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.
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:
These eight signs should sufficiently alert you about whether you have the original product or not.
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.
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.
This article has been medically reviewed and fact-checked by Dr Nikita Toshi.
The SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill when it first spread across the globe at the beginning of 2020. Amidst lockdowns and strict travel restrictions, the virus mutated as it spread among more people. When finally it seemed like the worst was behind us (thanks to an extensive vaccination scheme), we got the news that there’s a new strain doing the rounds! Omicron strain is the latest mutation identified by scientists in South Africa.
Read to know more about the new strain of COVID-19 and how you can protect yourself from it.
Scientists in South Africa reported the development of a new strain of the COVID-19 virus, called B.1.1.529, on November 24th, 2021. The World Health Organisation (WHO) named it Omicron, following the tradition of using Greek nomenclature to denote the strains of the virus. The strains before the Omicron were named alpha, beta, gamma, Delta variant, etc. The new variant (Omicron) has been named while skipping the two letters in the Greek alphabet ‘Nu’ and ‘Xi’. [1]
When we talk about the origin story of the variant, experts from South Africa notified on 2nd December 2021 that the origin of Omicron was unknown. On the other hand, as per theories released by Livescience, the Omicron variant was believed to have possibly evolved in rodents. Whichever statement might be true, it can be said that not much is known about the Omicron variant and further studies are underway. But with the spread of the Omicron variant, researchers also shared thoughts of the COVID-19 virus becoming endemic.
The health implications of the Omicron strain are still being tested by scientists around the world, however, the number of positive COVID-19 tests in South Africa indicate that this new strain is potentially fast-spreading because the Omicron strain has a high number of mutations in the ‘spike protein’ associated with COVID-19. [2]
It is essential to maintain safety protocols as the virus is already spreading in India and other nations like Israel, the United Kingdom, the US, Belgium, Botswana, Canada and Hong Kong. The WHO considers this as a Variant of Concern (VOC) for now and many countries gearing up to issue travel bans as a response to stop its spread.
You should feel better within a couple of weeks after getting infected with covid and getting appropriate treatment, if your symptoms persist beyond 4-8 weeks, you should follow up with your doctor to rule out long covid.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
By now, you might be feeling quite gloomy after knowing that several subvariants and sublineages of Omicron have been confirmed in India. You might also wonder how these new variations affect you and their health implications. There are a lot of assumptions like getting affected by the Omicron strain is more likely for people who have already been affected by COVID-19 before. Only mild infections have been noticed among individuals affected by this strain.
There are concerns about sublineages of the Omicron strain having the ability to evade the immune system and cause breakthrough vaccine (infection after getting vaccinated). Whether the Omicron strain can trigger severe symptoms and effects will be confirmed only after further testing. For now, reinfection of individuals remains the most considerable risk.
It’s too early to state anything specific about the characteristics or severity of the new subvariants. It is important to stay calm, not panic and follow all safety measures sincerely.
Several subvariants of Omicron – BA.1, BA.1.1, BA.2, BA.2.75 and many more have been identified in different countries across the globe. It is important to understand that all of these subvariants or sublineages are of Omicron variant of Covid-19 which is classified as a Variant Of Concern (VoC) therefore all these subvariants are also categorised as VoC. With the ongoing studies, more information on the rate of transmission and severity of these subvariants can be gained.
Omicron is a variant of COVID virus due to mutation. Omicron shows a 13-fold increase in viral infectivity and is 2.8 times more infectious than the Delta variant. That’s why it’s a variant of concern.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
The delta variant of COVID-19 was discovered first in India and was responsible for the 2nd wave of the pandemic in the country. According to current studies, the Omicron variant has many more mutations in its spike protein than the delta variant. It is assumed that this variant is more transmissible than the delta variant, which can cause concern.
The delta variant of the virus is responsible for heavy infections and mortality. The delta variant of the virus is a lethal variant and current reports are yet to confirm the severity of illness caused by the Omicron variant. The reinfection and transmissibility rates are predicted to be much higher in the Omicron variant. But, more studies and data are needed to understand this variant better.
Also Read: Omicron vs Other Variants
There have been no reports of any unusual symptoms noticed in people affected by the omicron subvariants so far. Thus, the current scenario suggests that symptoms of the Omicron sub-variant can be the same as what was being noticed in the earlier strains of the virus. Some of the most common symptoms of COVID-19 include – fever, weakness, loss of smell, shortness of breath, chest pain and loss of taste, sore throat, cough, stomach ache and diarrhoea. A person may present with a few or more of the symptoms mentioned. We are yet to receive confirmatory data on the severity and symptoms of the new subvariants of Omicron. [4]
The SARS-CoV-2 RT- PCR and Rapid antigen test (RAT) for Covid-19 can detect COVID-19 infection even with the new virus strains reported at present. This will not confirm the type of variant or sub-variant samples of suspected people reported positive by RT-PCR test are sent for genome sequencing for confirmation of the Variant type.
The best way to stay safe currently is by following all WHO and Government-mandated safety measures for Omicron –
BA.2.75 is said to have a higher transmission rate than other Omicron sub-lineages. Surveillance for the new sub-variants has been increased in all countries, including India, to monitor the spread. Symptoms are more or less similar for different sub-variants. We must be aware and safe by following Covid’s appropriate behaviour to the best possible.
The Omicron sub-variants are spreading rapidly but on a positive note, we have a strong vaccination drive in place. People who have been affected by severe COVID-19 previously or those with other comorbidities need to stay extra cautious as the rate of reinfection is thought to be high in some of the new subvariants. If you follow all safety protocols and maintain good hygiene, you can lower the risk of infection from the new variant. Be responsible for limiting the spread of the virus and encourage the maintenance of safety protocols among your peers.
Also Read: Do Existing Vaccines Work Against Omicron?
Q1. Can Omicron kill you?
Ans: Scientists are yet to confirm how deadly the Omicron variant might turn out to be. One must follow all safety measures to minimise the risk of infection.
Q2. Can the Omicron virus evade vaccines?
Ans: As per reports, it is too early to establish a statement on the efficacy of vaccines against the new Omicron virus. At the same time, there is no evidence to suggest the ineffectiveness of vaccines against the new COVID variant. Vaccines are always going to help humans in this battle against the virus.
Q3. How was the Omicron virus formed?
Ans: It is the prime nature of a virus to evolve as it spreads and replicates from host to host. Mutations can bring about changes like the virus- making it weak at times and strong as well. With regards to the formation of this virus, there are three assumptions; one, the virus first infected an animal and then spread amongst humans. Two, around mid-2020, the strain had already started doing the rounds and by the end of 2021, it had undergone a significant degree of mutations and was in a very transmissible stage. Three, another assumption is that the virus probably evolved in an immunocompromised person and then started spreading to others. Needless to say, none of these claims is backed by solid proof and remain debatable.
Q4. Where was the Omicron variant discovered?
Ans: As per news reports, the origin country of the Omicron virus is South Africa.
Q5. When was the Omicron virus first detected?
Ans: The Omicron virus was first detected in South Africa in November 2021.
Q6. Has the Omicron virus arrived in India?
Ans: Yes, Omicron and its several subvariants have been reported in India.
Q7. Will schools be shut down due to the Omicron virus?
Ans: It is being estimated that physical attendance in schools might see a drop owing to the circulation of news about the increase in cases due to subvariants of the Omicron virus.
Q8. Will there be another lockdown due to the Omicron virus?
Ans: Following the Omicron Virus positive test results in India, the Health Ministry has officially announced that there will not be any need for a lockdown immediately. However, the public is strongly advised to follow all appropriate Covid guidelines and get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Q9. Will the Omicron virus end the Pandemic?
Ans: There is no evidence to confirm that the Omicron virus will end the pandemic.
Q10. Will the Omicron virus affect travel?
Ans: Following reports of the Omicron virus, the Union Health Ministry has laid specific travel guidelines for international passengers. Even if you are planning domestic travel, check the travel guidelines of that particular area and follow COVID-appropriate behaviour to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
Q11. Is the Omicron Virus fast-spreading?
Ans: Based on the mutations present in the new COVID variant, there are predictions that the Omicron virus may spread faster than the previous variants. But we need to wait for some more time to understand the exact nature of this virus.
Also Read: Omicron Variant: Latest Updates and News
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.
COVID-19 has changed us in more ways than we can count. One of the things that are not widely discussed is how it has affected family dynamics. Human beings are meant to live in social environments, mingle with loved ones and strike a balance between company and solitude. It keeps introverts, extroverts and ambiverts psychologically healthy.
But the pandemic and the ensuing lockdown, partial home isolation and online schooling, lack of outings and outdoor activities, working from home meant we have been cooped up inside our homes and not been able to see or spend time with many of our loved ones.
Add to that the threat of contracting the viral disease and the constant news of people we know succumbing to coronavirus ensured that our mental health went into a tailspin.
But someone in your family has been more adversely affected than you. It’s the youngest and most curious member of your family. It’s your child!
Children have not been able to go to school for months. The routine they were used to has been interrupted. Children have a harder time acclimatizing to change than adults.
They are lonely because they are cut off from their friends. They miss their teachers.
And all that stress related to your job, finances, health issues that you and the parents have been experiencing is unknowingly transmitted to them.
Your behaviour changes when you are under stress. Despite trying to be on your best behaviour, you will be short-tempered, agitated and irritable. That makes your child feel more ill at ease.
This psychological disturbance manifests in many ways. Your child might show signs of hyperactivity, noisiness, inattentiveness, rebelliousness and rude behaviour.
Instead of further losing your temper with them or handing out harsh punishments, you need to understand that you need to calm your child down. Put his/her mind at ease with love and the feeling of certainty. Only then will your child feel secure enough to be a better version of himself/herself.
The way to calm your child down is by being a more attentive and understanding parent. Yes, you are stressed out yourself but you need to understand that children are more vulnerable and less equipped to cope with stress. Their reasons for feeling anxious, unhappy and depressed are just as valid as yours. They need your help.
1. Listen to them
Many problems can be solved through open and clear communication where children do not fear being judged or punished by their parents. Be open to them and let them know that whatever is on their mind, they can share with you.
Discuss the problems they might be facing due to online schooling and help them in overcoming the hurdles.
2. Do not brush aside their pain
Adults have a habit of laughing off children’s problems. The things that cause children distress are not insignificant. They need to be addressed if you want your child to grow up into an emotionally and psychologically healthy human. Even if you feel like the pandemic has heaped your plate with problems, you will still have to find time to solve your child’s problems.
3. Do not fight or argue with them
Children may demand things that you possibly cannot grant during the pandemic such as birthday parties, picnics or sleepovers with friends. Instead of hushing their temper tantrums with a fierce scolding, try engaging in a logical dialogue with them. Children do understand the reason if approached calmly and treated as an adult (and not disdainfully as some adults treat children).
4. Let them stay in touch with all their loved ones
The biggest boon of technology is the ease of connectivity. It is only natural for children during the pandemic to be worried about the health of their grandparents and friends. So arrange video calls with people they care about on a regular basis.
5. Give them hope
Children often act out when they are scared and uncertain. This is why you need to make them feel protected. Even though you are grappling with the same emotions of fear and uncertainty, you need to make your children feel that they are protected and that as a parent, you will try to shield him/her as much as possible.
6. Establish a steady routine in your home
Nothing is more calming and assuring than a fixed routine. So, try implementing one and it should also involve the adults of the family. Try to stick to a routine when it comes to waking up in the morning, breakfast, chores, work, lunch, naptime, online classes and homework (for the children), dinner and bedtime.
7. Family time
Quality time with the family is another effective strategy to make your child feel calm, tranquil and loved. Ensure that you all engage in some family activity every day. Be it board games, watching sports or cartoons or asking them to help you with household chores, make sure they feel involved and cherished.
8. Discipline them
Children have very little idea of what kind of behaviour is acceptable or unacceptable. But during the modern age and especially considering how stressful the current era is, disciplining is something you need to approach thoughtfully. The old methods of physically punishing the child, yelling and abusing have been proven to do a lot of long-term damage.
Reward positive behaviour with acknowledgement and praise. Unless they do something that is worthy of punishment, ignore them. That usually discourages them from repeating the act.
Disciplining goes a long way in teaching children to be in greater control over unpleasant emotions such as turbulence, anger, hopelessness and despair.
Also Read: Constipation in Kids: A Research-Based Guide for Parents
Parenting has never been easy and the challenges have increased many-fold because of the ongoing pandemic. But it is only through affection, care and understanding can we all improve our psychological health and children need all three desperately. Once they start feeling sheltered, protected and understood, they will naturally calm down.
Every child is different, if you notice the persistence of any significant behaviour changes – irritability, loneliness, nightmares, change in appetite and sleep patterns, loss of interest in activities they loved previously, unexplained aches and pains, sadness do not hesitate in consulting a child psychologist or psychiatrist for the right advice. Anxiety and depression are found in people of all age groups including the little ones. Do not take their mental health lightly and give them the right care.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The season of festivals is around the corner and so is the chance of a possible festival induced surge of COVID-19 cases. Kartik is the month of festivals in India with Dussehra, Karva Chauth, Diwali and Chhath Puja celebrated back to back in various parts of the subcontinent. And for every festive celebration to be successful there needs to be people. But given the times, people signify mass gathering and that means spread of coronavirus infection. Like last year, we cannot let our guard down completely and we must celebrate cautiously.
As the second wave is yet to recede completely, one piece of good news is that more than 75% of India’s adult population has received the first jab and more than 31% has got both doses. Although this puts people out of danger in terms of a severe infection, it doesn’t make you completely immune to the risk of infection in spite of getting both your doses. In the month of August 14,421 persons contracted COVID-19 in spite of being fully vaccinated.
Given the circumstances, it is only responsible on our part if we understand the scenario and continue to follow COVID appropriate behaviour for the safety of one and all.
Covid 19 mainly spreads airborne by droplets. The droplets from coughing or sneezing can travel upto 3 feet when protective masks are worn and without them they can travel 22 ft in a closed environment. Hence social distancing along with masking is necessary to prevent the spread of covid 19 in festive season where large gatherings are there and the disease can easily spread.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
The SUTRA model is an acronym that stands for Susceptible, Undetected, Tested (Positive) and Removed Approach. It is a model based on mathematics and used by experts to predict the COVID graph in India. As per its initial findings, the model reported that India had well ‘past its peak’ in October 2020, meaning that India had achieved herd immunity. However, in April this year, experts found a number of flaws in the model:
All in all, the SUTRA model is blamed for being instrumental in the idea that India was safe from a possible second wave.
However, with fresh COVID cases being reported in the states of West Bengal, Orissa and Assam post, it is only practical to follow all COVID appropriate behaviour.
Crowds are a source of transmission in the COVID-19 spread. Contention and mitigation measures have focused on reducing people’s mass gatherings, the impact of small-scale (less than 100 people) gathering events on the spread of COVID-19 in the city is also not to be underestimated as even a single case of covid might be sufficient to cause the spread.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
As COVID is very much present among us, we need to follow some important tips to ensure that our enjoyment is maximum and so are the safety measures.
Times are still very much uncertain as we do not know how the virus might behave. Getting vaccinated does not make you invincible but only lowers the risk of a severe infection. Follow all COVID-19 protocols to ensure safety and happiness throughout this festive season.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought forth many unknown factors and unanswered queries. With different protocols for treatment changing daily, everyone set their hope on the formulation of a vaccine against COVID. Many pharmaceutical companies worked overtime to deliver a solution with the least possible reactions to COVID vaccines. We have many alternatives and options for a COVID vaccine today. Yet, there is vaccine hesitancy since people have various doubts regarding COVID vaccine side-effects, safety and reactions.
Many people are classified as high-risk for COVID infection and show severe reactions to it that needs hospitalisation or increase chances of death. One of the reasons that qualify as high-risk is diabetes. People with both Type 1 and Type 2 or any other type of diabetes can be at risk. Let us look into the effects of COVID vaccines for people with diabetes.
The COVID vaccine for people with diabetes is not different from the COVID vaccine being administered to everyone else. The vaccine is not contraindicated for people with diabetes.
The COVID vaccine side-effects do not differ vastly in people with diabetes as compared to non-diabetic individuals. Research has confirmed that the COVID vaccine is vital for patients with diabetes as it reduces the severity of the disease.
While it’s absolutely safe for diabetics to take COVID vaccine, better sugar control means better immune response to put it simply.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Also Read: Vitamin D3 Deficiency Symptoms: A Comprehensive Guide to Signs and Management options
Patients who have high blood glucose levels are often on oral or injectable medication to keep their blood sugar levels in check. Diabetes, if left unchecked, affects multiple organs in the body. To avoid this, people with diabetes may be on other medications apart from just anti-diabetic medications.
For those on other medicines, such as immunosuppressants, the COVID vaccine side-effects may be observed or the vaccine may be less effective. These COVID vaccine side-effects are not due to diabetes but due to other conditions or medications. Hence, it would be wrong to infer that the COVID vaccine for people with diabetes is unsafe.
Another perspective is that people with type-2 diabetes are often in the older age group of 65 and above. At that age, many people are also on medication for some auto-immune disorders. These medicines and not necessarily diabetes can be the cause of side-effects of COVID vaccines.
This age group is also prone to orthopaedic complaints. Usual medicines prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis maybe some kind of immunosuppressants which may reduce the effectiveness of vaccines. In such a case, it is advised to consult your doctor and most likely a dose modification in your ongoing medicines can be prescribed by your doctor for the best outcome of your COVID vaccine.
If a person with diabetes contracts the COVID infection, there will be some issues with their blood sugar levels. Even those with controlled diabetes experience some changes in their blood glucose levels. However, severe fluctuations in the blood sugar levels of a person with diabetes are not part of the list of documented COVID vaccine side effects. Mild fluctuations for a day or two have been reported by some patients which usually require no extra care. In case, the fluctuations persist, your doctor can manage them well with a slight adjustment in the doses of your medicines.
Frequent glucose monitoring, a healthy diet, adequate hydration, and dose titration of glucose-lowering medication is recommended for patients with diabetes and when they are infected with covid.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
It is safe to take the COVID vaccine for people with diabetes. But, it is important to keep an eye out for the common reactions to vaccines, usually body aches and fever. The outcome can be better if the post-vaccine precautions are known and implemented.
Before taking the vaccine, it is advisable to discuss the medical history with the treating physician. Some medicines may need dose modulation or discontinuation for a brief period before taking the vaccine.
At least a week before taking the COVID vaccine, a person with diabetes should check the blood sugar levels in a lab and report the readings to the primary care physician or diabetologist.
The routine COVID vaccine side-effects are:
These symptoms are expected to manifest even in a person with diabetes. The same post-vaccine precautions recommended to everyone are applicable for the person with diabetes as well. Consume paracetamol for the fever and body ache and take adequate rest after taking the COVID vaccine. It is advisable to consult a doctor for the post-vaccine precautions and COVID vaccine side effects.
One important post-vaccine precaution for people with diabetes is to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly. Convey the blood sugar readings to the doctor in charge of your diabetes treatment. Keeping track of the blood sugar levels and other known symptoms of diabetes is the most helpful post-vaccine precaution.
Also Read: Omicron Variant & Vaccine Efficacy
The COVID vaccine for people with diabetes is safe and vital. It reduces the risk of complications and chances of hospitalisation. COVID vaccine side-effects may be due to other medication and underlying disease conditions rather than diabetes. Following post-vaccine precautions, regularly monitoring the condition and consulting the doctor can help you reduce the anxiety and hesitancy related to Covid vaccination.
Also Read: Omicron Variant: Latest News & Updates
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.
There has never been a more urgent time to discuss mental health than now. Mental health is as important as physical health. And everyone is entitled to mental healthcare. That is why the theme of World Mental Health Day, for the year 2021 is ‘Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality’.
The two waves of COVID-19 shook the foundation of how the world functioned and changed our lives completely. Each and every one of us got reminded how interdependent we are on each other when we stayed confined to our homes. As we re-enter social life after COVID-19 slowly, there are a lot of ways in which each of us has been impacted. Greater access to mental welfare is the need of the hour because not only have we all been scarred by the events of the past year and a half, new challenges such as getting used to a new routine all over again await us.
Let us look into how we can prepare ourselves mentally to face the challenge that lies ahead of us.
It is not just the physical health of people affected due to COVID-19. It is no secret that the pandemic severely impacted the mental health of people around the world. Everybody from COVID affected individuals, non-affected members and even healthcare workers were severely impacted. Uncertainty surrounding the treatment, the daily death toll and loss of jobs around the world put people under severe stress. The shift in daily life activities and staying confined to a space also led to people developing problems like anxiety and depression. The National Mental Health Survey found that around 10% of all adults in India met the diagnostic criteria for mental health conditions.
The World Health Assembly in 2021 brought together several governments from around the world. In the conference, it was recognised that mental health services need to be scaled up. Life after COVID-19 presents newer challenges. You can start preparing yourself mentally to face the new normal and the bigger challenges that lay ahead.
Information overload, rumors and misinformation can make your life feel out of control and make it unclear what to do. During the COVID-19 pandemic, you may experience stress, anxiety, fear, sadness and loneliness. And mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression, can worsen.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Social distancing, uncertainty, staying locked in and a grim atmosphere took a toll on the mental health of people. With the world slowly returning back to normal, a big challenge is how to deal with the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of people.
Feeling stressed, confused or anxious is very normal and anyone reading this should not feel like they are weak if they experienced the same feelings. Another factor that is taking a toll on our psyche is acclimatizing ourselves to the old pre-COVID routine. We had got used to WFH and managing everything from our homes. Returning to the old norm is especially stressful for people who have trouble with social interactions.
Dealing with these feelings during the pandemic led to a lot of meditation, exercise, yoga and keeping the body healthy. This norm needs to be continued so that we can maintain our mental equilibrium in the post-pandemic world.
For life after COVID-19, the following can be helpful tips to develop mental strength:
1. Focus on everyday actions no matter how small they are
Dealing with new challenges starts with dealing with the small challenges that lay ahead of you. Start setting small goals for yourself like getting physical exercise, reading daily or even remembering to appreciate the nature around you. The feeling of achieving small tasks can translate to a healthy mindset that is ready to face greater challenges.
2. Empower yourself and the people around you
Mental wellbeing is a journey that should not be tread alone. COVID-19 already isolated us enough. Now is the time to engage in positive dialogue and motivate those who are dealing with a negative headspace since the pandemic. The pandemic brought the world together as a community that are facing the same problems. Building a strong support system helps you and others around you to be ready for greater challenges.
3. Set small goals and prepare yourself for the upcoming changes
Going back to work or educational institutes, after staying home-bound for long may give a lot of anxiety to many. Prepare yourself by visualizing your visit and routine at your workplace, interacting with colleagues and pre-visit the campus once or twice to overcome any hesitation. Accustom your daily routine based on the new changes to bring your body clock in sync with the new schedule.
4. Seek help
Mental health has always been a topic associated with mass stigma. The pandemic has forced people to hush mental health issues. The pre-contagion world had a higher level of hesitation for mental health issues. It is now a task for citizens and policymakers to address this and create a ‘new normal’ that is inclusive of the emotional needs of people. There is a clean slate to work with in life after COVID-19. Keep it real, share your emotions, feelings and problems with your loved ones and feel free to seek professional help.
Mental wellbeing and overall health should be a priority now. With the learnings from this pandemic, we should be able to plan our goals, finances and education better. Ensuring safety for all by getting vaccinated and following COVID appropriate behaviour is important. The emotional and physical needs of each age group of the society are different and significant. Every member of society and their needs should be taken into account when crafting the strategies for the new normal.
Also Read: What Is Meningitis? A Detailed Research-Based Overview
As life after COVID-19 continues there are lots of questions that are posed to humanity as a whole. Are we really ready to face the challenges that lie ahead of us?
Mental wellbeing is one of the factors that affect the whole of humanity in a similar manner. It is not easy to suddenly take a positive outlook after being affected negatively for such a long time. However, as we face new challenges it becomes vital to look for ways to create a better world after the pandemic. To help people face challenges post the pandemic, it has become a need of the hour to address their mental health and help them cope with life. Cooperation and determination can help turn this crisis into an opportunity for improvement.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Despite the various variants of the coronavirus (like the Delta variant), the world as a whole is slowly but surely moving away from the pandemic. Around the globe vaccination rates are increasing, while Covid-19 related infection, hospitalization and death rates are decreasing.
Along with Covid-19 protocols like hand hygiene, respiratory etiquettes, physical distancing, vaccination is quickly becoming the most powerful tool against Covid-19. There have been many studies over the past year noting the difference between people vaccinated for Covid-19 vs those who are unvaccinated. Vaccination has been shown to drastically lower your risk of getting severe symptoms upon infection, even if breakthrough infections are possible.
Vaccines are not 100% successful, even when fully vaccinated (for Covid-19 or anything else) there is still a small chance you can still get infected. When someone catches the disease that they are fully vaccinated for, it is commonly known as a breakthrough infection. You may be thinking, well then, what’s the point of getting vaccinated if breakthrough infections are possible?
The fact is that currently, hospitalizations and deaths related to COVID-19 are made up overwhelmingly of unvaccinated people. According to the CDC in the USA, deaths and hospitalizations of fully vaccinated people make up just 0.01% of total vaccinated cases. To put that into perspective, if 1 million people got vaccinated, only 100 of those would experience hospitalization or death. The rate of the same in unvaccinated people is much higher.
You have a lower risk of catching COVID-19 if you’re vaccinated and even if you happen to suffer from a breakthrough infection, you’re still at a much lower risk of hospitalisation and death. To be clear, these facts also take into account early data that includes Delta variant cases.
By now it has become common knowledge that all viruses and bacteria mutate and evolve with time in response to vaccines and medicines. Sometimes (not always) these mutations can lead to variants that are more harmful or spread more easily. That happens to be the situation for the Delta variant of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Many countries started easing on pandemic protocols only to get slammed by new Delta variant cases. We know that vaccines have lower effectiveness with breakthrough Delta variant cases. But still, most vaccines provide substantial protection against the Delta variant than not being vaccinated at all.
Some previously discovered data on Delta variant cases:
The only protection we have against the deadly Delta variant is vaccination. The effectiveness of vaccination may drop to 39% – 95% as compared to its effectiveness against the Alpha variant. But that is still a massive leg-up from being unvaccinated.
People who are vaccinated are not only less likely to get infected (by any variant) but are also less likely to experience severe symptoms. It has been reported that fully vaccinated people experience much milder symptoms (runny nose, congestion, etc) compared to unvaccinated people. Obviously, people with weaker immune systems are at a higher risk of severe disease from COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status. But unvaccinated people will have an increased risk of suffering severe symptoms caused by the Delta variant, including fever, difficulty breathing and headaches.
More severe symptoms of COVID-19 will often lead to an increased risk of hospitalization. Unvaccinated people are more likely to need hospital treatment when infected with the coronavirus and its variants. Several factors play into hospitalization rates, such as age, weaker immune systems, other comorbid conditions and which variant infects you. But vaccination seems to benefit people against the Delta variant at some level, regardless of other factors.
Here’s a quick summary to get a gist of vaccination effectiveness against the Delta variant:
Also Read: Omicron Variant vs Vaccine Efficacy
Many people are afraid of the current situation. People fear not only the virus and losing loved ones but also fear vaccine reactions. But getting COVID-19 can lead to major complications while vaccine reactions are mild and last only a couple of days. The enormous body of evidence is painting a clear picture – vaccination is better overall, regardless of variant. It is best to avoid sensationalized, clickbait news sites that try to instil fear about ‘increasing breakthrough infections!’. Breakthrough infections are expected and it is nothing to get agitated about. Besides this, their occurrence is very low. Fully vaccinated people can increase their protection against the Delta variant (and other variants) by continuing to wear a mask, maintain social distance and wash hands regularly. If you are unvaccinated, you need to do the same but also get your vaccination done at the earliest.
Also Read: Omicron Variant: Latest News & Updates
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.
Due to the combined efforts of the healthcare workers, government functionaries and most importantly, the people of the country, India can finally smell victory against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yes, this is true as many epidemiologists and virologists are believing that India is expected to reach the endemic stage by the end of 2022.
You probably would be thinking that endemic means that the virus would no longer exist in the country. Well, unfortunately, this is not going to happen in the near future.
Endemic refers to a disease outbreak that stays within a specific area at a particular time and the authorities of the region would be able to beforehand estimate the rate of disease spread, transmission and severity of the outbreak. These outbreaks can be frequent but the chances of an extremely severe outbreak are less likely.
This means that fewer people would require hospitalisation and severe cases will also be a rare occurrence.
Speaking about the condition of the pandemic in India, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan recently said that the country was seeing an overall decline in the number of cases in most parts.
The health officials are closely monitoring the chances of the emergence of new variants while the COVID-19 related restrictions are being eased. The country is still facing local outbreaks, especially in Kerala, a state that is accounting for most of the cases on a daily basis.
The caseload of Kerala is consistently increasing as one in every five samples tested in the state are coming out positive. Back in early August, one in every eight samples was coming out positive. The state alone accounts for more than 60% of new daily cases in the country.
Explaining the same, the National Institute of Immunology scientist Vineeta Bal commented that the country will keep witnessing some hotspots in different parts depending upon the seroprevalence status, vaccination coverage and adherence to social distancing norms. The frequency of such occurrences will reduce as soon as the vaccination coverage improves across the nation.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan recently stated that India is at or approaching the endemic stage.
She, while cautioning that things can change unexpectedly in a pandemic, specified that the country will still keep noticing small outbreaks in a few parts where the vaccine coverage is low.
Swaminathan also pointed out a mass blood sampling study that showed 65% seroprevalence for coronavirus in Indians. Seroprevalence represents the level of antibodies in the population of a particular country.
Seroprevalence coupled with extensive vaccination drives is expected to provide good protection against a severe third wave, which has been in talks ever since the brutal second wave subsided after wreaking havoc around the country.
She, however, pointed out that the things that may compromise the level of protection against the third wave are the appearance of the new variant and the duration of protection provided by the current set of vaccines. These possibilities can be handled through constant and rigorous surveillance.
The experts believe that India is not going to experience yet another aggressive wave of COVID-19 as a serological survey conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) showed that two-third of the population of the country has antibodies against the virus.
It was a nationwide survey conducted by OCMR in June and July 2021 and involved a total of 29,000 participants, including 8,691 children, aged between six and 17 years. Even half of the children were found to be seropositive, which clearly meant that they were exposed to the virus.
The level of seropositivity was initially only because the person had been infected earlier but now vaccinations are also one of the reasons for that.
The director of the National Center for Disease Control Sujeet Singh has also said that despite the pandemic having defied most of our predictions, we will be entering the endemic stage within the next six months.
After about a couple of years of consistent fear, India is finally looking to be on the verge of a victory against COVID-19. While being hopeful, the experts have appealed to the people around the country not to loosen the guard against the virus. We should keep following the norms of social distancing and wearing a face mask every time we step outside. More importantly, we should get vaccinated at the earliest to achieve the seroprevalence the experts are talking about.
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.
As time passes, a larger chunk of the world population is getting vaccinated, finally signalling an end in sight for the Covid-19 pandemic. As we enter the final few months of 2021, countries are starting to think about Covid-19 vaccinations for younger demographics, especially teens. The vaccine made by Pfizer in the USA has already been approved for older children (over 12 years). Soon though, it looks like children in the 5 – 11 age bracket may be able to get the jab.
According to Pfizer, vaccination for this age group can be initiated by the time Halloween rolls around. The possibility of schools opening up soon seems very real with this news and it may only be a matter of time before we see the same trend around the world.
The Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine is one of the main vaccines being used in the USA to inoculate the population. As the adult population was getting their shots, attention turned to younger demographics. The Pfizer vaccine was tested and approved for emergency use on children first in Dec 2020 for those between 16-18. Later in May 2021, this was extended to those in the age range of 12 – 15. Children younger than this currently have no protection from Covid-19.
So Pfizer has been testing the vaccine at about 1/3rd the amount given to adults, in a trial covering about 2,200 children. The test found the vaccine to be safe and it generated the required antibody response. With this result, the company expects that the FDA will give Emergency Use Approval in as little as a month.
As more countries sanction vaccine trials with younger groups of children, the vaccination coverage across the entire population is sure to increase very soon. Across the world, children under 15 make up 26% of the total population. The need to get them vaccinated is also important to acquire herd immunity.
With the Pfizer, Covid-19 vaccine for younger children soon to be approved, schools may finally start to end online classes. For example, in New York state there were no rules in place for student vaccination, only the staff needed to be vaccinated. This will restore stability, structure and discipline in the education system. For grownups too, this comes as welcoming news because, once this age group starts being vaccinated, parents will feel relieved and they too can resume their normal activities like going back to the workplace (which they may have been fearful of doing because they might become carriers of the disease and pass the virus on to their children).
The need for getting as many children vaccinated as possible is growing more urgent as the US is also dealing with the Delta variant. This is one of the deadliest COVID-19 variants and even if vaccinated people get infected, the symptoms are very mild and certainly not life-threatening.
The Pfizer vaccine trial on children between 5 and 11 years was conducted using 2 doses (each of 10 micrograms), with 3 weeks interval between each shot. Considering the urgent requirement at this time as well as the vaccine’s past performance with older kids and adults, this vaccine may be rolled out in as little as a few months or weeks.
Across the world, several other countries too have anticipated the need to get children vaccinated and open up schools. In India, the Zydus Cadila Covid-19 vaccine was the earliest to get emergency use approval for children as young as 12. It is also the only needle-free, plasmid DNA vaccine currently approved for people under 18, it may be used exclusively for children since it has not been used to inoculate adults yet.
In Europe, a lot of countries like France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden have begun vaccination for children 12 and over. But some of these approvals are only if the child has certain underlying conditions (lung disease, asthma. etc), others are more general.
In China, the homegrown Sinovac vaccine was approved for children 3 – 17 years. As it stands with current Covid-19 vaccines, that would be the youngest approved age. The same vaccine is being used by several countries in Africa, Asia and South America.
All through 2020 and the better part of 2021, the sheer magnitude of this pandemic seemed overwhelming. But with dedication, the scientific and the medical community are finding the means to get to the light at the end of the tunnel soon. Allowing Covid-19 vaccines for children is one of the final steps the world is taking towards being free from the pandemic. Schools were one of the first institutions to completely shut down and they might be the last to reopen. The good news is that with more trials like the one from Pfizer, there is a tangible and very real possibility that our children may finally be able to go to school in person. The world may not go back to the way it used to be but we can see the day where schools are full of children again.
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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