PharmEasy Blog

Make Your Double Masking Effective: Do’s & Dont’s

India is battling through the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Believe it or not, every person plays a part towards recovery to a gradual and safe return to a pre-pandemic time. Especially, with the presence of new COVID-19 strains in India, it is crucial for every individual to follow safety guidelines diligently to mitigate the risk of spread. 

Just as hygiene and cleanliness are being prioritised, safety protocols also need to be given high priority. Wearing a mask, maintaining social distance, avoiding crowds are some precautions to be followed. Hand hygiene is of utmost importance and using hand sanitisers or soaps at frequent intervals is recommended. 

Getting vaccinated for protection is every individual’s responsibility. If a vaccine is not available, we advise you to mask up, stay protected!

The more particles that are blocked, the better you are protected against getting COVID-19. You should not wear two disposable masks or combine an N95 or KN95 with any other mask.

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

Double masking: What does it mean?

Double masking is a preventive method, where one mask is worn on top of another. This helps improve the efficiency of the mask by improving the filtration rate and preventing the spread of the virus. It also limits the exhalation of droplets and the spread of droplets containing the virus. 

Types of masks

For the prevention of COVID-19, there are generally three types of masks used:

  1. Cloth masks
  2. Disposable, surgical masks
  3. N95 masks

Cloth masks

Cloth masks are made of breathable fabric. They are recommended for the general public and can be worn daily. The fabric should be multilayered and should block light when held up to a bright source of light. 

Cloth masks can be worn in public settings. It is not recommended for individuals with breathing issues. These masks can be washed frequently. However, wearing a mask must be combined with other safety protocols to ensure proper protection. 

Double masking should be done by using 2 surgical masks or 1 cloth and 1 surgical masks. There is no need for double masking with N95 masks. As per CDC double masking with proper fit blocks 85 percent of cough particles.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Disposable, surgical masks

Surgical masks are usually flat or rectangular in shape with pleats or folds. They have elastic bands to wear by looping the bands behind the ears. These masks are loose-fitting, designed to protect the wearer from large particle aerosols, sprays and so on. 

However, by design, they do not filter or block small particles transmitted via coughs or sneezes. Due to the loose fit between the surface of the mask and the face, these masks are advised to be worn underneath a cloth mask for added protection.

N95 respirator mask

An N95 mask is designed to protect from larger particles and smaller particles, such as bacteria. It contains a respirator, generally oval-shaped and some may have an exhalation valve. The edges of the respirator are designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth. KN95 masks are also similar to N95 masks. However, they do not have exhalation valves.

These are commonly used in healthcare settings and are considered the best mask for COVID-19 as well. It is essential to note that N95 respirators with exhalation valves should not be used by people with symptoms of COVID-19, asymptomatic people and when sterile conditions are required.

Why should we double mask?

Based on research, it is advised to double mask as it not only prevents the transmission of the virus but also helps protect against the threat of more contagious variants. 

Double masking: The Do’s

Double masking should be followed while continuing to practice physical distancing and proper hygiene. Here, we outline some tips on double masking.

Double masking: The don’ts 

According to research, double masking is effective because of the enhanced filtration and gap elimination, rather than just the addition of layers of masks. Here are some precautions to be taken while double masking. 

In addition to wearing masks, try our new LivEasy Covid Essentials!

Layers of safety to get through the pandemic 

Records and research prove that double masking offers a stronger barrier against the virus. A single cloth mask blocks around 52 percent of aerosol particles and the surgical mask with a knot blocks around 70 percent. However, a combination of cloth masks and surgical masks, the most common of double masking methods, blocks aerosol particles up to 85 percent. This emphasizes the effectiveness of double masking. 

It is crucial to continue following safety guidelines such as social distancing, hand hygiene and restricting engagement with larger crowds. While double masking forms an essential tool to combat the ongoing pandemic, the road to recovery is possible when one also follows the rest of the safety guidelines.  

Update: As of 23rd March 2022, over 70% of the Indian population has been vaccinated with 10 vaccines approved in the country. Certain studies (domestic and international) also indicate a potential need for booster shots (getting a third vaccine injection). The year 2022 saw the rise of the Omicron variant, and with its higher transmissibility rate, it has made double masking even more relevant. Vaccination for children between the ages of 15-18 started to roll out at the beginning of 2022 with younger age groups set to be eligible later in the year.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Omicron Vs Delta, Beta & Other Variants – What Do We Know?

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

Introduction

Around the world, the vaccination rate is thankfully ticking up with over 55% of the population inoculated as we head into the end of 2021. In India, the same figure stands at 32% with more than 57% of the country receiving at least 1 dose. Recently, the WHO designated a variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus as a Variant of Concern, giving it the name ‘Omicron’.

Since the Delta variant, we have all been on the lookout for what will come next and it seems our questions have been answered. What kind of threat does Omicron pose? Will we see increased lockdowns in India or around the world like when Delta first came to light? Let’s discuss what we know so far.

What Is The Omicron Variant?

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, like all viruses and bacteria, constantly evolves and mutates. Mutations are common and most mutations typically do not cause any drastic changes in how the virus behaves or interacts with humans.

Once in a while, however, a mutation or change in the virus can alter its properties significantly. For example,  it could impact the rate of transmissibility and change how effective the virus is at invading the immune system. This could make the virus better at infecting us. Now, since viruses are constantly changing, it would be impossible and ineffective to track every variation that occurs. That’s why the WHO uses a methodical approach, identifying Variants that need to be tracked and observed.

Variants of Concern is one category that identifies variants that can spread more easily, can cause serious illness or those that do not get treated or diagnosed easily by the existing measures as easily as existing variants. Omicron is the latest variant to receive the Variant of Concern title and was first detected in South Africa, with at least 30 countries having its cases by December 2021. The first cases of Omicron detected in India were discovered in Karnataka.

Why Is It Called Omicron?

The World Health Organisation created the naming convention for variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, both to simplify matters and help reduce stigma. The Variants of Interest and Concern are named simply after letters in the Greek alphabet.

Technically, the variants that we watch over all have long-winded scientific names. The scientific name for the Delta variant is B.1.617.2, while for Omicron it is B.1.1.529. These are long, hard to grasp titles. To make things easy for the media and general population to understand things, the WHO uses this Greek naming scheme.

Another reason is to help avoid blame games and finger-pointing on a global scale. Often when a new variant is discovered, the country where it is first detected often gets an unfair association with the outbreak of that variant. For example, the Delta variant has long been addressed as the ‘Indian variant’. 

The previous variants of the virus were designated Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and so on. Although following the sequence, the latest variant was expected to be named Nu. But Nu and Xi letters in Greek were skipped and Omicron was chosen as the name for this new variant.

Omicron Vs Other Variants

Omicron vs Delta Variant

Omicron Vs Vaccines

The WHO has emphasised time and again that vaccination remains our strongest tool in fighting off the disease as well as preventing serious illness and death from COVID-19. The organisation is working to understand the effectiveness of vaccines against this variant, however, vaccination continues to be one of the leading forces in limiting the severity of symptoms and death.

Also Read: Is Covaxin Effective Against Omicron?

What Next?

There is not much we can know until the initial studies are complete and more data is collected. For new information always use trusted sources such as the WHO or government websites. Do not trust unverified information such as that found through messaging forwards and social media posts. We have no need to panic but every need to keep following the standard COVID-19 protocols. Wearing a mask, keeping physical distance, following respiratory etiquettes and maintaining proper hand hygiene should continue. And as the WHO has said, we need to continue with our vaccination efforts. Maybe we have all begun to relax a bit and that’s understandable. But this new variant comes as a reminder to stay vigilant and stay safe.

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.

Keep The Festive Spirit Alive Cautiously

The season of festivals is around the corner and so is the chance of a possible festival induced surge of COVID-19 cases. Kartik is the month of festivals in India with Dussehra, Karva Chauth, Diwali and Chhath Puja celebrated back to back in various parts of the subcontinent. And for every festive celebration to be successful there needs to be people. But given the times, people signify mass gathering and that means spread of coronavirus infection. Like last year, we cannot let our guard down completely and we must celebrate cautiously. 

Has the Second Wave Receded?

As the second wave is yet to recede completely, one piece of good news is that more than 75% of India’s adult population has received the first jab and more than 31% has got both doses. Although this puts people out of danger in terms of a severe infection, it doesn’t make you completely immune to the risk of infection in spite of getting both your doses. In the month of August 14,421 persons contracted COVID-19 in spite of being fully vaccinated.

Given the circumstances, it is only responsible on our part if we understand the scenario and continue to follow COVID appropriate behaviour for the safety of one and all.

Covid 19 mainly spreads airborne by droplets. The droplets from coughing or sneezing can travel upto 3 feet when protective masks are worn and without them they can travel 22 ft in a closed environment. Hence social distancing along with masking is necessary to prevent the spread of covid 19 in festive season where large gatherings are there and the disease can easily spread.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

What is the SUTRA model and why is it important?

The SUTRA model is an acronym that stands for Susceptible, Undetected, Tested (Positive) and Removed Approach. It is a model based on mathematics and used by experts to predict the COVID graph in India. As per its initial findings, the model reported that India had well ‘past its peak’ in October 2020, meaning that India had achieved herd immunity. However, in April this year, experts found a number of flaws in the model:

All in all, the SUTRA model is blamed for being instrumental in the idea that India was safe from a possible second wave.

However, with fresh COVID cases being reported in the states of West Bengal, Orissa and Assam post, it is only practical to follow all COVID appropriate behaviour. 

Crowds are a source of transmission in the COVID-19 spread. Contention and mitigation measures have focused on reducing people’s mass gatherings, the impact of small-scale (less than 100 people) gathering events on the spread of COVID-19 in the city is also not to be underestimated as even a single case of covid might be sufficient to cause the spread.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

How to Keep Yourself and Your Loved Ones Protected

As COVID is very much present among us, we need to follow some important tips to ensure that our enjoyment is maximum and so are the safety measures.

Conclusion

Times are still very much uncertain as we do not know how the virus might behave. Getting vaccinated does not make you invincible but only lowers the risk of a severe infection. Follow all COVID-19 protocols to ensure safety and happiness throughout this festive season. 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

What Common Face Mask Mistakes Do People Make?

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.

Face mask mistakes that you could be making unknowingly

1. You are not washing your hands before or after handling the mask

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.

Here’s What Experts Are Speculating About The 3rd Wave Of COVID-19

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

Why should we be worried?

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.

What measures the government is taking to handle the third wave?

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.

Expert Advice

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%.

Takeaway

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.

COVID Survivors Can Still Get Reinfected With Alpha, Beta Variants

Even though COVID-19 has been rampaging for more than a year, a lot is yet unknown about this virus. Every day scientists are making new discoveries and adding to our knowledge and understanding of the virus. This, we hope, will better equip us in finding ways to make the world population safe from COVID-19.

A new study carried out by the University of Oxford

To further our knowledge about COVID-19 and understanding of re-infection, a study was planned in the UK by some of the most premium academic institutions of the country. 

This study was recently conducted by the University of Oxford in conjunction with the Universities of Sheffield, Newcastle and Birmingham with help from the UK Coronavirus Immunology Consortium and has arrived at a startling finding. 

People who have recovered from COVID-19 may still contract the disease from the Alpha and Beta COVID variants. The alpha and beta COVID-19 variants are the ones that wreaked destruction throughout the globe last year. The alpha variant was mostly responsible for the devastation in the US. The beta variant was discovered in South Africa and triggered a spike in that region of the African continent. They are all considered as ‘variants of concern‘. WHO has given these variants such a label because these have a high transmissibility rate and can lead to severe infections with far-reaching consequences on health.

Here are a few glimpses from the study and what it says about COVID re-infection:

Sample pool for the study

For the study, researchers collected samples from 78 healthcare workers. These medical professionals are at the frontline of the war against COVID-19. The goal was to observe how their immunity responds to COVID-19 and what are the chances of being infected again even after recovering from COVID-19.

The people from whom samples were taken had experienced both symptomatic (66 of the volunteers) and asymptomatic COVID infection (12 of the volunteers). All of them had contracted COVID-19 very recently. The sample pool also included 8 people who had survived very severe COVID-19 infections. 

The samples were drawn every month from the first to the sixth month from the time of the infection. Several types of antibody tests such as Spike-specific and Nucleocapsid-specific antibodies were run on the samples to analyse the body’s memory of the disease and understand different aspects of the person’s immune response.

A new approach was used for the study

For more accurate analysis, machine learning technology nicknamed SIMON was deployed. The involvement of SIMON was a game-changer. Why? Because now, with the help of SIMON, the researchers could get their hands on complex datasets to understand patterns in the sample analyses. This had never happened before.

This means that the researchers could tell with greater accuracy what the early response to the disease is like. With that data, they could also predict how long-term immunity will shape up. This, in turn, helped them realize what the chances of re-infection are.

The conclusions that the researchers came to

Through the avant-garde technology used, researchers came across an immune signature that develops in the first month post-infection. This signature can determine how strong COVID-19 immunity will be in the sixth month post the infection. 

The samples of many of the participants showed very weak immune signatures in the first month (26% for symptomatic disease and 92% for asymptomatic disease). That translated to the failure to produce antibodies that can destroy the alpha and beta COVID variants. 

The samples of some of the survivors showed no immune memory at all 6 months after the infection. The findings point to an uncomfortable truth that the immune systems of COVID-19 survivors may not be able to shield them from re-infections.

What does this mean for us?

This study has proved that surviving a COVID-19 infection need not necessarily grant a person complete immunity from the virus, especially because new variants too are on the rise. Just because you have contracted COVID-19 once does not mean that you are safe from it. Scientists had already assumed that the antibodies do not last long. This research has proved from another angle that re-infection is very much possible and the only way to save yourself is to get both doses of the COVID vaccine.

Conclusion

This means we should not relax the COVID-19 protocol even after recovering from COVID-19. A very real threat of COVID re-infection exists, especially from the alpha and beta COVID variants and also the newer variants. 

It is very important to understand that you need a COVID vaccine (if not vaccinated already) after 3 months of recovery from a COVID infection as you cannot just rely on the immunity acquired from a Covid infection.

Continue following COVID-19 precautions such as hand sanitization and wearing of masks when you are outside. Clean your clothes, accessories, shoes and bags once you come home. Maintain physical distancing wherever possible. And book a slot for the COVID-19 vaccine, even if you had contracted COVID-19 earlier.

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.

Does The New Unlock Mean We Can Relax COVID Regulations?

We are on the verge of a new unlock. For the last few months, all states of India have been in varying degrees of lockdown in a bid to contain the spread of the devastating Delta COVID variant.

In the next few weeks, the restrictions may be lifted and once again we will be able to resume certain activities that were part of our lives during the pre-COVID days. 

While the new unlock will definitely be an economic boon for lakhs of people, it also holds the potential to send us spiralling back into another COVID health crisis. 

Unlock is not an invitation to be hedonistic

With the unlocking approaching, many people have already started making holiday plans. It is understandable why they would want a vacation but it is foolhardy to immediately rush to the hills or the seaside. 

If thousands of people have decided to take a trip, it is quite likely that all the popular vacation spots would be teeming with people. Crowds are still dangerous and must be avoided at all costs. 

There is increasing realisation that removing COVID-19 restrictions is not about returning to the pre pandemic normal but about gradually and cautiously transitioning to a new normal, while being ready to reimpose measures if, and when, necessary.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Why are crowds dangerous?

For starters, the entire Indian population has not yet been vaccinated. You may have received one or even two doses of the vaccine or recovered from it but you can still be a carrier of COVID. It may not affect you that bad but you can pass it on to others.

Similarly, there is insufficient data on how long the vaccines are effective. We also don’t know exactly how long COVID antibodies produced when one is diagnosed with COVID and last in their bloodstream.

At this time, any carelessness can put you, your loved ones and countless other people at risk.

If you want to know how immune you are to COVID, you can opt for an immunity test such as the COVID Antibody test or the COVID Spike S1 Antibody test.

New variants on the rise

After the Delta variant wreaked havoc in India, we have already heard of two new variants. 

The Delta Plus variant has already been detected in India. Some scientists are of the opinion it may trigger the third wave.

Another variant that experts are monitoring is the Lambda variant. It hasn’t yet made its way to India but with the resumption of flights, it might reach Indian shores.

The delta variant is by far the most dangerous COVID mutation. There are no unanimous opinions on how effective our vaccines are against it. 

It is not yet time for us to celebrate because COVID has not yet been conquered. According to some reports, the third COVID wave may arrive around November 2021. That means we cannot throw caution to the wind. 

Here are a few safety measures to keep yourself and the country free from the clutches of COVID:

The threat is far from gone. We cannot yet resume the lifestyle we were used to before COVID struck. Only through unity and the COVID protocol can we finally banish COVID for good. 

Also Read: Camel Milk Benefits: A Research-Based Look Into Its Health Properties

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.

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Monsoon And COVID-19 In India: Here’s How To Safeguard Yourself!

Indian monsoons usually bring respite from the summer heat but also bring a host of vector and water-borne diseases. With the rise of humidity and climate change, people become more prone to bacterial, viral and  fungal infections. There is a looming fear of how these existing infections will play out during the monsoons. We also see a rise in the cases of COVID-19 in India.  

Can the monsoon season cause a possible spurt in covid-19 cases? 

Monsoons come and the number of air-borne diseases like the common flu, viral fever, cold and other water-borne infections increase. Many experts debate how COVID-19 and the rainy season will play out with the impending monsoons. 

In 2020 and 21, there were speculations about how the monsoons will cause an increased spread of the virus. However, the experts have no conclusive proof of the monsoon effect on COVID-19. This year also, experts are unclear about how the curve of cases will be affected by the rains.

How to stay protected from covid-19 this monsoon season? 

A few weapons we need to have to fight against COVID-19 today are  vaccinations  and masks, with other COVID-19 appropriate measures. However, the wet monsoons are sure to cause many of these difficulties in the subcontinent. We’ve got you a few handy tips and actions that are sure to provide monsoon COVID-19 protection:

What measures can you take to strengthen your respiratory system?

Air-borne microbes like the common flu virus, the COVID-19 virus and others, affect the respiratory system. These air-borne infections are more common during the monsoon season, so protecting the immune system and strengthening our immunity is essential. Some home remedies that you can use to protect your respiratory system during the rainy season are:

Conclusion

Even though we have routed back to the normal way of living with schools and colleges opening up, we must not forget the appropriate Covid behaviour. At the same time, we must do our bit to provide the homeless and the vulnerable monsoon COVID-19 protection. As the country ramps up its vaccination drive to protect every Indian, we must take precautions daily to avoid COVID-19-related complications that can arise during monsoons. Following basic hygiene measures and COVID-19 safety protocol, we can surely tide over the monsoons safely.

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

How Air Quality And Lung Health Matters During COVID-19

Introduction

India is witnessing a drastic change economically as well as epidemiologically. India has come a long way in the last few decades in terms of the economic sector, be it an improvement in the infrastructure of India or an increase in the industrial sector.

In the year 2020, COVID-19 emerged in India. COVID-19 mainly attacks the respiratory system that reduces the ability of the lung to provide the required oxygen to the body. The relationship between air quality and the COVID-19 virus has been under investigation in several studies. According to research conducted by Harvard University, a minor increase in long-term PM2.5 exposure causes a substantial rise in COVID-19 fatality rates. 

Air quality and COVID-19

Air Quality Index (AQI) is the EPAs index for measuring air quality. According to the Air Quality Index higher the AQI value, the higher the degree of air pollution and the greater the health risk.

Every day, an adult breathes in and out 11,000 litres of oxygen. Breathing fresh air increases the oxygen capacity of the lungs. When fresh air is combined with dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen, then the oxygen content in the airdrops result in poor air quality. As we breathe, hazardous substances in the atmosphere enter the lungs. It harms the respiratory system, resulting in significant health issues including asthma, cardiovascular disease, cancer and increased mortality. Therefore, maintaining quality air is essential to keep lungs and body healthy, making us less vulnerable to COVID-19. And if infected, a healthy immune system will help to fight against the deadly Coronavirus. 

As COVID-19 is a contagious virus, it can spread like wildfire. According to research issued by the World Bank, fatalities rise by 5.7 percentage points for every 1 % increase in long-term PM2.5 exposure. 

Lung Health and COVID-19

As said earlier, COVID-19 is termed as SARS; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome harms the lungs particularly, which makes us incentivised to take more care of our lung health. People suffering from previous respiratory illnesses like asthma, COPD, allergic bronchitis, Pneumonia etc may face greater difficulty in recovering from Covid 19 infection. 

Some of the habits that are injurious to the lungs are: 

The practices mentioned above might lead to diseases such as pneumonia, cancer, etc. Studies have also shown an increase in the use of tobacco and nicotine products since lockdown. As lungs are already affected, fighting and recovering from COVID-19 Infection becomes difficult. It also reduces the immunity of the body to fight deadly COVID-19. Quit these bad habits today and shift to a healthier lifestyle.  

How Can We Reduce the Impact of Air Pollution on our Lungs?

Making an environment safe to live in is our duty. Reducing petroleum usage and reducing the use of products that produce carbon monoxide can help to reduce air pollution. As of now, when air pollution is at its worst, precaution can help us prevent lung damage. Specific steps to minimise the impact of air pollution on the lungs are: 

Conclusion

Stay indoors as much as possible since the government has asked us to do so for our protection. Staying at home or having short-term exposure to PM2.5 puts residents in a safer position. Shift to a healthy lifestyle by consuming healthier food and engaging in exercise. If you are consuming any tobacco products, try to get help and quit them today. Keeping your lungs healthy will keep you protected from the virus and its effects. 

If you notice any COVID-19 symptom, get yourself treated before it ultimately damages your lungs and respiratory system. With the help of our healthcare workers, the government is doing its best to combat COVID-19 till then, wear a mask, maintain social distance and get COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible.   

To know about the COVID-19 live update, visit https://www.mohfw.gov.in/.  

Disclaimer: This information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.  

Will We Need To Wear A Mask In 2 Years?

Our lives have changed all because of a virus. This pandemic has gripped the whole world and has claimed over 8.5 Lakh lives. Millions are infected. In India too, people are worried and scientists and governments are doing everything possible to keep everyone safe.

All International health organizations, including ones in India, have said that wearing a mask is one of the truly effective ways of halting the pandemic. In India, it is mandatory to wear a mask when you step out. A mask prevents respiratory particles containing the COVID-19 virus from an infected person from escaping into the air when he/she coughs or sneezes. Thus, if an infected person wears a mask, other healthy people will not catch the disease. Similarly, when a healthy person wears a mask, it acts as a wall of defence against the virus that is floating in the air.

But are you tired of wearing a mask?

You are not alone. We wear it to save our lives but let’s face it, it’s not very comfortable & gives some people rashes too! If you are in a hurry and your heart rate has gone up, the mask can make breathing slightly difficult and it also fogs up our glasses. But what if we told you that you may not have to wear those masks for much longer? Let’s find out what the experts are saying.

SUBHEADING-01

N95 respirators offer a higher level of filtration than cloth, surgical or procedural masks as N95 masks have the capability of filtering more than 95 % of the infectious elements.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

COVID-19 is here to stay

Once upon a time, the common cold and flu used to claim thousands of lives. In fact, the Spanish flu killed at least 14 million people in India. But people dying of the flu is unthinkable today, right? Why? Because in the last century, medicinal science has made immense progress. When someone catches a cold or viral fever or the flu, some medicines can bring down the temperature, rehydrate the body and ease the symptoms. Then there are flu shots and pneumonia shots that ensure that even if you do get the flu, the infection does not enter your lungs and make your condition worse.

So what does this mean for coronavirus? Scientists feel that the COVID-19 virus is like the influenza virus. It can never be eliminated. The coronavirus will stay with us. As it is, several new strains of it are developing.

But do not be alarmed. Even if coronavirus cannot be destroyed like smallpox or polio, we can combat it. And those inconvenient masks may soon be a thing of history.

There are pros and cons of wearing a mask after covid ends for example, if continuous mask-wearing reduced exposure to routine pathogens enough that some kids were not exposed to common viruses or bacteria until later in life. For certain diseases that strike kids harder than adults, that delay could be beneficial, even lifesaving. But it could also alter the way kids naturally build immunity to certain pathogens over time. But at last prevention is always better than cure.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Will we need masks in the near future?

Researchers from the University of Texas feel that masks and other COVID-19 precautions like social distancing will gradually not be needed in 2 years. Can’t believe it? Scientists give 2 reasons to back up their claim-

1. Herd immunity through vaccination

Herd immunity means immunity of the whole population. As you know, many countries are racing to find a vaccine that is effective against coronavirus. In fact, 2 of India’s vaccines are in the human trial phase and may be ready very soon. The USA, Britain, Germany and Russia too have made immense progress with their vaccines. According to the BBC, scientists believe that the world will have COVID-19 vaccines by the middle of 2021- just a year from now! Once you are vaccinated, your body’s immune system will produce antibodies that can destroy the coronavirus.

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2.  Herd immunity through exposure to COVID-19

Scientists know that once you contract COVID-19 and recover from it, your immunity becomes tough. The antibodies your lymphocytes (immunity cells) produced to kill the coronavirus remain in your blood and protect you from another COVID-19 infection. A huge number of people all over the world have been infected, so it is possible that they will be safe from COVID-19.

So this means that in 2 years, there will be no need to wear masks or maintain social distancing. Most people will not be contracting the virus. And even if you do, it will be as harmless as a common cold and with medicine and rest you will be fine.

In the meantime, continue to wear masks at all times outside the house. Stay home, go out only when necessary and maintain 6 feet of distance from others.  

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