Author: Gandhi Medicos

Coronavirus has created a pandemic situation in the entire world; currently there are over 22 lakhs people infected with this deadly virus and more than 1.5 lakhs people are dead all over the world. The virus is very contagious and it is spread through air as small droplets. The virus can stay alive on the human skin for a long time, and it can enter the body of a person through the nose and mouth, directly affecting the lungs. It is advised to use N95 masks in various communities, health care and home care in the areas where positive COVID-19 cases have been found. The mask should be used by all the health care professionals, managers and workers as it is a very important precaution against the Coronavirus. Previously it was said that only affected people and the health professionals should wear masks; but with the rapid spread of the virus, it is advised for everyone to wear masks.

When to Use Masks

• Before putting on the mask, the person should clean their hands with sanitizers that are mainly alcohol based or with water and soap.
• Cover nose and mouth with the mask and make sure that there should be no gaps between the mask and the face.
• Avoid touching the mask when using it; if by mistake a person touches it, then he or she should clean their hands properly.
• The damp masks should be replaced with the new ones immediately.
• The mask should be removed from behind after it gets damp, and the user should immediately throw it in the dustbin.

How and When to Wear Masks

• If a person is healthy, then he or she should wear mask only when taking care of a COVID-19 positive patient.
• If a person is coughing and sneezing, then using a mask is very important.

The spread of coronavirus is gradually increasing around the globe, but India has prevented more disaster caused by this global pandemic disease by taking early measures such as announcing lockdowns and providing various test kits and masks to the healthcare workers who are working through this whole situation and risking their lives. Also, the population of India has contributed by following the rules and guidelines of the lockdown laid by the government. Although India has a relatively more younger population than other countries, it can also be a reason for the low mortality rate since this disease mostly hits the elderly population.

According to Union Health Ministry, confined data was shared which stated that 63% of deaths have been reported among people who were above 60 years and 30% of people who were between 40-60 years old and 7% for people below 40 years.

There are almost 21,700 confirmed cases of coronavirus in India, out of which 4325 cases have been recovered and 686 deaths have taken place. If we look at further cases around the world, there are almost 2,649,680 confirmed cases of coronavirus, out of which India is still a lower number due to early precautions for safety. Although the government is taking all essential steps to fight this pandemic of COVID-19, the most important factor for fighting this is to empower citizens with the right information.

At present, there are 18 countries, including India who has more than 20000 infections from this pandemic. India is comparatively lower among all these countries. The Prime Minister has also announced a lockdown all over India until May 3, 2020 to avoid the disease from increasing further. Indian scientists are also working very hard to find a vaccine for this disease so that this pandemic can come to an end as soon as possible.

• What is coronavirus?

Coronavirus is a new infectious disease which causes respiratory problems in most patients, which can lead to death in its severe stage. This disease is caused by a newly discovered coronavirus which first originated in China. Any kind of vaccine for the treatment of coronavirus has not been discovered yet. But with better treatment practices, the infected person can be cured of the virus.

• Is there any vaccine for the treatment of this virus?

There is no such vaccine discovered for the treatment of such viruses. When a new disease emerges, it takes quite a long time to discover its vaccine for further treatment.

• What is the status for the preparation of vaccines?

Research heads and scientists are working very hard on the development of a vaccine for such a hazardous disease, which is spreading vigorously throughout the world. There are almost 20 vaccines under development.

There are some other processes going on as well for the preparation of this vaccine

1. The first human trial of a vaccine is being announced by a lab situated in the US city of Seattle by the end of this April.
2. Australian scientists have shifted their research work by testing with two potential vaccines injected on ferrets, and soon after successful results, it will lead to the stage of human testing by the end of this April.

The tests are taking place under careful conditions, as in human bodies the doctors and scientists have discovered four types of coronavirus. We do not have a vaccine for any of them yet. Until then, we have to take upon ourselves to do the various methods for preventing the spread of the virus any further by staying at home safely, washing hands frequently, and keeping ourselves and our surrounding sanitized. Above all, if anyone notices any symptoms of this virus, they must keep themselves in self-isolation so that it can be prevented from being transmitted to others.

This question might have different perspectives according to the scenarios we consider. There are two situations before us to compare-before the lockdown and during the lockdown. Let’s consider the first scenario before the lockdown. Even before the pandemic was recognized around the world, coronavirus originated from a place called Wuhan, China during December 2019. This was thought of as any other virus that might be controlled by antibiotics. However, the effects of coronavirus were massive and was proven to be the most powerful virus that has now spread itself to the entire world. After three months of research on it, the effects of coronavirus on the body is identified to be a virus causing respiratory disease. This deadly disease has now spread to all parts of the world and has taken a lot of lives. In order to prevent it from further spread among the disinfected people, a lockdown was announced across all the nations. It started in the month of March and some locations have completely ceased activity to contain the virus from attacking us.

Let’s talk about the statistics now. At the initial stage of the virus pandemic, the number of deaths was high. There were around 200 cases per day in every nation. United States of America initially did not consider the lockdown seriously, due to it now therefore holding the highest number of coronavirus cases currently. India, on the other hand, took lockdown more seriously at a moderate amount and is able to contain the virus from spreading. Not just India, but many other countries, due to a lockdown, have been able to cope with the effects of coronavirus.

This brings us to the conclusion that a lockdown has helped us prevent coronavirus to a large degree.

COVID-19 is making a severe impact on India. The cases are steeply increasing day by day. Until now, more than six thousand cases have been confirmed. The pandemic has taken the lives of over two hundred people. To control the spread of the coronavirus, the Indian government is taking effective measures like a declaration of lockdown to combat community spread and making the people aware about this deadly disease.

• Steps taken by our government-

The visas of people for traveling on flights have been abandoned and the people who came from foreign locations have been screened and home quarantined for 14 days. Employees have been told to work from home until the situation improves. All the educational institutions, cinema halls, stadium, and sports clubs have been shut down to prevent public gatherings. The public transportation systems like trains and buses are being properly sanitized. The police force is constantly checking if the people are following the lockdown rules or not. Special isolation wards are being arranged in the hospitals to treat the COVID-19 patients immediately. Doctors and healthcare providers are serving around the clock to cure the coronavirus positive cases. The production of ventilators, essential medications, sanitizers, N-95 masks and other life-saving apparatuses have geared up to meet the rising requirements. Funds are being raised to fight the coronavirus as much as possible.

• Impact of COVID-19

Due to the outbreak, imports from countries like China have declined. The price of pharmaceuticals and mineral fuels is soaring high in the market. The daily wage laborers are heavily affected by this epidemic. The positive impacts of COVID-19 include a decrease in pollution. Nature has repaired itself amidst the lockdown. India has a chance to renovate the economy by encouraging ‘make in India’ and renewable energy sources. The need of the hour is to be patient and follow health measures to wipe out this virus from India.

There is a lot of anguish and uncertainty in the times we are living in. The world is stumbling under COVID 19. We do not exactly know what it is other than a virus hitting us hard and we only wish that it gets over soon. The world has come to a stop, countries are locked down, thousands of deaths every day, this is one of the scariest and devastating pandemics in last few decades. Despite of reading and hearing about it almost every moment, we hardly know what Corona Virus is?

There have been many theories of “Corona Virus” being shown as an incident in a tv series or a prediction done 100 years ago. But in real, we are far away from understanding its effect on Human Body and eventually on the whole world. While we are living in ambiguity, there is something we have been hearing along with it, and that’s its connection with “Malaria”. Connection between Malaria and Corona Virus is really intriguing and puts us in thoughts that is COVID-19 is an extreme version of Malaria only, which has become highly destructive as to finish the whole world at once.

What is it that we are missing or unable to find about the linkage of Malaria and COVID-19.

Let us understand!

India has been historically prevalent to malaria and has history of successes and re-emergence. Malaria itself is one of the most dreadful diseases and took many lives away. Historically, the highest incidence of malaria in India occurred in the 1950s, with an estimated 75 million cases and 0.8 million deaths per year (Source: WHO, Country Office for India). In fact, not just India but many Asian Countries along with Africa have been victim of it for years.

Recently, US and other countries demanding & developing hydroxychloroquine drug which was used to treat malaria to fight COVID-19 since very long now, has somewhere turned our doubts of its linkage stronger. Where, as per various health organization including WHO believes that the only solution to overcome with this epidemic is to develop a vaccination, “Hydroxychloroquine” sounds like a ray of light to the betterment of the situation. On the other hand, if we see the symptoms and precautions being advised by Doctors and Government are quite similar, starting with a normal flue it can be proved as fatal; however, there is a relief knowing the fact that Malaria is communicable by mosquitos where there has been no such theory for COVID-19.

While the super powers of the world are in search of vaccinations for COVID-19, the focus of therapeutic intervention of antimalarial drugs have been proposed as treatment by various nations including USA, that could at least reduce transmission of the virus, provide adequate organ support, decrease viral load and thus limit disease seriousness.

Having talked about COVID-19 and its prevention, we also not forget about Malaria and it’s fatal consequences. Various potent antimalarial medicines and treatment are available to fight and successfully defeat Malaria.

The world is fighting Corona with its best of capabilities, but are we missing out on a very evident link between Malaria & COVID-19 and its similarities? Do we already have a vaccination which is being searched by billions of people now? Is Hydroxychloroquine the drug to fight with Corona?

Well, we can surely wish so.

Coronavirus is the major concern for the entire world at present. The scientists of all the countries are trying their best for finding a vaccine for this pandemic. However, there is no medicine made specifically for treating coronavirus. But, yes, there are some other vaccines and drugs which can help in curing the coronavirus. Along with the medicines, it is also necessary to maintain social distance and wear a mask. Also, keep washing or keep sanitizing your hands as much as you can. This is the time when we really need to come up as a nation. If you encounter any of the below-mentioned symptoms then please consult your doctor as soon as possible.

Here are some medications and vaccines, which can be used in treating coronavirus but there is no scientific research and appropriate approval for these medicines.

SYMPTOMS OF CORONAVORUS

Following are the symptoms of coronavirus which may or may not appear:

1. Fever
2. Tiredness
3. Dry cough
4. Sore throat
5. Nasal congestion
6. Runny nose
7. Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
8. Muscle pain
9. New loss of taste or smell

CHOLORQUINE FOR EMERGENCY

According to the some procedures in the United States, the FDA (Food and Drug and Administration), Hydrochloroquine as well as chloroquine can be used in emergency circumstances for treating the COVID-19 virus.

On 19 March 2020, the President of the United States, Mr. Donald Trump. said that the Chloroquine, as well as Hydrochloroquine, have been tested with positive results for treating the coronavirus. Both these medicines are currently being used for treating arthritis and malaria.

FAVILAVIR

On the other hand, Favilavir can also be used for treating coronavirus. The use of this medicine has been approved by the National Medical Products Administration of China. It has been proved as an anti-viral drug. This medicine has also produced positive results for treating COVID-19 patients, and this medicine comes with minimum side effects.

Coronavirus is the virus responsible for the current global COVID-19 pandemic. It has started affecting India over the last few weeks, though the situation was not considered to be serious until a few weeks ago. But now the number of positive cases is increasing at a rapid and alarming rate. Currently there are 21393 recorded cases in India among which 16,740 are active cases and 4,376 people have recovered. Along with this, there are 681people who have died of the disease. Since cases are increasing at huge rate every day, presently the country is under lockdown and the tenure could be extended as well.

Precautions and Medicine for Coronavirus

Certain precautions can be taken against the Coronavirus infection since prevention is essential and treatment is not available. Doctors and medical experts are advising people to wash their hands for more than 20 seconds at a time, to maintain a one-meter distance from other people if they go out, wear N95 masks and strictly avoid any mass gatherings and events. Patients who have tested positive result should be kept in isolation until they recover completely. Serious cases must be put on a ventilator to facilitate breathing, as the Coronavirus affects the lungs of the victim.

At present there are no specific medicines that can fight against Coronavirus. COVID-19 is deadly and right now precaution and prevention are the only ways to combat this fatal disease. This means that we have to be very careful and alert to avoid this virus. Recently there are two medicines known as Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine that are being used to treat victims. These medicines can cure the disease for a temporary period of time. Meanwhile, medical experts and researchers in different parts of the

The coronavirus attack has devastated a majority of the world’s  population, putting millions of lives in danger. Economies are crumbling, posing a risk to our overall development.

Coronavirus can be curbed if we show courage, patience and awareness.

• Follow the lockdown regulations seriously:

The virus spreads easily in community gatherings. The number of people affected in the US and Italy skyrocketed because of delayed shutdown and the carelessness of the public. Even in India the Nizamuddin meet generated a huge number of coronavirus victims. The Indian public can keep the virus under check if they strictly stay at home during the quarantine. While going to the grocery shops we must put on our masks and maintain social distancing.

• Optimizing testing procedures:

Coronavirus can be controlled by accurate screening of those who may be infected and their relatives. The government should provide immediate facilities to protect doctors and health workers from infection as they are the saviors in such a dire situation. The contacts of affected people should be traced. They should be examined and isolated as soon as possible. In Wuhan nearly 75% of community transmission occurred in family gatherings.

• Encouraging research:

The government should invest in improving the current technology. Testing processes should be made cheaper and more available to the people. Researches by vaccine experts should be fuelled to prepare the corona vaccine at the earliest. Production of masks, ventilators and medicines should be accelerated to save lives. The lack of ventilators can be compensated by utilizing pumps of automobiles, etc.

• Arranging isolation wards:

The government should prepare specific isolation wards in hospitals to accommodate the rising number of patients. The closed schools and colleges, train coaches, hotels, etc can be used to accommodate patients.

If implemented seriously these efforts can help to flatten the curve of this pandemic.

• What is coronavirus?

Coronavirus is an infectious disease that causes respiratory issues to a person which can also lead to death when reaching its last stage. It can spread through an infected person who is suffering from a dry cough and respiratory issues since their sneeze will contain droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose which can enter into the closest person to them. The vaccine or proper treatment of coronavirus has not been discovered. A person infected from it recovers without any kind of special treatment.

• How has the Markaz incident spread coronavirus throughout India?

During March 13-15, a religious gathering was organized by the headquarters of a Muslim missionary in the Tablighi Jamaat, Nizamuddin area, New Delhi. The shutdown was announced on March 22nd which led thousands of people to shut down in the Markaz for several days. Out of them, several foreigners were infected with coronavirus. This led to thousands of people getting infected, which spread the coronavirus on a large scale. Due to this incident, 4400 cases were found positive from those involved in the religious gathering. This leads to the carelessness of the Jamaat leadership who led the foreigners to enter into India due to the gathering which ultimately infected people. This also led to the violation of rules laid by the government.

• Cases in Dharavi slum in India

One case emerged in the biggest slum of India – Dharavi slum – due to the Markaz incident held in New Delhi because a 56-year-old man had visited the religious gathering, and after returning from there, he was found to be positive for coronavirus. People coming in contact with the man might have symptoms of coronavirus and they are awaiting their test results.

• Precautions to be taken during this COVID-19

There are several ways to prevent getting infected by the pandemic virus which are: Frequently washing your hands with soap and sanitizing them properly.

1. Avoid going outside until and unless there is an emergency.
2. Quarantine yourself if you are feeling unwell and growing some symptoms of the coronavirus.
3. Wear masks to prevent contact with other people.