Health-&-Fitness
How to heal lungs naturally and improve breathing after recovering from COVID-19?
After recovering physically from COVID-19, patients may suffer from numerous problems. As time goes on, it becomes clear the effects of COVID-19 infections on the human body, especially in the lungs. However, it may take a long time for many to return to normal life. So even after recovering from corona, caution and care are needed. Experts say that the novel coronavirus has a big impact on the lungs, heart, and mental health. Increasing long-term risk. For mental health, a few sessions with a psychiatrist will be good enough. For the lungs, the patient should have patience and take care of it to improve the breathing after recovering from COVID-19.
Post-COVID Effect on Body
COVID-19 emerged as a curse in our world. Coronavirus doesn’t just stop after infecting us, and it may create a long-term effect. However, a regular body checkup can identify any potential long-term effects. The following are the most common effects a COVID recovered patient may feel.
Read Dengue vs. COVID-19: Symptoms, when & where to test, ways of prevention
- Even after being discharged from the hospital, many people may have shortness of breath from time to time. The patient can face problems climbing the stairs or have breathing issues while climbing. Especially, the patients who stayed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are taking longer to return to normal breathing conditions.
- Even after corona has recovered, the patient may have a cough for a few weeks.
- The recovered person may not be able to take regular foods sometimes. Even face problems in chewing or swallowing food. Patients who were in the ICU or given a tube in the throat are more likely to face this particular problem. Further, some people may face problems with their voices and face difficulties in speaking.
- After coronavirus infection, a large number of patients experience mental disorders. Problems like attention and thinking problems, memory loss, and depression can occur.
- Weight with fatigue and constant tiredness. It may take some time to get back to the previous weight.
Most of these problems will be okay over time by taking enough nutrients. But, special care for the lungs is needed for fast recovery.
Read: Knowing your Covid symptoms can help to make informed decisions
Post-COVID Problems in Lungs
Post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis is a complication that occurs in the lungs after coronavirus infection. Pulmonary fibrosis is a disease in which the soft parts of the lungs become stiff, causing sores. As a result, the airways in the lungs cannot function properly.
Most patients with Corona disease have mild symptoms, and many have no symptoms at all. Very few patients face severe complications and are hospitalized. Among infected patients who need oxygen, they are at higher risk of developing post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis. If you have pulmonary fibrosis, a doctor’s consultation is necessary.
Read: Liquid Medical Oxygen and Covid-19 Treatment: Things we need to know
How do you know if you have Problems with Lungs?
Shortness of breath, dry cough, chest pain or pressure, weight loss, mild fatigue, and pain in the muscles and joints after coronary healing are suspected to be complications of the lungs.
To detect pulmonary fibrosis, chest X-ray, computerized CT scan of the chest, echocardiogram, pulmonary function testing, and pulse oximetry should be done.
Without proper treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, long-term complications such as pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries), heart failure, lung cancer, and frequent lung infections can occur.
Read Harmful Effects of Mobile Phones on Children’s Health
Natural Way to Improve Breathing and Heals Lungs after COVID-19
Corona is a respiratory virus. So, first of all, it puts its paw in the lungs, and the body’s oxygen level also decreases. Even if the corona is gone, the efficiency of the body decreases. Although this risk is not immediately relieved, some methods increase oxygen circulation in the lungs. This gradually removes the weakness of the body and restores efficiency.
Deep Breathing Exercises
Hold the breath for a long time, as long as possible with the chest full. After that exhale slowly. As a result, the lung cells are exercised, so there is no permanent damage to them.
Doctors advise sitting comfortably with your back straight. After that, all the air in the lungs should be expelled through the mouth. Then take a deep breath and fill the lungs with air as much as possible.
Read: COVID-19 Delta variant explained: Things to know about this Coronavirus strain
Then hold your breath for as long as possible and blow all the air out together again. This will eventually increase the lung’s efficiency.
Sleeping on your Chest
Coronavirus infection often causes a lack of oxygen in the human body. This is due to a decrease in the efficiency of the lungs. Therefore, if you are lying on your chest or lying on your side, the supply of oxygen to the body increases. Doctors advise not to use any pillow while lying down like this.
Raise your hands while breathing
Raising your hands while breathing is a good exercise for the body parts with breathing. Besides, when you take a deep breath, you can put your hand under the ribs of the chest and feel that the chest is swollen like a balloon. Then you have to push it out again. It can be done several times a day.
Read Clive Wearing: The Man with the 30 Second Memory - Forever Today
Breathing by Closing the Nose
First, close the left with your hands and take a long breath with the right nose. Hold your breath for 5/10 seconds. Then exhale.
Then hold the right side of the nose and breathe in the same way. In the same way, hold for 5/10 seconds and exhale. Practice this way several times a day.
Walk
Try to walk regularly after recovering from the corona. In this way, you can understand the state of breath in your body. Normally, the amount of oxygen in the lungs is less than before, so you will breathe less, which is completely fine in this condition. Walking slowly every day will increase the efficiency of the lungs.
Read: Pandemic Yoga: How to strengthen lungs, ease breathing problems with yoga
Caution
Although doctors recommend exercise to increase lung capacity, if someone has shortness of breath, chest pain, or cough, it is better not to do these types of exercises. People with chronic heart or lung disease must consult a doctor before exercising. If you face difficulty in breathing or feel sick during exercise, stop the exercise immediately and take a rest. If the problem is more, you need to contact the doctor.
Clive Wearing: The Man with the 30 Second Memory - Forever Today
We all have a tendency to forget, get confused, or sometimes focus on the wrong things. This can be due to overloading of information, stress, distraction and other reasons. These occurrences are normal, and we get over them naturally or after taking some rest. But things get complicated when you consciously forget everything and your brain fail to create a new memory. However, this might seem unreal to you, but this can happen to anyone due to medical reasons such as damage to the central nervous system.
You will be surprised to know that we have very few cases in the real world, while we have numerous characters in books and movies. "Notable examples include Lucy Whitmore in 50 First Dates, Dory in Finding Nemo and Finding Dory, Jonathan Archer in the Star Trek: Enterprise episode, Sanjay in Ghajini and more." This kind of memory loss is defined as Amnesia.
However, the real-life case of Clive Wearing's memory loss is different. Usually, there are two types of memory loss diseases, anterograde Amnesia and retrograde Amnesia. While the most fictional characters we have mentioned here suffer from either anterograde or retrograde, Clive Wearing suffered from both, and it is the "most devastating case of amnesia ever recorded." 83-year-old British musician Clive has a memory of 7 to 30 seconds only.
Read Dengue vs. COVID-19: Symptoms, when & where to test, ways of prevention
Who is Clive Wearing?
Born in 1938, Clive Wearing was a British musicologist, keyboardist, conductor, and tenor. He was successful in his career and was known for editing the Orlando de Lassus. Further, he sang at Westminster Cathedral for many years as a tenor lay clerk. Besides, he was also a chorus master and worked with the London Sinfonietta Chorus as well as with Covent Garden.
Apart from these, Wearing founded the Europa Singers of London in 1968 and performed in numerous places such as the London Opera Centre, Monteverdi Vespers, Russian Cathedral, etc.
In 1981 he worked for BBC and made special content for BBC Radio 3 on the "day of the royal wedding of Prince Charles and Diana Spencer."
Despite his eventful career, Clive Wearing cannot remember much of it due to his rare medical condition.
Read: Harmful Effects of Mobile Phones on Children’s Health
What Happened to Clive Wearing?
In 1985 when he was 45 years old, Wearing contracted "herpesviral encephalitis which is a herpes simplex virus." This simple virus attacked his central nervous system. After that, he could not store new memories. Besides, he has also been unable to put together his past memories. He is also unable to control emotions and has an unstable mood.
Later it was found that Wearing has been having this problem due to total Amnesia. As his hippocampus was damaged, he is totally unable to form new memories; because of that, Clive's memory lasts between 7 and 30 seconds. Hippocampus is an area in our brain that needs to transfer memories from short-term to long-term memory.
Every day he wakes up every 20 seconds, which means his consciousness restarts every 20 seconds. During this time, he keeps questioning why he has not met a doctor. Wearing continuously believes that he just wakes up from the comatose stage. Further, if he engages in a discussion, Wearing cannot stay in the flow for more than 30 seconds. Sometimes he forgets the context in 10 seconds and starts again. He cannot speak longer than a few sentences.
But Clive remembers a few memories of his life before 1985, such as his love for the second wife and his children from the first marriage. Every time he meets with these people, he greets them joyously, and cannot remember their names.
He has featured in many documentaries, and some researchers also conducted research about his condition.
Moreover, many fictional movies have been made on Amnesia that we have mentioned earlier. But if you want to visualize the memory loss, you can watch a Bangla drama "Chirokal Aaj" to better understand the amnesia condition. Chirokal Aaj has recently become a center of attraction in Bangladesh. It was based on Clive Wearing's attack on anterograde Amnesia and retrograde Amnesia.
Olympic Exercises Anyone Can Do
The air is filled with excitement as the Tokyo Olympics kicks off this season. The postponed date of the event has only increased the anticipation and so far, the event has entertained and inspired many of us. Each sport has shown off the best the world has to offer and that could be a sign to get started to join in on the excitement. While certain activities may seem rather a niche, there are a plethora of activities in the Olympics that could light a fire in you to get fit and hone your skills on any of the crafts. Here are some of the most popular Olympic game exercises you or anyone else can do.
Best Olympic game exercises
Tennis
One of the classics and a sport that definitely warrants a try. Tennis and other racket sports have a fine balance of needing to understand the fundamental technique, not needing many players, and are extremely cost-effective. To become good at Tennis requires nothing short of a court, a racket with tennis balls, and a dedicated training partner. Tennis requires basic fitness, but that can easily be trained with enough commitment. Tennis has one of the most thriving scenes in global competitions outside of the Olympics and is worth getting involved in just for its healthy community alone.
Read:Pandemic Yoga: How to strengthen lungs, ease breathing problems with yoga
Archery
While archery may not be the cheapest hobby, the amount of skill you can cultivate with the bow and arrow can seem almost limitless if you’re willing to put in the hours. While endurance gets to take a backseat for this sport, stamina is still relatively important here. Bows have poundage and pulling the string back while lining up the shot requires a steady hand, concentrated breathing, and muscle endurance on your back. While professionals make it look easy, the skill floor for this activity to look at. If you have a knack for picking up mechanically complex hobbies that require your full attention, archery could be the sport for you.
Basketball
Basketball has one of the biggest following out of all sports and is a hobby that won’t be running out of players anytime soon. All that’s needed is a court with a few friends and you’re ready to start a game! While basketball is often outshined by other sports in the Olympics, the off-season is where you’ll see your investment in the sport pay off. The beauty of the game is that you could play it alone if you want to. Practicing layups, three-pointers, and other drills are great for honing your skills.
Read Best Team Sports for Weight Loss
Judo
There are multiple martial arts represented in the Olympics, but Judo is our recommended pick. Judo is a sport that is good for those who aren’t about aggression but are still interested in defending themselves. The art revolves around using the opponent's weight against them which makes for a very reactive style of martial arts. Strikes are not as prevalent, however, stamina and endurance are crucial when it comes to improving. Being gi-based, grading is a thing and progress is more quantifiable which can be good for newer fighters to gauge their progress.
Beach Volleyball
Beach volleyball has always carried a casual tone and seeing it represented in the Olympics shouldn’t get in the way of that. While the technique is important for the sport, volleyball incentives polished coordination over heroic dives and glorious spikes. The beach is a wonderful place to start as the sand is the perfect starting ground to be more adventurous with your movement and your leaps in the midst of heated exchanges. Volleyball has distinctive roles teams can follow to understand their positions better, and it will be helpful for participants to see what fits them the best.
Read:Best Martial Arts For Fitness
Roller Skating
Otherwise known as Roller Speed Skating in the Olympics, roller skating can be picked up without necessarily making things a competition. An unorthodox sport that can double as a mode of transportation for the daring, roller skating could be the adventurous alternative for those who have had their minds set on biking instead. Rollerblading also fits into this category and both require balance, decent hand-eye coordination, and a decent understanding of acceleration and braking. If you’re keen to give this a shot, be sure to wear protection at all times.
Fencing
Like Judo, fencing is a sport that teaches more than fitness techniques. Fencing requires precise movements that determine how easy it is for your opponent to score against you. It is best to take fencing up as a class as the sport is more layered than most give it credit for. The outfit may get a little stuffy, but the intensity of the craft and the robust global community will make this experience an insightful one.
Read How to choose the best shoes for running
Kayaking
Kayaking is a sport that can range from being a zen way to spend your time to a mad race between you and your friend. Kayaking is an upper-body buster that will take your shoulders, arms, and chest for a workout unlike any other. Kayaking can easily be rented and practice will certainly make you a master of rivers in no time. However, if your location doesn’t permit kayaking, this hobby could be a little harder to pick up than some of the others on the list.
Honorable Mentions
Ultimately, the Olympics is a platform for the best athletes to gather and test their mettle against each other in a series of grueling competitions. While swimming, cycling, and running are classic fitness routines that are done daily; the setting of the Olympics adds win conditions that prioritize speed as the metric for participants to follow.
These three sports are commonly done on a casual level; where fitness and results commonly supersede timing records. We certainly recommend all three for a good workout, but not as much if you’re hoping to emulate an olympian you saw on television.
Read:Tips to Get Marathon Level Endurance and Stamina
Dengue vs. COVID-19: Symptoms, when & where to test, ways of prevention
People are terrified of coronavirus. The number of corona patients in Bangladesh is increasing day by day. Again, dengue has been added as a new terror. So, if you have a fever, how do you know if it is corona or dengue?
Because of the Covid-19 panic, many people are now going to get a corona test if they have a fever. Test results are coming in negative but the fever is not going away. There is growing concern about this dilemma. Fever does not mean that you have corona. Don’t forget that outbreaks of dengue are on the rise. Maybe you have dengue!
Dengue fever and corona symptoms are the same, but how to differentiate?
What are the Symptoms?
Initially, the symptoms of all viral diseases begin with fever. All of them can cause fever, body aches or body aches, nausea, vomiting, nausea, and fatigue. Along with these symptoms, Influenza and corona may have a sore throat and dry cough. The mild symptoms of corona infection are similar to the common flu. But at this time these common symptoms also need to be taken into account and corona should be tested.
Read Dengue vs. Severe Dengue: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention
Meanwhile, the symptoms of dengue include severe headache, body aches, pain behind the eyes, body rash. However, the type of dengue changes a little every year. As a result, coughing is not strange. Vomiting, diarrhea may also occur.
However, corona and dengue, both diseases can cause red eyes. Therefore, if the fever rises above 101 degrees Fahrenheit, note the symptoms carefully and inform the doctor in detail. The government's health department is also recommending dengue testing with corona if you have a fever this season.
Keep in mind, dengue and chikungunya are spread through mosquito bites while the coronavirus is spread by sneezing, coughing, and breathing, by touching hands and objects. Covid is more contagious and deadly.
Read Knowing your Covid symptoms can help to make informed decisions
What to do if you have a Fever?
Whatever the reason for the fever, you can take treatment at home first. There is no need to be hospitalized if you have mild symptoms of corona or dengue. However, the person should be separated from everyone in the house.
Drinking enough water, coconut water, homemade fruit juices, soups, liquids will help to boost your weak body. However, the patient should not take any medicine other than paracetamol to reduce fever. Remember, corona or dengue either can cause liver or kidney problems. Therefore, do not take any kind of medicine without the advice of a physician or doctor. Keep track of the amount of urine. Besides, notice the speed of breathing and measure the oxygen saturation too. Eat nutritious food.
Usually, dengue complications start after five to six days of having a fever while corona can also have complications after three to four days of fever. So, you have to stay alert. However, in the case of corona infection, the results of the dengue test may not be accurate. So, it may be necessary to test two or three times. Corona and dengue can make the situation worse if they are together.
Read Liquid Medical Oxygen and Covid-19 Treatment: Things we need to know
When and Where to Test?
You will not know whether you have Covid or Dengue unless you test. The first thing is to consult a doctor if you have a fever. Not all the fevers are dengue or corona, it can be regular flu too. Due to this, self-testing would not be a good idea. Because, other common causes of fever, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, typhoid, flu, etc., remain unknown if you do a self-test for dengue or corona. Patient’s signs, symptoms, and physical examination data are more important than testing. So let the doctor understand first.
The first symptom of dengue is a sudden high fever. Feeling very cold, severe body aches, fatigue, and tiredness. Fever can range from 100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. If treatment is not taken immediately, the fever will continue to rise in a rapid way. If these symptoms occur, a doctor's advice should be taken immediately and you might be instructed to get tested.
Dengue tests can be done in any nearby hospital in Dhaka city. For the outside of Dhaka, you can contact district hospitals and hospitals in thana level and private hospitals.
Read COVID-19 Delta variant explained: Things to know about this Coronavirus strain
You already know the Covid-19 symptoms. If you have Covid symptoms, you should consult a doctor. Before that, you can take the test too. Corona tests are being conducted at 120 centers in Dhaka and outside Dhaka. Besides, samples of suspected corona patients are being collected at District Sadar Hospital and Upazila Health Complexes.
Can the Same Patient Effect by Covid and Dengue at a Time?
According to Professor Abdullah, the same patient may have covid and dengue fever. There have already been some cases like that in India. However, there is no standard treatment procedure for patients who have contracted COVID-19 and dengue at the same time. “A finely balanced approach is needed to tackle both the ailments at once”, experts said. Nevertheless, symptomatic treatment is somewhat contradictory therefore the treatment procedure is tricky.
How to Stay Safe from Covid-19 and Dengue?
Prevention is better than cure for both diseases. So, try your best to protect yourself and your family's critical condition. To prevent dengue, keep the inside and surroundings of the house clean, do not allow water to accumulate anywhere. Sleep with a mosquito net. Try to keep the house mosquito-free. And to prevent corona, wash your hands frequently, wear a mask, follow hygiene rules and try to stay at home as much as possible.
Read Pandemic Yoga: How to strengthen lungs, ease breathing problems with yoga
World Health Organizations’ (WHO) slogan to prevent Covid-19 is, “Wear a mask. Save lives.” What is more? WHO directed every person to maintain a safe distance outside of the home and wash/sanitize hands frequently. Even if you have a common cold cough, you have to use a mask and you should not touch your nose. If you sneeze or cough, use a tissue or handkerchief. If there is nothing, cover your face and sneeze and then wash your hands. Although initially skeptical, the use of masks is one of the most effective ways to prevent coronavirus infections, according to health officials in developed countries, including the World Health Organization.
Harmful Effects of Mobile Phones on Children’s Health
It often happens that we give our phones to children to entertain them. They watch cartoons or listen to music and use the phone as a toy. We underestimate children’s capability of learning things and don’t bother ourselves thinking about how mobile phones can affect their growth of mind. We care less about whether a phone is harmful or not for children’s health. But it's really alarming how phones can affect children's bodies and mind negatively.
Effects of Mobile Phone on Children’s Physical Health
Media use like movie and drama watching, video gameplay, doing everything on mobile, etc., can severely damage the physical condition of children. Different streaming services, gaming apps, and social media can be accessed from mobile phones nowadays. Here are some serious damages mobile phones occur to kids’ bodies:
Sleeping Issue
Cell phones with backlights produce light with short-wavelength, known as blue light. LED lights produce blue light, which is proven to diminish or delay a person's natural synthesis of melatonin at night, as well as lessen sensations of drowsiness.
Children are especially vulnerable to sleep difficulties caused by blue-light-emitting electronic gadgets. Many studies had shown a connection between using screen time before bed and increased sleep latency, which is the average time someone takes to fall asleep. Furthermore, children who are accustomed to using these gadgets at night often do not get enough sleep and feel weary the following day.
Read Knowing your Covid symptoms can help to make informed decisions
Obesity
Spending more time on phones lessens children's interest to go outside and playing with other playmates. They are being habituated to play on phones and losing the innate nature of venturing outside and doing physical work. It has increased the rate of being obese among children.
Food marketing might also influence dietary choices that lead to children's weight gain. Advertising bombards teenagers' eyes via social media and various streaming videos or music material. Seeing the meal on phones with influencing colors and punchline marketing may elicit an instant desire. Advertising may sometimes be deceptive, conveying signals about a food's healthiness that aren't always true.
Read: Dengue vs. Severe Dengue: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention
Back and Neck Pain
Pain in the back and neck are caused by strain on a person's spine and is often known as cervical discomfort. Such pain has now become the most prevalent kind in a child's body. The use of devices for extended periods of time adds to each of these problems, resulting in greater discomfort. The constant use of devices contributes the most to the cause of this issue.
Poor posture when sitting, sleeping, studying, or using a smartphone for extended periods of time without changing their position and sitting incorrectly causes neck and back discomfort from a young age. Cervical issues at such a young age are very dangerous since they tend to last a lifetime, impacting the child's gesture for the rest of his or her life if not addressed promptly.
Read Beat the Heat: How to Stay Cool in Simmering Hot Weather?
Knowing your Covid symptoms can help to make informed decisions
Although Covid-19 can cause a range of symptoms for around two weeks, the type, order and progression of these indications can vary from case to case and person to person.
The type, severity, and progression of symptoms shape how the virus affects a person's daily life. Some people may experience no symptoms at all, while others will need to seek immediate medical attention.
Two periods of symptoms
Symptoms usually begin 2 to 14 days after a person catches the virus, most commonly after four to five days.
Most people will experience mild to moderate symptoms, including flu or cold, during this period, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
However, studies suggest the first Covid-19 symptom to develop is likely to be fever, which is a temporary increase in body temperature and different from influenza, where the first symptom is typically a cough, according to a 2020 study in Frontiers in Public Health.
Read: Coronavirus symptoms: What are they and how do I protect myself
Next, Covid-19 may cause a cough, sore throat, and body aches or headaches.
The Frontiers in Public Health study suggests that Covid-19 could then cause nausea and vomiting, which would develop sooner than it would in similar respiratory infections, such as MERS or SARS.
In severe cases, Covid-19 can require hospitalisation. This typically occurs after seven days from the onset of symptoms, a 2020 study in The Lancet suggested when the delta variant was yet to emerge.
Some people will experience acute respiratory distress syndrome after nine days. This is where the lungs fail to provide the body with sufficient oxygen. Around 20% to 42% of people hospitalised with Covid-19 experience this condition, according to the CDC.
In severe cases, doctors may admit people to an intensive care unit (ICU) around 10 days after symptom onset. Around 26% to 32% of people hospitalised with Covid-19 will require treatment in an intensive care unit.
Also, Covid-19 symptoms could include tiredness, loss of taste or smell, diarrhoea and nasal congestion, according to the CDC.
Some people will experience severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, confusion, chest pain or pressure, and difficulty moving or talking, too.
People who experience these symptoms must seek immediate medical attention.
Duration
The average recovery time was 16 days after infection; however, it will vary from case to case, according to a 2021 study in The Lancet.
Some symptoms may take longer to go away. For example, loss of taste and smell can last for weeks or months, according to the CDC.
Read: Three die with Covid-19 symptoms in Satkhira
Communicability of the virus
Most people can be around other people after 10 days since their symptoms first appeared, as long as they have not experienced fever for 24 hours and other symptoms are improving, as per the CDC.
People with severe Covid-19 symptoms or weakened immune systems may need to isolate themselves for longer. The CDC recommends up to 20 days of isolation after symptoms first occur in these cases. However, a doctor may recommend a different duration, depending on the case.
People with a positive test result but without Covid-19 symptoms are still infectious and should self-isolate for 10 days after the date of the test.
Long-term effects
Most people will experience no long-term effects from Covid-19.
However, some people may experience long Covid – also known as long-haul Covid. This is where symptoms persist for several weeks or months. The duration of time that symptoms must persist in long Covid varies.
However, the CDC says, symptoms lasting four or more weeks should constitute long Covid. It can include any Covid-19 symptoms and can occur in people who experienced mild, moderate, or severe symptoms.
Delta variant symptoms
There are many variants of SARS-CoV-2 that can cause Covid. Each variant is the result of a random mutation of the original virus.
The main variant of concern now in Bangladesh, and indeed worldwide, is the Delta variant. This variant spreads more quickly than the original virus, increasing the number of hospitalisations or deaths.
The variant is believed by the World Health Organization to be 50% more transmissible and might become the dominant form of the virus in the next few months.
Former Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research director Dr AM Zakir Hussain said, "The Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 is very different in many ways from its earlier variants. It shows symptoms like a mild cold, runny nose and mild fever with head and body aches. The variant's incubation period is four days – one or two days shorter than the earlier variants."
"Delta's rate of multiplication is faster, and volume in the nose is higher. It can directly go to the lungs. The variant's spike is 75% efficient in sticking to its docking site in human host cells in comparison to the Alpha variant's 50%."
"So, the variant causes higher infections, overt manifestations and deaths. Due to similarities with common colds and fevers, patients take a relatively long time to understand if they are suffering from a seasonal cold or not and seek medical attention late. The other reason for high deaths from the variant is the paucity of ICUs. Vaccines are less effective in preventing second or third time infection from the Delta variant," he added.
Warning signs
Mild to moderate cases of Covid-19 may not require immediate medical attention. However, some Covid-19 cases cause severe symptoms, which typically emerge after around a week. People with these symptoms must seek immediate medical attention.
It is critical to contact a health professional for symptoms that include difficulty in breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion, difficulty in remaining conscious, discoloured skin, lips, or nails, according to the CDC.
Dengue vs. Severe Dengue: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention
Although the symptoms of mosquito-borne dengue fever are similar to those of the flu, the disease can be fatal. From the beginning of the monsoon season, dengue fever patients flock to hospitals and doctors with various symptoms. However, symptoms may include high fever from the first day, severe headache, pain in the eyes, body aches, reddening of the skin, and in some cases, rashes on the skin.
It should be remembered that the fever at this time does not mean only dengue. Other fevers with nearby symptoms are also appearing. In addition to other viral fevers, waterborne typhoid fever is also occurring. Therefore, in case of fever, it is better to take the treatment after confirming the symptoms and, if necessary, examination. With that note, let's know the causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention of dengue.
Read Dengue spike: 123 more patients admitted to hospital in 24 hrs
Dengue vs. Severe Dengue
We should not be sure without any test. But, if a high fever of 40°C or 104°F is accompanied with any 2 of the following symptoms should be suspected as dengue.
- pain behind the eyes
- nausea
- severe headache
- muscle and joint pains
- swollen glands
- vomiting
- rash.
A patient enters the critical phase, usually after 3-7 days after the illness started. During this phase, the fever may drop below 38°C or 100°F. But the potentially fatal complications may start due to respiratory distress, plasma leaking, severe bleeding, or organ impairment, and fluid accumulation. All these can lead to severe dengue. The symptoms may include-
Read Dengue update: 105 more cases reported
- persistent vomiting
- restlessness
- severe abdominal pain
- blood in vomit
- bleeding gums
- rapid breathing
- fatigue
If these symptoms appear, the patient might have a chance to fall into a critical phase. Hence, a close observation becomes obvious for the next 24-28 hours. Furthermore, proper medical care is needed to avoid any complications and risk of death.
Read: Dengue: 25 cases in 24 hours
What Causes Dengue Fever?
Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease spread by Aedes mosquito bites. The mosquito became infected with one of the four viruses closely related to the DENV virus, causing dengue fever. Aedes mosquitoes can be carriers of any one of the four viruses, and as a result, individuals can be infected by that particular virus. The Aedes mosquito can breed in stagnant water inside or outside the house and cannot fly more than 200 meters from its birthplace. However, these mosquitoes do not breed in ponds, ditches, and other reservoirs. This species of mosquito is more active in the morning and in the afternoon after sunset.
How Does the Aedes Mosquito Spread Dengue?
When an infected Aedes mosquito bites a healthy person, the mosquito transmits the dengue virus (one in four viruses) to that person. As a result, when an uninfected mosquito bites the person, the mosquito becomes a carrier of the dengue virus. Thus, it becomes a part of the process of spreading the disease.
The infected mosquito then bites another healthy person, and the disease spreads. A person who has once been infected with dengue can be infected with any one of the four viruses. However, a person who has already been infected with a particular virus cannot be re-infected with that particular virus. However, the symptoms of second-time infection are more severe than the first-time infection.
Read Amid Covid pandemic dengue could worsen: DGHS
According to research, 40 percent of the world's population or 3 billion people live in places where dengue is most likely to be transmitted. Symptoms of dengue fever usually appear 4 to 7 days after a mosquito bite and last for 3 to 7 days. Although dengue fever is a highly contagious disease, it can be easily cured if the symptoms are detected at an early stage.
Therefore, it is very important to know the symptoms of this disease in order to get timely treatment to avoid complications like heart, lung, or liver damage. Also, in some cases, dengue can cause blood pressure to drop drastically, which can lead to injury and even death.
Liquid Medical Oxygen and Covid-19 Treatment: Things we need to know
The whole world is in turmoil and humankind is endangered due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Our neighboring countries are already in terrible condition due to the second wave while other parts of the world are also facing a critical situation. This time the new coronavirus is infecting the lungs badly. Once infected, the patient's shortness of breath increases. So urgent oxygen becomes necessary to save lives and liquid medical oxygen comes as a lifesaver. Here we have discussed some essential facts about liquid medical oxygen, its production procedure and application in COVID-19 treatment.
What is Liquid Medical Oxygen? How is it different from Industrial Oxygen?
Liquid Medical Oxygen is highly pure oxygen that is usually used for medical purposes only. It is specially produced for the human body. Because of its low melting and boiling points, it remains in a gaseous state even at room temperature. However, liquification gives an easy transportation solution and lets you store in larger volumes.
On the other hand, industrial oxygen is used for industrial settings such as combustion, oxidation, manufacturing plants, and more. Furthermore, industrial oxygen can accelerate some chemical reactions too. The steelmaking industry is one of the biggest users of industrial oxygen. However, this kind of oxygen is not intended for the human body.
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The biggest difference between medical and industrial oxygen is that industrial oxygen is not safe to inhale. It is because the purity level is not up to the mark and it may contain contaminants from the tanks. On the other hand, medical oxygen tanks are different.
While medical oxygen is solely used for the medical purpose only, industrial oxygen has multiple uses such as:
- Manufacturing the metal items, for instance, steel production.
- Cutting, welding, flame cleaning, etc.
- It can also use as a bleaching chemical that helps to create paper and paper-based items.
- Assist to create certain fuel
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Oxygen is necessary for human breathing to function the body properly. If the respiratory is not taking the oxygens properly, medical intervention is needed. Medical oxygen comes in handy to maintain a good blood oxygen level, otherwise, it can create serious health consequences, even lead to death. So a proper amount of medical oxygen is essential or else the imbalanced medical oxygen can lead to toxicity.
While medical oxygen is regulated properly to ensure high purity, industrial oxygen doesn’t care about purity. As a result, industrial oxygen may contain irregular items and harmful contaminants. Therefore, industrial oxygen is not perfect to use for medical purposes.
How is Liquid Medical Oxygen produced?
Liquid Medical Oxygen has different production methods. The most common production method is the air separation unit or the ASU method. There are also fractional distillation methods, in which the gases obtained from the atmosphere are separated into different components after cooling in the liquid state and then liquid oxygen is extracted from there.
Cryogenic Methods
Cryogenic is a method of producing medical oxygen at very low temperatures. It is a type of liquid that has a normal boiling point level below -90 degrees Celsius is called a cryogenic liquid. There is a special type of container to store this kind of liquid. Cryogenic liquid containers are specially designed to be transported safely and at a very low cost. It is stored as liquid gas even at cryogenic temperatures below -90 C. These containers are made in such a way that liquid gas can be stored at very low temperatures.
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Pressure Swing Absorption Technology
It is a non-cryogenic oxygen production method. Oxygen can be produced in this way by applying a certain amount of high pressure. Hospitals can produce oxygen using this method.
The pressure swing method works under high pressure via a vessel that contains an adsorbent bed of ‘zeolite’ which eventually attracts the nitrogen more strongly than the oxygen. The nitrogen will stay in the bed and the gas leaving the vessel will be filled with oxygen.
Further, this will reduce the cost of transporting oxygen to hospitals.
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In addition to these sources of medical oxygen, there are also portable oxygen generators known as oxygen concentrators, which can be used at home.
COVID-19 Delta variant explained: Things to know about this Coronavirus strain
All viruses change naturally over time, and Covid-19 is not an exception. When the virus was first identified in early 2020, it had undergone thousands of mutations. The mutated virus that is created in this way through mutations is called a variant. According to the World Health Organization, most mutations have little or no effect on the original structure of the virus. Over time, it became extinct. But some mutations occur in ways that help the virus survive and reproduce. The covid-19 delta variant is such a mutation that is more deadly than other variants.
What is COVID Delta Variant?
The Delta variant is one of the coronavirus variants that has emerged in India in the last few months. This specific variant is more contagious than the other variants and is believed to be more responsible for the second wave in Indian as well as the neighboring countries. The Delta variant has already spread to about 98 countries outside India, which is alarming.
Read: Delta variant in children: Chattogram reveals troubling data
Why is the Delta variant dangerous? How is it different from other variants?
The difference is in the spike protein. However, The Delta variant does not have the N501Y or E484K mutations, which were thought to interfere with the effectiveness of the vaccine against the South African variant and the Brazilian variant. But it includes the L452R and P681R mutations, among other mutations. Based on laboratory data, it has been suggested that these two mutations may increase the rate of transmission of the virus and interfere with the effectiveness of antibodies against the virus.
Read Europe in vaccination race against COVID-19′s delta variant
Things we Need to Know About Delta Variant
Scientists around the world are now testing the variant of the coronavirus identified in India. Nevertheless, the Delta variant has reached most of the countries, and first-world countries also started facing issues tackling the new variant. Let's see what you need to know about the Delta variant.
Symptoms
There are three new symptoms that emerged in those who are affected with the Delta variant. These are Colds, Headaches, and Sore throat. The symptoms may also include a mild fever. In the UK, people are now being asked to undergo a covid test whenever they have these three symptoms. A recent app-based study called the ZOE COVID Symptom Study, conducted by King's College of London found these new symptoms in most Covid patients.
Read: What should I know about the delta variant?
Spreads Rapidly
It was first identified in December 2020, which spread rapidly in India and soon became dominant in India and Great Britain. At the end of June, Delta made up more than 20% of the cases in the USA, and by the end of July, it will be around 80%, estimated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Moreover, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it "the fastest and fittest." The Delta variant has been growing exponentially and more quickly. And that is why scientists and researchers all over the world have been emphasizing this.
Who is at Risk?
The people who are not vaccinated fully are at a high risk of getting affected by the Delta variant. However, the fully vaccinated people can also get affected by Delta, but in that case, the death date is relatively lower. Moreover, this variant is not more deadly and causes less damage to the health. But Delta variate is affecting the young people more as well as the kids. "A recent study from the United Kingdom showed that children and adults under 50 were 2.5 times more likely to become infected with Delta."
Read Covid-19: Countries racing to vaccinate before Delta takes hold
Do Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson Protect Against Delta?
Although there are other vaccines too, there are three vaccines in the USA that offer some sort of protection against Delta, the CDC suggests. However, it is not known yet how effective they are and other vaccines. A study done in Scotland "suggested that the Pfizer vaccine's effectiveness might decrease slightly when faced with the delta variant and be about 79% effective."
On the other hand, another study that appeared online suggested that vaccines from Johnson & Johnson is not as effective as Pfizer and Moderna. Therefore, judging by the quality, the more modern vaccines can be used, the better.
Read: 'Dangerous period' with delta variant: WHO
How to Fight Against Delta Variant?
For now, vaccination is the ultimate protection against Delta. And fully vaccination can make you safe. At least it would not be deadly for the vaccinated people. Therefore, taking two doses of vaccines is recommended, and wait the recommended two weeks to make the vaccine effective.
Research has shown that the corona mortality rates are higher in those countries where the rate of covid vaccination is not more than 5 percent. In a country like Israel, where 60 percent of the population has been vaccinated, the number of deaths and hospitalizations is negligible. So, vaccination is needed first of all.
Comparison with Other Variants
As per the current situation, it is fairly certain that the Delta variant has a higher transmission potential than other variants. But this variant is at least less powerful than the beta variant in terms of its ability to disrupt the effectiveness of serious diseases or vaccines. But the Delta variant is making its way over other variants due to its ability to cause extreme infections.
Read Vaccine deliveries rising as delta virus variant slams Asia
Final words
More infections mean more serious diseases, more hospitalization, more deaths, and more dangerous new variants. So, at any cost, the Delta variant must be stopped with the help of any vaccine.
While not all vaccines are equally effective in preventing infection, most vaccines play an important role in preventing serious diseases, hospitalization, and death. In countries where a significant portion of the population has received two doses of the vaccine, delta variant infections are more common among people who have not been vaccinated. And since it is not possible to provide vaccinations in line with the rate of transmission of the virus, hygiene, and social distance should not be forgotten. Furthermore, those who are being vaccinated need to make sure they are completing two doses.
Read Brazil reopens amid looming threat from delta variant
Beat the Heat: How to Stay Cool in Simmering Hot Weather?
Bangladesh is situated in a tropical region with a moderate to temperate climate. However, there has been a spike in heat waves and extended summer in recent years. Heatwaves and humid weather create various health complications as well as general uncomfortableness. So how can you beat the simmering heat of summer? Let's look at some of the ways.
Health complications in summer
The human body isn’t designed to be exposed to extreme heat for an extended period. The heatwaves and the constant dry weather create various health-related issues. Not everyone has access to air conditioning and many people have to go out during the day for work. As a result, the risks become even more prominent.
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Dehydration
The body loses excessive fluid through sweat due to extreme heat. This causes the body to get dehydrated. Muscle cramps, weakness, and disorientation are some of the symptoms of dehydration. Try to drink as much water and fluid as possible during the summer season.
Sunburn
The extreme heat may often cause the skin to burn. Extended exposure to the heat may cause the skin to become red and sore. The harmful UV rays of the sun cause skin cancer in the long run.
Read: Pandemic Yoga: How to strengthen lungs, ease breathing problems with yoga
Heat Exhaustion
Overworking in the heat may cause heat exhaustion. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea, dizziness, and extreme thirst. Excess exposure to direct sun rays should be minimized as much as possible. The body should be wiped with a water-soaked towel regularly.
Heat Stroke
Heatstroke is the advanced stage of heat exhaustion. Heatstroke occurs in patients who have a history of diabetes and other long-term diseases. The fatality rate of heat stroke is very high. The person should be hospitalized as soon as possible if they show signs of heatstroke.
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How to stay cool in simmering hot weather?
Drink lots of water
This is the best and cheapest way to keep cool in simmering hot weather. Excessive heat not only causes dehydration but also drives up the body temperature. It's important to drink water to keep the body cool. If it's possible, use some ice cubes to cool up the water.
Wear the right clothes
Wearing light and breathable clothing will help you to beat the heat. Cotton clothes are a perfect choice for the summer. They are lightweight and helps to keep the heat away. You should also avoid wearing dark-colored clothes as they act as heat absorbents. Wear light and bright colors to deflect heat.
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Tight-fit clothes should be avoided in summer. Tight clothes obstruct the natural airflow. You should wear clothes that are loosely attached and help in airflow.
Avoid Caffein
Drinking tea is very common among the people of Bangladesh. In addition to tea, coffee is equally popular here. But consumption of these drinks should be avoided in summer. In addition to being hot, tea and coffee are both rich in caffeine. Caffein is a type of anti-oxidant that induces sleeplessness and shots of energy. The chemical also causes dehydration. So, it's better to avoid tea and coffee during the days in summer to beat the heat.
Choose Cooling foods
Diet also plays a part in staying cool during the summertime. Most of our diet consists of rich and oily food. However, during summer days, oily foods should be avoided at all costs. Instead, light food should be incorporated into the regular diet. Rather than eating rich foods, dry and boiled foods should be preferred. Fresh fruits and raw vegetables should also be eaten as they help to keep the body cool and hydrated.
Read Easy Homemade Summer Drinks to Beat the Heat and Increase Immunity
Use sunscreen
One of the detrimental effects of the simmering heat is skin burn. Besides making the skin-irritating, it causes redness and rashes. Flaky skin becomes susceptible to further bacterial infection. Sunscreen should be used to protect against sunburns. Sunscreen also helps to deflect the heat and keep the body temperature cool.
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Wear breathable footwear
This is another useful technique is to keep the heat away. It's common to see people wear shoes and sneakers all day. However, shoes and sneakers don't have any form of breathability. As a result, sweat forms as the heat becomes increasingly uncomfortable. Just likes clothes, you should wear breathable shoes like sandals. This would help to dissipate the heat and keep sweat away.
Keep the house cool
Now the question may arise how can you keep your house cool? Most people in Bangladesh don’t have access to air-conditioning. However, you can always make use of natural ventilation to keep your house cool. One of the ways to keep all the windows open and allow airflow. sufficient airflow will ensure that the trapped hot air gets replaced. Also, keep your fan turned on for better ventilation.
Read How to Use ACs (Air Conditioners) Safely Amid COVID19 Pandemic?
Use better Insulation
Most of the houses in Bangladesh aren’t properly insulated. As a result, the heat becomes unbearable in the summer. In rural areas, there are some primitive methods of insulation using fodder. However, they aren’t useful and common in the city areas.
For tin shed houses, an extra layer of modern insulation should be used to keep the house cool. Many people may consider this as an extra expenditure. But it goes a long way to dissipate heat in summer. For buildings, make sure false ceilings are included in the design. False ceilings help to curb out the heat as well.
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Stay indoors
Above everything, to get rid of the scorching heat of the sun you should stay indoors. The heat of the summer not only creates an uncomfortable environment but also creates various health complications. While staying at home doesn’t guarantee your relief from the heat, it is still safer than being outside. You should stay indoors as much as possible and make use of home remedies against the simmering heat.
Bottom Line
It's not easy living in a temperate climate zone in the summer. While the heat becomes unbearable at times, it brings other hazards too. We hope that these steps would help you to better combat the heat in hot weather and stay healthy.
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