India is seeing a sharp rise in the number of people being diagnosed with heart-related conditions and once again, the reason somewhere seems to be COVID-19. Yes, doctors in many cities across the country have noticed that the people who recovered from severe COVID-19 have been encountering heart issues like heart attacks, chest pains, heart failure, low pump capacity, arrhythmia, blood clotting, heart-swelling, etc.
These issues have majorly occurred within three months of their recovery from COVID-19.
As we all know, COVID-19 is a disease that infects the lungs but what many people did not know is that it also impacts the other body parts, including but not limited to the cardiac system.
While you undergo treatment for COVID-19, your immune system also tries to fight the virus and both these things lead to a high level of inflammation inside the body. This eventually leads to complications outside the lungs too.
This is the reason why people who never had any cardiac issues before contracting COVID-19 have reported cardiac issues after recovering from the infection.
There are plenty of complications a COVID-19 patient may experience after recovering successfully from the disease. Generally, these complications arise within three months of the recovery.
As per the experts, this problem has been mainly found among young and middle-aged adults and elderly patients. They experienced shortness of breath, chest pain and palpitations. Explaining the same, the experts claimed that these complications could be the result of heart-related problems but they can also be the result of other factors, like the result of being extremely ill for a long time, staying inactive for a long period of time, spending weeks in bed to recover from a disease, etc.
The experts have also suggested that people who already had heart-related problems before being diagnosed with COVID-19 must take good care of themselves and take all the precautions, medications and follow-ups with the doctor. This may help them in preventing any major complications.
Furthermore, the experts have figured out that people with diabetes, high cholesterol and chronic kidney disease are more prone to suffering from cardiac problems after recovering from COVID-19.
The doctors also claimed that such cases have become more prevalent ever since the second wave of COVID-19, as there were not many cases noticed during the first wave. Moreover, the doctors have noticed extended use of steroids during the second wave which could be a reason behind these problems.
Experts suggest that people who have recovered from COVID-19 must ensure that they go for regular cardiac screening, and the frequency should be at least once every six months. They should also stick to a healthy diet and follow a regime of physical activities.
Moreover, they also should keep taking the medications suggested by their doctor.
Mentioned below are the precautions a cardiac patient should take post-COVID-recovery under the supervision of a qualified registered physician or cardiologist:
The cases of heart-related complications after COVID-recovery have gone significantly up during the past few months. It is really important for everyone to take good care of themselves even after recovering from the disease. Regular checkups and other precautions may help you keep yourself safe. With the third wave spreading its wings across the country, we should be even more cautious to reduce the effects of the deadly disease to the minimum 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.
The whole world has somewhat understood that COVID-19 is not going to go anytime soon and that they have to find ways to live with it. People seem to be making peace with every problem the virus has caused, except one – the mutation of SARS-CoV-2.
From the virulent strain first found in Kent, Uk, to its much virulent mutated strain found in India, the various strains of the virus have wreaked havoc across the world. Currently, the world is grappling with the strain found in India, more popularly known as the Delta variant.
The confusion over the new strains is really obvious because even the experts have claimed that the current mutations may not be the most dangerous yet and that the battle is not over as of now. They have also suggested that the world might see more strains of the virus which would wreak more damage to the world.
Some experts have also suggested the world leaders, prepare plans to combat the new strains of Coronavirus that are emerging in different parts of the world constantly.
The most burning questions the world is facing right now are how much protection do the current vaccines offer, what makes these variants prop up, can vaccines fully protect us and how can we protect ourselves?
We have tried to cover all the questions here to solve your dilemmas. Have a look:
As per scientific research, a virus mutates or comes up with a new variant, whenever there is any kind of change in the genetic code of the current virus strain.
Coronavirus isn’t doing anything new as many viruses and pathogens tend to mutate on their own. However, there are some viruses like COVID-19, variants of which may be genetically distinct and cause very serious complications.
Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) viruses like SARC-CoV-2 are more prone to mutate than other viruses.
For instance, B.1.351 and B.1.1.7 variants were first found in the UK back in September 2020. These were two of the initial strains of coronavirus which even today are the most predominant form of the deadly virus in several countries, including India.
With every mutation, the virus sees some particular genetic changes which can potentially make the virus even more contagious and severe. For instance, the B.1.1.7 variant was found more contagious than others while the double mutant variant has been known for showing extremely severe complications. There are some variants of COVID-19 which affect the patient’s body in such a way that it starts showing different symptoms altogether.
The main reason for worry over the emergence of a particular strain of the virus is its ability to spread faster and the kind of attack it launches on the body of the infected. Notably, it is believed that virulent viruses are smarter than others as they have the ability to dodge some of the natural antibodies and cause severe damage to the patient’s body.
Interestingly, we must understand that not all the virus variants are as dangerous or cause severe damage as we have been discussing. The strains which are genetically traced or found to be variants of concern (VOCs) are believed to be more severe.
A big reason of concern for people has been the efficacy of currently available COVID-19 vaccines against the newly emerging virus strains, as they have the ability to surpass antibodies easily, making the vaccines rather ineffective.
Well, this is not entirely true. The new variants of SARC-CoV-2 may be smarter and severe than the previous ones but the vaccines we are taking may not become completely futile. A few lab-based studies have proven that the immune response triggered due to the vaccines consists of several components and even when they reduce, the vaccine response is not supposed to die entirely.
We surely are at a risk of facing future variants and mutations of the virus. Still, getting vaccinated and following the social distancing protocols set by the local authorities is the best we can do to protect ourselves. Hence everyone should get inoculated at the earliest.
Some studies have proven that a fully vaccinated person is at low risk of suffering from severe complications and dying. In some cases, the vaccinated person has recovered quicker than others. Moreover, to tackle the upcoming strains of the virus, some booster shots may be introduced in future.
Many scientists are suggesting, instead of fearing the upcoming strains of the COVID-19, we should prepare a plan of action to keep our loved ones and ourselves safe. Getting vaccinated is the best we can do right now to save the world. The new strains will keep coming, at least for the foreseeable future. Hence, we should not let our guard down against this war against the deadly 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.
Monsoon, without a doubt, brings a lot of joy to the people suffering from the scorching heat of the summer but for a few people, who either are very serious about exercising or need to do some physical activity to stay healthy, do not find it very convenient.
The pleasant rainy weather not only prompts us to binge on ‘pakoras’ and ‘tea’ but also makes us too lazy to head to the gym. As going for a jog has also gone out of the window, keeping oneself physically active becomes a tricky business.
Well, it is not as tough as you think if you know the right options to exercise and burn enough calories without stepping out a single time throughout the day.
Below, we have suggested some of the ideas you can consider at your convenience to stay active during this rainy season. Have a look:
Jogging is one of the most meaningful and efficient exercises one can do. Well, it is not mandatory to step outside if you want to jog. As per the fitness experts, spot jogging is a perfect pre-workout exercise, as it warms up the body to carry out the rest of the regime without posing any threat to your muscles.
You just have to lift your knees and move them back to the ground. You should also move your hands in the same manner you do while running outside. It looks like you are running but at the same spot.
If you do this exercise for 30 minutes, you will burn about 215 calories.
Jumping Jacks includes hopping your feet out shoulder-width apart while you bring your arms above your head, then hopping your feet back together while you lower your arms to your sides. It is a full-body workout that targets the upper, lower, and core muscles.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Skipping is an ideal cardio exercise that you can consider for improving cardio-respiratory fitness, flexibility and coordination. As per the experts, skipping is one of the most effective high-impact exercises that helps the performer strengthen their bones. Moreover, it also helps in reducing weight from your thighs, hips and sides.
To do this exercise, you need a rope, rotate it in a circular motion and jump when it touches the ground. The smaller the jump the better it is for your knees and ankles. Jumping about an inch from the ground is considered ideal.
If you do this exercise for an hour, you will burn about 560 calories.
Strength training is also possible in the comfort of your home. You just have to purchase some dumbbells. The weight of the dumbbells should be the same or marginally higher than what you have already been lifting at the gym. You can also consider filling up some water bottles and doing strength training with them.
Every hour of such strength training done correctly may help you lose about 200 calories.
Start with what you can do whether it’s walking, riding a bike, or aerobic exercises, Don’t think you have to run a marathon or be an elite athlete, start it and just keep going no matter what.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
To do this exercise, you need to get into a pushup position, bend your arms and move down towards the floor. Now, you have to hold the same position with extended arms. Initially, you just have to hold the position for about 30 seconds. This exercise may seem very easy to pull, but is a challenging one and helps in toning your core muscles like abs, stabiliser muscles and back.
Doing it for an hour helps you lose about 350 calories.
As we all know, yoga is a spiritual form of exercising that helps you connect your body, spirit and mind. Apart from giving you a better understanding of your body, it improves your flexibility and provides peace of mind.
What makes it more convincing is that you can do it regularly without having to leave your home. As per the experts, trying out meditation, pranayama and Surya Namaskar are some of the best forms of yoga to keep yourself fit and healthy.
Monsoon may come with a few drawbacks for the fitness junkies but as we have mentioned above, there are plenty of ways you can keep yourself in the best shape and health even during this period with some home exercises. If you are a diabetes patient, it is advised to consult with your doctor before you make any alterations in your regime of physical activity.
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.
According to a recent study, the coronavirus has caused immense psychological distress (stress, anxiety, sleeplessness and fear), especially to the most vulnerable and marginalised sections of the population, which may have very long-term effects.
The development of the COVID-19 vaccine is a step into a somewhat brighter future, but there remains a lot to be done. Time and again, health organisations across the world have emphasised the need for individuals to practice and take cautionary measures against the virus.
A balanced diet, breathing exercises, staying updated and developing personal resilience to adapt to such crises is the need of the hour.
There has been an extremely high volume of COVID-19 cases worldwide, with high mortality rates and the treatment remains unclear. Information about diagnostic norms to identify vulnerable patients who might require close monitoring is necessary.
According to medical professionals, you should closely monitor four essential body functions:
1. Pulse Rate
2. Oxygen saturation in the blood
3. Body Temperature
4. Blood pressure
Let’s talk about them in detail.
Your pulse rate or heart rate is the frequency at which your heart beats in one minute. It is calculated in Beats Per Minute.
Checking your pulse will help you understand how well your heart is functioning, how your body is reacting to a stressful situation, such as being sick and how fit you are. The number of times your heart beats in one minute is your heartbeat, which a heart rate monitor can track.
Low oxygen saturation and elevated respiratory rate are associated with severe disease in covid-19, continuous monitoring in a patient admitted to a hospital or being managed at home is very essential to understand the disease progress and management.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D
The perfect time to check your pulse rate is in the morning, right after you wake up. The average heart rate per minute according to age is:
Babies: 100-160 beats per minute.
Children (1-10 years): 60-140 beats per minute.
People (10 years and older): 60-100 beats per minute.
While your body is fighting and recovering against COVID-19, your beats per minute are bound to change. If it is higher than usual, you may have a fever. Fever is one of the major symptoms of COVID-19 – keeping track of your pulse rate can help you stay vigilant and ascertain the symptoms of the virus on time.
It’s considerably simple to measure your PR – use a timer, find your pulse and make a note of the number of beats in one minute. Alternatively, you can use a heart rate monitor for the same. A heart rate monitor gives precise readings depending on the quality of the meter.
SPO2 stands for serum (S) Pressure (P) O2 (Oxygen). SPO2 computes the level of oxygen carried by the haemoglobin in your blood, also known as oxygen saturation in the blood. One molecule of haemoglobin (found in red blood cells) carries up to four oxygen molecules, thus being 100% ‘saturated’ with oxygen.
Monitoring the oxygen level in your blood helps in the diagnosis of underlying lung diseases. An SPO2 monitor or pulse oximeter is a device that measures oxygen saturation in percentage (out of 100). SPO2 reading is generally low in anaemic patients and in those suffering from various lung diseases.
It is important to note that before checking Saturation one should make sure there is no nail polish on checking finger and it is advisable to walk for 2 mins before checking it.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
In a healthy person, a blood saturation level of 95-100% is considered normal. If the oxygen percentage level is below 95%, it can indicate an underlying lung problem.
Many people with COVID-19 experience low oxygen levels. If the oxygen saturation is lower than 94%, this means the oxygen supply is inadequate at the tissue level and the patient needs to be treated quickly. Oxygen saturation of less than 90% is considered a medical emergency.
You can determine your SPO2 levels through a blood-gas test, oxygen therapy assessment or by using a pulse oximeter.
A pulse oximeter is well suited as an early-warning device for hypoxia (low oxygen saturation). It is a small device that is clipped to your finger or earlobe.
A pulse oximeter displays the oxygen level in the blood (out of 100) and your pulse rate. The device is sensitive to heat and fluids and might be rendered non-functional in case of rough handling. It is recommended to buy a sturdy and quality oximeter with a clear LED and a neat light detector (called the photo-detector).
High body temperature is a common occurrence when your body is fighting systemic inflammation. One of the early symptoms of COVID-19 is a high body temperature. Digital thermometers and no-contact thermometers are widely used to identify people with COVID-19.
Everyone’s normal body temperature is different and it changes during the day. 98.6 °C or 209.48 °F was established as a normal body temperature 150 years ago by a German doctor after surveying more than 25,000 patients.
Usually, one is said to have a fever when one’s body temperature is higher than 38 °C or 100.4 °F. Ideal body temperatures for different age groups can be as follows:
| Type of reading | 0–2 years | 3–10 years | 11–65 years | Over 65 years |
| Oral | 95.9–99.5 °F (35.5–37.5 °C) | 95.9–99.5 °F (35.5–37.5 °C) | 97.6–99.6 °F (36.4–37.6 °C) | 96.4–98.5 °F (35.8–36.9 °C) |
| Rectal | 97.9–100.4 °F (36.6–38 °C) | 97.9–100.4 °F (36.6–38 °C) | 98.6–100.6 °F (37.0–38.1 °C) | 97.1–99.2 °F (36.2–37.3 °C) |
| Armpit | 94.5–99.1 °F (34.7–37.3 °C) | 96.6–98.0 °F (35.9–36.7 °C) | 95.3–98.4 °F (35.2–36.9 °C) | 96.0–97.4 °F (35.6–36.3 °C) |
| Ear | 97.5–100.4 °F (36.4–38 °C) | 97.0–100.0 °F (36.1–37.8 °C) | 96.6–99.7 °F (35.9–37.6 °C) | 96.4–99.5 °F (35.8–37.5 °C) |
A thermometer is a device that records your body temperature. A digital thermometer gives accurate readings in under a minute and is preferred over mercury thermometers, as mercury thermometers are challenging to read and mercury is poisonous.
You can use a digital thermometer to measure temperature orally or by placing it under the armpit. A tympanic (ear) thermometer measures the temperature inside of the ear, a temporal (forehead) thermometer measures the heat that comes off of the head and a rectal thermometer (used for infants aged 0-3 years old) measures the temperature inside of the anus.
The force of your blood pressing through the walls of your arteries is known as blood pressure.
Ideal blood pressure is usually considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg.
Low blood pressure is defined as a reading of fewer than 90 millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) for the top number (systolic) or 60 mm Hg for the bottom number (diastolic).
Your blood vessels, heart, brain, kidneys and eyes are all placed under additional strain if the blood pressure is too high (above 140/90). People with high blood pressure might have to deal with more complications caused by the COVID-19 virus.
| Age | Systolic Range | Diastolic Range |
| Newborn to 6 months | 45–90 | 30–65 |
| 6 months to 2 years | 80–100 | 40–70 |
| Children (2–13 years) | 80–120 | 40–80 |
| Adolescent (14–18 years) | 90–120 | 50–80 |
| Adult (19–40 years) | 95–135 | 60–80 |
| Adult (41–60 years) | 110–145 | 70–90 |
| Older adult (61 and older) | 95–145 | 70–90 |
Blood pressure readings (units of millimetres of mercury (mmHg) always come in pairs with an upper and lower value. Blood pressure has to be measured periodically – it is measured manually by a device called a sphygmomanometer. You can measure your own blood pressure using a digital BP monitor.
Monitoring your body’s essential functions allows you and medical professionals to assess your health and well-being. It is necessary to be responsible and updated as there are potential bottlenecks and unacknowledged after-effects due to COVID-19.
Remember, don’t be complacent-if critical, consult your healthcare provider/medical expert or a specialist right away.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The number of COVID-19 cases in India has already crossed the 1.8 lakh mark and continues to steadily rise each day. Staying indoors can help us prevent COVID-19 from spreading. It is also essential for us to maintain personal hygiene as well as hygiene at home to minimize our chances of getting sick.
Transmission of novel coronavirus occurs much more commonly through respiratory droplets than through objects. Current evidence suggests that COVID-19 may remain active for hours to days on different types of surfaces. Therefore, cleaning visibly dirty areas followed by disinfection is the best measure for the prevention of COVID-19 in day to day practice.
Cleaning is the process of removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from a variety of surfaces. It does not kill all germs, but removing them, lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection. Disinfection is the process of using chemicals (disinfectants) to kill germs present on different surfaces. If done correctly, it can kill harmful microorganisms. Dettol, Lizol, bleach, rubbing alcohol, sodium hypochlorite, etc. are the various types of disinfectants that are easily available.
According to CDC Disinfection to reduce transmission of COVID-19 at home is likely not needed unless someone in your home is sick or if someone who is positive for COVID-19 has been in your home within the last 24 hours. Clean high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, tables, and light switches regularly.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
This is probably the most touched surface in the house. Right from the front door of your house to the handles on cupboard doors and rooms, it is vital to make it a habit to disinfect and wipe all the door handles in the house. Don’t forget to clean and disinfect the refrigerator door handle, table surfaces, metal/plastic/rubber baby toys, chairs and desk surfaces as well.
Think of your mobile phone as your third hand. We tend to check our phones at least 20-30 times a day, helping germs easily transfer from your hands to your mobile phone. Phones should preferably be cleaned with disinfecting wipes gently on exterior parts of phones in switched off mode. Avoid the use of bleach or the entry of moisture through any openings. Many mobile companies have provided recommendations on the cleaning of phones during this COVID-19 pandemic. Check your phone manufacturer website for instructions on what to use to clean your phone to avoid damage to the device.
Surfaces must be cleaned with water and soap or a detergent first to remove dirt, followed by disinfection, if you do sanitize or disinfect, clean surfaces first because impurities like dirt may make it harder for sanitizing or disinfecting chemicals.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
While you might not be touching your face regularly, you still touch your spectacles very often. Wipe your spectacle frames with a disinfecting wipe or a cloth dampened with disinfectant liquid*. You can also use a sanitiser and a clean, lint-free towel to wipe the lenses.
Cleaning our laptops is more important than ever now that we are working from home. Use a disinfectant wipe or a soft, lint-free cloth and wipe on the top and sides of each key, preferably in a switched off mode. Also, clean the surface and bottom of the keyboard thoroughly. Entry of moisture or any disinfectant liquid through any openings must be avoided.
We all find ourselves watching quite a bit of TV during this lockdown. This means that your remotes need a good cleaning since it is being handled by everyone at home. Remember to clean and disinfect your remote gently with a disinfectant wipe or a cloth soaked in disinfectant liquid. Needless to say, the entry of moisture and disinfectant liquid inside the remote control must be avoided during cleaning.
Every packed grocery item should be wiped with soapy water or sanitiser (food packets, food bags, etc.) While purchasing groceries, make sure that you use cloth bags. Wash and disinfect them after every purchase.
Clean your fruits and vegetables under running water. You may soak them in a solution of salt or baking soda with water for some time. Rinse the items with clean water, dry and store them normally.
If you are visiting the grocery or vegetable store, it means that you are taking your purse/wallet out. Add your wallet to the list of things you need to sanitize after visiting a store. Use a small amount of hand sanitiser* applied to the surface of the purse with a tissue or a clean cloth. You can disinfect keys (without remote controls) and coins by soaking them in a soap solution of dishwashing liquid for a short amount of time. After this, rinse them with clean water and leave them in the sun to dry. As far as possible, try and use digital or card payments instead of cash. After handling/touching a card or cash for transaction/payment, always clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
Nowadays, you are probably using your kitchen counter numerous times a day. Areas where food is stored or prepared have more microbial contamination than other places in the home.
Have you stopped to think about the number of times you switch on and off the lights and fans at home? Switches and doorbells can be cleaned with disinfectant wipes once every couple of days.
*Disinfectant wipes should have at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol content while sanitisers should have at least 60% ethanol content.
It has become more important than ever to make sure that our houses stay virus-free and clean. Make sure you wash your hands regularly to minimize the spread of germs inside your house. Stay safe!
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
The news about the COVID-19 pandemic is everywhere: from the front pages of newspapers and headlines on news channels, to even our daily conversations at our homes. Constant exposure to such updates can leave us overwhelmed. Children especially can begin to feel increasingly anxious and confused since their daily routines have been completely disrupted due to the current state of lockdown.
So, how can parents help their kids manage their fears, while at the same time be aware and alert themselves? As a parent or guardian, you will want to make sure that your children get answers to all their questions and doubts regarding coronavirus. Speaking to them can help clear their doubts, help them understand what is happening as well as make them feel safe and cope with the current situation.
Most children have already heard about COVID-19 from TV as well as seen people wearing face masks. Therefore, not talking to them will make them even more confused. Ask them what they’ve heard about coronavirus and if they have any questions or doubts regarding this. This will help you understand how much they know as well as if they have any wrong information.
Explain things to them in a calm and reassuring way. Don’t offer more information than what they ask about. If they ask something that you don’t know the answer to, let them know about it. If they require information (especially older children), help them get access to age-appropriate content so that they don’t end up watching the news which scares them.
Teach children that following good habits like regularly washing their hands, covering their mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing, eating healthy food, getting proper sleep can help them stay in good health and even help in avoiding the spread of the infection to others.
Watching news such as the number of infected cases or even the death rates worldwide can frighten children. Younger children may feel reassured if you let them know that doctors and nurses in hospitals are treating and taking care of people who get sick. Older children may also feel comforted by knowing that scientists and researchers are working on a vaccine for COVID-19. Watch the news with your children so that you are aware and can filter what kind of information they are obtaining.
Children tend to worry more about their family and friends than themselves. If they hear that older adults are more likely to fall sick, they may get worried about their grandparents. Help them call or video call their grandparents and relatives to reassure them that they are in good health. Helping them connect virtually with their friends will make them feel a sense of normalcy.
Children might feel anxious and upset due to the lockdown and the fact that they have to be constantly indoors. Remind them that it is alright to be upset right now and encourage a hopeful outlook for the future.
Stick to or create new family routines, such as learning or studying, mealtimes, chores, playtimes and bedtimes. This can help children feel in control of the situation.
There may be times of constant news about COVID-19 from all types of media that may heighten fears about the disease. Limit reading, hearing or watching the news. Also, limit social media use that may expose your children to rumours and false information. Be cautious about discussing the news and your fears in front of your children.
Connect with friends and family members using the phone and video calls. This can help them avoid feeling isolated and can build and maintain relationships.
If you observe persistent problems with your child’s sleep patterns, eating habits or difficulty concentrating on typical tasks, or if your children have a persistent sense of hopelessness, excessive sadness or overwhelming worry, contact your doctor for advice.
It is important to continue having open communication with your family. If your child is afraid or anxious, you don’t want them to keep it to themselves. While we don’t know when these stressful times will end, we can definitely offer comfort and reassurance to our children, discuss factual information and encourage a healthy dialogue about their feelings.
Also Read: Constipation in Kids: A Research-Based Guide for Parents
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.
In these uncertain times, you could find yourself anxious, stressed and nervous about the future. Researchers have observed that large-scale disasters such as pandemics, tend to cause an increase in mental health issues such as depression, substance abuse and behavioural disorders.
The regular news of the current COVID-19 pandemic, with its vast number of infected cases as well as casualties, is mentally affecting more people each day.
Lockdowns have been imposed by certain countries including India to contain the spread of the virus. Long durations of being indoors lead to feelings of restlessness, annoyance, financial pressures, isolation, boredom and disinterest.
These feelings are completely natural and reasonable and reflect our want for survival. That said, it is important to keep in mind that although worry is normal, panic can prevent us from being rational/logical, which are skills we need at times of such difficulty.
1. Limit your news/media exposure: We are constantly exposed to extensive information about COVID-19 through the news, social media, discussions with family and friends. Constant exposure to such news creates negative effects such as feelings of anxiety, fear and stress. Take measures to ensure that you are away from receiving and spreading rumours and false information. Follow reliable news resources. Avoid watching the news all the time but stay updated regarding the guidelines and precautions advised by the Ministry of Health and local public health authorities.
2. Plan activities with your family: The lockdown has allowed us to spend time with our families which was not possible earlier, because of our hectic lifestyle. However, spending too much time together also has its drawbacks. Irritation, anger and frustrations arise because we are restricted from going out. Try and plan fun and relaxing activities which the whole family can participate in, such as board games, movies, arts and crafts or even exercising. Children tend to get irritable since they cannot go out and play, so engage them in activities like games or involve them in household activities. This will help in keeping them occupied as well as ensure more helping hands for household chores.
3. Stay connected: Take out some time during your day to connect virtually with your near and dear ones who stay away, especially those who are elderly or alone. Catch up with your friends or social circle online through video calls. Check up on the elderly or disabled in your neighbourhood and offer to help if they need something. Such deeds will have a positive impact on your mental state.4. Relax and Meditate: You do not have to be occupied all the time. Sometimes it’s nice to take a break and do nothing but relax and breathe. Set aside some quiet time for yourself where you can do something relaxing like taking a long bath or reading a book. Practices such as yoga and meditation are very beneficial in case you feel overwhelmed or anxious.Read More: 7 Different Relaxation Techniques to Help Fight Stress
5. Focus on Positive thoughts: In these difficult times, it is very easy to focus on the negatives and get stressed. Instead, try and distance the negative thoughts and focus on the positive aspects of your life. Consider keeping a gratitude journal and list down things you are grateful for. Do not overburden yourself with tasks to do; instead, set reasonable deadlines and try to achieve them. Reward yourself for your small achievements. If you still feel increasingly stressed and overwhelmed by the current COVID-19 pandemic situation and your mental health issues go on for days without getting better, you may contact COVID-19 national psycho-social toll-free number at 080-46110007 or consult your doctor or mental health professional.
Lupin has also launched a ‘Jan Kovid’ Helpline (1800-572-6130) for the citizens of Mumbai to resolve queries about COVID-19 and help those suffering from stress/anxiety. Backed by a team of general physicians, psychologists, respiratory physicians and psychiatrists, the helpline number will offer free consultation and respond to all queries related to COVID-19. The service is available in Marathi, Hindi, Gujarati and English, and will be operational all days from 8 am – 8 pm.
Also Read: Essential Oils for Anxiety: A Research-Based Holistic ApproachIncorporate these tips in your daily life to keep anxiety at bay and tide over the lockdown period. Above all, stay indoors to protect yourself.
Also Read: How to Reduce Anxiety Immediately: Quick and Effective TechniquesDisclaimer: 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.
