procedure required to prevent the worsening of the condition.

There is no proven method of preventing COVID-19 induced arrhythmias (rapid or irregular heartbeat) or myocarditis. 

What is myocarditis? Myocarditis means an inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium). The only way you can keep your heart safe and healthy is by following standard COVID safety protocols and seeking immediate treatment if you get an infection.  

The COVID-19 virus is constantly mutating and so danger still persists. The relation between heart diseases and COVID keeps getting more complicated as it does with other health conditions. The only way you can keep yourself as well as your loved ones safe is by following heart-healthy habits, getting vaccinated and following safety protocols.

Also Read: Take Care of Your Heart: Foods To Avoid If You Have Heart Palpitations

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.

Here’s How To Get Back On Your Feet After COVID-19 Recovery

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. 

Usual post-COVID-19 effects that one may experience

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

Post-COVID-19 problems that can be serious

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:

Symptoms of some serious post-COVID-19 effects

If you are experiencing any of the following, then talk to your doctor immediately:

Post-COVID-19 effects on people with cardiovascular disorders

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:

Other measures to help you combat post-COVID-19 effects

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.

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New Anti-COVID-19 Medicines In India

In light of the growing death toll and India battling against the second wave of COVID-19, the Govt. of India recently granted permission for emergency use of two anti-COVID 19 medicines, namely-,   2-DG by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (DRL), Hyderabad, and Antibody Cocktail (Casirivimab and Imdevimab) by Roche India with Cipla Limited as a distribution partner.   2-deoxy-D-glucose, abbreviated to 2-DG, is an oral, therapeutic medicine and an antibody cocktail available in injectable form.  

2-DG is permitted by the Drugs Controller General of India(DCGI) for emergency use and as an adjunct remedy in moderate to severe COVID-19 patients. In contrast, the Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) approved the antibody cocktail to treat confirmed cases of mild to moderate COVID-19 patients over 12 years of age at an increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 disease.

2DG as a Medicine

2DG is an oral medicine available on the doctor’s prescription only to hospitalized patients due to moderate to severe COVID-19. It is to be used as adjunct (add-on) therapy in addition to the current standard protocol.

The 2-DG comes in a sachet in the form of oral powder and can be consumed by dissolving in water. The dose and duration of this medicine will be determined by your treating doctor.

Origin of anti-COVID Remedies

The 2-DG is an anti-COVID-19 medicine developed domestically. However, Roche will import the antibody cocktail, which will be made available in India with a contract with Cipla Ltd.

The 2-DG has been developed by the DRDO’s laboratory Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, in alliance with Hyderabad-based pharma company Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories. It has gone through extensive clinical trials and was approved for emergency use following a green signal from the head of the apex body, the Drugs Controller General of India, on 1 May 2021.

Roche India has been given the Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) for COVID-19 antibody-drug cocktails, Casirivimab and Imdevimab, to treat COVID-19 patients in India.

How do anti-COVID-19 remedies work?

The therapeutic anti-COVID-19 medicine 2-DG is a glucose analog or pseudo glucose. Any virus requires glucose for its growth and multiplication. It works by entering or accumulating into infected cells upon ingestion and preventing virus growth by blocking viral synthesis, multiplication, and energy production. Its accumulation, specifically in the virus-infected cells, makes its mechanism unique. This medicine is expected to save lives by its distinct action against coronavirus, which may also reduce the hospital stay of COVID-19 patients.  The Casirivimab–Imdevimab Antibody cocktail injection is a combination of two monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the action of immune cells and fight off pathogens such as viruses.  It works by blocking the attachment and entry of viruses into human cells and hence prevents the spread of infection

The antibody cocktail can be acquired by a doctor’s prescription only and should be administered in settings where healthcare providers have instant access to allergic reaction treatment, such as those used for anaphylactic shock.

The antibody cocktail jab effectively treats mild-to-moderate COVID-19 symptoms in children aged 12 years or older and weighing no less than 40 kg and adults. It especially treats those at high risk of getting a severe COVID-19 infection but may not need oxygen.

The cocktail drug can help high-risk patients before their condition worsens, reducing hospitalization risk and mortality rates by 70%. Further, it shortens the length of symptoms by about four days.

The intravenous (IV) administration takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Subcutaneously, four syringes of 2.5 ml (2 each of Casirivimab and Imdevimab) must be administered simultaneously at four different locations on the stomach or thigh.

Efficacy of anti-COVID remedies

The 2-DG drug trials carried out in over 110 patients in Phase- II and Phase- III clinical trials were conducted on 220 patients between December 2020 to March 2021 at 27 COVID hospitals in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.  

The cocktail trial conclusions are derived from Regeneron’s Phase 3 clinical trial, which is the foremost clinical trial to date that assessed COVID-19 treatment in patients who have COVID-19 but are not hospitalized. The trial included 4,567 patients who recently developed COVID-19 and were at high risk for a severe form of ailment. The 2,400-mg dose cut the hospitalization risk and death by 71%.

Conclusion

It is important to note that DRDO’s anti-COVID-19 medicine 2-DG  is an adjunct therapy and not a substitute for standard treatment. The drug pricing of 2-DG is yet to be determined based on its affordability, and the first 10,000 doses will be rolled out for public use this week. These doses have been recommended for use in moderate-to-severe COVID-19 cases only. 

The launching of this medicine amidst an ongoing battle between the country and the distressing second wave of the pandemic has been a sign of hope for many because it resolves the struggle for hospital-grade oxygen and hospital beds.

In this situation, 2-DG accelerates the recovery rate and decreases oxygen dependence, leaving the beds available for those patients who require critical care. We believe it is fair to put our faith in this medicine for all the right reasons mentioned above. Plus, it does not hurt that there will not be a needle involved in this procedure!

The medicine has been launched while the country battles the distressing second wave of the pandemic that has triggered a struggle for hospital-grade oxygen and hospital beds. In this situation, 2-DG accelerates the recovery rate and decreases oxygen dependence, leaving the beds available for those patients who require critical care. The antibody cocktail was administered to former US President Donald Trump after he was diagnosed with COVID-19.

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

Daily New COVID-19 Cases Less Than Three Lakhs After A Month In India

Introduction

In the year 2020, the whole world witnessed the onslaught of the deadly Covid-19. The first Covid-19 case was reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. This virus soon made its way around the world and by January 2020, countries such as India, Russia and the United Kingdom had begun fighting this coronavirus.  

On July 17th 2020, India saw the highest death count so far which was around 2000 deaths a day. Wearing a mask, imposing lockdowns and curfews helped to reduce the spread of the virus. However, about seven months after the first wave, India experienced the second wave of Covid-19.

Second Wave of Covid-19

The Covid-19 cases started to increase rapidly from March 2021. India recorded the lowest number of new cases in that month on April 22nd, with around three lakh cases per day. On May 6th, 2021, India registered 4,14,188 new cases, the highest number of cases ever recorded. From May 9th onwards, India started seeing a steady decline in Covid-19 cases across the country. Due to government impositions and people’s vigilance, India slowly and steadily is recovering from Covid-19.

With the help of medical facilities and doctors, vaccines for this deadly virus were developed. To date, India has administered 187 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. So far, 3.1% of the total population of India, that is, 41,686,052 citizens, have been fully vaccinated. 

Covid-19 in India 

In the initial days of the pandemic, the spread of the Covid-19 virus in India was low. But due its high transmissibility, it spread like wildfire, infecting millions of people in the country. Because the outbreak of Covid-19 in India was an unexpected and unfortunate occurrence, India was unprepared. Every individual was affected by the ongoing pandemic.  

In India, Covid-19 has had a major impact on the following: 

From the smallest state to the largest, all the states of India are still fighting against Covid-19. The worst affected states include Tamil Nadu with 1,842,344 active cases, Maharashtra with 5,579,897 active cases and Karnataka with 2,424,904 active cases and Kerala with 2,347,966 active cases.  

Covid-19, termed SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), affects a person’s lungs and respiratory system. In the first wave of Covid-19, the country was able to manage with its existing supply of oxygen and oxygen concentrators. However, when the second wave of Covid-19 came out of nowhere, the number of infected people skyrocketed, resulting in a surge in demand for medical equipment such as ventilators, oxygen cylinders and ICU beds. At that point, India was not prepared and could not keep up with the rising cases, which led to the collapse of medical facilities.  

India was faced with a shortage of the most basic medical facilities. With the help of medical aid, doctors and frontline workers, the government arranged oxygen cylinders and concentrators. Many other countries like Russia, UK and Malaysia helped India during the crisis by supplying oxygen and ventilators by air. So far, 11,058 oxygen concentrators, 13,496 oxygen cylinders and 19 oxygen generation plants have been set up to overcome the oxygen crisis in India.  

About 7,365 ventilators and five lakhs vials of life-saving medicines are being made to meet demand and are supplied to patients or hospitals by air or roadways as early as possible.    

India on the road to recovery

Though the second wave of Covid-19 was unpredictable, India was aware of how to combat the situation. Imposition of lockdowns and curfews proved to be effective in curbing the spread of  Covid-19. After three months of the arrival of the second wave of Covid-19, India’s recovery is visible and gradual. The National Recovery Rate has increased to 87.76% from 81. 77%. Vaccination administered in India exceeded 20 cores under Phase 3 of the vaccination drive in the country. To date, around 10 million healthcare and frontline workers working as warriors against Covid-19 have been vaccinated. For over a week consecutively, more than 20 lakhs tests have been conducted in India. 

As active cases are gradually decreasing, the recovery rate is increasing, which means reduced death tolls. States like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are the fastest recovering states. Restrictions have also been normalized to some extent. Restaurants, malls and offices are slowly being reopened with some restrictions. 

The March Ahead 

Though there is a decline in the number of active Covid-19 cases in India, the pandemic is still not over; not until 244 districts with more than 20% positivity rate and 479 districts crossing the 10% positivity rate meet WHO’s standard of 5% positivity rate. This can only happen when everyone strictly abides by the Covid-19 guidelines and gets vaccinated.

Testing plays a vital role in reducing the spread of Covid-19. The Indian Council Medical Research, with the help of hospitals and doctors, is trying to increase testing procedures in the remotest parts of India. There is more need for testing kits for districts with a 10% or higher positivity rate.

Conclusion

Scientists are now speculating that the third wave of Covid-19 will hit India by October 2021. India is learning from the second wave and is preparing itself so that conditions do not get out of hand. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan stated, “India would have procured 267 cores of Covid-19 vaccination doses by the end of 2021”. 

The government and doctors are trying their best to combat the situation. Still, as individuals, it is our duty to maintain social distance, wear a mask, and get tested if we experience any Covid-19 symptoms. It is also important to try to get vaccinated as early as possible. 

How to treat Covid-19 at home? 

If symptoms become severe, it’s better to get treated by doctors as soon as possible.  

Is the Covid-19 test painful? 

When will the Covid-19 pandemic end in India? 

To know about the Covid-19 live update visit – https://www.mohfw.gov.in/

Disclaimer: The information included at the site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation. 

How Can Proning Boost Oxygenation In COVID-19 Patients?

Oxygenation is the most talked-about aspect of the Coronavirus treatment, as the country is grappling with the unprecedented shortage of medical oxygen. Difficulty in breathing is one of the most vital symptoms of COVID-19 infection. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has strongly advocated the use of prone positioning, which is also a medically approved strategy. Accurate implementation of prone positioning requires turning the patient who is lying on their back safely to make him or her lie on their abdomen. Proning is a simple way to improve oxygen saturation in patients who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Understanding the Importance of Proning

Improvement of ventilation and oxygenation are vital goals of treating patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) that is associated with the Coronavirus infection. We can achieve these key objectives of Coronavirus treatment with the help of prone positioning, which has become a well-accepted technique across the globe.  

Most patients with Coronavirus infection are being advised of home isolation, as there is an acute shortage of hospital beds. Monitoring of following health parameters is of utmost importance during home isolation:

Oxygenation is essential if the SpO2 level of any Coronavirus patient falls below 94%. Proning is an easy and safe option that assures instant benefits to patients who have tested positive for COVID-19. Our lungs comprise alveoli, tiny balloon-like structures that facilitate breathing by exchanging oxygen with carbon dioxide. Proning boosts oxygenation and improves breathing by opening up these alveoli. There are hardly any options to improve the oxygen intake of a COVID-19 patient who is undergoing home isolation. In such a situation, prone positioning helps improve oxygenation so that the patient can breathe comfortably using no equipment.  

Proning does two things to get more oxygen to your body. It decreases the amount of weight and compression on your lungs, allowing more air to get to your alveoli (improved ventilation). Improves your lung efficiency by getting oxygen to the parts of your lungs that get the most blood flow (improved gas exchange).

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

How to Perform Proning Correctly?

Prone positioning is a medically advised procedure and is also being recommended as a supportive Coronavirus treatment to boost oxygenation. Proning needs to be performed appropriately by following the recommended guidelines. The correct proning approach will not only ensure the patient’s comfort but will also improve ventilation and oxygenation as desired.

Before beginning with the procedure of proning, one should keep four to five pillows ready to provide support at unique positions of the body. One has to provide support at specific positions for deriving the maximum benefits. 

You should also include other positions besides the standard proning routine, such as lying down on the left side and right side. Combining these positions with regular proning will ensure the optimum exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide at the alveolar level. The recommended period for every position is a minimum of thirty minutes to a maximum of two hours.   

Useful Tips for Proper Prone Positioning

You should keep alternating proning positions while focusing on the comfort of the patient simultaneously. These positions are also ideal for self-proning while you are undergoing home isolation. You may adjust the pillows to make the patient feel comfortable and also to change the pressure regions. Pay required attention to any injuries or pressure sores while placing the pillows. 

According to the recent COVID-19 guidelines by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, proning should be done for a maximum of sixteen hours a day. There are few precautions to know and take before performing proning to support the Coronavirus treatment

These include avoiding proning immediately after meals and keeping the room sufficiently ventilated to facilitate the availability of fresh air. Second, proning should not be done at a single stretch, as it will cause strain. Ideally, one should keep an adequate interval between two cycles of prone positioning for greater convenience. 

Conclusion

For patients who are suffering from the COVID-19 infection, oxygen levels need to be maintained at an optimum value to prevent serious complications. Prone positioning is an extremely beneficial strategy to improve oxygenation and ventilation during home isolation or a hospital stay while the patient is undergoing Coronavirus treatment. You need to follow the steps and guidelines religiously to bring a noticeable improvement in SpO2 levels. Doctors strongly recommend checking SpO2 levels periodically to be on a safer side. 

Pregnant ladies should avoid proning as it may harm the foetus. Avoid proning if the patient is undergoing treatment for major cardiac diseases or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is treated in less than 48 hours. Doctors do not recommend proning for patients with pelvic fractures, unstable spine or femur. 

One should practice suggested positions of proning even if there is the slightest feeling of discomfort or difficulty in breathing. You can easily practice self-proning during home isolation if you can comfortably follow the guidelines with no help. Proning not only boosts oxygen saturation effectively but also reduces the need for any additional support for oxygenation. No wonder prone positioning is being strongly recommended as a routine for COVID-19 patients in India who are battling with falling SpO2 levels.  

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.

What To Do When COVID-19 Hits Home: A Blog For People Who Are COVID Positive

The recent months have been testing times for everybody in India. Families are getting affected and the COVID-19 infection is spreading faster than before. Although you may not be completely prepared to deal with the situation, proper care of a COVID-19 positive patient in your family is essential while keeping the rest of the family safe.

This article discusses some critical points that you can follow if the virus enters your home and affects a family member.

The Primary Steps if the RT-PCR Report is Positive

It is worrisome if a family member tests positive in the RT-PCR test for COVID-19. Here are a few steps that you should follow when you know you have a COVID-19 positive patient at home.

Consult your family doctor or find a doctor nearby for emergency consultation. If he/she has recommended home isolation for the infected member, you may take care in the following manner:

Taking Care of a COVID-19 Patient at Home

After the laboratory tests and the scan for the COVID-19 positive patient are completed, you must follow all the instructions given by your doctor. If your doctor advises home isolation, you need to prepare for several things to take proper care of the patient. At the same time, protect the rest of the family and yourself from getting infected. The following tips will help you get through:

Daily diet and hygiene

It is necessary to provide healthy food to the patient.

Admitting the Patient to a Hospital

While you regularly monitor the patient’s oxygen levels and temperature, you should watch for a few more warning signs. Your family member might need oxygen or a ventilator bed. Keep the doctor’s contact number handy. Immediately call a doctor and seek admission to the hospital if you notice the following signs:

Also Read: Can You Get Herpes from Kissing? Demystifying Common Health Myths

Preventive Steps to Control the Spread

While taking care of the infected family member, the following preventive steps are necessary to control the spread of the virus to the rest of the family:

Talk to your doctor about when to end home isolation and the necessary tests to be carried out. Take proper precautions to avoid the spread of the infection. Stay vigilant and immediately contact the doctor in case of an emergency. Help your loved ones recover from COVID-19 while in home isolation.

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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