Tag: #covid

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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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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 Vaccines are made?

The recent outbreak of the coronavirus has interested many peoples for the scientific know-how of vaccine manufacturing and production. The main purpose of vaccines is to generate antigens against the respective viruses and to enhance the immune response of the body in fighting against them. There are several vaccines available in the market for a variety of viral and infectious diseases. A lot of scientific parameters are necessary to be followed in the process of manufacturing vaccines. It starts with the study of the nature of viruses and goes through various clinical trials and errors in order to make it as effective and safe as possible.

 

Ingredients in a vaccine:

  • Antigen

According to the information available on the WHO website, the key ingredient that goes into the manufacturing of any vaccines is an antigen. An antigen is either the small part of the disease-causing virus or even the whole organism but in weakened or altered form to make the body learn about the nature of the virus. This antigen can be anything like in the form of sugar or protein. The selection of antigen forms the most important part of the manufacturing processes as it includes genomics or genome sequencing to find the most appropriate and effective genes that can be used as antigens.

 

  • Adaptations of Right Platform

Now the next step in vaccine production is about the adaptation of the right platforms. This primarily means employing different methods like modification around genes or inducing genetic engineering in the structure of DNA or RNA to produce desired antigens inside the body.

 

  • Preservatives

The other important component is the preservative that maintains the quality of vaccines, and prevents vaccines from contaminations. The most common and widely used preservative is 2-phenoxyethanol.

 

  • Stabilizers and Surfactants

Stabilizers prevent chemical reactions from occurring within the vaccine. It can be sugars (lactose, sucrose), amino acids (glycine), gelatin, and proteins (recombinant human albumin, derived from yeast). And the function of Surfactant is to keep all ingredients in the vaccines blended together and prevent the originality of vaccines.

 

  • Residuals

Residuals also form an important ingredient of vaccine manufacturing and depend on the processes that are utilized for manufacturing. Egg proteins, yeast, or antibiotics are some examples of residuals.

 

  • Diluent

The primary use of diluent is to maintain the appropriate liquid concentration of vaccines. The most commonly used diluent is sterile water.

 

  • Adjuvant

The adjuvants are used to improve the immune response to vaccines. For any antigen that induces a weak response, adjuvants are added to enhance their efficacy and quality. It is also used to overcome the limitations in vaccine productions by lowering the doses required for vaccinations. Aluminum salts (like aluminum phosphate, aluminum hydroxide or potassium aluminum sulfate) are commonly used adjuvants that are not harmful to the human body.

 

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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Tackling with Vaccine Hesitancy.

It has been over a year since the COVID-19 and the government of India has allowed vaccination of the 18-45yr age group. Earlier it was restricted to people of age above 45 and healthcare or frontline workers. It has now become common knowledge that vaccines are the ultimate tool that can save lives and livelihood. Vaccines are also important to get the economy back on track. But, it has been observed that due to vaccine misinformation and ‘information overload’, vaccine hesitancy is on the rise. Vaccine hesitancy is a delay in people accepting vaccination as a robust public health intervention. It leads to people either refusing to take vaccines or doubting the vaccines due to misinformation and rumors. WHO has referred to vaccine hesitancy as one of the top threats to global health.

Here are a few points to address vaccine hesitancy:

1. Vaccination protects you from getting sick

Experts and authorities have consistently stressed the fact that vaccines can prevent death and the severity of the infection. A vaccine trains your body to develop specific antibodies to fight any future infection, hence protecting you from the disease. These vaccines provide a boost to your body’s immunity system.

2. vaccination helps others in your community

The elders and people with co-morbidities like diabetes and heart diseases are more vulnerable to severe COVID infection. The chain of transmission can be broken if more people get vaccinated in a community, thus creating a protective shield around themselves. Each person getting a vaccine reduces the chance of spreading it to others who might not have received their vaccine or the vulnerable sections.

 3. Vaccines are safe

Samiran Panda, Head of ECD division in ICMR says, “ Vaccines are one of the most important public health tools we have to mitigate the impact of infectious diseases”. Governments across the globe are concerned about the health impacts of any large-scale public health intervention. They approve a vaccine for public use only after rigorous human trials have been conducted and data is favorable to public use. WHO has released a robust mechanism for vaccine trials to test its efficacy and safety.

4. Side effects are temporary

Since COVID vaccines do not contain any live virus, you will not get infected due to the vaccines. You might experience a few side effects like a sore arm, mild fever, and body aches. But these side effects are temporary. And these side effects only mean that your immune system is fighting back and responding to the vaccine by developing antibodies against the infection.

5. Vaccines provide extra protection if you have already had COVID

As per the current guidelines you should still get vaccinated even if you have been infected with COVID earlier. This is because antibodies by the previous infection are not permanent and they might disappear after a few months. This would leave you susceptible to the COVID again. 

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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Vaccine myth : Don’t believe these Vaccine myths.

Since the vaccines against COVID-19 are developed in a record short period of time, there are a lot of misconceptions around the subject. The outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic last year took the scientific community by surprise. SARS-COV-2 virus which causes coronavirus disease is a novel virus and no cure for the virus was available. It caused infections in country after country and spread throughout the world like wildfire. Scientists and researchers deserve applause for being able to develop vaccines in a record short time against this deadly virus. Given that vaccines are the only available defense against this disease, it is important to bust myths around vaccination arising due to Vaccine misinformation. And it is also important to acknowledge that vaccines are the only hope to save lives and livelihoods.

 

1. Myth: Vaccines are unsafe because they were developed too early

Fact: It has been decades of scientific advances and research that goes into the development and trials of vaccines today. The scientific community was able to develop the COVID vaccine early because they had years of reliable research in vaccine technology available. As Science and technology have progressed rapidly, genomic sequencing of the coronavirus could also be achieved quickly. There are robust mechanisms to test the vaccines in-vitro and conduct trials on humans. A vaccine is approved by authorities only when there is complete evidence of its efficacy and safety.

 

2. Myth: You can contract COVID due to vaccines so why get vaccinated?

Fact: Vaccines do not contain any live viruses. Whole virus vaccine technology only uses attenuated or inactivated viruses to trigger an immune response inside the human body. They are not strong enough to cause an infection. Other vaccine technologies like nucleic acid RNA and DNA vaccines use only the spike protein to mimic an infection so that body can develop antibodies against the virus to prevent any future infection. According to the experts, even if someone contracts COVID after getting vaccinated, the severity of the disease would be very mild. So Vaccines definitely reduce mortality. 

 

3. Myth: People with comorbidities shouldn’t get vaccinated

Fact: People suffering from co-morbidities like diabetes and hypertension are at a greater risk of contracting a severe disease. So it is even more pertinent for them to get vaccinated. The vaccine policy of India had initiated a graded process in the beginning. After the health staff and frontline workers, the population with co-morbidities above 45yr of age was made eligible to get vaccinated. It is suggested that you consult the doctor who manages your conditions in case you have concerns.

 

4. Myth: After getting vaccinated, you don’t need to wear a mask 

Fact: Even after getting a vaccine, you need to practice social distancing and wear a mask when in public. This is because a huge chunk of the population hasn’t still been able to get their vaccine doses. Even if you are vaccinated you might still spread it to others who are not vaccinated. Another reason to not let down your guard is that none of the vaccines claims 100% efficacy, so you might still get infected with a much-decreased severity of the disease.

 

5. Myth: Pregnant women shouldn’t get vaccinated

Fact: Vaccine policies are modified as more reliable data emerges. According to CDC, it is absolutely fine for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers to get vaccinated. These decisions are supposed to be made by experts on a case-by-case basis. It is advised to consult the doctor and take action accordingly.

 

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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Covaxin or Covishield : Which Vaccine is more effective?

The COVID-19 Pandemic brought the world to a standstill and continues to infect millions. Besides claiming the lives of people, it adversely impacted the livelihoods of many. Vaccines are considered the ultimate defense against COVID-19 since no medication or proven cure is so far available. The vaccines available in the market claim varying efficacy against the SARS-COV-2 virus. To understand which vaccine is best in comparable terms, it is important to understand the types of vaccines and the technology used in their development.

 

As per the classification of WHO, there are four kinds of COVID-19 vaccines developed so far in different parts of the world.

1. Whole Virus 

Whole virus vaccines use conventional technology of attenuated or inactivated viruses to trigger an immune response in your body. Live attenuated virus consists of a weakened viral component. It can still replicate but would not cause illness and can effectively initiate an immune response. Inactivated virus vaccines on the other hand utilize the virus whose genetic material has been altered so that it does not replicate. But it can efficiently trigger an immune response in the body. Bharat Biotech’s COVAXIN falls under this category.

2. Protein Subunit

 

Protein subunit vaccines use fragments of pathogen proteins to trigger an immune response. They are considered safer with a reduced risk of side effects. This is because a live or attenuated virus is not involved. But the immune response might be weaker in this case. Hence, adjuvants are required to boost the response. Hepatitis B virus vaccine is an example of an existing subunit protein vaccine.

3. Nucleic Acid

 

Nucleic acid vaccines use high-end technology of utilizing genetic material or spike protein of Coronavirus. DNA or RNA is the genetic material that carries instructions to trigger the formation of antigens in the human cell itself. These antigens inside the body then trigger an immune response and antibodies. Nucleic acid vaccines are cheaper and hold the potential of scalable manufacturing when there is a need to vaccinate a large population. But one disadvantage associated with these vaccines is storage and logistics limitations. RNA and DNA vaccines need to be stored in ultra-cold temperatures of -70 degrees Celsius, which is a huge impediment in resource-poor countries.

4. Viral Vector

Viral vector vaccines also carry genetic material as instruction, but they use the harmless virus as a vector. This vector virus is different from the one that the vaccine is trying to provide immunity against. For example, chimpanzee adenovirus is currently used as a vector that causes the common cold, to target COVID 19. Viral vector vaccines are said to trigger a very strong immune response because they can mimic a natural viral infection inside the body. Although, on the downside, some people might already be infected with the viral vector. Hence reducing the efficacy in a few cases. COVISHIELD developed by AstraZeneca and manufactured by Serum Institute of India is a viral vector vaccine.

COVISHIELD or COVAXIN ?

 The answer to the question “which vaccine is best for you?” depends on multiple factors. Some of the factors are availability, manufacturing capability, and whether multiple options are available in the market. COVISHIELD and COVAXIN are the two vaccines available in India so far and both have shown good efficacy against the COVID-19. Both of the vaccines exhibit effective immune responses and have proven to reduce the severity of the disease. The battle against the COVID-19 pandemic is a collective struggle to get back to the ‘normal’ and save lives and livelihoods. Hence, it is the individual responsibility of each citizen to book their vaccine slots and get vaccinated as and when possible and ensure COVID appropriate behavior.

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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Covid Vaccine : Effectiveness and Efficiency

You might be among the more than 138 million people in India who have taken at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine. Or you may still be waiting for your turn. Regardless, there’s a question on most of our minds: How long will the vaccine really protect us? 

 

 

According to the report of Times of India, “Is vaccine really safe?” is second on the list of Top Ten Most Searched Questions on Google.

As with most aspects of the virus, the appropriate answer is not clear. Why? Because despite the fact that we have been battling the pandemic for over a year now. The vaccines were granted emergency use authorization relatively recently. So specialists have not had time to observe their long-term effectiveness till now.

According to some experts, When you get the vaccine, it takes some time for your body to build an immune response that’ll keep you protected and safe. Because of all these factors, Doctors are asking people not to let their guard down even after getting vaccinated.

In other words, it’ll take time for the vaccine to kick in, and we should still plan to play it safe after getting Vaccinated.

 

What happens to your body after getting a vaccine dose?

According to WHO, the COVID-19 vaccines produce protection against the virus, as a result of developing an immune response to the SARS-Cov-2 virus. Developing immunity with the help of vaccines means there is less risk of developing the illness and its consequences.

Different types of vaccines work in different ways in providing protection. Yet with all types of vaccines, the body is left with a supply of “memory” T-lymphocytes as well as B-lymphocytes that will remember how to battle that virus later on.

It usually takes 1-2 weeks after immunization for the body to create T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes. That’s why it’s possible that a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after getting the vaccine dose and then get sick as the vaccine did not have enough time to provide protection and immunity.

In some cases after vaccination, the process of building immunity can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are absolutely normal and are signs that your body is building immunity.

Do some Vaccines Require More Than One Shot?

To be fully safe and protected, you will need two shots of some COVID-19 vaccines.

  • Two shots: Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines offer two shots.  You are considered fully vaccinated and protected, two weeks after your second shot If you get a COVID-19 vaccine that offers two shots,
  • One-Shot: Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine only offers one shot. If you get a COVID-19 vaccine that offers one shot, you are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after your shot.

 If it has been less than two weeks since your shot, or if you still need to get your second shot, you are NOT at all fully protected. Keep taking all prevention steps until you are completely vaccinated.

Precautions to be taken after getting vaccine shot.

Even though most of the vaccines that are being used across the country have undergone multiple trials and have been found to be effective in these trial phases. But we still don’t know if these vaccines offer complete immunity or not. We don’t even know how long the vaccines will continue to be effective for us. For now, we can all take heart in the fact that the vaccines will help us fight against the coronavirus.

Here are a few precautions for COVID-19 that all responsible citizens should follow even after vaccination-

  • Continue maintaining social distancing and avoid crowded places like malls, restaurants, and markets, etc.
  • Please don’t forget to wear a mask and sanitize your hands.
  • Encourage and help others as much as you can to register for the vaccination.

Vaccination is one of many steps that you can take to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.  Protection from this virus is critically important as for some people, COVID-19 can cause a serious problem or even death.

Ending this pandemic requires using all the tools available. Vaccines work with your immune system so that your body will be ready to battle against the virus if you are exposed.

If you or your loved one are facing any symptoms don’t wait for long just get your tests done at home through OneDios App in a few clicks. Download the OneDios app and relax in the comfort of your home. 

 

 
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Immune System: Boost Immunity in the second wave of covid

With all the concerns about rising cases of coronavirus (COVID-19), we need to look at what we can do to support our Immune system. It’s the time to look at our lifestyle and see what we are capable of changing. Proper hand sanitation and wearing a mask is the number one method of control, but what else can we do?

 

 

Let’s take a look at what we can do to nourish our bodies and keep our immune systems strong.

Nutritional Diet

The food you eat plays a significant role in determining your overall health and immune system. It’s high time to increase nutritious food in your daily lifestyle.  One can include whole plant-based foods like green vegetables, colorful fruits, seeds, nuts, and pulses which are rich in nutrients and antioxidants that help to fight against harmful disease.

 

Food to boost the Immune system:

Vitamin C Rich Food– Food such as Lemon, oranges, broccoli, spinach, kale is considered to be best for our immune system. Daily intake of vitamin C is very essential for good health, skin, hair, and our immune system because your body doesn’t produce or store it. The best part is we don’t need a supplement for vitamin C, as it is present in many foods

Vitamin E-rich food– It is a powerful antioxidant that helps the body fight off infection and other diseases. Foods rich in vitamin E include nuts, spinach, and seeds.

Ginger –  Ginger contains gingerol which could help fight infections and other diseases.

Tulsi leaves – Tulsi is rich in zinc and plays an essential role in keeping our immune system in check if consumed daily. We can soak them in drinking water, as it adds a refreshing taste to water and is commonly known as an immunity booster.

Giloy – Giloy is a powerful anti-inflammatory herb that can provide many immunity benefits without any side effects.

 

Sleep, Sleep, and More Sleep

Good snooze time for 7-9 hours is the best way to help your body build immunity. By not sleeping for enough time, we increase stress and hurt our immunity system. Because sleeping is important for our immune system, we need to let ourselves sleep as much as we need. It’s is a great way to reboot your body and mind and needless to say your immune system. 

Poor sleep can increase blood pressure, inflammation, hunger, weight gain, cardiovascular disease, as well as the poor immune system.

You can listen to soothing music or read your favorite book for a good sleep.

 

Stay Hydrated for a better immune system

It’s common to hear that drinking water is very essential for our body. But do you know why?

It’s a fact you’ve been hearing since your school … “Your body is made up of 70% water.” So, it makes sense that not having enough water in your body can result in health consequences- Dehydration.

Water helps to carry oxygen to cells of the body, which in turn helps in the proper functioning of our body. Experts recommend drinking at least 2-3 liters of water daily to stay healthy and keep the immune system in check. During this time, try to increase your water intake. Plain water is always the best, but if you find it difficult to drink 8 glasses of water in a day then you can simply try lemon or mint water or other detox homemade drinks. They are also beneficial for health equally.

 

Watch that Stress 

Stress is different for everybody and how to relieve it, too. According to research, long-term stress can cause severe health problems, and it can impact our immune system. You can practice deep breathing, meditation, prayer, exercise, read your favorite novel or listen to soothing and relaxing music.

 

Soak in some vitamin D for your Immune system

Vitamin D plays an essential role in fighting against diseases. During the pandemic, it becomes necessary to include Vitamin-D-rich foods in your diet. Some of the reports state that vitamin D not only improves your immune system but also reduces the risk of getting infected. It also helps to reduce the chances of developing heart disease. Usually, our body itself creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin, but due to covid, we mostly stayed in our homes, so you should increase the amount of vitamin D in your diet.

 

Stay Active Physically and Mentally.

It will be a great help for your immune system if you stay active. Low levels of physical activity can have negative signs on your health. Regular exercise plays a vital role in keeping your body active all day long. It helps in maintaining weight, reducing stress, and improves immunity too. Physical activity helps to reduce stress and anxiety, which in turn keeps your mind stable and active. It is necessary to stay active physically and mentally, especially when you are facing a pandemic.

 

Apart from following a proper healthy lifestyle, the Indian health ministry has also suggested few organic and natural ways to practice in order to fight against COVID-19. The Ministry of AYUSH has recommended the following self-care routine to keep your Immune system in check:

  • Drink as much warm water as you can throughout the day.
  • Inhale steam with Caraway seeds and Mint leaves.
  • Practice Meditation, Yoga, daily.
  • Increase your intake of Turmeric, Cumin, Coriander, ginger, and garlic.
  • Drink herbal tea of basil, Cinnamon, Black pepper, Dry Ginger.
  • Avoid sugar and replace it with jaggery or Dates sugar.
  • Apply Ghee, or Coconut oil in both nostrils to keep the nostrils clean.

While our Health care workers are fighting against the Covid-19, we can do a little bit by limiting our exposure to the virus by staying at our homes, maintaining social distancing, eating nutritious and healthy food, stay hydrated, and following the basic hygiene protocol.

If you or your loved one are facing any symptoms don’t wait for long just get your tests done at home through OneDios App in a few clicks. Download the OneDios app and relax in the comfort of your home. 

 

 
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Industry Talk

Stay Safe during the Second phase of COVID-19

Wherever we look, the world has turned its attention again to the coronavirus (COVID‐19) crisis that is causing stress, anxiety, and panic. Whether you’re taking a virtual class, working from home, or practicing physical distancing for you and your family’s safety, we’re all dealing with a new normal together. This might be easy for some, but studying and working from home is unusual for many. It’s been over a year since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Like many other countries, India is also facing a sudden increase in daily cases, even after the vaccination drive. As compared to 2020, the daily cases are rising at a very high rate and over 2 lakh people tested positive in the last 2 days in India. This indicates that 2nd wave of COVID-19 has arrived. Doctors and experts figured out that this year, the younger generation is also getting infected, and most of them have least to no symptoms. This situation has caused many people around the world to feel anxious and stressed about becoming infected.  You can stay safe and healthy by simply following some protocols.

During day-to-day activities, people can take the following measures to prevent infection and stay safe, in accordance with WHO guidelines:

 

1. Wear mask properly and stay safe

Wearing a mask is the new normal. But people do not know or follow how to wear a mask properly, as masks have become an important part of our lives. So, wearing it properly should be the top priority to stay safe. First of all, clean your hands before you put your mask on. As well as before and after you take it off, and after you touch it each time. Your mask should cover your nose, mouth, and chin. When you take off your mask, put it in a clean plastic bag. Wash your mask every day if it’s a fabric one, or dispose of the mask if it’s a medical one. 

 

2. Sanitize your hands regularly

You can get infected by the virus if you are touching something that has a virus present on it and then you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. The probability of getting infected by this is less but still, it is possible. So, wash your hands properly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coming from any public place, or after coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available to you, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% of alcohol. Also avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands to stay safe from the virus.

 

3. Maintain Social Distancing

Make sure to maintain at least a 1-meter distance between yourself and others. This will reduce the risk to get infected, if people around you are coughing or sneezing while speaking try to maintain a greater distance from them to stay safe. The risk of getting infected by COVID-19 is higher in crowded places where infected people spend much time together in close presence. The virus can spread more easily in crowded places, so maintaining social distancing is much needed.

 

Now, here are some things you can do to keep yourself healthy during this pandemic:

1. Maintain Healthy Habits and stay safe

To keep yourself healthy, it is very important to perform healthy exercise. Getting engaged in physical activity is one of the best things for a healthy immune system and it also helps in reducing stress. Start doing 30 minutes of exercise daily, whether it is dancing, lifting weights, practicing yoga, or aerobics at home. If you go out for exercise, make sure to maintain 1- meter or greater distance from others to stay safe. Also, maintain healthy nutrition habits by consuming fruits and vegetables, and fewer sweets and sugary drinks. Avoid ordering food from outside to stay safe.

 

2. Try not to stress out

Research has found that reducing stress is one of the most important components of overall health. It is a must for a healthy body during the pandemic. Stress usually occurs while watching negative news and reading negative articles about covid-19. Also, to stay safe and feel less stressed, you can connect with your loved ones through social media. Although doing things like exercise, meditation and prayers can also make your body feel relaxed and mind stable.

 

3. Don’t ignore Pre-Existing Conditions

People with incurable health diseases like diabetes or heart disease should make sure to stay safe and at the top of their disease management. It is very crucial for those who are unwell and are at high risk. So, don’t ignore your condition and take all the precautions, and try not to step outside of your homes unless it is necessary.