While people around the globe are debating about the importance of COVID-19 vaccine, it is safe to say that we have come to the conclusion that the vaccines are definitely effective, they can significantly reduce the severity of the infection and it also brings down the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients and COVID-19 mortality rates. The first set of people who received the COVID-19 vaccine were older people and people with comorbidities, as they were believed to be the most vulnerable. The vaccines were later made available to adults and children.
Initially, there was a lot of confusion regarding the COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant women. Most people thought it was best to wait. However, with further research, experts now suggest expecting women to get vaccinated. Pregnant women in India can opt for any COVID-19 vaccine available to them, including Covishield, Covaxin and Sputnik V. There are a few other vaccines widely available for pregnant women around the world and are considered safe.
COVID-19 can indeed be severe for people who are pregnant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have listed pregnant women under COVID-19 high-risk groups. Getting vaccinated for COVID-19 while pregnant is now considered a must. If you are still wary about it, it is best to speak to your doctor regarding the same.
When pregnant people are affected with COVID-19, they may be at an increased risk of ICU admission and may need mechanical ventilation. There have also been cases of pregnant women who have symptomatic COVID-19 passing away.
It is scientifically proven that getting the COVID-19 vaccine when you are pregnant, can protect you and your baby from getting extremely sick. It can further help in reducing pregnancy complications or premature births due to severe Covid related illness.
Based on my observations, I may say that if you are pregnant and are older, overweight, or have pre-existing medical conditions like high blood pressure, heart conditions, or diabetes, it’s important to be extra cautious. As you may be at higher risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19. Talk to your doctor for guidance and get vaccinated as a precautionary measure.
Dr. Smita barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
When people receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy, their bodies build antibodies against COVID-19, similar to people who are not pregnant. Antibodies made after a pregnant person received an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine were found in umbilical cord blood. This means COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy might help protect babies against COVID-19. More data are needed to determine how these antibodies, similar to those produced with other vaccines, may protect the baby.
Research has looked at children under six months old to find out whether the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy has positive impacts on infants who are otherwise too young to receive vaccines. Mothers who were vaccinated during pregnancy had babies who did not require to be hospitalized. The COVID-19 vaccines were 61% effective overall.
I may have awesome news for breastfeeding moms. When you get vaccinated against COVID-19, the antibodies your body produces may be passed on to your baby through breast milk. This means that getting vaccinated might potentially provide some protection to your little one against the virus.
Dr. Anuja Bodhare, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Those mothers who were vaccinated 21 weeks through 14 days before delivery, had babies who were found to be 80% protected. Whereas the vaccination effectiveness remains only 32% for the babies whose mothers had been vaccinated much earlier during their pregnancy.
Pregnant women should be encouraged to get vaccinated. It ensures that both the mother and the infant are protected. The CDC also recommends that women who are planning to get pregnant now or in the future must consider getting vaccinated and stay up to date with COVID-19 shots.
If you’re pregnant or have recently given birth, it’s important to stay informed about COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. According to ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), they recommend that pregnant women or those who have recently given birth may get a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine after completing their initial vaccine shots.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
The fact is, if you are pregnant and have no health concerns or complications, you are still at a higher risk of severe illness and hospitalization if you get infected with COVID-19 and are not vaccinated. With a complicated or high-risk pregnancy, getting vaccinated is even more important. Speak to your doctor and follow the advice. Myth: There is no point in getting vaccinated because my baby and I can still get COVID-19 and pass it to others.
The fact is not getting vaccinated makes you eight times more likely to get COVID-19 than those who are vaccinated. This should be enough reason for you to get vaccinated. To add to that, pregnant people who are not vaccinated are 25 times more likely to experience hospitalization or death. They are also more likely to spread it to others.
Fact is, even though the body can create antibodies to protect itself from reinfection, we do not know for sure how long they can last. Moreover, natural antibodies may not work in the same ways for all people. Getting vaccinated is the best option for future protection. If you are still unsure, talk to your doctor or OB/GYN. They will provide you with the best information to keep you and your baby safe and healthy.
From what I have observed, getting vaccinated against COVID-19 brings several benefits, even during pregnancy. First, it may lower your risk of experiencing severe illness. Additionally, vaccination might decrease the risk of premature birth or stillbirth, providing added protection for both the parent and the baby.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Pregnant women can get vaccinated at any point during their pregnancy if they haven’t already received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. There are no reasons to be hesitant about taking the COVID-19 vaccine when pregnant. You must remember that the pros outweigh the cons. If you get fever as a side-effect of the vaccine, home remedies can manage them well. In case you are pregnant and you have a prior history of allergy to vaccine or sensitivity to any of the ingredients in the vaccine, you must tell the concerns to your healthcare provider and do what seems the best thing to do.
Disclaimer: The information included at 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
A re-infection means getting infected with a disease that you already suffered from once. Reinfection with the COVID-19 virus means a person was previously infected, recovered and got infected again. While it is true that most individuals who recover from COVID-19 will have some protection, reinfections do occur. The reported cases of a re-infection are fewer.
Our immune system plays the role of remembering certain infections and recognizes them the moment they enter our body. It fights the infection and protects you. However, it tends to forget some of the infections, especially the ones that have changed their form, mutated and appeared as a new variant. The antibodies produced in our body previously may not be as responsive the next time. It is possible to get an infection with the same strain again and your body’s immunity will likely be highly responsive and try to limit the spread of the infection. It can prevent you from getting a severe illness or having complications depending on other pre-existing medical conditions of a person. It is important to understand that anyone can get reinfection with COVID.
In my opinion, like in dengue always reinfection will have severe symptoms due to accelerated immune response.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Reinfection is something that cannot be ignored in COVID, irrespective of the variant. This is why it is crucial to not take any risks and continue to follow COVID guidelines. Since we cannot say for sure what’s in store for us in the future, it only makes sense to continue following COVID appropriate behaviour even after a recent COVID recovery. It is advised to maintain physical distancing, proper masking and sanitise frequently in order to avoid possible reinfection from any variant.
Did you know?
Individuals may be at a higher risk of having COVID-19 re-infection due to several factors that may increase their risk of exposure to the virus. One must continue to take preventive measures after being fully vaccinated and even after getting infected with COVID-19 once. Weak immunity can be a major risk factor of COVID-19 re-infection. People who are undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant or autoimmune disorders are at greater risk of COVID-19 reinfection.
Getting covid for the second or third time might pose a higher health risk especially in immunocompromised, elderly, pregnant females and children.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
With the onset of Omicron, experts say COVID symptoms are now milder in the majority of the cases. Most people who are re-infected with COVID may only experience cold-like symptoms such as a sore throat, runny nose, body ache and mild fever which lasts for 3 days. In certain cases of COVID-19 reinfection, people have reported gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Only a small number have reported serious illness due to re-infection.
The way in which fully vaccinated individuals are more protected against severe COVID-19 infections than unvaccinated people, similarly, people who have had COVID-19 once are thought to experience milder symptoms of COVID re-infection. The re-infected person has some pre-existing immunity from their primary infection. Experts say the severity and symptoms depend on the variants one is affected with.
You may think that if vaccines are unable to prevent a re-infection, they are not effective enough. However, the truth is vaccination can bring down the rate of mortality, prevent the severity of COVID-19 re-infection, control the rate of transmission and reduce the need for hospitalisation.
After getting vaccinated, your body may take a few days or up to two weeks to build immunity against the virus. It is possible that you may contract the virus immediately after getting your shot. This is why even if you are fully vaccinated, you must continue to follow the guidelines and COVID-19 appropriate behaviour sincerely.
Scientists say that immunity wanes over a certain period of time, which is why booster doses of vaccines are important. It re-exposes the body’s immune system to the virus and triggers an immune response. As we continue to learn more about COVID-19 re-infection, we must understand the importance of vaccination and abide by COVID guidelines.
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.
As the research on new treatment options forCOVID-19 continues, the reports on the advancement and administration of vaccination have shown a decline in the rapidly increasing number of COVID-19 cases. As more and more people began understanding the importance of vaccines and took the jab, the need for hospitalization among infected patients decreased to a great extent. The death rates come down. Things have finally begun to look up.
However, this wasn’t the end of it. Many studies have already proved that the virus is evolving. What it might mean is not clear yet. But chances are that the variants will continue to become more and more contagious. That is why immunization is of more importance than ever before. The Omicron variant of COVID-19 is the concern at present and people who are fully vaccinated are likely to have enhanced protection. People with comorbidities, weaker immunity are vulnerable but taking proper caution can keep them safe. The emergence of new treatment options like covid nasal spray has given a lot of hope to everyone.
The main ingredient in the nasal spray for COVID is nitric oxide. Large scale research Use of NONS(Nitric oxide nasal spray) in patients recently infected with SARS-CoV-2 accelerates nasal virus clearance.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
It is important to note that India has played a crucial role in COVID-19 vaccine research and treatment. India is regarded as a major contributor to the global vaccine supply and is known as the vaccine manufacturing hub of the world. The country has immense capacity to manufacture COVID-19 vaccine doses annually. These are low-cost COVID-19 vaccines and are made available for countries that cannot afford expensive vaccines. Covaxin is India’s first indigenous COVID-19 inactivated vaccine developed and manufactured by Bharat Biotech and Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII) is the Indian version of the vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca.
Recently, Glenmark, a renowned Mumbai based pharmaceutical company, has launched a nasal spray. This is the latest discovery and it contains Nitric Oxide. The spray has been named FabiSpray and it has been launched in India, in partnership with a Canadian pharmaceutical, SaNOtize.
After the Phase 3 trials, reduction of viral load, up to 99 per cent in 48 hours have been shared in some reports. The company received a green signal from India’s drug regulator, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for Nitric Oxide Nasal Spray to be successfully manufactured and marketed.
The nasal spray is meant for topical use only. It is a manual pump spray, convenient to use, ideally, it must be sprayed, over nasal mucosa a maximum of 3 times per day. It acts as a barrier against the virus, both physically and chemically. This should be taken on the doctor’s advice along with the complete prescribed treatment.
FabiSpray claims to be an effective aid for adult patients suffering from COVID-19. It can control the multiplication of the COVID-19 virus in the upper respiratory tract itself. The nasal spray may stop the progression of the infection in Covid-19 patients. However, people should refrain from self-medication of this spray as proper diagnosis and treatment of the illness by a doctor is important and mandatory.
As a leading pharmaceutical company in India, Glenmark has stepped up and this nasal spray will likely be accepted by people. The fight against the COVID-19 pandemic continues and we must be willing to seek appropriate treatment. The company considers the nasal spray an effective and safe antiviral treatment for COVID-19. In a statement issued by the company, it has been said that the nasal spray was a much-needed therapy option and is relevant in the current scenario as it works against the new emerging variants and can put a check on the chain of transmissibility.
NONS is a timely therapeutic option. According to studies, it is estimated to kill up to 99.9 per cent of SARS-Cov-2 virus including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Epsilon variants in a short span.
The difficulties encountered in conventional routes of covid vaccine administration can be dealt with by nasal vaccines as they are needle-free and can be self-administered, and they present less logistical burden as they do not need refrigeration.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
You must remember that vaccination remains the best option to prevent an infection. With the launch of FabiSpray nasal spray you can definitely stop a severe infection or check the further progress of the virus but note that you must continue to stay protected, follow necessary Covid guidelines, wear a mask, maintain distancing, sanitize frequently and get vaccinated at the earliest. If you are eligible for the booster dose, you must opt for it. Once the nasal spray is available in markets, you can purchase it by showing a prescription from a registered medical practitioner.
Covid appropriate behaviour has become a part of our lives since March 2020, and with the passage of time, the COVID-19 virus has transformed and transmuted to different versions. The threat and anxiety that covid posed in its earlier stages have reduced substantially, but it is still playing quite a large role in our lives. We have seen the covid cases go down and then go up again several times, and we have somehow become accustomed to it. But now, even though the covid cases numbers are known to fall, there lies a bigger and more importantly undetected issue. The asymptomatic carriers of covid.
Asymptomatic covid carriers are people who have contracted covid but do not exhibit the known symptoms of the disease. They may not show any symptoms but can transmit the infection to others unknowingly. The number of asymptomatic people is on the rise, but due to the reduced power of the virus, the situation isn’t as serious as before.
We have been aware of asymptomatic carriers of covid since the dawn of the disease, though most affected were symptomatic. That was mostly because of the early covid variants-they were not only powerful and potent but also we had no vaccines. But over time, we have achieved good vaccination coverage, have learnt to adapt to all safety precautions meant to reduce the risk of exposure. This is one of the primary reasons why most people are asymptomatic these days.
Another contributing factor here is the innate immune system in people. The innate immune system is the first line of defence that we are born with, which protects us against the first attack of diseases. People with a stronger innate immune system are less likely to show symptoms than the ones with a compromised immune system. In the former case, the virus isn’t able to reach the adaptive immune system to trigger the common symptoms. If someone is fully vaccinated, that too increases their immunity considerably.
But even then, asymptomatic covid carriers can transmit the disease just as well as the symptomatic ones. That is why proper precaution is needed.
Carriers mean they carry the virus but they don’t have disease. Currently the tests for COVID only detect whether or not the virus is there in the body and the quantity of virus in body.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Yes, asymptomatic covid carriers can be in the way of harm, but the risks are considerably lower than symptomatic people. Researchers in Wuhan, China has published a paper that confirmed that even asymptomatic people can get lung diseases, as the virus keeps multiplying inside their bodies. But on a positive note, they may also have a higher chance of recovery, especially if treated early.
There is no distinct way of knowing if you are asymptomatic other than testing for it. If you show mild symptoms or if you have been in contact with a symptomatic covid carrier, then it is best to quarantine yourself for at least 7 days, at least as a precaution. It is not mandatory to be tested if you have been in contact with a covid positive person unless you are exhibiting symptoms or belong to a high-risk group (age more than 60 years, comorbidities like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, cancer, weak immunity, etc).
Silent carriers or spreaders are the ones who have the infection but do not show any symptoms, children are not prone to be silent carriers, RTPCR or raid antigen is very helpful for detection in such cases.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
There are certain precautionary steps that one can take to keep themselves and the people around them safe from Covid. Some of them are:
Covid might have wreaked havoc in the world, but with the passage of time, we are seeing a tinge of hope in our future. We have come a long way in our battle with Covid, and if we just take the right steps for a bit longer, we are surely going to emerge victoriously.
As we stepped into 2022, Omicron cases have been on the rise. In the case of the former variants like Delta and others, the course of two vaccination shots was thought to be sufficient and effective. It is well established that vaccines protect us from getting a severe illness due to Covid but we may still contact the infection. It is believed that the latest, heavily mutated variant has been affecting people at a higher rate, even with two shots of vaccination. In the light of such events, experts believe that ‘booster shots’ may help scale up the immunity provided by the previous two shots that may have diminished over time. This additional booster shot will help trigger the immune response in the body, thus creating more antibodies and helping fight any infections that may have entered the body.
As some Middle-Eastern countries gear up for their plan towards having multiple booster shots, many of us may wonder whether more than one booster shot is necessary to curb the virus from affecting us. In a recent Israeli study, it was found that even the fourth COVID–19 vaccination may only provide limited protection from Omicron and only up to a certain extent. Although booster shots have proven to provide some protection against Omicron, whether additional booster shots give heightened protection against new variants cropping cannot be fully determined as of now.
Despite this, WHO has repeatedly emphasized the importance of people receiving their 1st and 2nd doses in priority because there is ample evidence that vaccination reduces the chances of severe illness and hospitalization.
Some pharmaceutical companies have reported their plans on creating Omicron-specific vaccination doses. As Omicron cases keep rising throughout the world, the need for such an effective vaccination shot is understandable.
However, by the time the vaccination is administered to people, there may be less need for the same. As things are rolling, new variants can likely be seen within the year. The virus is evolving fast and the time, production and administration of the vaccine shots may not always be able to keep up.
Currently in India, Omicron cases are declining slowly yet steadily. However, if in the near future, an update in vaccine composition occurs, it will be a beneficial step not just to reduce the threat of the existing variants but also for any upcoming newer ones.
Currently, in India, booster shots – (called as precaution doses) are being administered for people above the age of 60 with comorbidities and frontline workers. People with less immunity also are under a serious threat of developing health complications due to COVID and are being advised constantly to follow all necessary precautions sincerely to minimise their risk of exposure to the virus.
Typically, after receiving booster shots, people are expected to follow the norms and precautions against COVID-19 as they had been asked to follow since the beginning of the pandemic. Wearing masks, avoiding crowded areas, home isolation if symptoms are visible and frequent washing of hands is still to be maintained. Being highly communicable, the Omicron variant cannot be completely undermined. The booster shots only provide protection and ramp up immunity in the body only up to a certain extent, thus it is important to keep following the COVID protocols.
As Omicron currently sweeps through the country with infections and death tolls rising each day, India has also sprung up to fight against the virus effectively by administering 150 crore vaccination doses. Vaccination drive for teens aged 15 and above is also running successfully. Soon enough, we may expect vaccines for children of younger age groups as well. It is still difficult to predict the duration of effectiveness of the booster doses and chances of emergence of newer variants in future. The pattern of the virus and its mutations are too frivolous to be followed, hence it is quite impossible to map out whether we need more booster shots in future.
As WHO has brought forth the fact that COVID-19 may be here to stay as the common flu, the virus may also give rise to an endemic, where the virus lives among the people as they start getting used to this new way of life. If such a situation prevails, there may be a regular need for booster doses for people in the future. Until that happens, we must maintain take every possible step to reduce the transmission of virus for the safety of ourselves and others.
Disclaimer: The information included at 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.
The coronavirus pandemic is an ongoing global pandemic (that will hopefully in time become an epidemic). It has been responsible for causing widespread damage to people in terms of one’s physical, mental and financial health. The pandemic which initially started out in Wuhan, China in December 2019 soon took over the world in a matter of weeks. The effects of the pandemic have affected a huge number of people irrespective of how they are as individuals and to which social group or strata they belong to in their corresponding society.
Although the intensity of the ripple put into motion by the pandemic might have been internalised by people differently the one factor that has united everyone is the grief caused due to the pandemic.
But the storm has in all probability passed. With more than half of the population in India already double vaccinated, now geared up for their booster doses, people feel more confident than ever before. Civilians have eased into the new normal, the economy is slowly coming back up on its heels and people have found new outlets to come to terms with their new Covid-induced lifestyle as well as health (both physical and mental).
In this article, let us quickly revisit the earlier and ongoing variants and try to analyse if there is going to be variants worse than the Delta and Omicron?
For India, undoubtedly the potent and most dangerous variant was the Delta strain that hit the country in the earlier part of 2021. While the United States and the rest of Europe were reeling under the first COVID-19 wave in 2020, most Indians across households were safe and secure due to the nationwide lockdown during this time.
The Delta variant was our worst nightmare and everything we weren’t prepared to handle. While on the one hand, hopes were high due to the initiated vaccination drives, on the other hand, complacency and utter disregard for COVID-19 standard protocols had seeped in amongst the masses leading to a surge in infections with fatal outcomes.
Some of those who did not require hospitalisation and were able to recover at home suffered from fatigue, gastric troubles, shortness of breath, weak immunity, hairfall, COVID-19 brain fog and many other symptoms for months. While the world thought the worse was finally over with the successful completion of the full vaccination drive (comprising two doses), came the Omicron variant.
EG.5 is spreading quickly, but experts say it’s no more dangerous than previous versions. Another new variant, called BA.2.86, is being closely watched because of its mutations.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Out of all the strains till now, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has agreed that the Omicron is milder in terms of disease severity. The reason why people were worried about the Omicron variant was that it is highly transmissible owing to its ability to evade immunity, whether inherent (from previous infections) or acquired from the vaccines. The need for hospitalisation due to an infection from the Omicron variant was less as it mostly causes a mild-moderate infection.
The risk of death from an Omicron infection is also less unlike the Delta variant seen in India. The duration of the 3rd wave started by Omicron was short-lived. While the infection spread rapidly from the end of December to January. By the end of January, the wave had started to subside and soon by February 15th, experts believe that it will reduce significantly.
Given the mild nature of the current strain as well as the short duration of the wave we may assume that with further mutations, the strain of the SARS-CoV-2 is weakening. But this may not be true. Read ahead to get clarity.
There are 2 possibilities here:
The news has been spreading about the NeoCov virus which scientists in Wuhan, China are currently studying. There is a lot of fear surrounding that but experts around the world have emphasized that further research is required to come to conclusive evidence regarding the possibility, intensity and danger of the variant. For now, it is too soon to tell anything about this.
The debate on whether there is ever going to be a variant more dangerous than Delta and Omicron can be hard to address right away. While the Delta and Omicron variants are still pretty much amongst us, covid appropriate behaviour is the right practice. Governments are of the strong opinion that vaccination is a crucial tool for fighting this pandemic. However, as we continue to go about our normal lives, we should all be vigilant at all times; wear masks and sanitise our hands. We should get vaccinated, take the booster doses (when eligible) and seek medical help when our health seems even the slightest bit compromised. Together, we can bring an end to the global crisis by being responsible citizens.
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.
We will always remember the second wave of COVID that was triggered by the Delta variant. But the worst is behind us. We have survived.
The potent Delta variant of COVID-19 was first identified in late 2020. It was a threatening variant that spread across countries and wreaked havoc. The virus was twice as contagious as the previous variants and affected many people.
During late November 2021, as the cases began to decrease, we noticed the emergence of another mutant, better known as the Omicron variant. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced the B.1.1.529 variant of COVID-19 a “variant of concern”.
There was initially a steep rise in infections in South Africa which later spread rapidly across countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, and Mexico. In India, towards the end of January, we began to see a decline of Omicron as well.
In the wake of the two waves, scientists said that there is a possibility of people being affected by both variants.
Who is more vulnerable to co-infection from Delta and Omicron variants of COVID-19? The answer is older people with comorbidities, people with a weaker immune system, and the ones who have multiple comorbidities. But the good news is, with proper caution, everyone can be safe.
Firstly, we must remember that both Delta and Omicron are variants of the same SARS-CoV-2 virus. There is a wide range of symptoms and certain symptoms may be more prominent in one strain than the other but more or less remains similar.
The common symptoms include fever or chills, breathing troubles, fatigue, body and headache, throat pain, diarrhoea and more. If you are infected with the Delta variant, you may experience more severe headaches, sore throats, high-grade fever, cough, breathing difficulties and loss of taste and smell may be seen less. In case you are infected with Omicron, you are more likely to experience cold-like symptoms accompanied by sore throat and weakness. Fever may or may not be present. It is also considered milder than Delta in terms of disease severity and has less risk of hospitalization and death. People usually do not experience loss of taste or smell if they have been infected with the Omicron variant.
It is important to note that both delta and Omicron variants can cause a full spectrum of diseases ranging from asymptomatic, mild, moderate or even severe cases and deaths. The proportion of the population getting a severe illness or mild is definitely different for both variants.
It is not possible to confirm whether a person is infected by Delta variant or Omicron just by their symptoms. Genome sequencing is the only way to confirm the variant.
When Delta was the dominant variant it was believed that it is highly contagious and unvaccinated people were at high risk. With Omicron we figured that it spreads more quickly than Delta due to the variant’s ability to evade immunity. It may have increased transmissibility owing to its shortened incubation period and its apparent ability to stay in the upper respiratory tract and multiply quicker there.
Though the symptom profile isn’t too drastically different between the Delta and Omicron COVID-19 variants, data show that Omicron appears to be milder than Delta. The transmissibility is more with Delta and omicron and the rate of community spread is faster.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Yes, a co-infection with both Omicron and Delta at the same time may happen. While it is not common, there are a few instances under research.
If a group of people gather at a place and some of them are infected with the Omicron variant and others have the Delta variant, you may be exposed to both variants through droplets.
As the Omicron variant will infect some cells, the Delta variant will infect others and that leads to higher chances of a coinfection. Not only that, but you may also contract both the Covid new strains one after the other in close succession.
Both rapid Covid tests and RT PCR tests cannot identify which variant of the virus someone has. Hence, it is not easy to tell if you have a coinfection without genomic sequencing. The symptoms will not help you determine a coinfection, either.
A coinfection can particularly make your body really weak and it is important to consult a doctor and take utmost care. If you neglect the infection and consider it just the flu, you may put yourself at risk of sudden complications. Proper treatment, medications, good nutrition, hydration, rest and routine monitoring of vitals can reduce the chances of hospitalizations to a great extent.
Conclusion: The first and foremost thing to note here is that a fully vaccinated person has a significantly lower risk of a serious illness due to Covid. While having a coinfection of Omicron and Delta COVID-19 variants seems worrisome, with medication and proper care you can recover well. To stay protected against Delmicron, you must continue to wear a mask, follow covid appropriate behaviour and get vaccinated.
The third wave of COVID-19 has recently brought the Omicron variant into India. Medical professionals report that this variant is far more contagious than the previous Delta variant. Therefore, the Government of India has issued the administration of a precautionary/booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine from 10th January 2022.
PharmEasy has been actively involved with vaccinations since the first drive. Therefore once again, PharmEasy has sought to open vaccination camps in Mumbai and Delhi to support the Government’s endeavour towards securing public health. According to the governmental guidelines, people aged 60 years or more with any comorbidities can take the precaution dose with a doctor’s advice.
The third dose i.e the precaution dose of the vaccine should be the same as the previous two doses. Eg. If a person took the first two doses of Covishield, the third/precaution dose should also be of Covishield.
Why the Precaution Dose?
Scientists have found the immunity created by the first two doses is gradually fading away in most people. This is especially true for senior citizens with co-morbidities and compromised immune systems. The third dose can amp up a person’s immunity.
The price of the covishield vaccine is as per govt norms issued for private hospitals.
Approximately half of older patients with COVID-19 have severe infection, one in five are critically ill and one in ten die, full vaccination with a booster is always advisable for the elderly population.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Eligibility Criteria of Precaution Dose
Vaccine Available: Covishield
The list of hospitals given below are within the PharmEasy network in Delhi and Mumbai and will be hosting these vaccination camps.
| Hospital Name | Address | City | Slot Time | Days Operational | Navigation Link |
| Surana Sethia Hospital | Sion – Trombay Rd, Suman Nagar, Chembur, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400071 | Mumbai | 10 am to 4 pm | MON-SAT | https://maps.app.goo.gl/qbMy7PXN1EWC9Nve7 |
| Surana Hospital and Research Centre. | End of, Tank Road, Shankar Lane, Orlem, Church, Malad West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400064 | Mumbai | 10 am to 4 pm | MON-SAT | https://maps.app.goo.gl/geN7UZqngQoPT6EC7 |
| MPCT Hospital | C7, Budhyadev Mandir Marg, Sector 4, Sanpada, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400705 | Mumbai | 10 am to 4 pm | MON-SAT | https://maps.app.goo.gl/WYKuL13oMorCivVR9 |
| Apex Hospital | E-22, Goswami Girdhari Lal Marg, Block E, Naraina Vihar, Naraina, New Delhi, Delhi 110028 | Delhi | 10 am to 2 pm | MON-SAT | https://maps.app.goo.gl/XmK5JbBRQLkckore8 |
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
India is battling through the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Believe it or not, every person plays a part towards recovery to a gradual and safe return to a pre-pandemic time. Especially, with the presence of new COVID-19 strains in India, it is crucial for every individual to follow safety guidelines diligently to mitigate the risk of spread.
Just as hygiene and cleanliness are being prioritised, safety protocols also need to be given high priority. Wearing a mask, maintaining social distance, avoiding crowds are some precautions to be followed. Hand hygiene is of utmost importance and using hand sanitisers or soaps at frequent intervals is recommended.
Getting vaccinated for protection is every individual’s responsibility. If a vaccine is not available, we advise you to mask up, stay protected!
The more particles that are blocked, the better you are protected against getting COVID-19. You should not wear two disposable masks or combine an N95 or KN95 with any other mask.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
Double masking is a preventive method, where one mask is worn on top of another. This helps improve the efficiency of the mask by improving the filtration rate and preventing the spread of the virus. It also limits the exhalation of droplets and the spread of droplets containing the virus.
For the prevention of COVID-19, there are generally three types of masks used:
Cloth masks are made of breathable fabric. They are recommended for the general public and can be worn daily. The fabric should be multilayered and should block light when held up to a bright source of light.
Cloth masks can be worn in public settings. It is not recommended for individuals with breathing issues. These masks can be washed frequently. However, wearing a mask must be combined with other safety protocols to ensure proper protection.
Double masking should be done by using 2 surgical masks or 1 cloth and 1 surgical masks. There is no need for double masking with N95 masks. As per CDC double masking with proper fit blocks 85 percent of cough particles.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Surgical masks are usually flat or rectangular in shape with pleats or folds. They have elastic bands to wear by looping the bands behind the ears. These masks are loose-fitting, designed to protect the wearer from large particle aerosols, sprays and so on.
However, by design, they do not filter or block small particles transmitted via coughs or sneezes. Due to the loose fit between the surface of the mask and the face, these masks are advised to be worn underneath a cloth mask for added protection.
An N95 mask is designed to protect from larger particles and smaller particles, such as bacteria. It contains a respirator, generally oval-shaped and some may have an exhalation valve. The edges of the respirator are designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth. KN95 masks are also similar to N95 masks. However, they do not have exhalation valves.
These are commonly used in healthcare settings and are considered the best mask for COVID-19 as well. It is essential to note that N95 respirators with exhalation valves should not be used by people with symptoms of COVID-19, asymptomatic people and when sterile conditions are required.
Based on research, it is advised to double mask as it not only prevents the transmission of the virus but also helps protect against the threat of more contagious variants.
Double masking should be followed while continuing to practice physical distancing and proper hygiene. Here, we outline some tips on double masking.
According to research, double masking is effective because of the enhanced filtration and gap elimination, rather than just the addition of layers of masks. Here are some precautions to be taken while double masking.
In addition to wearing masks, try our new LivEasy Covid Essentials!
Records and research prove that double masking offers a stronger barrier against the virus. A single cloth mask blocks around 52 percent of aerosol particles and the surgical mask with a knot blocks around 70 percent. However, a combination of cloth masks and surgical masks, the most common of double masking methods, blocks aerosol particles up to 85 percent. This emphasizes the effectiveness of double masking.
It is crucial to continue following safety guidelines such as social distancing, hand hygiene and restricting engagement with larger crowds. While double masking forms an essential tool to combat the ongoing pandemic, the road to recovery is possible when one also follows the rest of the safety guidelines.
Update: As of 23rd March 2022, over 70% of the Indian population has been vaccinated with 10 vaccines approved in the country. Certain studies (domestic and international) also indicate a potential need for booster shots (getting a third vaccine injection). The year 2022 saw the rise of the Omicron variant, and with its higher transmissibility rate, it has made double masking even more relevant. Vaccination for children between the ages of 15-18 started to roll out at the beginning of 2022 with younger age groups set to be eligible later in the year.
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.
As an impending third wave stares at us in the face here in India, concerns are being raised regarding the effectiveness of existing vaccines against the new variant, Omicron. One of the primary questions being asked is whether the Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine, Covishield, can put up a fight against the highly contagious variant. While there is a long way before conclusive evidence comes to light, some studies do provide some information and a possible answer to the ‘Covishield vs omicron’ debate.
Before we find out how effective a tool Covishield is, we should be abreast with what we already know about the new variant. Omicron‘s roots can be traced back to South Africa, where the first case was detected. Since then, it has traversed the world and spread like wildfire. This confirms one thing: the rate of spreading is very high this time.
The first case in India was found in December in Karnataka. The variant has started to engulf large parts of the subcontinent as well. While the severity of this variant is yet to be confirmed, there has been a lot of talk surrounding the role of vaccines in fighting this wave. Many opine that to battle omicron, Covishield might be the weapon we need.
In a study done at Oxford last month, it was revealed that those who had taken 3rd dose of Covishield had a higher antibody level. Previous studies had talked at length regarding the effectiveness of a two-dose vaccination against the Delta variant. Although done on a small sample of 41 people, the recent study shows that three doses do increase the chances of increased effectiveness of covishield against omicron.
More studies suggest that two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, coupled with a booster shot, offer 70-75% efficacy against the new variant. Hence, with time and more surveys, the question of ”is Covishield effective against omicron” will get its due answers.
As of 5th January 2022, 61.5 crore people in India have been fully vaccinated with two doses, which accounts for 44.5% of the total population. Children belonging to the 15-18 year age group have also started receiving the first dose of Covaxin. The aforementioned Oxford study may suggest that a booster shot is the way to go, but the fact remains that more than half of India’s population is yet to be fully vaccinated.
Keeping the sudden surge in cases in mind, the government has decided to begin giving boosters to health workers, frontline workers and those above 60 years of age with co-morbidities from January 10, 2022. This was a crucial and much-needed step. Possibly, all other age groups too will soon afterwards come under the ambit of the third dose. But more importantly, the country should want to make sure everyone receives their first two doses. So, if you are yet not fully vaccinated, book your slot right away.
Also Read: Is Covaxin Effective Against Omicron?
As you wait your chance in line for your booster in the form of covishield, omicron will continue to rage outside. Therefore everyone would be best advised to keep on adhering to the safety measures. These include:
You might come across news clippings and primetime shows with headlines asking ”does covishield work against omicron”. In reality, we all need to wait for some more time before we can say anything with certainty. But there is no doubt that the vaccine is in fact the first step towards curbing this pandemic. Stay cautious, stay safe and save lives.
Also Read: Precautions Against The Omicron Variant
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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