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.
For almost 1 and a half years, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced a good portion of the workforce to operate remotely from home. With flexibility in working hours and the continued closure of popular public places like malls and parks, many of us have transitioned into an isolated sedentary lifestyle.
As we get ready to return to the workplace, we have all realized that it will take quite a bit of effort to acclimatize ourselves with the old normal. Many people noticed that they have started to feel a strange reluctance and emotional discomfort to go out and interact with people. This is called Social Anxiety and for those with existing social anxiety symptoms, post-pandemic life and socialization are set to become really challenging.
For most people, health anxiety and anxiety regarding finances have been the major cause of stress during the COVID-19 lockdowns. With the regular vaccination drives, gradual relaxation of social restrictions and opening up of the economy, much of this anxiety and the signs of anxiety have been allayed.
However, people with pre-existing social anxiety symptoms may have a hard time transitioning back to the old normal. The period of being socially isolated has actually had a reinforcing effect on the symptoms of people with prior social anxiety. To such people, everyday social interactions are extremely stressful. They had welcomed isolation and the chance to do everything from the solitude of their homes. The thought of returning to a bustling office, having to deal with multitudes of people at work or during the commute and sitting in a crowded room for hours can trigger their anxiety and panic attacks.
Thankfully, due to widespread general awareness about mental health, the possibility of the onset of post-pandemic elevated levels of social anxiety has been accepted and efforts are on to help people with social anxiety deal with the new change that is about to come.
For people who are more accustomed to social activities, the long duration of isolation has led to more stress due to a lack of social interactions. Popular studies have found that such isolation can lead to reduced production of hormones associated with stress relief and can therefore harbour paranoia and negative emotions for many. Moreover, since most people have been restricted to conversations with their family members during these months of lockdown, post-pandemic socialization may lead to several conversational and interactional difficulties.
It has also been found that continued social isolation may lead to shrinkage of some parts of the brain that can even impair memory retention and recall. Further research has found that the emotional centre of the brain, the amygdala, becomes less active due to a lack of social interactions and this can lead to the development of social anxiety symptoms even among people who are extroverts.
For people who did not have pre-existing signs of anxiety, this continued isolation can lead to the onset of social anxiety. This can also be accompanied by Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) characterized by the refusal to attend school, college or work physically, as well as some amount of Agoraphobia (fear of places/situations that may cause panic).
Regardless of whether you have always been reluctant to socialize or this disinclination to mingle with people happened recently, there are a few social anxiety symptoms that can help you understand whether you should seek professional help to reintegrate into society.
Since isolation and quarantine have made us feel comfortable only in the presence of our family members and it has been long since we met and interacted with anyone new. So, it can be quite awkward for some of us to meet new people post-pandemic. While avoidance of social situations will only lead to continued social anxiety symptoms, it is best to follow a gradual re-learning curve rather than force yourself into normalcy.
To cope with the signs of anxiety in a post-pandemic world, it is necessary that you take mental health seriously and identify the warning signs and social anxiety symptoms early on. This is something very common that anyone may experience, validating your emotions and sharing with your close ones can help. In case you need professional help, it would be beneficial to reach out to a registered clinical psychologist for therapy or even a psychiatrist can help you very well. Finally, the most important thing to take note of is to never push yourself into normalcy because these home-isolation months have rendered many people socially challenged and you are not alone in this emergent post-pandemic world.
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.
Although COVID-19 causes comparatively milder problems in children than elderly individuals, some kids may need extra medical attention because of MIS-C symptoms. Children may rarely develop unusual and severe symptoms even after they have recovered from COVID-19. MIS-C after COVID-19 is a severe and fatal complication in children which needs prompt diagnosis for a reliable cure. The full name of this condition is Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children. It can affect children with a history of COVID-19 infection even weeks after the children are free from the COVID-19 infection.
MIS-C in children can lead to inflammation of some of the most vital organs such as the brain, heart, lung and kidneys. MIS-C can also cause swelling of eyes, skin and other organs in the digestive system of children. Prompt medical attention is significant because these symptoms can lead to fatal complications in children. MIS-C might harm vital organs, including the heart, because of extensive blood clotting. The swelling or inflammation caused by MIS-C in children is also harmful to the digestive system, blood vessels, brain and kidneys.
Most children who catch the COVID-19 virus have only a mild illness. But in children with MIS-C , after infection with the COVID-19 virus, the blood vessels, digestive system, skin or eyes become swollen and irritated. MIS-C is rare. It most often happens within 2 months after having COVID-19.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Observation of MIS-C symptoms plays a vital part in early diagnosis and treatment. MIS-C is a syndrome, which means it is an assortment of signs and symptoms that may involve multiple organs.
One should immediately consult a qualified medical practitioner if the following symptoms are present:
Besides these symptoms, one should also look for the following emergency signs that need prompt medical attention:
You need to remember that the severity and variety of signs and symptoms can differ for different children. One must take the child to an emergency care clinic in the presence of any one of the emergency signs of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children highlighted above.
Like in children, adults who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 can develop MIS (MIS-A) days to weeks after getting sick with COVID-19. Compared with MIS-C, MIS-A can also be more difficult to distinguish from acute COVID-19. However, like children with MIS-C, adults with MIS-A appear to recover quickly from the most dangerous heart-related complications.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Since MIS-C is a relatively new syndrome, there is very little knowledge about the exact cause of this post-COVID-19 complication in kids. It may be because of an over-aggressive, defensive reaction of the body to the invading virus. Medical researchers also suspect secondary infection and COVID-19 that may cause multiple signs and symptoms of MIS-C.
Some researchers feel that failure to treat COVID-19 can lead to MIS-C symptoms in children.
They also attribute MIS-C to genetic factors and several theories are being put forward to establish links between genetics and MIS-C, which is a rare condition. It can affect kids ranging from three years old to twelve years old. Failure to diagnose COVID-19 in primary stages and subsequent lack of treatment can lead to MIS-C symptoms.
The best way to prevent MIS-C is to protect against getting SARS-CoV-2 infection, including staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and other prevention actions.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Observing a child for the symptoms is the only way to detect the onset of MIS-C in time. One should be careful about the occurrence of critical signs, including bluish nails, lips or skin, severe breathlessness and difficulty in staying awake. Doctors will conduct some routine tests including blood, urine, swab, chest X-ray, ECG and so forth.
Doctors follow MIS-C treatment guidelines in India to manage the symptoms and critical health conditions of the child. They give the treatment of MIS-C in a hospital or kids intensive care unit.
Even if you feel that signs of MIS-C in your kid are mild, get the child to a doctor for an expert opinion. Minor symptoms of MIS-C can also lead to long-term problems for the heart or nervous system. Your doctor will recommend some routine tests to rule out any possibility of damage to organs or suggest the treatment for early recovery. Since there is limited medical knowledge about the causes and treatment of MIS-C, the only option is to watch the child for symptoms and report to the child specialist immediately for prompt care.
Also Read: COVID-19 Treatment Protocol For Children
The best policy to avoid post-COVID-19 complications in kids is to protect them from getting COVID-19 infection. Symptoms of MIS-C may not be similar for every child, so there is no need to panic and rush to conclusions. Consultation with your doctor to find the exact cause of symptoms is the most prudent way to deal with such a situation. Most children recover with no complications of MIS-C COVID-19 provided they receive proper treatment in a hospital setup. Only a few of them may have to receive appropriate medical care for a slightly longer period. A recent study in the UK provides a respite to parents. It confirms that most of the symptoms of Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome or MIS-C fade away over six months.
Children who develop some problems with the heart may have to avoid outdoor sports for some time. Incidence of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children (MIS-C) is extremely rare. One can prevent it only by preventing COVID-19 infection in kids. So it is necessary to make your kids follow all precautions and preventive measures such as safe distance, hand hygiene and mask usage. One should take special care of kids by avoiding contact with a family member who is COVID-19 positive. Ideally, safeguard kids by protecting every member of your family by observing all necessary precautions and following all instructions from the health authorities.
Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended as 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.
India is currently facing a second wave of the Covid-19 infection and it has been observed that the increased pathogenicity of the current viral strain has increased. Consequently, India is seeing an increased mortality rate and post-recovery complications in survivors of the Covid-19 infection.
When patients who have recuperated from Covid-19 infection continue to experience symptoms of the disease even after four weeks after initial recovery, they are exhibiting post-Covid complications. This condition is referred to as ”long Covid” or ”long-haul Covid”. Since Covid-19 infection can affect your vital health in the long run, a healthy diet must be followed post-recovery.
Long Covid symptoms can persist long after recovery. These symptoms should be medically addressed to ensure restoration of complete health.
Following is a list of post-Covid-19 symptoms experienced by survivors:
Apart from these, the survivors of the second wave of Covid-19 infection experience lung issues, renal malfunction and fungal infection.
Older people and people with pre-existing medical complications (diabetes, hypertension, etc.) are more susceptible to experience these lingering symptoms. However, it does not mean that young people are not affected by them.
It is advised that those who experience these symptoms should get in touch with their doctors urgently.
Also Read: Low Residue Diet: A Detailed Guide to Benefits and Preparations
Recovery from Covid-19 is a long journey. A positive mind, proper diet and moderate exercise are the keys to beating the Covid-19 infection.
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, in its Post Covid Management Protocol, advises maintaining for Covid-19 behaviour – social distance, practising hygiene and the use of masks. It also advises that survivors should follow a nutritious diet, get adequate sleep, drink sufficient water and moderate exercise. Most importantly, the protocol recommends self-monitoring at home post recovery and immediate medical consultation on noticing any post-Covid-19 complications to ensure timely treatment.
Also Read: Lion Diet: A Research-Based Exploration Into the King of the Jungle’s Meals
A balanced diet is crucial to regaining health after recovery from Covid-19 infection. You should consume freshly cooked and easily digestible food.
Survivors should include a wide range of fruits and vegetables, preferably seasonal, in their diet. Alternatively, they can consume fruit and/or vegetable juices to overcome weakness. These are high in minerals and vitamins, making one feel more energized.
A common myth currently being propagated is that consumption of meat, seafood and poultry products worsens Covid-19 symptoms. However, consumption of these products is recommended because a high protein diet is essential for post-Covid-19 management for immunity and to overcome weakness. Consume a high-protein diet with 75-100 grams of protein each day. Include as many eggs, lentils, legumes, milk products, soy, seeds and nuts in your diet as possible. Non-vegetarians can incorporate animal products such as lean meat, poultry, fish and eggs.
As per the Ministry of AYUSH, people can prepare and drink immunity-boosting beverages, such as warm turmeric milk. Milk provides the calcium necessary for strengthening the bones, while turmeric has antibiotic effects; this will aid elimination of physical weakness.
To improve energy requirements and further boost immunity, people can consume herbal teas like kadha (an indigenous drink prepared from a mix of spices and herbs), ginger tea, green tea and other herbal teas.
It is advisable to reduce salt and sugar intake. Use of iodized salt is recommended. Choose fruits and nuts instead of sugary treats such as cookies, cakes and chocolates to limit sugar intake.
The survivor must continue to take multivitamins (vitamins B, C, and D), zinc, iron and selenium pills as directed by the doctor. Daily intake of multivitamins is essential to aid the removal of toxins from the body.
One of the post COVID-19 complications is blood clotting. To keep yourself safe from such conditions, you can include Amla in your diet. Many studies show that Amla fruit extracts might be effective as an anticoagulant. Thus including it in your diet might be quite useful to avoid post COVID-19 complications.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Apart from a proper diet and adequate sleep, people who experience severe symptoms post recovery from Covid-19 infection may require rehabilitative support, such as physiotherapy, chest therapy, mental health support, etc.
The current strain of Covid-19 badly affects the lungs and the heart. People experiencing lung and cardiac issues could benefit from respiratory/chest physiotherapy from a qualified practitioner. Chest therapy – involving a set of breathing exercises using a respirometer – is especially helpful in releasing fluids trapped in the lungs. It aids the lung to regain its capacity and mitigate breathing issues.
For improving breathing, people can also practice yoga asana, pranayama and meditation (Ministry of Health & Welfare). Walking is also a good exercise.
Additionally, with the support of physiotherapists, practising a set of activities – such as transitioning from a lying to a sitting posture, bedside ADLs (Active Daily Living Exercises), prone positioning – can significantly benefit the recovering patients.
But the following things can be kept in the mind:
The following clinical outcome metrics are recommended for evaluating existing treatment objectives and setting new or changed treatment objectives for post-Covid-19 patients with chronic lung diseases:
People who do not exhibit severe long Covid-19 symptoms can undertake simple exercises that require less strength, such as deep breathing, knee lifts, side bends, etc.
In my opinion, including jaggery in your post COVID-19 diet can be beneficial. According to studies, jaggery has multiple benefits. It might help in reducing cold and cough-like conditions. It may also help in promoting relaxation of muscles to prevent fatigue. Due to its strong antioxidant properties, it may act as a blood purifier and might help in boosting immunity.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
It is vital to keep in mind that most COVID-19 patients recover rapidly. However, because of the long-term consequences of the infection, it is even more critical to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by taking measures outlined by the government. Wearing masks, maintaining social distance, avoiding crowds, getting vaccinated as soon as possible and keeping hands clean are important yet simple precautions to take.
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 has continued relentlessly in the country and the world for the last year and a half. Currently, the nation is battling the second wave of the pandemic, with over two lakh new Covid-19 cases being registered daily in India. Though the curve for the second wave is at its declining phase now, it has left us worrying and speculating the third wave. This could mean another surge in the number of infections at the national level.
However, there is good news about the Covid-19 vaccine. More than four crore Indians have been fully vaccinated and at least nineteen crores have received their first dose. The present eligibility status for the vaccines is eighteen and above and it includes lactating mothers. Also, India has reported clotting and bleeding in just 6 out of 10 million doses of Covishield administered. So, are you a Covid-19 survivor considering whether or not to take the vaccine? Read on to find your answers.
Getting vaccinated is one of the surest ways for a person to gain immunity against Covid-19. But what about a person who has recently contracted the infection? Can they delay getting the vaccine jab or do they need to hurry?
Though the chances of being infected with Covid-19 twice are slim, getting the jab will effectively reduce such risks that can complicate your case. The vaccine also protects you from the mutant variants of the virus. Thus, even if you have caught the virus and are presently immune to it because of the presence of post-infection antibodies, the vaccine will help to further boost protection. Thus, it is wise not to ignore getting the vaccine.
Think of the vaccine as a way to get longer-lasting, consistent immunity against Covid-19 India because there is no concrete evidence on how long the post-infection immunity lasts. Besides, you need the Covid-19 vaccine post-infection because you might be an asymptomatic carrier and inadvertently spread the virus further.
Vaccines for the general public are to be scheduled as and when available. But those who have recently tested positive or are in recovery after contracting the virus can delay the vaccination for several weeks. Past infections with coronavirus give natural immunity to a person for a while, though the exact timeframe is yet to be known.
As per the recommendations of the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for Covid-19, patients who have already been infected can take the vaccine three months after their recovery. Those who have been infected after getting their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine also need to wait for three months before getting their second dose.
The usual timeframe for the vaccine is also worth mentioning in this regard. In the case of Covishield, after four weeks have passed, the next dose can be taken whenever possible, but within eight weeks. The earlier limit for Covishield was six weeks, but it has now been extended to eight weeks. The second dose of Covaxin can be taken between four to six weeks after the first. It is essential to state that vaccine doses are safe no matter when you take them. However, the effects are not as pronounced if taken within a month of getting the first dose.
The country is also facing a shortage of vaccines despite doubling production recently. So, delaying your dose by three months is not an issue if you have been infected with the virus before.
The connection between the vaccine for Covid-19 and blood clots is a highly discussed topic at present. As per a report submitted by the National AEFI (Adverse Events Following Immunisation) Committee to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, there is a very minuscule but definitive risk of thromboembolic events following vaccination.
Instances of bleeding and clotting stand at 0.61 for every million doses, which the committee says is in line with the expected number of diagnoses of such conditions. In fact, it is way lower than the four cases per million reported by the Medical and Health Regulatory Authority (MHRA) of the United Kingdom. In preparing the report, the AEFI committee completed an in-depth case review of 498 serious and severe events, of which 26 cases have been reported to be potentially thromboembolic.
The term thromboembolic refers to the formation of a clot in a blood vessel that might also break loose and be carried by the bloodstream to plug another vessel. The complications arising from this can be life-threatening, such as heart attack or stroke. The symptoms of the condition include:
Such symptoms occur within twenty days of taking a vaccine shot, particularly of Covishield. AEFI reported that there were no potential thromboembolic events reported following the administration of the Covaxin vaccine.
However, it is also important to remember that Covishield has definite benefits in terms of preventing and reducing the severity of the infection. More than thirteen crore doses of Covishield have already been administered in the country.
It is important to take the vaccine after recovery, provided you follow the minimum waiting period of at least three months after recovery. The vaccines are safe and effective with a good immunogenic response against the Covid-19 virus. Be prudent and get your vaccine when your turn comes.
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As COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc worldwide, various data sources suggest that in India the recovery rate of COVID-19 is over 70% as of August 23, 2020. India currently has almost 2.4 million patients who have recovered from COVID-19. However, an important question still looms large – Does a COVID-19 survivor recover completely after hospital discharge?
The SARS-CoV-2 virus primarily affects the respiratory system and can cause life-threatening pneumonia. Current research shows the disease attacks more than just the respiratory system, affecting multiple organs with blood clots and inflammation. Almost 80% of COVID-19 infections are mild or asymptomatic, 15% are severe infections requiring oxygen and 5% are critical infections, requiring ventilation.
Several COVID-19 recovered patients are returning to doctors with conditions including breathlessness, cardiac, lung and other complications. According to a newly published study from Italy, many patients with even milder forms of COVID-19 have persistent symptoms of fatigue and difficulty breathing for up to 60 days post-infection. Furthermore, researchers of this Italian study report that almost 43% of recovered patients have worsened quality of life and almost 87% recovered patients have at least one persistent symptom even after two months of their recovery from the disease.
Post-recovery, some COVID-19 patients may continue to face a range of health issues, depending on the severity of the disease they explained earlier. There is limited evidence regarding long-lasting COVID-19 symptoms after the infection is gone. However, there have been reports of individuals still experiencing symptoms months after the infection, including continued loss of taste or smell, irregular heartbeats, chest pain, shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, learning difficulties, and recurring fever.
It is to be noted that not all recovered patients report long-term complications. Post COVID-19 patients who developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) could have a higher risk of long-term health issues.
Some other complications of “long-covid” include fatigue, myalgias (muscle pain), arthralgias (joint pain), cognitive impairment, depression or anxiety, a consultation is advised if you experience any such symptoms.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Post-COVID-19 patients may experience persistent respiratory symptoms, fatigue, decreased functional capacity and decreased quality of life up to 6 months after infection. People who had severe illness with COVID-19 might experience organ damage affecting the heart, kidneys, skin and brain. Inflammation and problems with the immune system can also happen.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
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By adhering to government and local health regulatory guidance and continuing with these safety precautions, we all need to do our part to make sure the COVID-19 virus comes to an end.
It is very important for all of us to take health and safety precautions concerning COVID-19 seriously. With the reopening of businesses and public facilities, many cities are reporting an increase in the number of daily COVID-19 confirmed cases.
