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Does the new unlock mean we can relax COVID Restrictions?

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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Industry Talk

Why is Vaccination important??

Corona Pandemic has once again brought to the forefront the importance of vaccines and vaccinations in society. Vaccines are arguably one of the most important and effective tools to prevent disease and support the health of the community.  The pandemic has made governments realize the fact that public health is a public good. Different countries run various immunization programs targeting newborn and small children to boost their immunity and to prevent them from various diseases in the coming years of childhood. Ever since the implementation of immunizations programs, there has been a dramatic decline in the prevalence of diseases such as smallpox, tetanus, diphtheria, and measles across the world. And this all happened as a result of great vaccination policies.

 

 

Why is vaccination important?

 

  1. Lives saving

Most Vaccines are recommended at very early ages because the immune systems are not developed fully and so vulnerabilities to many diseases are always high. Simply put, it can save your life. They are effective for a lifetime.

 

  1. Prevent serious diseases

Many serious diseases like Polio can lead to deformities in the child. These deformities can easily be prevented if they get vaccinated at the right age at the right time.

 

  1. Protection of others and future generation

Vaccinations have social and generational value. It protects you, others, and future generations. There is a possibility of eradication of several diseases of today in the future.

 

  1. Boost Immune System

Vaccines contain an antigen that is a weakened or dead part of the virus or organism or pathogen responsible for the disease, to make our immune system learn about the nature of the pathogen and to build immunity and avoid disease. This exposure to our body makes them able to create a strong immunity against the attack of the virus without surrendering to the disease.

 

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 present 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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Industry Talk

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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Industry Talk

CORONAVIRUS: HOW DOES IT AFFECT OUR BODY?

All around the world, there have been a lot of efforts made to stand up against the novel Coronavirus. The pandemic, which took the world by the storm had put all from patients to healthcare workers in a fix. Yet, gradually, we learned a lot about the coronavirus and how it affects our bodies.

 

During this hard time, one of the first things we all learned was how Covid-19 can affect our Respiratory system. The effect which the virus has on our lungs can be fateful, especially to the people previously experiencing co-morbidities.

How does Covid-19 reach the lungs?

Covid-19 is a lethal disease that is majorly affecting the respiratory system and lungs are a major part of it. Numerous people believed that the novel coronavirus entered the circulatory system and hence affected the lungs. But over time, the real way to the lungs was found. When a person comes in contact with a Covid-19 patient. And afterward touches their face, the virus can enter the body through the nose, mouth, or eyes. It does as such by sticking to the mucous membranes. On entering the body, they increase on a large scale and take over healthy cells.

These recently formed cells then enter the trachea, which is also called the windpipe of the body. As an organ, the trachea is like a hollow tube with a branch-like junction at its end. These junctions are connected to the lungs. The virus cells go down the windpipe and arrive at the junction, and then, the lungs. The junctions towards the end of the trachea have small air sacs. These sacs, known as alveoli are liable for sending oxygen to the rest of the body. The covid cells contaminate the upper and lower part of the trachea and thus, cause problems in sending oxygen to crucial organs, which is what makes it such a deadly affliction.

What to Do When COVID-19 Spreads To The Lungs?

It’s in the second week of being infected with coronavirus, that the infection might spread to your lungs. The extreme complications of the virus seem to appear when the infection spreads to your lungs. It is at this time when the patient’s condition may start deteriorating and may begin to experience symptoms like severe cough and other symptoms like pneumonia.

  • Signs that show coronavirus may have spread to the lungs

Coronavirus is basically a respiratory disease that causes symptoms like breathing trouble, cough, and fever. As referenced above, It’s somewhere around the second week of being infected with COVID-19, that the infection may spread to the patient’s lungs.

If someone has a consistent fever, above 100 for 2-4 days, and if they have inflammatory markers in their blood, most importantly high C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (above 10), and dipping oxygen saturation (less than 94), these are signs that may flag that virus has spread to the lungs,”

  • Symptoms to watch out for

Patients that have tested positive for the virus will have mild to strong symptoms like dry cough,  loss of sense of taste breathlessness, fever, and smell, tiredness, and chest pain.

If the infection has spread to the lungs, the symptoms may be persistent cough and fever, chest discomfort, low oxygen saturation breathlessness on exertion, and blood inflammatory markers. It usually happens after five-six days of the virus.

  • Important to be in touch with the doctor

A person who has already tested positive for COVID-19 is most likely to already be in constant touch with the doctor. But Once you have an infection in the lungs, the doctor will prescribe if you need a CT scan, or if need to be prescribed some steroids, or if you need to get admitted to the hospital for appropriate treatment. So it’s highly required to be in constant touch with your doctor.

Taking care over time

For patients who have been affected by a coronavirus, there needs to be a good amount of care taken. Currently, many medical studies point to the fact that the lungs are mostly affected due to the novel coronavirus. As such may cause fatigue and a lack of immunity even after the virus has gone. In such cases, a recovery regimen set by your doctor needs to be followed thoroughly. And along with that, precautionary measures should also be followed so as to not be re-infected by the disease.

If you have experienced symptoms of Coronavirus, reach out to your doctor immediately or get an RT-PCR test done from Pathkind labs. Given the case that you have already been a coronavirus survivor, it is essential that you get an Antigen test done to see how strong your antibodies are to fight the occurrence of other diseases in the coming future.