What is COVID-19?
Before last year most people had not even heard the name of this Virus or disease and it existed just as another species in Medical Textbooks. This is a type of Coronavirus. Infection with this causes flu-like symptoms. But in elderly people who already have a major illness and if not checked or treated properly, this mild infection can take a very severe form and can even lead to death in some patients.
Why is it called COVID-19?
Co stands for Corona, VI for viral D for disease. Since its first case was found in 2019, it is called COVID 19
How does it spread?
This virus spreads by touch from one person to another. If someone has an infection and if he touches his nose or mouth or any secretions, then he will get the virus in his hand. If that patient shakes hands with someone, touches someone else, or touches a surface, then the virus will be transferred there. Anyone else can take the virus from there. That’s how it spreads.
How did it spread so fast all over the world?
It started in Wuhan, China where the first case was recorded. It spreads from one person to another very easily i.e. by mere touch. The International Travellers present in China at that time are mainly responsible for its spread to almost every country in the world. But everywhere there is some difference or mutation in this virus due to which and due to the immunity of the people there, the symptoms are slightly different and the death rate is also different.
What is meant by community spread?
When the cases in an area, community, or class are so large that the chain cannot be traced to whom or where it started, it is called community spread. In this, it is not possible to trace from where the patient got the infection.
Can it be spread by mosquito bites or by any animal?
Some animals have come out positive in the symptoms and test of COVID, but there has been no evidence that it is spreading from animals to humans.
How can this disease be avoided?
1. Wearing a mask is most important.
2. At least 6 feet distance should be maintained from anyone and everyone in offices, schools, colleges, markets, etc.
3. The hand should not be brought or touched near the mouth, nose, face, or eyes.
4. The hands should be washed with soap and still cleaned with sanitiser.
5. Mask used should be N95 or multiple-ply which is impermeable to the virus.
6. Stay away from closed or crowded places.
7. All children above 3 years should also wear a mask
8. The shape of the mask should be such that it fits snugly above the nose and below the chin and on the cheeks on both sides in such a way that the air only filtered through the mask goes inside the nose or mouth.
9. Try not to get out of the house if not needed and until it’s really important and urgent.
10. Make sure to cover your mouth with your arm while coughing and sneezing.
11. From time to time, clean all the surfaces, that might have come in contact with anyone, with sanitiser.
12. One must get vaccinated.
Is the vaccine safe?
Yes both the vaccine named Covaxin and Covishield which are available in India is safe and effective. There may be an infection of COVID even after taking 1 or both doses. But in such a situation, there is no need for hospitalisation, oxygen intubation, because the disease does not take a serious form due to the presence of antibodies.
After the vaccine, mild fever, body pain, cold can occur. If an adverse reaction is felt or there is a high fever, one should immediately rush to a hospital.
What is the treatment of COVID?
In case of mild phlegm, first of all, one should take Homeopathic or Ayurvedic medicine, which increases immunity but only after consulting an AYUSH physician.
Homeopathic medicine named Arsenic Album 30, Phosphorus 30, and Tuberculinum 200, the APT Protocol, can also prevent COVID 19 to a great extent. One should take it by consulting a Homeopathic Physician.
Allopathic medicines prescribed by the government should be used immediately in case of a high fever or sore throat.
Meanwhile, fever, BP, oxygen, pulse rate should be closely monitored.
If the oxygen is less than 94, then homeopathic medicine named Aspidosperma, Carbo Veg, Vanadium, Antim Tart, Antim Ars, Blattta can be taken. Along with this, an oxygen cylinder should also be arranged at home. The patient should lie down in a prone position and do deep breathing exercises.
A doctor should be consulted immediately if any trouble, coughing, Oxygen saturation or fever, seems to aggravate and he should be hospitalised if the Doctor says so.
Why are so many people dying?
Older people, or those who already have a major disease such as Blood pressure, Diabetes, Kidney or Liver problems, if they are not alert from day one and do not pay attention to oxygen saturation and other vitals then the virus will reach the lungs, cause Pneumonitis and Pneumonia and will consolidate the whole lung or the whole lung will be filled with fluid. Then there will be no room left, for exchange of air.
The same is happening with young people who are getting Happy Hypoxia or low Oxygen in blood and almost no symptoms. They remain oblivious until it’s too late especially if they are infected with a mutated virus, which may reach inside the lungs in flat 3 days, Immediately the oxygen level drops precariously, and it is late before anything could be done.
Why so many people died in 2nd wave in India?
This time the virus causing the infection is a mutated or mutating virus that is too fast to spread and is causing very serious symptoms in a very short time and going straight into the lungs and blocking it completely, due to which there is an acute lack of oxygen in the body. If corrective steps are not taken immediately, the patient collapses and dies before even actual treatment begins.
What to do if someone in the house gets COVID?
In such a situation, immediately isolate the patient. According to their symptoms, start their treatment as soon as possible. Do not give anything cold to eat or drink. If possible, separate their room, toilet, utensils, towel. The patient needs to be examined and their oxygen, temperature, BP, pulse rate must be measured daily. If symptoms are severe, take appropriate advice from a Doctor or rush to a hospital.
If you meet someone who is having this infection then?
First of all, quarantine yourself for 14 days. Get proper medicine and test if you develop any symptoms of COVID.
Stay Safe !!!
Author’s bio:
Dr. Lubna Kamal, is the Assistant Professor in Government Jawaharlal Nehru Homeopathic Medical College.