Read through and use them to stay safe and secure.
1) Improve your immunity.
Dr. Dr V.K. Tiwari ( Former Director, Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, New Delhi) tells us that Immunity is our body’s defence against infections and toxins using antibodies or white blood cells. Immunity depends on various minerals and vitamins to function. It has to be done systematically by eating a good diet, rich in fruits and vegetables so that our body receives essential nutrients, minerals and vitamins. Those with a strong immune system can get infected by COVID-19, but their chances of recovery are generally better and faster.
2) COVID19 is not Malaria.
Dr T.V. Narayana ( President, Indian Pharmaceutical Association) strongly advocates against taking an antimalarial pill for dry cough and fever. If you have symptoms, please seek medical advice over a phone call first. Do not self-medicate or treat yourself at home. Doctors use a combination of drugs based on the specific symptoms of a patient. The ICMR directive allows the Doctor to decide the dosage and drugs.
3) When in Doubt, Insist on a Test.
Dr Sukumar Mukherjee is part of an experts’ panel guiding the government’s Covid-19 response. He lists the do’s and don’ts.
4) Play Safe With Your Lungs.
Dr P.N.S. Reddy ( Consulting Pulmonologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Somajiguda, Hyderabad) recommends keeping the respiratory tract in top shape. Avoid alcohol and cigarettes. Acohol and smoking aggravate the respiratory distress. A well-balanced diet, regular physical and breathing exercises for 20-30 minutes and early morning exposure to sunlight are long-term protection measures.
5) Get well…@home
Dr Rajiv Passey ( Cardiologist, Ganga Ram Hospital) recommends staying at home and calling or emailing the doctor and to opt for an e-consultation. There are cases of doctors and nurses being infected. Visiting a hospital premises is avoidable, unless absolutely necessary. Go to the hospital with the absolute minimal people needed to get you there safely. Those with ailments such as diabetes, heart condition or asthma should stock up on medication to avoid repeated visits to the pharmacy or clinic.
6) Protect nose, eyes, mouth.
Dr Om Shrivastava ( Director, Infectious Diseases, Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai) says that the face mask helps you only if worn tightly Some studies point out that the COVID-19 virus could be airborne. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus could stay suspended in fluid droplets in the air for long. It is advisable for all to wear a mask outdoors. It is important to wear and dispose of the mask correctly. There should be no gaps between the mask and your chin or nose.The exterior of the mask could be contaminated after you have worn it. You must dispose of it immediately after use and wash your hands with soap. If your mask which can be sterilised, do sterilise it in boiling water after every use. Purchase masks in sealed packets only.
7) Digital detox.
Dr Nimesh G. Desai ( Director, Institute of Human Behavior and Allied Sciences) advices distancing ourselves from Corona-panic. The internet is an essential resource, but the information one gets from it needs to be taken with a pinch of salt, especially in these worrying times. It is essential to trust only the reliable sources.
8) Expertspeak
Dr Elesh Jain ( Sadguru Netra Chikitsalaya, Chitrakoot ) offers the following tips to de-stress from extra screentime that people are exposed to under the current circumstances. It can lead to dryness or redness of the eye, headache and strain. One of the ways of eye care is to blink every 20 seconds while reading or watching anything. Take a break from work every 20 minutes and close your eyes for a few seconds. Every two hours, get up from your work station and splash water on your eyes. Do not rub eyes with your hands. In case of excessive dryness—a pricky feeling in the eye—or redness, consult an ophthalmologist online. You can use an over-the-counter lubricating drop, up to five times a day. Do add pranayam and yoga to your daily routine. Helping Patients Needing Dialysis Vikram Vippula (Founder – CEO, NephroPlus) advices how dialysis patients can cope in these trying times. Having any safeguards for kidney failure patients in this crisis time is difficult. All dialysis centers across India have stopped accepting new patients in a bid to keep away infected patients. Social distancing is 10 times more important for dialysis patients and they are significantly immuno compromised. They should do some simple walking exercise in their homes if walking is their daily habit. They should go to a dialysis center in their own private transport rather than public transport or car pooling. At the dialysis center, they should follow the social distancing practice and wear a mask at all times before, during and after dialysis. Do not miss your dialysis session as burden on the heart increases significantly when sessions are missed. The government has to ease various restrictions to help these patients address their specific, unavoidable needs. Personal caution and care is enough to ward off the COVID19 threat. If each one of us overcomes it, we as a nation will be successful in countering one of the greatest challenge to mankind.