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What Is Likely To Happen With The New Rise In Covid Cases

After two years of grappling with Covid and its resultant crises (health and economy), 2022 has been a year without significant fatalities. People had returned to their pre-Covid lifestyles and breathed a sigh of relief. 

However, the world has been alarmed by the news of a prospective new wave of Covid. Covid cases are rising in China. A new sub-variant of Omicron is the reason behind the new cases. 

What is Omicron BF.7? And what does this sub-variant mean for India? Let’s find out. 

Rising Covid cases in China have brought the international scanner on the new sub-lineage of Omicron, BF.7. The number of Covid cases in the US, South Korea and Brazil has also increased, as per reports. In most likelihood, it has appeared in many European countries as well. 

A handful of cases have been found in India as well.

The Union Health Ministry has reassured the nation that there has not been an overall increase in caseload and the situation is being monitored. All states have been requested to continue genome sequencing to track the progress of this new sub-variant and understand it better. 

What we know for certain is that Omicron BF.7 is much more transmissible than its precursors. It has an R-value of 10-18.6, meaning one infected person can spread it to between ten to eighteen people. 

But is it more dangerous than the other variants? Most likely, it isn’t. However, as is the nature of all viruses, Covid variants are mutating and this is why Omicron BF.7 may be able to dodge immunity formed by vaccination or by prior exposure and become more transmissible. 

What can India expect? 

It is too early to say what dimensions this new situation will take. The vaccination response in India has been a rousing success and most of the population has been vaccinated. 

In this context, doctors are recommending the booster dose to people. We also have a new intranasal vaccine now available on Co-Win App for precautionary doses.

According to many reports, only about 4% of the population chose to get the booster shot. Now would be a good time to get the booster jab. It will shore up immunity to ready us for a possible new outbreak. 

The good news is some experts are stating that the infections may not be anywhere close to as severe as those caused by the Delta variant. There will likely not be a drop in oxygen saturation level or breathing issues. But given the number of deaths reported in China, we must be careful and exercise all precautions. 

But the volume of cases, owing to how contagious the variant is, is a little worrying. 

Possible symptoms of Covid infection caused by BF.7 are-

BF.7, being a sublineage of Omicron, will likely present Omicron-like symptoms. As we have seen in previous waves- this variant can cause a full spectrum of diseases ranging from asymptomatic to severe illness. 

What is to be done now? 

Let’s not panic but follow Covid appropriate behaviour sincerely. Here are some tips-

In a Nutshell

Covid was never gone. Like influenza, it may always stay with us. But through immunisation (by both infection and vaccination) and the passage of time, the population becomes better equipped to deal with a virus. However, that does not mean we can reject caution. As and when the government suggests, we should follow Covid mandates so that we can quickly return to our normal lives. 

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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1

iNCOVACC: India’s First Intranasal Covid Vaccine!

India has made another breakthrough in the war against the Covid pandemic with its first intranasal Covid vaccine, iNCOVACC, created by Bharat Biotech. The intranasal Covid vaccine was approved by DCGI (Drug Controller General of India) in September 2022 and then by CDSCO in November 2022 for restricted use under emergency situations for people 18 years and above. iNCOVACC- the intranasal covid vaccine will now be available under the Covid vaccination program in India. This needle-free Covid vaccine, which is easy to administer, can also be used as a booster for people who have received previous doses of any approved Covid vaccines(heterologous booster). 

Let’s know more about iNCOVACC – intranasal covid vaccine

iNCOVACC intranasal vaccine is a type of recombinant vaccine, meaning that it is created with an adenovirus vector. This kind of vaccine is made after extracting only a tiny piece of the DNA from the concerned bacterium or virus for which immunity is to be built and is inserted into the cells while manufacturing them. It is made with a pre-fusion spike protein that is stabilised. The vaccine has been formulated so that intranasal delivery is possible through nasal drops. The nasal delivery system has been developed cost-effectively, keeping in mind middle-income and low-income countries.

How is the intranasal covid vaccine administered?

iNCOVACC is a nasal vaccine to be administered twice at intervals of four weeks (28 days). Four drops will be administered into each nostril, thus totalling eight drops (0.5 mL dose in total).

Benefits of intranasal vaccination

Eligibility for iNCOVACC

To be eligible for this vaccine, candidates must be 18 years and above. 

Ineligibility for iNCOVACC

You should not get the iNCOVACC vaccine if you have any of the following conditions:

· If allergic to any of the ingredients listed on the vaccine label.

· If you experienced an allergic reaction after the first dose.

· You should not take the vaccine if you are suffering from fever or acute infection.

Things to mention before getting iNCOVACC

At the time of getting the vaccine, you should mention the following to your healthcare provider:

Since this vaccine is a comparatively newer invention, it is yet to be found what the effects of the vaccine can have on pregnant women or what effects it can generate upon interaction with other medications. However, for safety, it is best recommended to consult your healthcare provider before taking this nasal vaccine if you are on any doctor-prescribed medication or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding your child.

Side effects of iNCOVACC

Concerning the clinical trials conducted, the following side effects have been noticed:

· Fever

· Headache

· Sneezing

· Runny nose

Storage conditions required for iNCOVACC – 

Once opened, The multi-dose vial should be used as soon as practically possible and within 6 hours when kept between +2 to +8°C. iNCOVACC should be discarded at the end of the immunisation session or within 6 hours, whichever comes first. Vials must not be frozen. 

The iNCOVACC vaccine has been designed to provide immunity against COVID-19, a viral disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 of the coronavirus family. The COVID-19 infection has caused massive damage to people’s health, economy and social-political standing since it spread globally in the earlier part of 2020. The virus spread as a result of people-to-people contact and respiratory droplets. 

End note

The iNCOVACC vaccine has been designed to provide immunity against COVID-19, a viral disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. The COVID-19 infection has caused massive damage to people’s health, economy and social-political standing since it spread globally in 2020. With the increase in Covid cases in China, the US, Brazil and other parts of the world, we must amp up our guards and reduce the risk of exposure to Covid infection in all possible ways. Approval of nasal covid vaccine can help speed up the vaccination drive of precaution doses in India. 

By following proper safety measures and other standard COVID-19 protocols, we can fight the novel coronavirus disease. 

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.

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Latest Development- Covid-19-Breathalyzer Test

Tired of the nasal and throat swab Covid-19 tests? If you are like most of us, you’ve definitely taken one of these tests and it is deeply unpleasant. Not to mention, once the swab is inserted, the nasal passage and the throat gets irritated and this tingling sensation lasts a while. Not to worry though, evolving technology has now made it possible to test for coronavirus via a breath test. Non-invasive and non-tingly, the breath test is now FDA (Food and Drug Association) approved for emergency use in selected health facilities in the US.

Curious to know more about this Covid-19 breathalyzer test? Read ahead to know more about the test, the usage, how to perform and the limitations. 

What is the Covid-19 breath test?

The Covid-19 breath test is a non-invasive test that checks for the presence of coronavirus in a patient by a simple breathalyzer. As more strains of the Covid-19 virus are developing, additional test methods are always welcome. Additionally, the breathalyzer test is quite useful to test patients who are allergic to the traditional nasal swab or can’t get it done due to other medical issues. 

The InspectIR Covid-19 Breathalyzer test requires the patient to breathe into a tube and results are obtained in as little as three minutes. This test is slated to become the way to test the presence of coronavirus in airports, restaurants and other public gatherings. 

How does the breathalyzer test work?

The InspectIR Breathalyzer uses a technique called GC-MS. This technology is called gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, which separates and identifies chemical mixtures. The machine uses this GC-MS technique to detect five volatile organic compounds that are associated with the Covid-19 infection in the exhaled breath.

The breathalyzer test is ideal in large gatherings because it is fast and easy. Once the InspectIR Breathalyzer detects the presence of the Covid organic compounds, it is considered to be an unconfirmed positive test which should be confirmed via a rapid antigen test or a PCR test.

How long does the test report take?

Results from the InspectIR Breathalyzer test are available in under 15 minutes. As compared to the traditional test methods, the results are obtained in no time. A PCR test gives results in two to three days (depending on the capacity of the lab), a rapid PCR test in one day and a rapid antigen test in 15 to 30 minutes.

What are the usages of the Breathalyzer test?

The InspectIR Breathalyzer is small and portable, the size of a briefcase, but it needs to be administered by a trained technician, rendering the tests not ideal for home use. This test is suitable for doctor’s offices, hospitals, restaurants and other large gatherings. 

Every unit is currently capable of testing about 160 samples a day and as technological advancements and R&D are currently underway, this number is expected to increase. 

Also, according to InspectIR, the breath test is more effective as a screening method as compared to a temperature test. The other methods are time-consuming and costly when performed daily.

The accuracy

As per initial reports and tests, the Breathalyzer test is 91% efficient in identifying positive coronavirus strains and 99% efficient with negative results. Also, the scope of presenting a false negative is as low as 4.2%.

The RT PCR tests are the best at detecting positive coronavirus and even detect the smallest traces of the virus and are still considered the most reliable test. 

Other players in the market

Currently, only the Breathalyzer by InspectIR has received FDA approval, but there are other companies around the world that are engaged in research on the same. Breathonix from Singapore, GeNose C19 from Indonesia and Owlstone Medical from the UK are all in the race to get approval.

Key takeaways

Constant development in technology and testing methods is making it possible for the world to track and tackle constant development in Covid-19 strains. As it seems like Covid-19 is here to stay, it is important to develop faster and more accurate testing methods that are non-invasive. With the breathalyzer test, InspectIR and other companies are looking to change the way we tackle and deal with the coronavirus that has taken the world by a storm. After all, change is the only constant.

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Is The New Covid Strain Causing Concerns?

Been hearing and reading about XE, XD and XF? These aren’t the names of an electronic gadget, rather, recombinants of Covid 19. BA.4, BA.5, the new names almost seem like an Algebra class and as is with Algebra, these too may be tricky to understand. If you are confused by these new acronyms and need to know which symptoms to watch out for, read ahead.

XE, XD and XF

The three variants are recombinants of Covid, in addition to the existing Delta and Omicron variants. A recombinant is a combination of the previously existing strains and can be produced either naturally or by genetically combining pieces of genetic material using DNA technology. These new strains share genetic material of variants like Delta and Omicron, which are both highly transmissible and deadly. Almost like ”children” of the two experts and scientists around the world are carefully tracking the spread and symptoms of XE, XD and XF recombinants.

XE

The XE recombinant is an amalgamation of two Omicron variants – the BA.1 and the BA.2. As there are fewer cases of this variant, it is currently hard to determine vaccine effectiveness and the severity of XE. XE has the spike and structural proteins of the BA.2 strain and about â…• th of BA.1’s genome. Initial reports claim that XE has a growth advantage of about 10% over previous variants. At present, it is too soon to comment on this strain.

XD and XF

Not much is known about the XD and the XF recombinant variants at the moment. What is known is that XD and XF contains genes from the Delta and BA.1 Omicron variants. Currently present in Europe, XD is identified in Denmark, Belgium and France, while XF has been detected in the UK.

Symptoms of XE, XD and XF

While there is no clarity on the severity of the infectious rate of the three new recombinant variants, there are certain symptoms that you must watch out for. History of previous Covid-19 infections, vaccination status, antibodies and inherent immunity causes the symptoms to vary from person to person. However, some common symptoms are:

Some severe symptoms may include:

BA.4 and BA.5

The BA.4 and BA.5 are the two new sub lineages of the Omicron strain. These variants are causing some concerns as they are showing signs of immune escape mechanisms in previously infected people.  

There is limited research on the two variants. The BA.4 and BA.5 have significant ”improvements” on the spike protein, over the BA.2 variant, making it a cause of concern. As there is not much information, it is too early to comment on the severity of these two variants with surety. 

At present, all Covid-19 vaccines are effective towards the existing strains.

Steps to take to mitigate the risks

As was with the previous strains, the same precautionary measures must be taken to protect yourself and your loved ones from Covid-19 and its variants. Some simple steps are:

Key takeaways

While there is not much information about these new Covid-19 variants and recombinants, we may further witness even different variants. It is important to understand that we all must take measures to reduce the spread of viruses because that is how we can lower the chances of the evolution of newer variants. This pandemic appears to be far from over and in this world of rising uncertainty, we must take care of ourselves and our loved ones. Stay safe and stay healthy.

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.

‘XE’ Variant Of Covid-19 And Here Is What We Need To Know

It has been more than two years since we have faced the challenge brought by COVID-19, an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. From 2020 till this day, we have faced and overcome some of the major hurdles with the help of the frontline healthcare workers and our determination to maintain precautions to stop the spread. The ability of this virus to mutate showed us some powerful variants like Omicron and Delta, which we have overcome in the 1st and 2nd waves.

How is XE different from Omicron?

 ‘XE’ is not a new covid variant, but is classified under Omicron itself, which caused the third wave of Covid-19 this winter. Omicron has sublineages like BA.1, BA. 2 and a few more. The new covid virus- XE is a recombinant of BA.1 and BA.2 sublineages of the Omicron variant

What is the difference between a recombinant and a variant?

A variant is a new mutated (changed) version of the previous virus. It is the natural tendency of viruses to change as they evolve. In the case of SARS CoV-2, we have come across a number of variants so far- alpha, beta, delta, Omicron and many others. A variant can come up with the change in its properties in terms of- disease severity, rate of spread and the effectiveness of existing vaccines and medications. 

 A recombinant virus is a combination of two previously existing strains. It can be produced naturally or by combining pieces of DNA using recombinant DNA technology in a lab.

In the case of the SARs-CoV-2 virus, the recombinant strain shares the genetic material of two strains, which in the case of circulating hybrid variants are the BA.1 and BA.2 subtypes of Omicron variant. Given that both the sub-lineages of the Omicron variant were highly transmissible and concerning, experts around the world are keeping a close eye on the emerging recombinants.

The XE recombinant, which is a combination of BA.1 and BA.2 Omicron sublineage, was first detected in the UK on January 19 and more than 600 sequences have been reported and confirmed so far, as per the UK Health Security Agency report. It contains the spike and structural proteins from BA.2 but comprises a fifth of the genome of BA.1.

While variants continue to evolve, the prognosis of COVID-19 largely depends on various factors, including the patient’s age, the severity of illness at presentation, pre-existing conditions, how quickly treatment can be implemented, and response to treatment.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

How transmissible is XE?

In an April 5 report, WHO also stated that as part of the Omicron variant, the XE recombinant was being tracked. According to preliminary estimates, XE has a community growth rate advantage of 1.1 (or a 10 percent transmission advantage) over BA.2. and not 10 times the previous strain. This, however, is yet to be fully confirmed.

The WHO states in the report, ”The SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to evolve. Given the current high level of transmission worldwide, it is likely that further variants, including recombinants, will continue to emerge. Recombination is common among coronaviruses and is regarded as an expected mutational event.”

COVID strain symptoms due to XE

Possible symptoms of Omicron XE:

What can we do to keep ourselves safe?

While it is important to maintain hygiene, several precautionary measures can be taken:

How effective are the existing vaccines against XE?

According to expert opinion, the existing COVID-19 vaccines are effective and everyone must get vaccinated. Precaution dose is now available for everyone above 18 years of age and one must take the booster as and when eligible. There is no reason to panic at this stage but it is important to follow Covid’s appropriate behaviour and reduce our risk of getting exposed to the virus. As advised by the health ministry of India, people who have taken both doses of their vaccination must wait for 9 months before taking the booster shot, which is being hailed as a preventive vaccine shot. Studies conducted in the lab and in the real world show that full vaccination plus a booster shot provide stronger protection against infection with Omicron and its sub-variants.

Thus, although most of our hardships seem over, we must continue maintaining precautions as much as we can to completely flatten the curve and eradicate the infections that are still prevalent in the country. With all our efforts together, we will be able to achieve this soon.

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.

How To Spot Fake Remdesivir? 8 Signs To Watch Out for!

As COVID-19 spreads rapidly, more people are seeking treatments and more people are requesting certain injections or drugs. Remdesivir is one of such drugs that doctors are prescribing on a case-by-case basis to patients with severe illnesses.   While the production has almost doubled, there is still a shortage of this medicine in the market.   The demand for the drug has caused the market to flood with counterfeit products. Hetero Labs holds a 33% market share (13 lakh vials per month) in terms of production, the majority of fake Remdesivir released in the market imitate their packaging.  

Let’s know a little more about the much-talked-about medicine Remdesivir! Remdesivir was developed primarily to treat Hepatitis C but was also proven effective against Ebola in 2014. There has been using of the drug since then for the treatment of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The COVID-19 coronavirus belongs to this family of viruses that cause MERS and SARS. Remdesivir is an antiviral medicine meant for curing infected cells and preventing viral replication.

Why Remdesivir is Being Counterfeited and How to Spot A Fake Remdesivir?

The number of COVID-19 cases in India is on an alarming rise under the second wave of the novel coronavirus. It is unfortunate in this circumstance that a lifesaving drug-like Remdesivir is getting counterfeited when the country is facing one of the worst crises in history. The two main factors behind the emergence of Remdesivir counterfeits are black marketing and hoarding.

The second wave of Covid-19 has seen the gravity of the infection increase at a disturbing rate. In such circumstances, Remdesivir is a life-saver drug that can increase the survival rates of the infected. However, the demand for the medicine is much higher than its supply. Such is the demand for the drug that it is being black marketed at triple the price – normally priced between Rs 899 and Rs 5400 for a vial, Remdesivir is currently being sold illegally at higher rates of over Rs 20,000.

Hoarding also creates a supply-demand gap. Two sections of people have been making efforts to get hold of the vials of Remdesivir. One section is people who are urgently and genuinely in need of the medicine for the Covid-19 treatment of their loved ones who are in the hospital. The other section is the people who don’t have COVID-19 symptoms and are hoarding the medicine as they are in fear of it running out in case they need it.

Though COVID-19 vaccine distribution has started, the demand for Remdesivir will keep rising, as the current infection rates supersede the vaccination rates. So, it is essential to ensure that you are in receipt of the real medicine. The fake and real Remdesivir might look similar, but you will find more differences upon closer inspection. Thus, you need to know about the points of difference between the packaging of the real and fake vials. 

There are eight significant differences that you should watch out for and they are discussed here:

  1. Mention of The Symbol Rx on the Packaging: The symbol Rx comes from the Latin word “Recipere”. It is the symbolic representation of a medical prescription. Rx drugs cannot be sold over-the-counter. Due to this reason, the packaging of fake Remdesivir will not have the term Rx printed on it.
  2. Missing Manufacturer Logo: As of May 2021, the only producers of the medicine in India include Hetero Labs, Cipla, Zydus Cadila, Mylan Labs, Dr Reddy’s Labs, Syngene International and Jubilant Ingrevia (part of Jubilant Life Sciences). All original products will have a credible logo, along with the name of the producer.
  3. Incorrect Name on the Packaging: The original Hetero Labs Remdesivir has the name “COVIFOR”. Fake Remdesivir gets distributed under the name “COVIPRI”, a pseudo name that has been fashioned after the original. 
  4. Mention of â„¢ on the Vials: Real vials of Remdesivir have the â„¢ symbol, which stands for ‘Trademark’. It exclusively identifies the drug as belonging to a particular company and identifies the company’s ownership of the brand. Any original packaging of the medicine will have the term â„¢ on it.
  5. Warning Label and Declaration: Remdesivir from Gilead Sciences Inc. became the first drug to get the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) formal clearance for treating Coronavirus back in October 2020. The warning label on the packaging by Hetero has the declaration “COVIFOR is manufactured under the license from Gilead Sciences, Inc”. The original warning label is in red, which is the brand colour for Hetero. In the fake one, there is no such warning and the label has a black colour.
  6. Several Errors in Capitalisation: The fake packaging of Remdesivir comes with many errors in capitalisation. Here’s outlining the most prominent three of them:
  1. Alignment Errors in the Brand Name: You will also find an alignment error in the brand name of the fake Remdesivir. The fake injection has more gaps in the brand name than the actual one.
  2. Telangana Has A Wrong Spelling: There is another major spelling error in the full address on the package of the counterfeit Remdesivir injection. The state Telangana is written as ‘Telagana’.

These eight signs should sufficiently alert you about whether you have the original product or not. 

Wrapping Up

As mentioned earlier, until the covid-19 vaccine gets completely distributed, the demand for drugs like Remdesivir will keep increasing. The government has taken some measures to stop the widespread sale of the drug on the black market. For instance, the Remdesivir supply protocol has changed in states like Tamil Nadu, where the hospitals need to source such necessary drugs and not the patients. In case of an emergency, remember the points mentioned above and do not buy drugs from unverified medical suppliers. We are living in an unforeseen situation, so you need to take more care of yourself and beware of such drugs.

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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Is It Safe To Take COVID Vaccine During Menstruation?

The fourth and the biggest phase of the COVID-19 vaccination drive commenced on May 1, 2021. Registrations have finally opened up for all the population above the age of eighteen. We are going through a time when our nation is struggling with the worst crisis since the beginning of the pandemic. In this situation, getting vaccinated is the need of the hour for us. 

However, several myths are doing the rounds, clouding people’s judgement about taking the vaccine. And one such misinformation surfacing on social media and WhatsApp forwards is that women should not get vaccinated during menstruation. We urge you to not rely on unverified sources for such content and verify the facts from a doctor.

COVID-19 Vaccine and Menstrual Cycle

As they say, it is important that you take anything you find on social media with a pinch of salt. The vaccine does not affect your period. In fact, the COVID-19 vaccines are one of our best preventive tools to fight the deadly virus and tide over this second wave of the pandemic.

To start with, there is no actual data or evidence to connect COVID-19 vaccines to your menstrual cycle. Millions of women worldwide have already taken the vaccine and no worrying claims were recorded anywhere. It is a vaccine that you need to take as soon as you can. Presently, the vaccine is safe for all women above the age of eighteen.

We also need to understand that the menstrual cycle is a natural bodily process that does not decrease or limit the immune response of your body. Menstruation comes with hormonal changes that might minimally impact the way you react to side effects or an illness. However, it absolutely does not decrease your immunity.

Hormones like progesterone and estrogen fluctuate before a woman is on her period. It might lead to PMS (premenstrual syndrome) but does not impact your immunity. You can and should schedule vaccination at your convenience and not avoid taking it because you are on your period. 

Vaccines do not affect your menstrual cycle. However, we are going through a time when stress, mental strain and anxiety are at their peak. Stress might cause some variations in your period pattern, such as making them mildly heavy, slightly irregular or maybe even missing them for a month. Even if you do not get your period, it will not affect the efficacy of the vaccine. There is absolutely no correlation between menstruation and vaccination.

Also, having a slightly irregular or delayed period for a month is not a cause for worry. You should consult a doctor only if your periods are irregular every month.

Did you know?

  • 35% of women experienced changes in their premenstrual symptoms during COVID-19.Source: ncbi
  • 25% of women experienced more painful periods during the COVID-19 crisis. Source: ncbi
  • 30% of women reported changes in their menstrual cycle during COVID-19. Source: ncbi

Do Women Tend To Experience More Side Effects?

Vaccines work on our bodies by injecting an inactive or modified pathogen to start an immune response. Your menstrual cycle or any other bodily processes cannot impact this reaction. So it is as safe for women to get vaccinated as it is for men. The occurrence of side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine is heterogeneous. We do not have enough evidence to link the side effects to a particular gender or age.

So, what about those reports that say women have noticed slight changes in their menstrual cycle after getting vaccinated? Well, to answer this, we have to reiterate a previously mentioned point. If you notice any irregularity in your menstrual cycle, it is due to the stress and anxiety stemming from the pandemic. There is no reason to blame the COVID-19 vaccine for it.

You must discuss any changes in your menstrual cycle with your healthcare provider so that the best way to manage the condition is figured out and this may actually hint at an underlying health issue and not necessarily due to covid vaccination.

Precautions to Take Before Getting Vaccinated

If you are getting vaccinated during your period and you want to avoid complications, keeping a few things in mind is necessary. 

One of the crucial facts to remember is that dehydration can cause cramps during periods. With the progesterone and estrogen levels dropping, the body starts to retain more water. Thus, it needs more water to maintain balance and have the bodily processes going smoothly. Also, you should stay two times more hydrated if you are getting vaccinated around or during your periods.

Here are a few more precautions to keep in mind before, during and after vaccination:

At The Vaccination Centre:

When you are waiting in line outside the vaccination centre and after you are inside, you should:

During Vaccination:

You should keep the mask on at the time of the appointment and keep your face away from the face of the person administering the vaccine. It will help keep both you and the vaccinator safe. It is entirely okay to feel anxious or nervous. But remember, it is only a tiny prick and it is going to protect you against deadly coronavirus. If it helps, take slow breaths and turn your face away from the needle.

After Vaccination:

Some minor side effects are expected after you get vaccinated. The side effects are signs that your body is developing immune protection. A few of the common side effects associated with COVID-19 vaccines are:

As you can see, we did not mention anything related to menstruation on the side effects. 

Also Read: Can Sex Delay Your Periods: Evaluating Common Misconceptions and Realities

What Can women do to stay healthy?

Combating covid or vaccine stress will ensure your periods are normal. You must continue to follow a healthy lifestyle in order to keep stress and anxiety at bay for overall good health.

1. Exercise

Exercising regularly provides several benefits for your body. It can help manage your blood sugar levels, weight and well-being. While the pandemic has forced us to adopt a sedentary lifestyle, exercising can actually help lessen the effects of stress on the body. 

2. Get Proper Sleep 

Good sleep is recommended for everyone to overcome stress. Getting seven to eight hours of sleep a night is important. Sleep disturbances and inadequate rest can affect your hormones and subsequently, your menstrual cycle.

3. Watch Your Diet and Stay Hydrated

A balanced diet is one that contains adequate levels of carbohydrates, proteins, low-fat, low-sugar, and iron-rich foods. When you eat too much or don’t eat enough, it can affect your menstrual cycle. You must drink enough water for a healthy body. 

4. Avoid Things that Causes Stress

There can be a lot of factors in our environment which trigger stress. It affects our diet, sleep schedule, and medication. Try to set a healthy routine for yourself, indulge in social interactions virtually because not meeting your loved ones can be a major cause of stress.

In A Nutshell

By now, it is clear that the COVID-19 vaccine does not affect menstrual cycles. So, we urge all our eligible readers to get vaccinated as soon as possible, regardless of whether they are menstruating. If your menstrual cycle is getting affected due to anxiety related to COVID and the stress of working from home, get in touch with a doctor without further delay. And finally, we should refrain as much from believing in rumours as from spreading unverified information.

Get a jab as well as a health checkup!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Should I reschedule my COVID-19 vaccination appointment if I am menstruating?

As the oestrogen levels fall during menstruation you may feel weak. This may especially happen if you experience heavy and painful periods. In this case you may consider rescheduling your COVID-19 vaccination appointment because the vaccine may cause lethargy and fever in some people. However, taking the vaccine is important and you must not neglect it.

2. Which covid vaccine should I take during menstruation?

You may opt for any COVID-19 vaccine that’s available for you. None of the covid vaccines have any guidelines related to menstruation and all the vaccines are more or less effective.

3. What are the possible side effects of COVID-19 vaccine?

A COVID-19 vaccine can cause mild side effects after the first or second dose, including:
> Pain, redness or swelling at the injected site
> Fever
> Fatigue
> Headache
> Muscle pain
> Chills
> Joint pain
> Nausea and vomiting
> Feeling unwell
> Swollen lymph nodes
You’ll be monitored for 15 minutes after getting a COVID-19 vaccine to see if you have an allergic reaction. Most of these side effects will go away in a few days, if not, you must consult the doctor.

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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Mixing Covishield And Covaxin – Does It Work Better?

UPDATE: As of the beginning of 2022, an additional study was carried out by AIG Hospitals in Hyderabad that confirmed the information below. A mix of Covaxin and Covishield vaccines was shown to leave the body with more virus-fighting antibodies than simply getting two doses of the same vaccine. The test was conducted by using Covaxin first and Covishield second as well as the converse of the same. In both cases, this mixed vaccine regime showed a much higher antibody response (up to 4 times more) than two doses of the same vaccine. Also, one of the hopeful results from this study states that mixing these vaccines is safe for humans. Read on to learn more:

Introduction

Earlier, Covaxin was said to be better at protecting the new Delta variant of the SARS CoV2 virus. These claims were made by Bharat Biotech for their inactivated virus type vaccine but there wasn’t enough review available on these claims.

Although it may come across as a bit unorthodox, there have been ideas floating around for a while now regarding mixing vaccines for better potency. At the forefront of this idea were the first two vaccines being given out on a massive scale in India, Covaxin and Covishield. The latest results from ICMR shows that mixing these two does in fact produce better results.

The immune response to COVID-19 vaccines may wane over time. Booster shots are a safe and effective way to extend protection against variants of concern.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

How Does Covishield And Covaxin Work By Themselves

Fundamentally, Covishield and Covaxin work in different ways. Covaxin works by using an inactivated form of the whole SARS CoV2 virus, which has no potential to affect or infect the body. This kind of Whole-Virion Inactivated vaccine has been used for decades. In fact, this is one of the first forms of large scale vaccines since modern vaccines were developed.

Covishiled uses only a small part of the virus, a spike protein that can be found on the virus surface. This spike protein is used by the virus to enter into human cells, it is also one of the prime ways our immune system can identify the intruder. By replicating just the spike protein and injecting it into the blood, the body can recognise the virus and destroy it. All this, without any risk of contracting the disease since there is no actual virus present.

Both Covaxin and Covishield are excellent vaccines, considering the ridiculously short development times. And both also require two shots for the best results. But it has been thought for some time now that mixing the vaccines, i.e., one shot each of Covishield and Covaxin (or vice versa), may in fact show better results than just one vaccine on its own. 

Spike-protein neutralizing antibodies are the ones which kill and neutralize the virus after vaccine administration. It was found that after mixing covaxin and covishield there was 4 times more response elicited by body as compared to 2 doses of same vaccine in a hospital based study at AIG hospitals.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

What Were The Results Of The Test?

Conducted in Uttar Pradesh, the test was a result of happenstance when 18 individuals received a mix of dosages instead of getting one vaccine twice. Initially, there was a lot of worry in the public regarding the adverse effects of mixing vaccine types. 

As per the ICMR, these 18 individuals were tested against 80 individuals who received the conventional, two doses of 1 vaccine type (40 each of Covishield and Covaxin). Not only were all three of these groups found to be better protected and show greater immunogenicity in general but the group with mixed vaccines showed even better results than the other two groups. 

Effectiveness against the Alpha, Beta and Delta variants was strong and their antibody response was also superior to those who received only one vaccine type. 

Mixing vaccines may enhance the immune response, and it increases flexibility for when people need a booster dose but doses of the vaccine they first received are not available, the same is authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

But Is Mixing Covishield and Covaxin Safe?

The safety of mixing vaccines was also looked into by this test, to review its viability for use in the general public. The good news is that no adverse effects were noticed in the short or long term. Pain at the injection site (the upper arm in most cases) was detected, however, this issue is common in other vaccines as well. 

The findings from this study are extremely important in light of the Delta and other variants, since combining Covishield and Covaxin has a better response against them. But not only does a mixed vaccination elicit a better immune response, but it is also a new pathway for vaccinating more people. 

With over a billion people requiring vaccination in the country, the ability to mix and match with Covishield and Covaxin may open up better coverage for vaccinating the country. To move forward and make this a serious option, a broader study across multiple centres will be required. Till then, we can all breathe a sigh of relief at the good news and hope for the best. 

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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What Are The Things You Can’t Do Even After Vaccination?

After the 1st phase of COVID vaccination, the 2nd phase has started and already lakhs of people over the age of 60 as well as people over 45 years or above who have comorbidities have been vaccinated.

Soon, the next phase too will start where individuals above 18 – 44 years of age will be entitled to the vaccine. Vaccination is continuing uninterrupted and this has come as a breath of fresh air to everyone after a terrible year of pain, loss, grief and anxiety. In this context you may be asking, will I be able to return to the old norm after getting vaccinated? Can I stop taking the precautions of COVID-19? 

That is why we should discuss what you can or cannot do and the precautions after vaccination that you need to know of.

How safe will you be after getting the vaccine?

Even though most of the vaccines that are being administered across the globe have undergone multiple trials and have been found to be effective in the trial phases and found to be efficacious, there are further studies ongoing to determine the long term effectiveness of the antibodies produced within the body by the Covid-19 vaccine. But for now, we can all take heart in the fact that the vaccines will help us fight off the coronavirus.

According to research, if you’ve been properly vaccinated and are past the 14-day window after receiving your vaccine, you should be safe. But that doesn’t rule out the possibility of spreading the virus to others.

Most youngsters who have received COVID-19 have done quite well. The viruses have also made some children quite unwell. That is why individuals and families should consider their options thoroughly before deciding to physically interact with others. Vaccinated persons are unlikely to infect others but the risk still exists. 

Can we do any of the following?

With that in mind, let us look at which of these activities will be permissible.

1. Can I visit my loved ones?

If all of you have been vaccinated then small gatherings can be permitted. However, you must continue taking all precautions like the use of face cover or masks, hand sanitization and maintain social distancing.

But if your loved ones haven’t been vaccinated, avoid visiting them for their own good. You will not come to any harm, but you could be a carrier of COVID and pass it on to your family members or friends.

2. Can I go to restaurants, movie theatres, gyms, cafes or pubs?

After vaccination, you will be safer in public places. Even so, you have to continue wearing masks, follow social distancing and avoid going to large-sized gatherings for two reasons:

3. Will I finally be able to go on a vacation?

After vaccination, you can go on a small local vacation when you know that more or less everyone in that state is vaccinated. Local safe travels are possible. But planning an international holiday may be unwise because new COVID strains are originating and there is a possibility that our vaccines may not be effective against those. 

4. Can I travel by public transport?

Yes, you can travel by public transport if you are wearing your mask correctly, if there is proper airflow from ventilation systems, and minimal talking between passengers. The transmission chances appear to be low if you avoid touching surfaces and too much crowd. As a part of returning to normal, public transportation is likely safe with COVID-19 safety precautions in mind.

5. Can fully vaccinated people do away with masks?

People who are fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks when outdoors. There are people who haven’t got both doses of the vaccine yet and can potentially spread the infection. Thus, taking all necessary precautions to prevent COVID-19 is the best way to ensure complete safety.

6.  Do I need to get tested if I am exposed even if I am fully vaccinated? 

Yes, if you’ve been around someone who has COVID-19, you must get tested. People who are fully vaccinated should get tested three to five days after a potential exposure, even if they don’t have symptoms. COVID-19 vaccines are good at protecting people from getting seriously ill, but vaccinated people can still get infected with the delta variant and spread it to others.

What should you do after vaccination?

Here are a few precautions of COVID-19 that all responsible citizens should follow even after vaccination:

It is impossible to say whether the ‘old norm’ will ever be back again. But did you know that wearing masks and sanitization can keep you safe from the coronavirus and its other variants as well. So let us all continue to maintain hygiene protocol.

other variants as well. So let us all continue to maintain hygiene protocol.

Side effects

Minor side effects may be possible after vaccination. Some side effects of vaccines are typical and expected after vaccination. Side effects indicate your body’s development of immunological defences.

 The following are some of the most common COVID-19 vaccination adverse effects:

● Pain, swelling, and redness on the arm where the vaccine was given

● Chills or a low-grade fever

● Tiredness

● Headaches

● Muscle discomfort or joint pain

These adverse effects usually subside within a few days.

Know your current health status with full body checkups.

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 Existing Vaccines Work Against Omicron?

This article has been medically reviewed and fact-checked by Dr. Nikita Toshi

Most of the current COVID-19 vaccines have been found effective against the previous variants so far. However, over 30 mutations have been reported in the new Omicron variant. Mutations are responsible for bringing about the changes in the nature of the virus hence the question of the effectiveness of existing COVID-19 vaccines against the new variant- Omicron has arisen.

The World Health Organization has designated omicron as a “variant of concern,” adding that it can pose a very high global risk. [1]
In this article, we will see what existing vaccination options we have available at the moment and how effective, if at all, will they be against Omicron, the latest variant of COVID-19.

Omicron and Covishield

Adar Poonawala, CEO of Serum Institute of India (maker of Covishield vaccine), mentioned that studies are underway at the moment and the effectiveness of the Covishield vaccine with the Omicron variant can only be studied properly during the next 2-3 weeks. He further added that it’s too early to draw conclusions about the extent of the seriousness of the newly discovered Omicron, a variant that the WHO has designated with the Variant of Concern title.

In an interview with NDTV, Poonawala mentioned that a booster dose is possible specifically for the Omicron variant, however, the priority should be to get every citizen double vaccinated first.

Is Covishield Effective Against Omicron?

In a research, AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine Covishield was effective against the Omicron coronavirus variation after the third treatment, with neutralising levels similar to those shown after a conventional two-dose course against the Delta variant.

Omicron and Covaxin

Experts suggest that Covaxin could possibly be highly effective against the Omicron variant as it is a ‘whole virion inactivated coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). However, we need to wait for some more time to get concrete evidence to support this.

How Effective is Covaxin Against Omicron Variant?

According to an official with the Indian Council of Medical Research, Covaxin is anticipated to be more effective against the highly mutating Omicron form than other COVID-19 vaccinations (ICMR).
“Covaxin is an inactivated whole virion vaccine. “It covers the full virus,” the official explained, “so it can operate against this highly modified new form”. “It was previously discovered that Covaxin was effective against all variations, including Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta. As a result, we expect it to work against the new variety as well,” added another ICMR official.

In my experience variants will continue to evolve however due to robust humoral and cell-mediated immune responses elicited by existing vaccines there will be cross protection.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

BioNTech and Pfizer on Omicron

The Pfizer vaccine will offer strong protection against any severe symptom caused by Omicron, Reuters quoted BioNTech’s, Chief Executive Officer. Speaking to the BBC recently, Dr. Albert Bourla, Pfizer’s CEO, said he is of the view getting vaccinated every year may be the way to offer a “very high level of protection” against the deadly disease that has reportedly caused upwards of five million casualties across the world.

The company is said to be updating their jab in response to Omicron, which could be ready in a short time, possibly 100 days. At the end of this year, Pfizer is expected to have supplied about three billion doses of their mRNA vaccine. The plan for next year stands at 4 billion. 

If a person is infected with COVID but with an Omicron variant, he or she is less likely to develop a severe COVID infection, although there still is a requirement for a medical advice to appropriately manage the infection.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

Omicron Vs Other Variants

We’ve seen five different types of concerns in the last two years: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron. While the first four VOCs were discovered in different regions of the world in 2020, Omicron was discovered in November 2021 in South Africa.

A recent article by Nature pointed out four possible scenarios of how the virus can evolve in the future. 

Scenarios 1: SARS-best CoV-2’s hope – but also the least likely – is to follow in the footsteps of measles. Infection or immunisation confers lifetime immunity and the virus spreads mostly through new births.

Scenarios 2: SARS-CoV-2 following the path of the respiratory syncytial virus is a more realistic, but still hopeful, option (RSV). The majority of persons become infected within the first two years of their lives. RSV is a leading cause of infant hospitalisation, however, most occurrences in children are minor.

Scenarios 3:  The third is coronavirus imitating the influenza A virus and is responsible for global seasonal influenza epidemics each year. New variants are able to evade the immunity elicited by previous strains due to rapid evolution. Seasonal epidemics emerge, as a result, fueled mostly by the transmission of the disease among adults, who can still acquire severe symptoms. The flu vaccine helps to lessen the severity of the illness.

Scenarios 4: But if SARS-CoV-2 evolves to evade immunity more sluggishly, it might come to resemble influenza B. That virus’s slower rate of change, compared with influenza A, means that its transmission is driven largely by infections in children, who have less immunity than adults.

What WHO has said about the next variant?

Last week, a WHO official stated that the next strain of concern will be more fit, i.e., more transmissible because it will have to outcompete the existing strain. “The main question is whether future versions will be more or less severe,” says the author. Although hypotheses abound, there is no guarantee that the following variants will be gentler than the prior ones.

According to the official, the future version of Covid may dodge vaccine safeguards, even more, making existing vaccines for coronavirus even less effective.

Sputnik and Omicron

The Gamaleya Institute believes both versions, Sputnik V and Sputnik Light, will be effective at neutralising the Omicron variant. The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), made a statement recently about the same, the RDIF was a key supporter of the vaccine development at the state-run Gamaleya Center. In the statement, they said that the centre “has already begun developing the new version of Sputnik vaccine adapted to Omicron.”

Johnson & Johnson and Omicron

Johnson & Johnson mentioned on their website that it is pursuing an Omicron-specific variant vaccine and will continue to work if need be. ”The new Omicron variant highlights the importance of continued surveillance, testing and vaccination to prevent hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19,” said Dr Mathai Mammen, global head for Janssen Research & Development LLC, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.

“We remain confident in the robust humoral and cell-mediated immune responses elicited by the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated by the durability and breadth of protection against variants to date in clinical studies.” [2]

Also Read: Omicron Variant: Latest News & Updates

Conclusion

As of now, there is no evidence to support the thought that existing vaccines will be ineffective or less effective against the Omicron variant. As the WHO recommends, we need to continue to use vaccination as our best bet against severe illness and lower the risk of death due to COVID-19. With enough people vaccinated, the virus that is causing this pandemic will have fewer hosts. Fewer hosts mean not only fewer people getting sick, but also fewer opportunities for the virus to evolve and change. Let’s all work together to keep following the pandemic safety measures and we can eventually be safe from the virus once and for all. We need to be vigilant, but not only due to the Omicron variant. Simple actions like wearing a mask in public, maintaining social distance and regularly washing hands will help us to meaningfully lower our risk of catching this disease. 

Also Read:

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.

References

[1]-https://www.who.int/news/item/26-11-2021-classification-of-omicron-(b.1.1.529)-sars-cov-2-variant-of-concern
[2]-https://www.jnj.com/johnson-johnson-to-evaluate-its-covid-19-vaccine-against-new-omicron-covid-19-variant

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