Tag: covid-19

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Does the new unlock mean we can relax COVID Restrictions?

Where to get Covid vaccine

All states of India have started the unlocking process after the devastating second wave forced governments to put restrictions in place again. The most obvious question in front of us is how to respond to these relaxations in the lockdowns. The eagerness among people to resume socio-economic activities that were part of our lives during the pre-COVID days is very natural.

While it is true that the unlocking is necessary for economic activities to resume, and for the country to get back on the path of growth, it also holds the potential to send us back into another COVID health crisis.

COVID unlock does not mean license for carelessness

Obviously, people would want a vacation, but it is a great mistake to immediately rush to any popular destinations. In the past few days, local administrations from different states have banned popular destinations from gathering completely. While governments are responsible for taking care of the lockdowns norms, people have to play their part as well and they should know that crowds are still dangerous and must be avoided at all costs.

Why are crowds dangerous?

Firstly, the vaccination rate has not been impressive. Secondly, most people have received only one dose of the vaccine. The proportion of the population getting vaccinated is on the rise but still not that much to start gatherings for entertainment purposes.

Similarly, several pieces of research and the data on the effectiveness of the vaccines have been subjective, and there are still different opinions on the issue.

The rise in new variants are a matter of concern

We all are the witness of how the delta variant wreaked havoc on India. Apart from that, different variants are on a constant rise with mutations happening at a much faster rate than earlier. The severity and toughness of these variants are being tested, until that time we need to be more restricted than pre-covid days.

The delta variant is by far the most dangerous COVID mutation. The effectiveness of the vaccines depends on the nature of the variants.

Inevitable COVID third wave

According to government sources and scientific community reports, the possibility of the third COVID wave can not be denied. Though there is a lack of unanimity over the third wave impact, there is no doubt that it can be as severe as the second wave. So, COVID unlock needs to be strictly adhered to with necessary precautions to avoid serious illness.

No one is safe until everyone is safe

Most Experts agree on this aphorism by now, which is undoubtedly the most effective way to tackle the covid disease. The people should get vaccinated not only for themselves but for the entire community. Behavioural changes can not be compromised, with masking and physical distancing, forming the lifeline against the threat from these variants.

These are not normal times, and the collective effort in COVID unlock is needed to get back on the tracks of life.

You can search for vaccine slot availability on the ‘Vaccine Slot Finder’ on the OneDios app. It allows you to have a streamlined and uncomplicated experience while searching for your vaccine slot. You have to simply enter your Pin Code to get the relevant information about slot availability. OneDios COVID 19 Vaccine Slot Finder empowers you to efficiently check available vaccine slots in your area by making the process easygoing, painless, and reliable.

You can also track vaccine-related statistics on the “Vaccination Dashboard” available on the OneDios app. The data for the dashboard is sourced from official Co-Win Statistics. Through this dashboard, you can stay informed about the number of sites conducting vaccination and total vaccination doses in real-time. Relevant data and trends are presented in user-friendly graphs, categories, and visual formats for greater access. You can also check updated data by selecting your state or district to know about specific statistics.

 

 
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What is the Delta Variant?

The constant mutations in the Covid 19 virus have become the evident reality as several mutated viruses of Covid 19 are developing and spreading fastly across the world. The recent one in the list of the viruses is the more transmissible Delta variant of the Sars Covid 19.  Also known as lineage B.1.617.2, is a variant of lineage B.1.617 of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

What are mutations?

Simply put, the change in the arrangement of the genome of an organism is a mutation. Most of the viruses tend to change when it multiplies. During the process of replication, the virus fails to produce exact copies or replicas of itself. This results in the emergence of new strains or variants.

Delta variant as Variant of concern

WHO has identified three different variants of SARS Covid 19 virus, an RNA virus, which are alpha, beta along with delta variant. The world health organization has also categorized it as a “variant of concern”.

The classification of a variant as a “variant of concern”, according to WHO, depends on the increase in transmissibility and the nature of the variant, and the degree of its resistance to the vaccines being produced keeping in mind the original virus.

Will vaccines work against the delta variant?

According to Public Health England, different analyses have supported the reduced efficiency of vaccines against the Delta variant compared to other variants. Several studies across the world including in India show that the effectiveness of the vaccine against delta variant after 2 doses is higher than after one dose. But the overall efficacy certainly is lower concerning other variants.

What should be done to protect ourselves against delta variants?

The most important aspect against delta variant and Covid 19 as a whole is to diligently follow covid safety protocols and behavioral changes about the virus. Another significant step is getting vaccinated without a second thought as several health experts have already said that the severity of delta variant against the fully vaccinated person is low compared with a non-vaccinated person.

 

You can search for vaccine slot availability on the ‘Vaccine Slot Finder’ on the OneDios app. It allows you to have a streamlined and uncomplicated experience while searching for your vaccine slot. You have to simply enter your Pincode to get the relevant information about slot availability. OneDios COVID 19 Vaccine Slot Finder empowers you to efficiently check available vaccine slots in your area by making the process easygoing, painless, and reliable.

You can also track vaccine-related statistics on the “Vaccination Dashboard” available on the OneDios app. The data for the dashboard is sourced from official Co-Win Statistics. Through this dashboard, you can stay informed about the number of sites conducting vaccination and total vaccination doses in real-time. Relevant data and trends are presented in user-friendly graphs, categories, and visual formats for greater access. You can also check updated data by selecting your state or district to know about specific statistics

 

 
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How COVID-19 May Lead to Diabetes?

With Covid 19 virus becoming more and more dangerous with each and at every stage of mutations, there have been many recent discussions over the role of this virus in developing diabetes in the Covid affected persons. We have been witnessing SARS-CoV-2 induced pneumonia, blood clots, and other serious health concerns, some studies have also identified another troubling connection with people developing diabetes after an acute COVID-19 infection.

The well-documented fact that people with severe diabetes issues are at greater risk with Covid-19 needs extra health care and precautions to avoid severe risks of illness and death. Several studies across the world have now proven the fact that the person with diabetes is more prone to die than a non-diabetic person when infected with Covid 19, and cases of death also have been recorded with governments releasing the statements of people who died with co-morbidities.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes occurs when there is not sufficient insulin production in the pancreas. Beta cells, the source of insulin secretion in the pancreas, don’t secrete enough insulin, thus affecting the body’s metabolic function after a meal. With insulin insufficiency blood glucose levels rise, the hallmark of diabetes.

Damage and death to beta cells-insulin producing cells

Does COVID lead to Diabetes?

Recently, studies conducted by the National Institutes of Health, which is the primary agency of the United States government responsible for biomedical and public health research, confirm the damage to the insulin-producing cells by the Covid 9 virus. Lab studies pointed that the virus can easily affect the beta cells, and also carry the potential to replicate in these insulin-producing beta cells, thus generating more copies of the virus. This event is called ‘Covid induced diabetes’.

Islets- the pancreatic tissue

The survey findings conducted by NIH also supported the fact that the coronavirus infection alters the function of islets. Islets are the pancreatic tissue that contains beta cells. Research teams report evidence that infection with SARS-CoV-2 leads to reduced production and release of insulin from pancreatic islet tissue.

“Covid could be causing diabetes from scratch. These cases are coming from every corner of the world and every continent,” Rubino told Reuters said Dr. Francesco Rubino, a diabetes researcher and chair of metabolic and bariatric surgery at King’s College London.

Excessive steroids usage

Recently the excessive and irrational use of steroids was in the news all across the country. The large doses of steroids, dexamethasone, which is used in severe cases of COVID-19 led to new-onset diabetes and also to an acute exacerbation of mild diabetes if present.

 

You can search for vaccine slot availability on the ‘Vaccine Slot Finder’ on the OneDios app. It allows you to have a streamlined and uncomplicated experience while searching for your vaccine slot. You have to simply enter your Pincode to get the relevant information about slot availability. OneDios COVID 19 Vaccine Slot Finder empowers you to efficiently check available vaccine slots in your area by making the process easygoing, painless, and reliable.

You can also track vaccine-related statistics on the “Vaccination Dashboard” available on the OneDios app. The data for the dashboard is sourced from official Co-Win Statistics. Through this dashboard, you can stay informed about the number of sites conducting vaccination and total vaccination doses in real-time. Relevant data and trends are presented in user-friendly graphs, categories, and visual formats for greater access. You can also check updated data by selecting your state or district to know about specific statistics.

 

 

 
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Is Third Wave Inevitable in India?

 

India has just emerged from the crisis posed by the second wave and the COVID case rate is on a constant decline. Many state governments have started to relax the strict lockdown measures.

But just as we had a sigh of relief, news of the impending third wave has started pouring in. Niti Ayog member VK Saswat has emphasized that India needs to prepare for the ‘inevitable’ third wave of the Coronavirus Pandemic. The third wave is expected to affect the younger people more and vaccination is the only way forward. Another challenge in combating the Coronavirus waves is the constantly mutating nature of the virus. The Kappa and Delta variant of the coronavirus was responsible for wreaking havoc across the country during the second wave. A new variant called Delta plus or AY.1 of coronavirus has been already identified in a few states. But this strain is not yet classified as a variant of concern.

What is an epidemic wave?

 

There is no universally accepted definition for an infection wave. The term ‘wave’ is used to signify the increasing or decreasing trend of the caseload in a country or a region. It can also be used to refer to the seasonality of an infection. Coronavirus disease has affected every country in the world but there is a clear trend of the abrupt rise and consequent fall in the number of positive cases. So far there have been two waves in India. It also differs from state to state. For example, the NCT of Delhi has experienced four distinct waves since the outbreak.

 

Is a Third Wave Inevitable?

 

Currently, the second wave has subsided, and the number of cases is on a declining trend. But many renowned epidemiologists have warned of an impending third wave. The problem is aggravated due to constant mutations and recurring variants of the coronavirus. If in the coming months, the coronavirus cases are again on an increasing trend and the trend continues for several weeks, then it will be qualified as the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic. States like TN and Karnataka have already experienced a slight increase in the number of cases but the national trend continues to subside.

 

Will it be more Dangerous?

 

Generally, as the virus infects more and more people, the increasing size of the population develops an acquired immunity against it. So theoretically the consequent waves of the viruses are supposed to be milder. However, this theoretical explanation is defeated by the constantly changing nature of the virus. So far every emerging variant is more infectious and lethal. There are studies going on to find out the efficacy of vaccines against the emerging variants. Many commentators have predicted that the third wave might be more lethal due to these reasons. However, in the paucity of data and predictive models, the consequent trend of infectivity and mortality of the virus remains uncertain. The only way to protect oneself against the coronavirus disease is to get vaccinated and practice covid appropriate behavior like double masking and physical distancing.

 

You can search for vaccine slot availability on the ‘Vaccine Slot Finder’ on the OneDios app. It allows you to have a streamlined and uncomplicated experience while searching for your vaccine slot. You have to simply enter your Pincode to get the relevant information about slot availability. OneDios COVID 19 Vaccine Slot Finder empowers you to efficiently check available vaccine slots in your area by making the process easygoing, painless, and reliable.

You can also track vaccine-related statistics on the “Vaccination Dashboard” available on the OneDios app. The data for the dashboard is sourced from official Co-Win Statistics. Through this dashboard, you can stay informed about the number of sites conducting vaccination and total vaccination doses in real-time. Relevant data and trends are presented in user-friendly graphs, categories, and visual formats for greater access. You can also check updated data by selecting your state or district to know about specific statistics.

 

 

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How to manage ‘Pandemic Fatigue’?

COVID-19 Pandemic has not only taken a toll on the lives of people, but it has also manifested itself adversely into our mental space. It has become difficult for people to cope up with the perpetual news cycle of losses, tragedy, and trauma. ‘Pandemic Fatigue’ refers to the feeling of demotivation and exhaustion that people are experiencing in their daily lives. It is due to intermittent stay-at-home orders, uncertainty, fear of job losses, and falling incomes. One of the detrimental consequences is a decline in people following appropriate behavior and measures to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Prolonged hardships and sudden disruptions in social engagements have caused a rising number of people to experience this silent agony.

According to an online survey conducted under the aegis of the Indian Psychiatry Society, two-fifths of the respondents were suffering from mental distress like anxiety or depression. WHO has pointed out that Pandemic Fatigue is “natural and expected reaction to sustained and unresolved adversity in people’s lives”

Pandemic Fatigue

COVID-19 has posed an unprecedented challenge to humanity. Pandemic Fatigue is a natural reaction to it. Hence. If you are also facing similar mental strain and difficulty coping, you are not alone.

What are the symptoms?

  • A feeling of fear, anger, irritability, and frustration
  • Changes in appetite
  • Reduced interest and motivation
  • Difficulty to sleep
  • Drowsiness and lethargy

 

Measures to manage Pandemic Fatigue

Psychologists have suggested a few measures to manage the stress of ‘Pandemic Fatigue’:

 

  1. Reflect and Accept

It is important to acknowledge that a COVID-19 Pandemic is an unparalleled event in the history of mankind. The helplessness that you might be feeling is natural. Take time and try to care of your mental well-being. Awareness of the problem is a fundamental keystone of the mental health toolkit. “We can’t change what we’re not aware of. It all starts here”, says Dr. Ross, a Psychologist.

 

  1. Filter your News Feed

It is critical to stay updated with current happenings, especially during the times of the COVID-19 Pandemic. But this might drive up your stress levels and negative emotions. Anxiety may build up from constant social media scrolling and “information overload”. Experts have suggested limiting the screen time and relying only on authenticated news. You may consider staying off social media or scheduling limited time for it until you feel better.

 

  1. Take up new Hobbies

Monotonous routines and the inability to meet family or friends might drain your mental energy and cause loneliness. Lockdowns have pushed people inside their homes with only a few options to replenish their energy. Cultivating a new hobby like cooking, gardening, or learning a new musical instrument can help in managing stress. It will keep you engaged and motivated to learn. You can look for more hobbies or habits that can help you relax your nerves and have some mental peace during these times.

 

  1. Keep a Journal

Writing down your feelings can be an effective way to release and express. It will help you analyze a situation and your response to it better. Dr. Radhika Bapat, a clinical psychotherapist has suggested making two columns and writing down things that you can control and things that are not under your control separately. Under your control, things include masking, self-care, getting enough sleep, and taking precautions to avoid contracting COVID-19 infection. What you can’t control is the future so try to worry less and focus on what you can do in the present, she says.

 

  1. Develop a consistent routine.

You need to deliberately craft a consistent routine and stick to it to relax the mind. Pandemic Fatigue has negatively impacted the sleep cycle of most people. Adequate and timely sleep is crucial for your mental health well-being. Developing a consistent routine and remaining active will keep you busy and motivated. Taking a long walk or a run in the morning can also help clear up your mind. 

Please contact a Psychologist or call the government helpline numbers, if your symptoms don’t improve and reach out for help.

 

 

 
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What is Mucormycosis or Black Fungus?

As the world still struggles to recover from life-threatening COVID-19 disease, the medical community has red-flagged another deadly infection called Mucormycosis or Black fungus. There are reports of recovering COVID-19 patients contracting Black fungus infection. Fungi is a pathogen that you might have observed in rotting fruits or food. Fungi constitute an important part of biodiversity on earth. Some fungal species even aid plants to absorb nutrients from the soil. One of the most path-breaking discoveries in the history of mankind is Penicillin, an antibiotic that is also obtained from fungus only. Fungi is present everywhere in our environment. But, a few types of fungi can severely infect human beings. The rising number of Black fungus infection cases throughout India is concerning. Let’s first learn a few basics about this infection.

 

 

What is Black Fungus Infection?

Black Fungus infection is neither a new disease nor contagious, it is an aggressive infection caused by a group of fungi called ‘mucormycetes’. The CDC has recognized this infection as a rare but deadly disease. It can adversely impact many organs in the human body. In the recent cases of the infection, it is distinctly causing infection in the ear, mouth, nose, and even brain. According to reports, it can cause blindness and jaw damage, which turns black due to the Black Fungus. It can also be very harmful and even fatal if left untreated.

What are the symptoms?

Many doctors and experts have listed out a few symptoms to watch out for the Black Fungus infection. They include blood discharge from the nose, stuffy nose, blackish discharge from the nose, swelling or pain in jaws, eyelid drooping, and eyes turning reddish. Antifungal drugs are the best line of treatment for this infection.

What causes the Black fungus infection?

Co-morbidity of Diabetes or underlying immunodeficiency is called the most common cause of Black fungus infection. According to an estimate, underlying diabetes was reported in 54% to 76% of the cases. The most immediate trigger is the overuse of steroids as a treatment for COVID-19. Indiscriminate use of steroidal medicines in COVID-19 patients having diabetes can cause their sugar levels to rise. Dr. V. Mohan, senior diabetologist, has called steroids a “double-edged sword” that needs to be administered judiciously. When the sugar levels of a diabetic COVID-19 patient suddenly spike, it makes them vulnerable to this infection. The Indian Council for Medical Research has issued an advisory listing the following conditions in COVID-19 patients as more susceptible to Black Fungus infection:

  • Unmanaged Diabetes Mellitus
  • Compromised immune system due to overdose of steroids
  • Elongated ICU or hospital stay
  • Post organ transplant or cancer
  • Voriconazole therapy (rigorous treatment for severe fungal infection)

How to prevent Black Fungus? 

Listen to the Experts!  

Union Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan has said that “Awareness and early diagnosis can help curb the spread of fungal infection.”

AIIMS director Dr. Guleria noted that black fungus infection cases are rising due to overuse of steroids. He also urged the doctors and patients to follow protocols of infection control practices. He has listed down following precautions to avoid the infection:

  1. Manage sugar levels for diabetic patients.
  2. Use masks consistently, especially when visiting a construction site.
  3. Avoid misuse of high-dose steroids.
  4. Practice personal hygiene.
  5. Early detection and prompt treatment.

As the great saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure”, lookout for early signs and take precautions to avoid contracting COVID-19. If you experience any COVID-19 related symptoms, get tested as soon as possible.  

Book your COVID Antigen test at Onedios.

 
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How did UK manage its COVID-19 crisis?

COVID-19 has ravaged throughout the world like a wildfire, delegating us to an uncomfortable standstill. Governments around the globe have framed their COVID-19 response policies as per their specific national requirements and limitations. Since the novel Coronavirus is a new virus, policymakers had to face impediments in fighting this invisible enemy. The challenge of the once-in-a-century event faced by the United Kingdom has been no exception. But, in the retrospect, UK’s handling of coronavirus appears to have fared well, when compared to other countries and the EU. In a recent survey by Ipsos MORI, 67% or two-thirds of respondents believed that UK’s handling COVID-19 crisis was better than other EU countries.

Death rates in the UK have plummeted to single-digit numbers and daily positive cases have also shown a persistent downward trend. Despite the earlier spread of virulent UK variant B.1.1.7, the country is set to ease lockdown restrictions under a four-step plan. Britons will now be able to meet indoors and enjoy the services of pubs, restaurants, and cafes once again. The UK model shows the light of hope and positivity during grim circumstances that other countries are still facing.

Let’s have a look at few key measures that UK took to battle its COVID-19 crisis:

Operation Last Gasp

Operation Last Gasp was a war-style effort to mobilise manufacturing companies to produce more ventilators. The national effort was rolled out last year to tackle the immediate increasing demand for the health system. As the COVID-19 virus affects the lungs, a need was felt to deploy more ventilators. This initiative was meant to ramp up preparations to protect vulnerable individuals, who might need intensive care.

Oxford Vaccine development

According to an estimate, $96.7m of funding for research and development of the Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine came from the UK government and the rest of the funding was from charitable trusts, private donations, and other governments. The development of ChAdox vaccine technology was supported by cooperative efforts of government and accomplished researchers at Oxford. This vaccine was developed in a record short time of just eleven months. However, research towards this breakthrough took years of consistent time and effort by scientists and epidemiologists.

Vaccine policy

The government of the UK realised early on the paramount importance of Vaccination to protect the citizens and get the economy back on track. British authorities ordered millions of doses of vaccine vials from multiple companies. They employed a graded approach in the vaccine policy. The more vulnerable and high-risk population was vaccinated first, taking into account the heavy death toll experienced during the first wave. The success of the bold Vaccine policy is the reason the UK is now able to recover from long and intermittent lockdown restrictions.

Track and Trace

Over the time, UK was able to scale the track and trace system. Contact tracing was an efficient way to track infected people and their close contacts during the initial months of the Pandemic. It is utilised to prolong the spread of COVID-19 infection, in order to provide the health system a breathing space and ramp up the infrastructure accordingly. The UK also used the NHS contact tracing app to trace the suspected infected individuals and isolate them.

Policymaking

The UK government ran an awareness campaign with the slogan “Stay alert, control the virus, save lives”. This raised awareness among the public to not let their guards down and influence behavioral aspects to break the chain of the COVID-19 virus. The concept of ‘support bubbles’ was also carried out to help people who had been isolated due to the lockdowns. A ‘support bubble’ consists of two households that are allowed to interact and ease out Pandemic fatigue through these engagements.

Transparency and accountability

The Prime Minister of the UK, Boris Johnson, has announced a public inquiry to investigate the government’s COVID-19 response and mitigation. The Commission will launch the inquiry next year during the spring. Such transparent steps by a government raise public confidence and allow holding the authorities accountable for their actions. During the handling of the COVID-19 crisis, Prime Minister Boris Johnson also made a public statement saying “sorry for every life lost” and took “full responsibility”. A government in-action that keeps the public informed is essential in combating an immense crisis, as posed by the COVID-19 pandemic

 

The optimism in the UK exhibits an assurance that the world can soon emerge out of the pandemic and learn to manage it better. Efforts in India to grapple with the second wave have also accelerated. The vaccination strategy has been modified to allow the 18-45 years age group to get vaccinated. Multiple Vaccine manufacturers are being approved to increase the manufacturing capacity. One of the vaccine manufacturers, Bharat Biotech, has also agreed to share vaccine formula to ramp up the production as soon as possible. It is the responsibility of individual citizens to remain cautious with best behavioral practices and get vaccinated as soon as a slot is available.

Onedios COVID-19 Vaccine Slot Finder helps you navigate through the vaccine slot availability in your area so that you can book your appointment without delay. Another feature of Vaccination Dashboard on the Onedios app enables you to stay informed of current trends and statistics about reliable data in a user-friendly format. It informs you about the data regarding the number of sites conducting vaccination, total registrations, and total vaccination doses in real-time.

 
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Is COVID airborne: Here’s how you can stay safe.

 COVID-19 was declared a Pandemic by WHO more than a year ago. New studies are still being conducted to understand more about its nature of transmission. It was initially believed that the infection spreads through droplets and close contact. But over the year emerging research studies have pointed to the possibility of its Airborne Transmission. WHO, in its recent guideline has confirmed that Coronavirus is airborne. This latest Finding was first published in The Lancet journal. And the scientists called for modification of the international protocol in dealing with the Pandemic. As more information emerges, governments need to revise their strategy to fight COVID-19 and advise the public to modify their behaviour accordingly.

 

 Airborne 

 

It means that the pathogen is capable to spread through aerosol particles that can remain suspended in the air for a longer period. These aerosols are respiratory droplets produced during breathing, coughing, or sneezing. And can remain suspended in the air for almost an hour over long distances up to six feet or greater, according to CDC.

Exposure to tiny droplets containing virus strains when you are in direct contact with an infected person increases the chances of transmission manyfold. airborne transmission of COVID-19 not only has a ‘higher attack rates’, but also has high exponentiality, which means it can infect a large number of people in a very short period.

 

Conditions conducive to Airborne Transmission.

 

Poorly ventilated and closed settings increase the risk of airborne transmission of COVID-19 because the virus in the droplets can stay suspended for a longer duration. Prolonged exposure to infected respiratory aerosols is another condition that can increase your susceptibility to catching the infection, as it allows the build-up of these small droplets and their viral load. The Medical community has also pointed out that repeated use of damp masks or not changing masks at regular intervals may increase your susceptibility to the infection because it creates a favorable environment for viral growth.

 

What can you do to protect yourself from the Transmission?

 

1. The Six-Foot Rule 

This social distancing rule can considerably reduce your risk of COVID-19 exposure. Because studies have revealed that airborne transmission of the contagious pathogen from a primary source would have a maximum range of six feet. You should make sure to keep at least two arm’s length distance from the next person when you step outside the house. This can ensure your safety as well as of the others.

2. Up your game with the mask

As the virus mutates into a more contagious pathogen and as new information emerges. You should also revise your strategy and precautions to fight it. The new variant of Coronavirus is believed to be 15% more infectious. And with confirmation of its airborne transmission, you can no more rely on a cloth mask. Doctors have advised wearing an N95 respirator or mask. Whenever stepping out of the house it reduces your chances to catch the virus by over 95%.

If you don’t have an N-95 mask at home, then you can follow the double masking routine. In double masking, you need to wear a surgical mask over a cloth mask for optimal protection against COVID-19. Make sure that a 3-ply surgical mask is tightly rested against your face and nose clip is appropriately placed.

3. Ensure sufficient ventilation.

Cross ventilation of air through your home is important to prevent suspension and consequent build-up of the COVID-19 virus in your house. Constant circulation of clean and fresh air would not allow aerosols to re-circulate and remain suspended for a longer period. This would ensure the adequate dilution of indoor air and keep it virus-free.

4. Sanitize and disinfect

WHO has recommended hand hygiene, sanitization, and regular disinfecting. Washing your hand with soap and water at regular intervals for 20 seconds can decrease your susceptibility to COVID-19. In case soap and water are not available or you are outside. You can use an alcohol-based rub or sanitizer to stay protected. Remember that it is also possible for COVID-19 to spread by touching a contaminated surface or through fomites. So it is necessary to wear hand gloves when you are outside and try to avoid touching your face or eyes to reduce the risk. 

5. Vaccination

Finally, the vaccine is the ultimate tool to win over the COVID-19 Pandemic. Vaccine shots mimic the virus proteins once it enters your body. It enables the cells to build artificial antibodies against the coronavirus, thus providing you with a sure ‘shot protection’. Vaccines have the potential to save lives, reduce case numbers and drastically reduce the severity of the disease. There might be a lot of misinformation around the subject of vaccines. But it is the only hope that can bring the world back to much-awaited ‘normalcy’. So, don’t get caught up with the vaccine hesitancy and get yourself registered for it to win the battle against COVID-19 and its airborne transmission.

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What does the Antibody test really tell us about?

The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed doctors and researchers to carefully analyze the working of the antibody test that helps to determine the presence of antibodies in a human body.

 The COVID-19 antibody test is also known as serology testing. It is a blood test done to figure out if the person has a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. -the virus that causes coronavirus disease. An antibody test can not determine if you are currently infected with the COVID-19 virus or not. Antibodies are proteins produced by our immune system in response to an infection. Our immune system, which involves a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs — identifies suspicious substances in our body and helps us fight against infections and diseases. After being COVID-19 positive, it can take two to three weeks to develop enough antibodies to be present in an antibody test. So it is necessary not to be tested soon.

Why an antibody test is done?

Antibody testing for COVID-19 is done if:

  • One had symptoms of COVID-19 somewhere in past but wasn’t tested.
  • One is about to have a medical procedure done in a hospital. Especially if that person had a positive COVID-19 diagnostic test in the past
  • One had a COVID-19 infection in the past and want to donate plasma. A part of our blood that contains antibodies helps to treat others who have severe cases of COVID-19.

If a child is severely sick and the doctor suspects multisystem inflammatory syndrome for the child, an antibody test may be prescribed to help diagnose MIS-C. Many children with MIS-C have antibodies to coronavirus, indicating past infection with the covid-19.

If anyone is interested in having a COVID-19 antibody test, they can contact their doctor or any health department. You can book an antibody test at home at OneDios– a one-stop shop for all the Pathology services.

Are they fully reliable?

An antibody test is never considered to be fully reliable. Because even if someone’s body shows the presence of the antibodies it does not necessarily mean they have immunity against re-infection. The development of antibodies in a person’s body may take few weeks after exposure to the virus. It is still unknown whether the presence of antibodies can prevent you from getting infected again or not.

How is it done?

To take an antibody test for COVID-19, a health care professional takes a blood sample. Usually by drawing blood from a vein in your arm or by a finger prick. Then the sample is tested in a lab to find whether you’ve developed antibodies against the COVID-19 virus or not.

Antibody test results for Covid-19 C may be ready the same day as your test at some places. Other places may have to send test samples out to a lab for analysis, which can take a few days. At OneDios, you get the result the same day.

Results

COVID-19 antibody test results could be positive or negative:

  • Positive. It means that you have COVID-19 antibodies in your blood that show past infection with the virus. However, It is also possible to have a positive result even if your body never had any symptoms of coronavirus. False-positive test results can also occur. It may be that the test detected antibodies to a coronavirus closely related to the COVID-19 virus or that the test quality was defective.
  • Negative. It means that you have no COVID-19 antibodies, it also means that you were not infected with the COVID-19 virus in the past since it takes time for antibodies to develop. False or negative test results can also happen when the blood sample is collected soon after the infection started. In some cases, the test may be defective.

 A person who had COVID-19 previously or has a positive antibody test result should not feel they are safe from getting a COVID-19 infection again. Doctors are trying to determine whether antibodies provide some immunity to the COVID-19 virus, the level of protection, and how long immunity may last.

Even if your test results show that you have covid-19 antibodies, you should continue taking precautions such as wearing a mask in public places, washing or sanitizing your hands regularly, and most importantly, maintaining social distancing.

 

 

 
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Industry Talk

Covid-19 – Is it safe to use AC During Corona Virus Pandemic.

With summer’s driving up temperatures, a question being asked is whether we should use air-conditioners during this pandemic. Several researchers have predicted that the novel corona virus is unlikely to survive high temperatures. As we know, the second wave of Sars-Cov-2 or the Covid -19 is much harmful than the previous one. This question often comes to our mind that, should we use air conditioners during the covid pandemic, or does the virus becomes more harmful when you use air conditioners? Although it’s not stated that using an air conditioner is dangerous during the pandemic but keeping your body warm during these times will surely keep you safe from the virus. It becomes necessary to use air conditioners during summers as the temperature is too high. But you also have to balance the environmental changes accordingly.

 

  • Turn off the AC and open the window if someone in your house has COVID-19, or has been exposed to the virus
  • If you have air-conditioning on almost all the time, and a sick person in the house, it’s a good idea to limit the flow through your home
  • Don’t let it get too cold. Having proper ventilation is a crucial part of preventing infection

 

Here are a few points which you need to take care of while using air conditioners during covid:

Temperature Control:

You should set the temperature of your air conditioner ranging between 24-30 degrees. In which 24 degrees is for humid zones and 30 degrees is for dry zones. Today’s advanced air conditioners can control precise temperature and thus ensuring no under or overcooling.

Ensure Proper Ventilation:

Ensure that proper ventilation takes place in the room where the air conditioner is in place. Make sure to open all the windows after you turn off the air conditioner while leaving the room. Place a bowl of water while you are using the air conditioner.

Cleaning air filters more frequently:

Cleaning your air filter is necessary as it helps to maintain the air quality of your room. A dirty air filter may carry dust particles along with them which may deteriorate the air quality of your room. You need to make sure that you clean your air filter at least once a month.

Increasing the rate of air change:

According to guidelines provided by WHO, we can reduce the spread of covid by increasing the rate of air change in indoor spaces. Avoid recirculation of air as it may be harmful.

 

Following are the three ways to avoid catching the virus indoors-

For the past year, we’ve been asked to wash our hands and maintain social distancing to fight corona virus. But scientists and engineers say we also need to think about the air we breathe inside our home.

1. If it’s stuffy, just walk away

When you enter a room and the air feels stale or hard, something is suspicious with the ventilation. Not enough fresh air is being introduced, which increases your risk of getting infected by covid-19. Recent research shows that in constricted spaces there can be “airborne transmission” of the corona virus – with tiny virus particles remaining in the air.

According to some regulations set up before this pandemic, everybody should get at least 10 liters of fresh air every minute, and that matters more than ever now in this situation.

 2.Look up at the air conditioning

From offices to shops, air conditioning is the most wanted thing on hot days – but check the type of unit. The best is a slender white box mounted on walls which is known as a split air conditioner.

This draws in the air from your house, chills it, and then blows it back out again. In other words, it’s circulating the air again and again.

3. Ask about the ‘fresh air ratio’

In most of the buildings these days, where the windows are sealed, how can one get enough fresh air?

You’re relying on a ventilation system. Right? In which stale or hard air is extracted from the rooms and piped to an air handling unit, often on the roof. There, fresh air can be pulled in from outside and mixed with the already existing inside air, before being sent back into the building.

Given the risk of corona virus infection, professional engineers and scientists have advised maximizing the fresh air supply.

“The more enough fresh air, the less you’re at the risk of recirculating the virus through your building.”