The second wave of COVID-19 is almost over even though some states of India are witnessing sudden spikes of COVID cases. The second wave devastated the country and affected everyone in some way or the other, either financially or emotionally or both.
But now we have almost finally reached a stage when cases are low. But this does not mean that we are safe yet. The battle is not over yet. The MHA and many scientists have warned that the third wave of COVID is likely to arrive sometime in October. There is no clear idea of what this wave will be like, whether it will be even more dangerous than the second wave and how long it will last.
It is not yet the time to discard caution and live life the way we used to before COVID-19 struck. In fact, this is the time to prepare ourselves and do everything we can to stop the third wave.
There is a very distinct possibility that the third surge of COVID cases will arrive. The nature of pandemics is that new waves arrive as new variants of the virus come into existence and also because of human carelessness. There are periods of low rates followed by a rapid surge. This holds true for COVID-19 as well.
The level of threat the third wave poses is yet unknown. Usually, a virus is the most dangerous when it first emerges because the human body does not have the right antibodies to deal with it. As it mutates, it can either become more notorious or less powerful and also human beings are assumed to become more resistant through herd immunity.
Another factor that will influence how dangerous the third wave will be is our actions. From the learnings of previous waves, it has been established that keeping ourselves healthy and safe can prevent us from getting severe symptoms due to COVID.
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increase in thrombotic episodes, which are frequently observed in COVID-19. Vitamin D deficiency has been found to occur more frequently in patients with obesity and diabetes. These conditions are reported to carry a higher mortality in COVID-19.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
With the progress of the pandemic, a lot of new things are coming to light. It has been found that there is a direct link between COVID-19 severity and Vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is usually not available in foods and the chief source of this Vitamin is sunlight.
But unfortunately, the pandemic forced us to stay indoors. People could only leave the house to purchase necessities and not always during the day. That means most of us barely got any exposure to sunlight. This resulted in a rapid dwindling of Vitamin D levels in many people.
It was also discovered that people who are deficient in Vitamin D also develop more severe symptoms of COVID. One reason for this could be the fact that Vitamin D is crucial to your immunity and in the absence of sufficient Vitamin D, the body cannot mount a strong immune response against the coronavirus.
Similarly, a shortage of Vitamin B12 was also found to be linked to more serious COVID-19 infections. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anaemia, weakness and nerve-related issues. Some researchers also suggest that vitamin B12 can bind with viral proteins to slow down the replication of the virus. Thus, if there isn’t enough of this Vitamin in your system, you may be likely to fall severely ill. People taking medicines for some seizures, diabetes or heartburn tend to have low levels of Vitamin B12.
The paucity of both Vitamin D and B12 are particularly responsible for increased respiratory distress among COVID-19 patients.
The good news is that increasing the levels of these two vitamins is really easy.
It is still not safe for you to go out unless you have a good reason to. But you can still get enough sunlight and replenish your Vitamin D reserves. Just head to the terrace of your house or apartment building every morning and bask in the sunlight for about thirty minutes.
Three excellent food sources of Vitamin D are:
You may also have to take Vitamin D supplements.
Foods containing Vitamin B12 are:
Most people keep on struggling with the symptoms like fatigue, memory issues, anxiety, depression, bone and joint pains, leg cramps but have no clue about the underlying vitamin deficiency that may be causing it. To check if your Vitamin levels are normal, you can opt for a simple blood test.
Also Read: Magnesium Deficiency: Understanding Causes, Signs, and Solutions
What else you can do to keep yourself safe
Other than boosting your Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 levels, you need to do the following to keep yourself safe from the third wave of COVID-19
Just because fewer cases are being reported, we cannot start thinking that the pandemic is over. A third wave may be on its way. How we act now will decide how dangerous it will be. We all need to be cautious for our own sakes as well as for the wellbeing of our loved ones.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The debate surrounding the COVID-19 vaccines seems to be never-ending. During the first outbreak last year there was much hype and concern on whether we will ever have a vaccine in time to put a stop to the spread given the unknown nature of the novel virus. Once that question was put to an end with an array of vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech, Modern, Oxford-AstraZeneca, Covaxin, Sputnik V, Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen) being released into the market worldwide, there was another matter of concern and controversy; does taking the vaccine put your life at risk? This subsequently led to a significant degree of vaccine hesitancy amongst the older as well as the younger generation causing a delay in the vaccination drive.
Upon successful assurance and expedition of the drive, now there is another disheartening revelation – COVID vaccine efficacy seems to be dropping down.
This fact became evident when about two months ago (in July) Israel recorded a steep decline in the efficacy rate of their inoculated Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Ynet News reported that the COVID vaccine efficacy had dropped down to a startling 60% from June as it was failing to curtail the infection rates in the face of the Delta variant wave and the associated easing of COVID restrictions.
As per reports published in The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers monitored how the effectiveness of the vaccine dropped to 96% between May June and then to about 60% in July. Researchers as well as doctors after careful consideration of the situation came to three possible conclusions.
As per the current trend, fully inoculated people are getting infected with a percentage in some places as worrisome as 50%. The COVID-19 virus is constantly evolving and coming back stronger in each wave. So, in order to really take things up a notch and boost up our immunity doctors are saying that booster shots might be the need of the hour. But how do these shots work?
A vaccine is made up of inactive or weakened viruses or bacteria. When you get yourself the booster dose it prepares your immunity to combat the foreign invasion in the same way as it would for the original infection. This aids your body to create a memory of the virus. If you are exposed to the virus or bacteria again the antibody will be able to detect and finish it off before it can bring about severe damage. You can get booster shots a few weeks, months or even years after your vaccine shot depending upon the guidelines issued in your country.
However, the current government focus in India is to complete the vaccination of the Indian population as that was most necessary. Although many western countries are emphasizing the need for a booster shot drive right away, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is only concerned with getting as many adults vaccinated as possible. So, though a booster shot might be effective in giving your better protection against future COVID-19 infections it is not the agenda of the Health Ministry as of this moment.
Also Read: Omicron Variant & Vaccine Efficacy
Although the majority of COVID-19 hospitalization cases have been seen amongst unvaccinated people (especially during the Second Wave in India), there is no guarantee how strong the next viral strain might be and to what extent the vaccine can shield you from possible future infection. Additionally, with the drop in COVID vaccine efficacy over time, the need for booster shots might be essential eventually to not only keep your immunity strong against further COVID-19 infections. A complete vaccination does protect you from getting severely infected but it may not be able to provide you 100% safety from re-infection. Therefore it is important to get vaccinated and also follow COVID-appropriate behaviour for your own safety and the safety of others.
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.
For more than a year and a half now, we have been living with the perpetual threat of COVID-19. It has changed a lot of things in our daily lives. We have been flooded with advice on how to keep ourselves safe and we’ve often had a hard time separating myth from the fact because so many misconceptions and fake news have been doing the rounds.
But one thing cannot be doubted or questioned – face masks can literally save lives. It was established right at the beginning that the COVID-19 virus spreads through an infected person’s cough, sneeze and even while they exhale or talk and the best way to keep yourself safe is by wearing a mask which will drastically reduce the chances of you contracting the viral disease.
However, months after wearing masks became prevalent, people still make basic face mask mistakes that reduce the effectiveness of the mask and may not help with COVID prevention.
Here are a few things you could be doing wrong.
This is one of the most common face mask mistakes and almost all of us made it. You need to wash or sanitize your hands before you wear your mask. If there are viruses on your hand, they will enter through your nose and eyes when you put your mask on. But an alcohol-based sanitizer or a hand wash can kill all pathogens.
Similarly, once you take off a mask, you need to wash your hands because you have just touched a mask that could contain pathogens on the outer surface.
2. You are not washing your new masks (reusable masks)
Another dangerous face mask mistake is not washing your cloth mask with warm water and detergent after you have just purchased it. You might think it’s new, so it must be clean. But actually, it could be a den of germs, viruses and bacteria. Imagine how many people have handled the mask – the people who stitched the mask, the ones who packaged it and if there are weak spots in the packaging, pathogens could’ve entered the packet. For COVID prevention, washing your new fabric masks is mandatory. Remember only washable or reusable masks should be washed. Do not wash the disposable or N95 masks.
3. You are not keeping your mask in a clean place
If you toss your mask onto any surface, be it the couch, car seat or bed, then your mask won’t help with COVID prevention. Keep a clean mesh bag or hooks in your home and car for storing masks as boxes can cause mildew to develop. If you have to take your mask off for eating, slip the mask into a clean space.
4. You’re wearing an unwashed reusable mask
If you are not washing your masks after wearing them, they will not be any good in COVID prevention. When you wear a mask outside, it accumulates not just germs but also dirt and grime. Not washing your reusable cloth masks, may not only give you COVID-19 but also trigger other breathing issues.
5. Using an old mask
We all have our favourite masks that we wear again and again. But one of the most dangerous face mask mistakes you can make is wearing old masks. While old masks seem to have a very breathable fabric, the wearing and thinning of the fabric means it will not create a sturdy boundary between your nose and the viruses. If the elastic band is loose or if the fabric looks frayed, then it is time to dispose off the mask. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the usability of masks.
6. You are reusing disposable masks
Medical masks (the popular blue masks with white elastic bands) and N95 masks are meant for one-time use only. Washing the fibre will deform the size of pores and render the mask ineffective in COVID-19 prevention.
7. You are wearing a mask that does not fit you
Masks come in many shapes and sizes. After a few experiments, you will become familiar with which type of mask fits you the best. If there are any gaps between the mask
and your skin, there is potential for the viruses to enter your body. Also, ill-fitting masks will make you touch your mask and face frequently in order to adjust it. This will increase the chances of infection.
8. You yank your mask down your nose
This is another very common face mask mistake. People pull the mask down to talk or smoke. Talking with your mask on may muffle your voice a little but tugging it down can pose a risk to your life. And as removing the mask from its place for smoking can cause terrible damage to your health.
Extreme hygiene is required when you handle face masks. Take good care of your masks, in case of reusable masks, wash them, dry them and store them properly. Double masking is a better way if you are not using an N95 mask. It is important to understand the effectiveness of the mask that you are choosing. Always wear a mask when you go out, even if you are fully vaccinated and don’t forget to sanitize your hands.
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.
Every other day we are learning new things about COVID-19 and the vaccines that are being administered to immunize people against the virus. Many myths, misconceptions and rumours have done the rounds and scientists and responsible media houses have done their best to debunk them and urge the general public to get the two shots of vaccine as soon as they can. Similarly, experts also want people to be more aware of the dos and don’ts after vaccination so that nothing affects the efficacy of the vaccine or the health of the person being vaccinated.
In the context of vaccination tips, it is important for people to know that rubbing the site of the COVID-19 vaccine is to be avoided. Let us find out why.
Administering any kind of vaccine is guaranteed to trigger some arm soreness. COVID-19 vaccines are no exception. Pain at the injection site usually lasts for 2-10 days. But some people experience intense pain and discomfort that makes it difficult to move the arm and may need to take special care of their arm.
Pain at the injection site is an expected reaction by the body to the vaccine. When the vaccine is injected into your arm, your body perceives the needle prick to be an injury. To your body, it is no different than other injuries like a cut. Your immune response immediately springs into action and your body sends immunity cells to the vaccine site. The vaccine itself triggers an immune response and may cause inflammation and stiffness as side effects at the injection site. Soon after the vaccination, your immunity starts producing antibodies that can destroy the viruses if they enter your system in the future. Arm soreness is a good sign because it is an evidence that immunity is starting to respond to the vaccine.
Did you know?
You may feel an urge to rub the area immediately after the injection of the vaccine. But it has been advised that you should not rub the injection site after receiving the COVID vaccine. It’s true that rubbing or gently massaging can bring temporary relief from the soreness and stiffness. But actually, rubbing can cause more harm than good.
Despite experiencing arm soreness, you have to resist the temptation to massage the injection site. The COVID-19 vaccine is administered through an intramuscular route. The liquid vaccine that is injected this way can back up through subcutaneous tissue lying in the deep layers of your skin when you rub the site. This will reduce the efficacy of the vaccine. Rubbing, massaging or pitching should definitely be avoided in the first few hours after the vaccination because that is when your immunity is responding to the vaccine and rubbing could interfere with that by triggering counter-absorption.
To counter arm soreness, there are a few home remedies you can try. The most effective way to reduce the pain and discomfort is a cold compress. If you have an ice pack you can use that or you can wrap a few cubes of ice in a towel and gently dab the injection site with the ice pack.
You can take a bath in Epsom salt water to ease your arm soreness. A few gentle arm exercises like rotating the arm, overhead press, deltoid raises can help cope with the pain.
Some over-the-counter pain medications such as paracetamol can be very effective against arm soreness.
Most vaccines are administered the same way as the COVID-19 vaccines. And hence it is best to avoid rubbing your arm after a vaccine. But you can always ask your physician and get more clarity on this.
It’s important to follow the do’s and don’ts after vaccination to ensure that the COVID-19 vaccines yield the desired results. Even after being fully vaccinated continue following the COVID-19 protocol such as wearing masks, sanitizing your hands and disinfecting everything after you come home.
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 SARS-CoV-2 or more popularly known as COVID-19, has caused one of the worst pandemics in the history of human civilization with a death toll exceeding more than 4 million worldwide (as per WHO reports). This virus has been mutating constantly and it has been documented that different people have been tested positive with different COVID variants. However, recent reports have found that there is now a possibility of coinfection from two different COVID-19 variants at the same time as well.
The first case of such a coinfection was discovered as early as November 2020 in southern Brazil. Researchers in Brazil had documented two patients, both in their 30s. These two patients had been infected with the P.2 (also known as the B.1.1.28) variant and one other Variant of Concern (VOC). This led to the new possibility of contracting two COVID strains at the same time. Co-infection cases caused leading researchers at Feevale University, Brazil to conclude that such combinations will generate variants more quickly which poses the risk of a higher transmissibility rate.
On 3rd March 2021, the most recent case of coinfection was documented when a woman was admitted to a hospital in Belgium and tested positive for the virus. The nonagenarian passed away within 5 days of hospitalisation and upon later inspection, scientists found that her respiratory samples had both the Alpha (B.1.1.7) and the Beta (B.1.351) COVID mutations. Both of these were VOCs since they were studied to be highly infectious and fatal.
Viruses usually have either DNA or RNA as genetic material that is needed for replication. The SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus but has already been shown to undergo a number of mutations so far. According to the records of the World Health Organization (WHO), there are at least 9 different COVID mutations that have been officially documented and classified under two categories. These are:
Coinfection usually occurs due to exposure to a large crowd with high chances of exposure to people infected with different COVID variants. However, scientists have also proposed that the virus can undergo a process known as recombination inside the body of the infected person. This can only happen when two viruses infect the same cell and end up exchanging and recombining their genetic material to create a newly mutated variant of the virus.
According to a report published in the online medical journal repository medrXiv, a Portuguese teenage girl who had been recovering from a previous COVID infection was found to be infected with another variant at the same time. This depicts the possibility that people who are recovering from COVID-19 may be at a higher risk of coinfection too. Scientists have also confirmed that people living in areas with lower vaccination rates are at greater risk. Moreover, old age, comorbidities and a compromised immune system continue to be factors of high risk even for COVID-19 coinfection.
Since RNA viruses like Hepatitis C and Influenza have been known to cause coinfections upon mutation, there is no reason why the same wouldn’t happen with COVID-19. Moreover, with the recent reports of the cases of coinfection, it is all the more reason to avoid large crowds and observe COVID-19 protocol at all public places.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken up the world in ways unimaginable. Starting from destabilizing all established institutions (healthcare, economic) to pushing everyone into a perpetual state of uncertainty, this highly unpredictable pandemic has made its deadly presence felt everywhere. Although the viral strain is constantly evolving, one thing has stayed certain for the most part; the elderly and those with underlying conditions are at greatest risk. It is important for everyone to be aware and vigilant about our health in order to avoid any serious illness.
It is crystal clear by now that the Novel Coronavirus has the potential to trigger a dangerous respiratory infection. It has been seen that people who earlier never experienced respiratory trouble also felt severe respiratory distress during a COVID-19 infection. In the event of your lungs not working in their highest capacity, your heart activity too will be affected because like all other organs, the heart also depend on the lungs for a fresh supply of oxygen. And in the absence of enough oxygen, it will have a hard time pumping oxygenated blood throughout your body. This inevitably puts a lot of pressure on your heart and other vital organs. And if you are someone with pre-existing heart disease, then your heart is already at risk of a more severe COVID infection. So, what should you know and do to safeguard your heart?
Let’s find out in this article how COVID affects the heart.
Actually people with heart disease when they get COVID are at increased risk of getting heart failure. COVID-19 infection has been linked to the development of HF via myocardial infarction, myocarditis, microthrombi, and stress cardiomyopathy. There are several potential mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 may lead to these conditions through direct viral or immune-mediated effects.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Heart patients with COVID need to understand that a Coronavirus infection can affect anyone but having a pre-existing heart condition means that your infection can be severe. According to a professor of cardiovascular medicine at UTHealth, Houston, many viruses (including SARS CoV-2) can even bring about heart attacks. The exact reason is still a subject of research, however, it has been proposed that the COVID-19 virus causes inflammation in the body. When a severe inflammation happens during COVID infection it may lead to the formation of blood clots which can block your blood vessels. If these clots form in the small blood vessels of your heart or travel to your heart a heart attack may occur. It has been observed that the coronavirus can also affect the muscular structure of the heart making it weak. It stands to reason that people already diagnosed with heart disorders are likely to experience a worsening of the ailment if they do not get proper treatment when they contract COVID.
COVID complications related to the heart must never be neglected and one should seek medical attention right away if they experience any symptoms of COVID-19 or the warning signs associated with a heart attack or stroke. Immediate action can save lives.
Patients with heart stents should rest assured to get the Covid-19 vaccine as soon as possible. If you have a problem, connect with the cardiologist who is treating you, There is no known heart condition where any particular COVID vaccine is preferred with some small exceptions.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
COVID treatment for a heart patient as well as a non-heart patient is almost the same. Your doctor will advise some tests to check for the risk of blood clots and may advise some medicines called blood thinners if needed. During your infection period, if at any point you feel severe chest pain, palpitation, shortness of breath or even episodes of fainting, it is imperative that you get yourself admitted to a hospital or nursing home at the earliest. The doctors there will determine what medications to put you on or carry out any procedure required to prevent the worsening of the condition.
There is no proven method of preventing COVID-19 induced myocarditis or arrhythmias (rapid or irregular heartbeat). The only way you can keep your heart safe and healthy is by following standard COVID safety protocols and seeking immediate treatment if you get an infection.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken up the world in ways unimaginable. Starting from destabilizing all established institutions (healthcare, economic) to pushing everyone into a perpetual state of uncertainty, this highly unpredictable pandemic has made its deadly presence felt everywhere. Although the viral strain is constantly evolving, one thing has stayed certain for the most part; the elderly and those with underlying conditions are at greatest risk. It is important for everyone to be aware and vigilant about our health in order to avoid any serious illness.
It is crystal clear by now that the Novel Coronavirus has the potential to trigger a dangerous respiratory infection. It has been seen that people who earlier never experienced respiratory trouble also felt severe respiratory distress during a COVID-19 infection. In the event of your lungs not working in their highest capacity, your heart activity too will be affected because like all other organs, the heart also depends on the lungs for a fresh supply of oxygen. And in the absence of enough oxygen, it will have a hard time pumping oxygenated blood throughout your body. This inevitably puts a lot of pressure on your heart and other vital organs. And if you are someone with pre-existing heart disease, then your heart is already at risk of a more severe COVID infection. So, what should you know and do to safeguard your heart?
Let’s find out in this article how COVID affects the heart.
Heart patients with COVID need to understand that a Coronavirus infection can affect anyone but having a pre-existing heart condition means that your infection can be severe. According to a professor of cardiovascular medicine at UTHealth, Houston, many viruses (including SARS CoV-2) can even bring about heart attacks. The exact reason is still a subject of research, however, it has been proposed that the COVID-19 virus causes inflammation in the body. When a severe inflammation happens during COVID infection it may lead to the formation of blood clots which can block your blood vessels. If these clots form in the small blood vessels of your heart or travel to your heart a heart attack may occur. It has been observed that the coronavirus can also affect the muscular structure of the heart making it weak. It stands to reason that people already diagnosed with heart disorders are likely to experience a worsening of the ailment if they do not get proper treatment when they contract COVID.
COVID complications related to the heart must never be neglected and one should seek medical attention right away if they experience any symptoms of COVID-19 or the warning signs associated with a heart attack or stroke. Immediate action can save lives.
COVID treatment for a heart patient as well as a non-heart patient is almost the same. Your doctor will advise some tests to check for the risk of blood clots and may advise some medicines called blood thinners if needed. During your infection period, if at any point you feel severe chest pain, palpitation, shortness of breath or even episodes of fainting, it is imperative that you get yourself admitted to a hospital or nursing home at the earliest. The doctors there will determine what medications to put you on or carry out any procedure required to prevent the worsening of the condition.
There is no proven method of preventing COVID-19 induced arrhythmias (rapid or irregular heartbeat) or myocarditis.
What is myocarditis? Myocarditis means an inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium). The only way you can keep your heart safe and healthy is by following standard COVID safety protocols and seeking immediate treatment if you get an infection.
The COVID-19 virus is constantly mutating and so danger still persists. The relation between heart diseases and COVID keeps getting more complicated as it does with other health conditions. The only way you can keep yourself as well as your loved ones safe is by following heart-healthy habits, getting vaccinated and following safety protocols.
Also Read: Take Care of Your Heart: Foods To Avoid If You Have Heart Palpitations
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
COVID-19 vaccines have a lot of controversies and questions surrounding them since the general public is still cautious on how to deal with the virus. An important question surrounding it is the interaction between the COVID vaccine and other drugs. Are there medicines that should be avoided when getting a vaccine or not?
Most studies conducted till now indicate that the COVID vaccine and other drugs don’t interact with each other to harm your health. Thus, any medicine, in particular (unless specified by your physician), does not need to be avoided. However, certain precautions must be taken with respect to certain medications to prevent any adverse side effects.
If you recently underwent an organ transplant surgery and are taking any immunosuppressive drugs, you should consult your physician before taking the vaccine. Ideally, your doctor will advise you to wait for some time after the surgery before getting your vaccine. Immunosuppressive drugs have the possibility of decreasing vaccine efficacy. The vaccine works by triggering a response from the immune system in order to produce antibodies against the COVID-19 virus. Immunosuppressive medications can reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine as they suppress the immune system. If you are taking immunosuppressive drugs you should still go and get vaccinated. The efficacy of the vaccine may be less for immunocompromised patients, however, it does provide protection against the virus. Getting the vaccine ensures more protection than what the body can offer you without vaccination at all.
Steroids also suppress the immune system of the body. If you are on long-term steroids they should be continued along with the COVID-19 vaccine. Your doctor can help you understand and modify the dose if needed. However, if you are planning on taking steroid injections it is recommended to postpone taking them (up to 2 weeks) till after you are done getting vaccinated.
People who are on regular medication for diabetes, blood pressure, hypothyroidism, heart conditions, kidney conditions, etc should not stop their medication if they are about to get vaccinated. However, those with heart conditions and bleeding diseases should first check the kind of anticoagulant they are currently taking before rushing off to get the vaccine. Consulting with your doctor would be ideal in this case.
A prevalent practice that has been observed is the consumption of painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication before getting vaccinated. This is something that should be avoided, as taking anti-inflammatory medication will not provide any additional protection from the symptoms of your immune response. Taking these medicines before getting vaccinated can dull the immune response to the vaccine, which may reduce the vaccine effectiveness. It is ok if you take paracetamol to manage your symptoms after the COVID vaccine but it is not advisable to take any pain killer or other anti-inflammatory medicine before vaccination.
Yes. Patients taking drugs for comorbidities should get vaccinated at the earliest. Patients with comorbidities are at more risk if they contract the virus. People with diabetes or blood pressure can take the vaccine along with their ongoing medications. It is better to consult a physician before getting the vaccine as individual health needs and responses vary greatly.
COVID vaccine and other drugs do not interact negatively in general. It is safe to take the vaccine along with chronic drugs. Be mindful if you take immunosuppressive drugs or treatment for an autoimmune disorder, bleeding or clotting disorder, then ensure to consult a physician before getting vaccinated. Your doctor may advise a dose adjustment of some medicines if needed. By no means should you ever try to change the dosage or skip any of your ongoing medicines without consulting your doctor. Taking the vaccine should not be avoided even if you are taking medication. But certain precautionary measures are recommended such as discussing with your doctor. The vaccine minimises the chances of you contracting COVID-19. Always wear your masks, practice social distancing and adhere to the safety guidelines in your city.
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 Vaccinations are going on hurriedly. As of 24th July 2021, around 9.28 Cr. citizens have been vaccinated. The latest news is of recovery in patients after COVID-19 being impaired due to inactive or dormant bacteria/viruses becoming active. This is different from people who recover but suffer symptoms due to the long term effects of COVID-19.
As per new studies and data coming in, the SARS-CoV-2 virus may be making it easier for viruses or bacteria that are already present in the body to activate and cause infections. Usually, these microbes are inactive but Post-COVID complications may alter things.
The CMV virus may enter the body but can’t become active unless the immune system is compromised, so it remains latent (sleeping/inactive) in most people. This virus does not leave the body, so in people with weak immunity due to some cancer, HIV/AIDS and those under immunosuppression, this particular virus has a chance to become active.
As per anecdotal information, doctors suggest that this situation may be arising due to some of the medicines used to treat COVID-19. These medicines may save patients’ lives during the worst stages of COVID-19 but they suppress the immune system which increases the likelihood of Post-COVID complications. The most common symptoms so far in patients presenting with CMV are stomach pain and blood in the stool, 20 – 30 days after they were diagnosed with COVID-19.
The long term effects of COVID-19 are not limited to an increased risk of CMV but also a suppressed immune system that may lead to fungal or bacterial infections. Apart from this, the CMV is well-studied and treatments for the same are readily available.
It’s possible that COVID is reactivating latent viruses in at least a portion of long COVID patients, causing chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms. There’s general consensus that some level of aberrant immune response happens in COVID-19 which further adds that it makes people more susceptible to latent infections like TB and fungal infections.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
The Tuberculosis bacteria hibernates in the human body when we’re treated for this disease and like CMV, it also stays in the body. In some people, TB never manifests but the latest studies in mice show that the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 may reactivate dormant TB bacteria.
This connection between COVID-19 and Tuberculosis may have major effects across India and the world since the WHO states that latent Tuberculosis affects nearly a quarter of the world’s population.
It’s important to temper the alarm this study brings since it was performed only on mice and not on humans. The way forward will be to identify whether this is a long term effect of COVID-19 that we need to worry about and monitor the situation closely.
Some people, especially those who had severe COVID-19, experience multiorgan effects or autoimmune conditions with symptoms lasting weeks, months, or even years after COVID-19 illness. Multi-organ effects can involve many body systems, including the heart, lung, kidney, skin, and brain.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Although not directly connected to the Mucormycosis fungal infection that has been popular in the news recently, all these Post-COVID complications are caused by the same mechanism. How it works is that patients with COVID-19 are often treated with medicines that inhibit or lower their immune system, this is done to protect them and prevent them from sustaining long-lasting damage. But the side effect of this treatment is that recovered COVID-19 patients are more susceptible to other infections (fungal, bacterial, viral) due to their weakened immune systems.
This weakness to infections that normally don’t cause any sickness is also common in other people who have compromised immune systems as mentioned above. The ‘black fungus’ infection happens for the same reason, i.e., COVID-19 activates latent infections and weak immune systems but otherwise, it is not directly connected to other long-term effects of COVID-19.
If you have recovered from COVID-19 and especially if you were treated with drugs during your treatment, your risk for contracting infections is higher. It is vital to maintain proper hygiene and personal safety to lower your risk of contracting other diseases and Post-COVID complications. The usual COVID-19 protocols need to be followed stringently. More so, the Health Ministry has a detailed Post-COVID management protocol that you can refer to for guidance.
These guidelines revolve around the continuance of regular mask and social distancing protocols, using diet and supplements to support your immunity and returning to professional work gradually so as not to stress your body and immune system too much. Additionally, you are advised to seek professional help in case of mental and physical recovery, apart from reaching out to friends, family and self-help groups for support.
Remember to follow up with your doctor after your recovery/discharge, preferably a week later. Be sure to inform your primary doctor of any symptoms that persist or any new symptoms that you notice during your recovery at home.
While care needs to be taken after recovering from COVID-19, it is important to understand that self-medication should be avoided in every case. Treatment for COVID and post COVID problems should be taken on a doctor’s advice only. Do not be stressed and fearful. Maintaining a healthy state of mind is a vital part of your recovery, so don’t jump to conclusions about whether you will or won’t face the long term effects of COVID-19.
The last thing you or your body needs during this time is to panic and worry, so follow the necessary protocols and be calm. If you do notice some new symptoms, let your doctor know (either in person or via a phone consultation).
Be alert regarding the standard safety protocols and you will be able to give your body time to strengthen your immune system. Lastly, although you need to wait a while, try your best to get vaccinated as soon as your doctor approves of it.
For those who have not gone through COVID-19, it is important to get vaccinated at the earliest available slot and avoid contracting the disease in the first place.
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.
Indians seem to be forgetting how miserable their lives had become just a couple of months ago when the second wave of COVID-19 had wreaked havoc, killing our loved ones and forcing us to knock from door to door for the arrangement of basic healthcare facilities.
As soon as the number of cases started dropping, people have once again started taking probably the deadliest virus in the history of mankind very lightly. The government lifted the curbs on travelling and visiting public places and people just lost control and thronged the hill stations and other tourist destinations completely ignoring every norm of social distancing.
The most unfortunate thing seems to be that the people did not learn anything from their mistake that they made after the first wave had started subsiding.
Since the virus’s first, second, and third-order effects manifest over various time periods, the pandemic will not be considered ‘over’ until the ‘third phase’ of the COVID-19 pandemic has passed. It is the best time to take preventative steps and immunize ourselves with vaccines in order to prepare for the predicted third wave of COVID-19 in some countries. In order to effectively suppress and monitor the COVID-19 pandemic, early and timely measures with improved social distancing policies should be enforced.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
The newly sworn-in Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has taken charge at a time when India is recording about 40,000 COVID-19 cases on a daily basis. With the experts claiming that the third wave is ”inevitable”, it is not going to be easy for him to manage horrifying days in the offing.
Although India’s daily cases have started dropping, the third wave has appeared to have set in on July 4. A senior physicist, who has thoroughly analysed the trend of COVID-19 in India, has claimed that July 4 seems to be very similar to what it looked like back in February this year when the second wave had set in.
In another study conducted by the State Bank of India (SBI), the third wave, which is expected to be 1.7 times deadlier than the second wave, might hit India by the second week of August and possibly will reach its peak in September.
One expert is of the opinion that the 3rd wave will not be as severe as the 2nd. But we cannot be too sure, because another expert has brought to everyone’s attention the possibility of a new variant that has a capacity to overpower the immunity produced by vaccination and previous infection.
Nearly 40 crore people in the country are vulnerable because they haven’t yet formed immunity against COVID-19.
Moreover, the Union Health Ministry has also warned that there has been a slowdown in the decrease in cases and a slight increase in the positive cases. Maharashtra, Kerala and some states of the Northeast are already witnessing a rapid rise in COVID positive cases.
However, according to AIIMS chief Randeep Guleria, we can postpone the arrival of the third wave and even ensure it is not as deadly as the second wave if we adopt COVID-specific protocol.
Herd immunity against COVID-19 should be achieved by protecting people through vaccination, not by exposing them to the pathogen that causes the disease, to safely achieve herd immunity against COVID-19, a substantial proportion of the population would need to be vaccinated.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Learning something from past experience, the government is making some efforts to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure, which seemed to have completely collapsed during the second wave of COVID-19.
Vaccines being our strongest shield against the virus, the government is planning to inoculate all adults above the age of 18 years by December this year. Ironically, not only the people but the authorities also seem to be becoming complacent, as India has seen a decrease in average weekly inoculation in the last couple of weeks.
The government, however, is ramping up preparations to ensure adequate oxygen supply. A plan has already been prepared to set up 1,200 Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen generators.
More importantly, the government has to prepare more strategies to make people aware of the potential damages the third wave can cause. Plus, inoculating as many people as possible should be the government’s topmost priority to build maximum immunity against the third wave.
ICMR chief Balram Bhargava has highlighted that the third wave is not a future challenge for us but how we react to it will define our situation. He has also said that instead of highlighting the wave aspect, our focus should be on following the COVID-appropriate behaviour to contain its spread. Dr Guleria further stated that mutations of the virus can make coronavirus more infectious and can set India back by making goals of herd immunity unreachable in the short term. In such circumstances, people need to cooperate with the governments by adopting all safety measures.
Additionally, the experts have advised keeping a close watch on the positivity rate, especially when it goes beyond 10%.
Even if the authorities execute all their responsibilities accurately, they would not be able to stop the third wave from causing damage unless we support them in the cause. We should not violate the COVID protocols like wearing a mask, maintaining social distance, not going out unnecessarily, avoiding crowded places, etc. If we do not follow these norms, there is nothing that can stop us from getting into the same situation we were in a few weeks back.
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 second wave of COVID-19 has devastated the whole world. The death toll is unparalleled and the economic losses are incalculable. The constant threat of contracting COVID-19 and the way it upends life is something that we are forced to live with.
The second wave may be slightly on the decline. We have no inkling about when it will recede entirely. Besides, it is now evident that a third wave is on its way. There is no consensus yet on when it will manifest itself but according to most estimates, it will arrive anytime between September and December.
At such a juncture, vaccination is the only ray of hope. COVID-19 vaccination was kicked off in February and by now people above 18 years of age are legible for the jab.
India has slowly been ramping up vaccination and on June 21st reached an all-time high. All of this comes as heartening news during these dark and uncertain days. Vaccine availability is increasing because by now, municipal offices, healthcare bodies, hospitals and large organizations are planning and executing vaccination drives.
Post vaccination pain is common to all intramuscular vaccines and is not limited to covid vaccine. It is a self limiting pain and very mild.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Despite all efforts being made to speed up vaccination, there are still some people who are loath to take the vaccine. Rumours about the apparent dangers of the vaccine and the severe COVID vaccine side effects abound. Some people are downright terrified of the after-effects that are associated with the vaccines such as fever, body ache, pain at the site of the injection or even slight nausea.
The cobwebs of misinformation can easily be swept away with scientific understanding.
If you experience severe pain at the injection site which lasts beyond 48 hours and is associated with redness, tenderness, burning sensation and a visible lump, it is recommended to visit a physician to get treated.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
Most of the after-effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are indications that the vaccine is working! Most people who’ve received one or both the COVID doses have complained of a sore arm. The pain can range from slight discomfort to a level that makes it difficult to operate that arm. These symptoms usually resolve in a few days.
Here are some of the most common COVID vaccine side effects related to the arm:
The COVID-19 vaccine is an intramuscular vaccine. It is usually injected into your deltoid muscle (responsible for giving your upper arm and shoulder their range of movements).
The vaccine that is injected into your body mimics the coronavirus and tricks your immune system into believing that the body is under attack without actually causing an infection. This elicits an immune response that may appear as the COVID vaccine side effects.
When your body senses the vaccine, it triggers a response in the form of inflammation at the site of the jab. Inflammation can cause some redness, swelling and pain and it also means your immunity is active now. This response varies from person to person hence, the post jab symptoms are of different intensity and types in different people.
Another reason why the arm is sore after COVID vaccination and the region swells up is that it has sustained a very tiny needle injury.
COVID vaccine arm pain may last for 5 – 10 days for some, even when the other COVID vaccine side-effects die down. Also, some people have experienced a very mild pain that lasted for a couple of days. The positive note to be kept in mind is that this discomfort is temporary and will go away in a few days but the protection against a serious COVID infection will last for long.
If your sore arm after COVID-19 vaccination is not giving you a moment’s peace, then there are a few ways you can relieve the pain:
The COVID-19 vaccines are our only hope against the pandemic. The COVID vaccine arm pain and the other COVID vaccine side-effects are very short term effects and weigh nowhere near the protection granted by the vaccines. They can save your life! If you haven’t booked a slot yet, do it now.
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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