Health-&-Fitness
How to Overcome Depression Without Medication?
Prescribed medicines can be life-changing for many individuals suffering from depression. Many patients use different antidepressants to control symptoms emerging from depression. They sometimes have adverse effects and are costly, depending on their health insurance coverage. There are other non-prescription ways to treat some of the symptoms of depression. People should use those for treating depression without medication or a supplement to the antidepressants.
Non-medicated Ways to Overcome Depression
People should always treat depression symptoms seriously since depression does not mitigate on its own. While there are fairly many things one can do to support their mental health, people shouldn't try those things whimsically. They must speak with their doctor about some of the self-help methods that may assist their therapy.
Read Mental Health: Types of Mental Illness and supporting someone with a mental health problem
Yet still, some practices or habits can keep depression at bay to some extent. Here are some:
Getting More Sleep
Sleep and emotion are inextricably linked. If anyone gets less sleep, his emotions will inevitably wave. So, it's important to get excellent sound sleep every day.
This refers to having regular bedtimes and routine wake-up hours. Setting the bedroom properly will help have a soothing sleep at night. To welcome sleep, avoiding computers, smartphones, or other devices that demand attention will also help.
There are measures one may take to attempt to enhance the quality of his sleep. People should
- Allow themselves some time before going to bed to decompress; do something soothing, and avoid stressful activities or thoughts.
- Set a timely alarm to get up at the same time every morning and go to bed at the same time every night.
- Maintain a regular nighttime regimen.
- Turn off their gadgets and spend some time reading a book.
Read Memory loss: Types, symptoms, and when to seek help
Also, they should try to spend some time outdoors every day, even on days when they do not feel like it. Because light regulates sleep cycles and circadian rhythms, a lack of sunlight may make it more difficult to sleep at night.
4 years ago
Mental Health: Types of Mental Illness and supporting someone with a mental health problem
Proper counseling and treatment can cure mental problems completely like other physical problems. Since mental health complications are not like physical pain, many do not understand when they should actually seek mental health support. Moreover, family or social taboos also stand in the way. With that not, World Mental Health 2021 is going to observe on October 10 with the theme, 'Mental health in an unequal world.' So, when should a person seek help for mental problems? And how to support people with mental health problems? We will get to know about mental health support in this article.
What is a mental health problem?
The actual definition of mental illness varies according to country, culture, and people. Hence, there is no unified definition of mental health problems. However, some common words are used to indicate mental illness. For example, psychological problems, mental health, headache, etc., are used to indicate mental illness.
Read: Memory loss: Types, symptoms, and when to seek help
How to understand if anyone is suffering from mental illness?
When a person's behavior changes drastically, especially the emotional expression changes, which starts to affect the daily activities, in such cases, one should understand that the person is not mentally stable. Apart from these symptoms, there are some specific issues that may indicate a mental health problem. Usually, people with mental illness suddenly become excited. People are also seen keeping themselves away from everyone for a long time.
Staying upset for more than two weeks in a row can be a sign of mental health problems. Quarrels with everyone and don't want to talk to anyone can be the symptoms too. Other symptoms are hearing some irrelevant sounds, unnecessarily doubting, not taking care by stopping doing regular daily activities like bathing or brushing teeth, and dissatisfaction and loss of interest in the activities that bring happiness.
Sometimes, people stop themselves from making any sort of social relationships, thinking negatively about themselves or feeling responsible for everything, decisiveness or loss of concentration, and plan suicidal thoughts and attempts.
Read: Covid-19 Brain Fog: How to improve memory power and brain health after Covid
In some cases, sleep may be reduced abnormally or increase, feel an aversion to food or increased appetite and loss of interest in home, office, or professional work.
However, these problems do not mean that the person has a mental illness. But if anyone has these signs or symptoms, the person should talk to a psychiatrist. After that, the doctor can analyze it and understand whether any action should be taken.
4 years ago
Memory loss: Types, symptoms, and when to seek help
Memory is a very important element to move forward in human life. People may lose memory for a variety of reasons. Sometimes memory loss can occur for a short time and sometimes it can be long term. So, knowing the reasons for memory loss will help prevent it. Further, the proper knowledge of symptoms will help anyone to seek help before the problem becomes worse.
What is memory loss?
Usually, memory loss is defined as unusual forgetfulness. When a person cannot remember new events and cannot recall one or more past memories, a memory loss may occur. It can stay for a short time and then resolve by itself. Or, it can happen for a long time and may not go away and depending on the reason it may get worse overtime. In severe cases, this kind of memory impairment may hamper the daily living activity
Read:Covid-19 Brain Fog: How to improve memory power and brain health after Covid
Type of memory loss
Scientists have found three types of memory loss: short term memory loss, long term memory loss and mild Cognitive Impairment. All of these memory loss problems have their own symptoms and causes.
Short term memory loss
Usually, the short-term memory stores the information for 30 seconds and with the short term memory loss problem people may forget the things that have happened recently. Although it is a normal event for the aging person, it can also indicate something more serious.
Symptoms of short-term memory loss
There are some common problems that might indicate that someone is facing short term memory loss. People with this problem tend to forget recent events. For example, forgetting something that has been seen or read recently and forgetting recent events. Sometimes people also tend to forget that he/she already asked a question.
Read: Covid-19 Antibody Test: What You Need to Know
Long term memory loss
Human brain’s long-term memory stores the information over time. Further, it has unlimited storage of events, facts, etc. However, this unlimited memory can weaken with age, which is normal. With age the brain’s usual processing speed may get slow and sometimes it can be challenging for multitasking. Although the processing speed is reduced, memory, knowledge and skill stay steady. The usual age-related problems include facing trouble finding the right word, losing things often, and occasionally forgetting appointments, names, but remembering them later. These symptoms are totally fine, but losing skills can be a signal of serious problems.
Symptoms of long-term memory loss
There are few top reasons that indicate a person is facing long-term memory loss. If anyone faces new problems with speaking and writing, such as struggling with vocabulary, this might be a symptom of long-term memory loss. Further, changes in mood or behavior, confused about time or place and facing difficulties completing familiar daily tasks. All these are the most common symptoms of long term memory loss.
Read:The link between the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
Some older people may face problems with memory that are noticeable, but are not serious to affect daily function. This kind of memory loss problem is called mild cognitive impairment. However, mild cognitive impairment is not that severe like the memory loss caused by Alzheimer’s or dementia disease. As a result, people with mild cognitive impairment don’t face personality change problems that are usually faced by the Alzheimer patient.
4 years ago
Covid-19 Brain Fog: How to improve memory power and brain health after Covid
The harmful effects of Covid-19 infections are not limited to the lungs and respiratory tract of the human body. Numerous cases around the world have shown that the multifarious impact of Coronavirus can damage other organs, including the heart, nerves, kidneys, and skin. Apart from these, Covid-19 causes major damage to the brain. The problem may persist in patients with mild Covid symptoms or who have recovered already. For many COVID survivors, the problem might emerge late. In some cases, Covid-19 leaves a long-lasting impression on the brain. The most common problem patients face is brain fog. Let’s discuss some basic issues about post-COVID brain fog.
What is brain fog?
Brain fog is one of the critical problems in the brain. This problem weakens the cognitive capacity of the brain, which makes the patients mentally exhausted. As a result, the brain becomes hesitant to do anything.
While an individual suffers from brain fog, the normal functioning of his/her brain gets disrupted. In this situation, the memory becomes weak, and the way of thinking also changes. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the patient to concentrate. As a result, the person loses his/her regular efficiency at study, professional work, and/or other regular activities.
Read Covid-19 Antibody Test: What You Need to Know
What is Covid-19 Brain Fog?
Experts have found that about 20% of the covid survivors return to the doctor after a few weeks of recovery with brain fog symptoms. Reportedly, these patients did not have any issues with memory or brain before the Covid infection. Post-Covid brain fog may lead to diverse health conditions like strokes, mental disorders, delirium, delusions, fatigue, anxiety. In fact, scientists have found that coronavirus-induced neurological problems are limitless.
What does brain fog feel like?
If someone is affected by brain fog, s/he might experience some common signs and symptoms such as loss of memory, failure to understand any subject easily, failure to pay full attention to any matter, repeatedly falling into confusion, being hesitant for a long time in making a decision, losing patience, etc.
Read Long COVID Syndrome: Long Term Effects of COVID-19
How does Covid-19 affect the Brain?
According to researchers, this 'brain fog' is usually seen immediately after being discharged from the hospital. However, it does not stay too many months if proper measures are taken. Since the first emergence of Covid-19 infection in the human body in December 2019, the disease has turned into a pandemic. Still today, the virus is new to the human body's immune system. This is why the brain becomes overactive after the arrival of this new virus inside the body. Now the question is, how does the Covid-19 reach the brain?
The virus can pass through the hematogenous space or blood as well as the olfactory space (middle of the nose). The body contains certain receptors called angiotensin-converting enzymes, which are found in endothelial cells in the brain and the Coronavirus can easily get attached to that.
The covid affects both sides of the brain. The virus also affects veins and arteries in the brain. When the blood vessels constrict, it hinders the natural flow of blood circulation in the human body. As a result, the supply of oxygen also decreases. Nevertheless, coronavirus has a rapid effect on the brain. The amount of paralysis is much higher in stroke with covid.
Read COVID-19 Third Wave: Things We Need to Know
Improve memory power and brain health after Covid
Following are some of the ways to improve memory and brain health after covid.
Adequate sleep
Daily sleep is very effective in protecting and improving the brain. It is because the brain gets to rest in the middle of sleep. Usually, adults need eight hours of sleep daily, and good sleep makes the brain more efficient. The brain stores the latest information during sleep. And sleep is called a memory charger. During sleep, the memory becomes ready to capture the next memory. However, some patients might face sleeping disorders after Covid. In that case, the doctor's consultation is needed.
Playing memory games
Since the virus damages memory cells, the patient should invest some time each day in memory games, and related activities to recover lost attention and memories. Moreover, the patient should create ways that can stimulate the mind.
However, it is also recommended for a healthy person. All the nerves of the brain, including the memory part of the brain are activated during the play. Which eventually combats the problem of memory loss and helps in increasing the memory power.
Read How Long Will Your COVID-19 Coronavirus Vaccination Protection Last?
Exercise for brain
The more the patient uses the brain, the more the brain will work. The human brain has a wonderful ability; this ability is known as nerve flexibility. With the right stimulus, the human brain is capable of forming new neural pathways and changing existing connections. That is why the patient should work on learning something new. Thus the brain will get something new to work on.
The new information eventually helps to increase the cognitive ability, which will increase the strength of nerve flexibility. In this case, puzzle-solving, scrabble, and sudoku can be good exercises for the brain. Possibly those tasks will greatly help to improve the brain activities like focusing, concentrating, power of thinking, memorizing, decision making, etc.
Healthy diet
20% of the sugar and energy from the food goes to the brain. The brain functions totally depend on its glucose levels. If the level of glucose-intake changes, various cognitive problems might arise. When a person eats his/her favorite foods, it releases the chemical dopamine into the 'reward area' of the brain resulting in a happy feeling in the mind. Brain cells are made up of fats. So one should not remove oil and fat from the food list. Furthermore, almonds, oilseeds, fish, etc., are good for brain health.
Read Coronavirus: How to get your smell and taste back after COVID-19?
Aerobic exercise
The hippocampus area of the human brain works to retain memory in the brain. According to scientists, exercise increases the memory of the brain along with the body. And new cells are born in the brain. Exercise makes the hippocampus excited and swollen which eventually improves the process of retaining memories.
Avoid drugs and alcohol
Drugs and alcohol adversely affect the brain. For Covid-19 survivors, consumption of alcohol and drugs is strictly prohibited. So, avoiding these substances will provide the brain a chance to heal.
Meditation
It is harder to find a more beneficial practice than 'meditation' to keep the brain well. It helps the mind to increase concentration. Moreover, meditation is a very powerful way to deal with stress. Apart from these, listening to music, vacation, reading books, and cognitively stimulating activities can help brain development after Covid-19.
Read How to heal lungs naturally and improve breathing after recovering from COVID-19?
Bottom Line
As the Covid-19 is a comparatively new disease, adequate research initiatives have not been done yet. Covid-19 infection might affect the brain, memory, and cognitive abilities in diverse ways. The type and level of damage caused by post-covid brain fog might be different for different patients. However, following a proper diet, exercise, and lifestyle the Covid survivors are expected to retain their memory and cognitive abilities. However, the recovery period may vary from person to person.
4 years ago
Covid-19 Antibody Test: What You Need to Know
Terms like antigen, antibody test, Covid-19 test, plasma, RTPCR, rapid test kit, ventilator, lockdown, social distance, etc., have become part of our daily word choice in this Covid-19 pandemic. While these words have become a part of daily life, people tend to get confused between the antibody test and the Covid test. Usually, the antibody test is done to check if the body has developed antibodies against certain diseases. Let's discuss some basic facts about the Corona Virus antibody test.
Basics of antibody
The human body produces antibodies to fight off the infection when it senses the presence of an external invader, such as a bacterium or virus. Antibodies are basically Y-shaped proteins and white blood cells produce them. This protein helps to fight against harmful germs and get cured.
Read: Long COVID Syndrome: Long Term Effects of COVID-19
IgM and IgG antibodies are produced in the body of an infected person who has normal functioning of the immune system, which can be detected by serologic tests or antibody tests. IgMs are usually formed within one to two weeks of infection, but these are lost very quickly. IgG antibodies, on the other hand, take about 6 weeks to form, but they last longer.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some Covid-19 patients may detect antibodies in the first week of infection. In other Covid-19 patients, it may take up to three weeks for antibodies to be produced against the coronavirus.
That is why the patient should wait up to three weeks after the symptoms to test for the Covid-19 antibody. Further, the CDC report states that testing for antibodies three weeks after coronavirus infection can detect both IgM and IgG antibodies.
Read: COVID-19 Third Wave: Things We Need to Know
What is the antibody taste for Covid-19?
Covid-19 antibody test, which is also known as serology test, is a way to measure if someone had been infected with coronavirus in the past. However, the antibody test cannot identify if someone is currently infected or not. To check the present condition, one should do the antigen test diagnostic test for Covid-19.
However, a positive antibody test will not ensure that the person will not get infected again. If someone has an antibody in the body, it is very difficult to say how long the antibodies against coronavirus will last. According to the CDC's website, it is still rare for Covid-19 to be infected twice, but people are also getting infected twice or more than that. However, the CDC suggests that coronavirus antibodies may provide immunity, at least in the short term. So, after a certain period, the antibody test may not show a positive result.
Read: How Long Will Your COVID-19 Coronavirus Vaccination Protection Last?
A recent study published in the journal Nature Medicine suggests that coronavirus antibodies may not provide protection in the long run. The researchers found that antibody levels decreased within two to three months of curing Covid-19, especially in asymptomatic Covid-19 patients. However, it was a small study, analyzing only 36 symptomatic cases and the same number of asymptomatic cases. So, an antibody test after two to three months may not locate the antibody in the body.
What is the purpose of Covid-19 antibody testing?
Antibody testing lets the researchers and doctors know how the body reacts to the virus as well as collect the symptoms. Furthermore, it also gives data on the frequency of the infection. However, the antibody test should not be done to decide if anyone can take the vaccine or not.
Who is eligible for the Corona Virus antibody test?
If someone is infected with Covid, the antibody may take time to build in the body. So, testing on the most recent patient will not be wise. If someone is just diagnosed with corona or treated in two to three weeks, it will give positive results on an antibody test. So, it is suggested that antibody tests can be done four to six after being cured.
Read: Coronavirus: How to get your smell and taste back after COVID-19?
How to do the Covid-19 antibody test?
This test is very easy to do by taking a few drops of blood from the tip of the finger. Moreover, it does not take much time; the test can be done in 15 minutes. Nevertheless, this test is to be used in different countries to find people who are free of infection, and those people can be out of the house. Antibody tests will be very effective, especially for health workers. But making the test kit is not so easy. The US FDA approved antibody tests last year.
Types of antibody test
So far, two types of antibody tests are available, binding and neutralizing antibody tests. The binding test uses the purified proteins of SARS-CoV-2. In this method, individual antibody types, like IgG, IgM, and IgA can be identified. Hence, SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies can be found at the same time through the binding antibody detection system.
Read: What we know about Covid-19 booster shots
On the other hand, the neutralizing antibody detection tests find the functional ability of antibodies. These kinds of the test monitor the inhibition of viral growth in the cell when raised with plasma or serum. The neutralizing antibody is categorized into three types, virus neutralization tests (VNT), Pseudovirus neutralization tests (pVNT), and Competitive neutralization tests.
Antibody test result
Usually, the Covid-19 test result is explained in four ways. If there is a positive IgM, then the patient may be considered infected at the moment; if there is only IgG, then it may be that he is recovering from the infection, and it is possible that he will not be infected in the future. If both are positive, it can be assumed that the patient is at the end of the infection. And if none shows up, the patient is not infected. Sadly, this last statement is not always correct. It may be that the antigen used in this test does not recognize the patient's antibodies. Again, the patient may have been infected, but not enough time to make antibodies.
Read Liquid Medical Oxygen and Covid-19 Treatment: Things we need to know
Is the coronavirus antibody test easy?
The health care workers have a mixed response to this question. Even if the kit works, there is a possibility of false-positive and false-negative results in the COVID-19 antibody test. If a small number of people in the population (say 4.5%) are infected, there is a 50% chance that they will actually be positive. On the other hand, if 30% of the people are infected, and positive results are obtained, in 90% of the cases, it will be true. It was also thought that people who had been infected would have enough antibodies in their blood to fight the virus if they were given to an infected patient.
Read How to heal lungs naturally and improve breathing after recovering from COVID-19?
4 years ago
Cold Shower vs. Hot Shower: Which is the better option?
When the body and mind get tired after endless work all day, at that time, there is no alternative to shower to strengthen the body and mind. When it comes to showers, usually two options are there, a cold shower and a hot shower. Studies have shown that whether it is a cold shower or hot shower, both have multiple benefits. Let's get to know the details.
Benefits of Shower
There are many benefits to a regular shower. It increases the performance of the lungs and brain; various physical problems, including controlling the level of blood sugar, are solved through bathing.
Many people support taking a shower in the morning and at night. Actually, time doesn't matter; taking a shower once a day is recommended, especially for those who go out to work.
Read: Long COVID Syndrome: Long Term Effects of COVID-19
However, People who stay at home or do normal activities from home may not need to take a shower regularly. Because no sweating keeps the skin normal, dirt accumulation in the body is less, and the risk of spreading a bad smell is also limited.
The benefits of a shower precisely depend on taking a shower in cold or hot water.
Benefits of Cold Shower
Regular bathing in cold water is helpful for the human body, which can cure multiple diseases. Not only that, but it also increases the overall performance of the body. The benefits of taking a cold shower are given below.
Boosts lung activity
While taking a cold shower, or dipping in a cold bathtub, swimming pool, or even in the pond, humans usually stop breathing for a moment. The moment the oxygen is running out, the person immediately tries to pull in oxygen. In this way, the performance of the lungs increases significantly.
Read: COVID-19 Third Wave: Things We Need to Know
Beneficial for each organ
As soon as the body comes in contact with cold water, the lymph vessels begin to compress. As a result, blood flow in the parts increases. Whenever this happens, the body's overall performance begins to increase as more oxygen reaches each organ through the blood. Eventually, this process reduces the risk of contracting various diseases.
Keeps mental exhaustion away
Taking a cold shower in the morning increases the secretion of certain hormones in our body, which remove mental fatigue and bring the stress under control in an instant. In addition, two chemicals called endorphins and noradrenaline are secreted from the human body during the cold shower. When these two chemicals are released from the body, tiredness is eliminated. As well as the body's performance begins to increase.
Read: How Long Will Your COVID-19 Coronavirus Vaccination Protection Last?
Weight loss
There are two types of fats in our body, brown fat, which helps keep the body warm and white fat, which is not good for the body. Doctors always suggest this second type of fat melting. Incidentally, brown fat becomes very active when bathing in cold water.
As a result, as the body's energy deficit is eliminated, calories begin to burn. Eventually, the excess white fat accumulated in the body is reduced, and the body becomes fat-free. However, this will be done overnight. A regular cold shower can start the process.
Increases muscle strength
Bathing in cold water not only increases muscle strength but also reduces any pain. That is why doctors recommend taking a bath in cold water after a workout.
Read:Coronavirus: How to get your smell and taste back after COVID-19?
Benefits of a hot shower
The most frightening thing during winter is taking a shower, and many people run away from bathing for fear of the cold. However, bathing in any season is useful for staying healthy and beautiful. Hence, a hot shower becomes the savior in the winter. But, anyone can take a hot shower in any season.
Bathing in hot water is quite beneficial for the body. Alternatively, it is harmful if the water is too hot. The water should not be overheated; bathing should be done in comfortable, warm water at a tolerable level. If the temperature is right, a hot shower may bring peace. Read on to know the top benefits of a hot shower.
Calorie loss
Bathing in hot water burns calories. Studies have shown that if anyone remains under tolerable, hot water for one hour, it will burn 130 calories; the same amount can be burnt within minutes 30 minutes of walking. But, burning calories through the hot shower should not be an alternative to exercise.
Lowers blood sugar
Research from Loughborough University says that bathing in hot water can lower blood sugar levels. As per the study, participants were asked to take a bath in hot water after taking a meal. It has been found that submerging the body in hot water for one hour lowers blood sugar levels by 10% compared to cycling.
One of the possible reasons for low blood sugar levels during the hot shower is the release of heat shock protein. But this should not be a way to reduce blood sugar instead of exercise.
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Good for sinus problem
If the sinuses are dry or closed, taking a bath with hot water can be beneficial. The vapor from hot water weakens the mucus and opens the sinuses. Regular bathing in hot water is important if anyone faces sinus problems.
Reduces the risk of stroke
Research published in the journal Heart suggests that bathing in hot water may reduce the risk of stroke. Researchers analyzed the lifestyle and health data of 30,000 people and found that taking regular hot water baths reduced the risk of stroke by 26%.
Researchers believe that the heat coming from the hot water can reduce blood pressure and eventually increase heart rate. As a result, it maintains the perfect blood flow to different parts of the body.
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Reduce the blood pressure
If anyone has high blood pressure, they can consider taking a bath with hot water because the warm temperature of the water can lower blood pressure.
Cold vs. Hot Shower: Which is the better option?
While cold and hot showers are both beneficial for the human body. So, it will not be wise to signify one over another. Hence, it is better to take a shower, depending on the situation. For example, take a hot shower during the winter and take a cold shower in summer. Ultimately, taking a shower every day should be the decisive goal.
Read: Best Fruits for Fitness and Bodybuilding
4 years ago
Long COVID Syndrome: Long Term Effects of COVID-19
Although most patients with COVID-19 recover slowly within a few weeks, some people may have symptoms and complications of COVID for a long time. Many can suffer from a few weeks to a few months. Besides lungs, corona virus damages the patient's heart, kidneys, liver, circulatory system, and nervous system. There is hardly any organ left in the patient's body where the coronavirus does not carry out its destruction. This article will discuss the signs of Long COVID and long term effects of COVID-19.
Symptoms of Long COVID
Even after being COVID-19 negative, some symptoms of long COVID can last for several weeks to a few months. The commonly known symptoms of long COVID include: weakness, breathing problems, cough, bone or joint pain, chest pain, muscle aches, headache, palpitations, odor and tastelessness, loss of appetite, amnesia, inattention, sleep problems, stomach problems, hair loss, body rash, etc.
Read: Knowing your Covid symptoms can help to make informed decisions
Although COVID initially attacks the lungs, the lungs are not the only target. It can also affect the other parts of the body. Depending on which organ is affected, the signs of Long COVID will be different.
What are the long term effects of COVID-19 infection upon health?
Heart
Coronavirus infection can damage the heart. Even after recovering from COVID-19 infections, tests may show damage in the heart. In the later stages of COVID, numerous cardiovascular complications might occur, including rapid heartbeat, heart failure, and heart attack.
According to a report from June 2020, 20-30% of COVID patients were admitted to the hospital with the effect on their heart muscle. Therefore, it behooves upon the COVID-19 survivor patients to take care of their heart's health through regular medical checkups as per consultation of heart specialists.
Read COVID-19 Third Wave: Things We Need to Know
Lungs
In COVID, the lungs are damaged to varying degrees. If a healthy lifestyle is maintained, the lungs start healing after COVID recovery. It is almost completely cured most of the time. However in some cases, the damage in lungs is aggravated when the affected area is wide. This is called lung fibrosis. It means that the patient may suffer from long-term complications of the lungs.
Several days after the COVID has healed, even a few months later, a CT scan of the lungs shows evidence of fibrosis or hardening of the lung tissue. These patients suffer from various problems ranging from shortness of breath to poor health, weight loss, lack of oxygen, etc.
Read How Long Will Your COVID-19 Coronavirus Vaccination Protection Last?
Brain
COVID-19 can cause bleeding problems in the brain (stroke), convulsions, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and other issues, which is now proven by research. Scientists predict that the incidence of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's will increase in those affected by corona.
Furthermore, the probability of dementia or amnesia will increase among COVID survivors. Scientists have named some of the problems of post-COVID patients as brain fog. It means that the patient will never get back to the old memory. However, this kind of health condition is rare.
Read: WHO calls for more research into post-Covid complications
Problems with blood vessels and blood clots
COVID increases the risk of blood clots in various blood vessels in the body. This is one of the major complications of COVID. For that, people at risk are given blood thinners in the hospital. But even if the patient gets better from COVID, this risk can stay for a long time. So, we see many people being hospitalized again with heart attack and brain stroke as post-COVID complications. In addition, blood clots in the lungs, kidneys, and leg veins can cause various health issues.
Weakness and mental problems
Physical weakness and fatigue are not uncommon for many, even patients whose symptoms were mild and who were in isolation at home. However, the problem is more common among the people who required a high-dependency unit (HDU) or intensive care unit (ICU) for corona and whose symptoms were severe.
Read How Long Will Your COVID-19 Coronavirus Vaccination Protection Last?
Most patients with coronavirus face a variety of psychological problems and disasters after recovery. Depression, restlessness, posttraumatic stress syndrome, tendency to forget, mild temper tantrums, irritable mood, etc. are some of them.
Various digestive problems
After recovery, many people suffer from various stomach illnesses for a long time. Some of them include flatulence, abdominal pain, constipation, loose stools, loss of appetite, etc. However, suffering from loose stools is most common. This happens due to the impact of COVID-19 infection and eating habits. However, in most cases, the consumption of additional antibiotics creates digestive problems.
Read Coronavirus: How to get your smell and taste back after COVID-19?
Kidney and liver problems
Especially those who are already suffering from various kidney and liver diseases may experience further health problems. Kidneys or liver can get damaged or become dysfunctional due to the temporary or long-term effects of the COVID-19 infection. Therefore, liver or kidney patients need to be careful during the post-COVID period.
Sleeping problems
Corona sufferers may experience health problems in their lungs, heart, brain, or other organs of the body, which can have a temporary or long-term effect on their sleep. They might face problems in falling asleep easily or waking up repeatedly. Many COVID survivors can have nightmares in their sleep. Besides these, Sleep disturbances may occur due to stress. Again, lack of normal sleep increases physical and mental problems.
Read How to heal lungs naturally and improve breathing after recovering from COVID-19?
Who suffers most?
Surprisingly, Long COVID Syndrome does not depend on the severity of the patient's COVID-19 infection. From acute COVID to mild COVID patients, anyone can have it. However, the elderly and those with other chronic diseases are more likely to have long COVID. However, young, fit, and healthy people are also seen facing the long COVID effects.
Final words
Recovering from COVID-19, or tested corona negative, or getting discharged from the hospital does not mean the end of all suffering. The patients are experiencing multifarious health issues such as, Post-COVID diabetes, surprising fluctuations in blood pressure, problems in body-organs like thyroid, pancreas, etc. Many people are suffering from Long COVID, many are dying of new complications even after tested COVID-negative. COVID patients can fall into complications before they understand anything well.
Corona Virus constantly astonishes scientists. As the days go by, something new is being learned. Since COVID-19 is still a comparatively new disease, enough research hasn't been done yet. To date, it is not entirely clear what the consequences of this disease will be.
Therefore, prevention is still the main weapon. During the post-Covid recovery stage, each patient need to be extra careful about the health and stay under the supervision of regular doctor.
Read Dengue vs. COVID-19: Symptoms, when & where to test, ways of prevention
4 years ago
COVID-19 Third Wave: Things We Need to Know
Coronavirus outbreaks have disrupted public life around the world. Further, the second wave of the corona has hit again this year, which is not gone yet. And the third wave has already started. Concerns have also been raised about just how terrible the third wave of Covid is going to be. The COVID-19 cases are rising all over the world; hence the third wave has approached us already. Even the vaccinated people are being affected. The highly contagious Indian Delta variant is mostly responsible for the third wave.
What is COVID-19 third wave?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently warned about the third wave. The world is already in the early stage of the third coronavirus wave amid the surge and spread of the delta variant. As the variant born in 2019 is continuously mutating in more transmissible variants, WHO shows concerns about the third wave. However, India is expected to face the worst condition of the third wave in the next few months, experts say. Previously, India experienced the worst condition in the second wave compared to the other countries in the world.
The reason behind the third wave is the new variant's quick mutation as well as the ineffectiveness of the vaccine. Vaccinated people are also affected by the new variant, but it is less deadly for the vaccinated person.
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We are not following the COVID-19 health protocols, and we are gathering anywhere without maintaining the proper health guideline. As a result, the infection is rising upfront. When the rate of infection decreases and rises again significantly, a new wave is determined. And the COVID-19 cases are rising again all over the world; hence the third wave is detected.
Third-wave is risky for the children
During the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, the youths were the most affected. Experts fear the third wave could be risky for children and teenagers. The Head of the Department of Wadia Hospital of Children in Mumbai, Dr. Sudha Rao, expressed her views on why the third wave of corona could be dangerous for children. She said experts around the world fear the third wave of the Coronavirua would infect more children. The first wave affected 1-2% of children, the second wave raised the contraction level to 4-6% percent, and the third wave is expected to affect about 12-15% of children. However, it will take more time to be sure about this estimate.
There are also plausible reasons why children and teenagers are at higher risk in the third wave. The most common and obvious reason is that people under the age of 18 are not being vaccinated. If the body is infected with corona and antibodies are made, then there is no need for vaccination. But there is no information about the percentage of antibodies in children. So in terms of immunology, it can be said that children are weak. In addition, newer strains of the coronavirus can infect more children. As well as opening schools and colleges, children are more likely to be infected with the virus.
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How to fight the third wave?
Since the research shows that the children are likely to get affected by the third wave, experts suggest taking the step for the children and teenagers. According to Dr. Sudha Rao, hospitals have covid care for adults, but from now on, we need to focus on pediatric care.
There is nothing to concern when older people are hospitalized with COVID. However, if someone is in an oxygen bed or ICU bed, it does not take 24 hours attendant. But if a child with COVID is in an oxygen bed or ICU, he/she will always want his parents by his/her side. Therefore, special steps are needed to be taken to ensure that parents are vaccinated. A huge percentage of people are yet to take vaccines, especially in third-world countries. Therefore, it is important to take equal care of children in pediatric care as well as the parents who have not been vaccinated. They also need to be monitored and have a physician in care.
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It is important to train health workers from now on to manage children's medicine, treat children with moderate illness, protect them from serious illness, and identify serious conditions.
Apart from this, several other steps should be taken to counter the third wave.
Sustained surveillance and sharing of data
Sustained surveillance, as well as the share of the data, is highly necessary as these can help in decision making. The sharing of data includes systematic testing, compilation, collection, and analysis of laboratory and clinical data. In this context, WHO Chief Scientist Sowmya Swaminathan indicated that countries need to "strengthen its surveillance and closely monitor key Covid indicators to reduce the impact of a possible third wave."
The proper observation and monitoring of the viral epidemiology, as well as the genetic diversity, will help to determine the evolving nature of the pandemic. This eventually helps the authorities to make the right decision on time.
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Prepare a robust healthcare infrastructure
While the first world countries' strong healthcare structures are destroyed by the coronavirus, the third world countries are facing the worst. There is no alternative to building a solid healthcare structure. Although there is not enough time to improve the healthcare infrastructure in third-world countries, they can take some steps. They can work on increasing the COVID care centers with beds, ICUs, prompt accessibility of the medication, and increase the oxygen supply.
Post-COVID care rehabilitation
Many COVID-19 recovered patients face long-term residual effects both mentally and physically. The current healthcare structure in most of the countries doesn't offer any post-COVID care for the recovered individuals. And it is more needed for the third wave caused by the delta variant. So, there is a dire need to work on post-COVID care units and offer the service to these requirements comprehensively.
Last but not the least, a mass vaccination program is the only way to fight any upcoming variants as well as waves.
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How Long Will Your COVID-19 Coronavirus Vaccination Protection Last?
Mass vaccination programs have been launched around the world to control the Covid-19. As of August 28, 2021, 5.13 billion doses have been given globally, and 36.21 million doses are given each day. So, 33% of the world population got at least one dose of the Covid-19 coronavirus vaccine. It is often heard that many people are suffering from coronavirus even after taking two doses of the vaccine. However, it was hoped that the risk of Covid-19 would be greatly reduced after vaccination. Therefore, a new question was raised, how long the Covid-19 vaccine protection will last? Though there has not been any specific answer to this question, and research is still going to find that.
But we often see new variants of coronavirus being invented in different countries. Some of these variants spread the infection at a deadly rate, and the severity of the disease is also high. The recent outbreak of the delta variant is a prime example of this. The delta variant is now available in more than 130 countries. Countries around the world are worried about the increasing number of infections and deaths due to the new Covid-19 variants. In this situation, the question arises again, how effective are the current Covid-19 vaccines against the newer variants?
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Usually, vaccines give us complete protection, but the reality about the Covid-19 vaccine is, it can't provide complete protection, and Covid-19 can attack the vaccinated person too. But there may be some relief from the risk of too much damage.
How long does the Covid-19 Vaccine take to Build Immunity?
After vaccination, the human body takes some time to recognize the genetic components of the coronavirus and to make antibodies and T-cells. These then begin to block the virus from entering the body's cells or kill the infected cells. So, it takes at least two weeks or more for the vaccine to become fully effective.
How does the Covid-19 Vaccine Work in the Human Body?
The COVID-19 vaccine usually works on developing Immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without making us sick. Several types of vaccines work on providing protection in several ways, but commonly the vaccines provide the body with "memory" T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes that will recall how to fight the virus in the future.
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It normally takes a few weeks for the vaccinated body to make T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes after vaccination. Thus, a person may become infected with the Covid-19 virus just before or immediately after vaccination and later become ill because there was not enough time for the vaccine to fight against the virus.
After the vaccination, the immunity building process can raise symptoms such as fever. These symptoms are normal, and it is a sign of increased Immunity of the body.
Types of Covid-19 Vaccines
Currently, there are four main types of COVID-19 vaccines, mRNA vaccines, whole virus vaccines, protein subunit vaccines, and viral vector Covid-19 vaccines.
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mRNA vaccines are normally genetically engineered mRNA that provide instructions to your cells to make S protein available on the Covid-19 virus' surface. After our cells replicate the protein, they destroy the genetic material from the vaccine. Our body understands that the protein should not be there and should make T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes, which can make the vaccine to fight the virus in the future. Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are examples of mRNA vaccines.
The whole virus vaccine includes Sinopharm and Sinovac, which work on weakening or deactivating the form of the pathogen that is responsible for the Covid-19. These types of vaccines use inactivated pathogens. So, they cannot replicate or infect the cells but can work on triggering the immune response. Therefore, a booster dose might be needed for complete safety.
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The protein subunit vaccine has purified pathogen instead of the whole pathogen to trigger the immune response. Once vaccinated, our immune system realizes that proteins are not included in the body and begins to produce T-lymphocytes and antibodies. If we ever become infected in the future, memory cells will recognize and fight the virus. Novavax is an example of a protein subunit vaccine.
Viral vector Covid-19 vaccines put a new and modified version of the virus known as "the vector," which ultimately delivers genetic code for antigen. Once the viral vector enters into our cells, the genetic material instructs the cells to make a protein that causes the virus-19. Using these instructions, our cells replicate the protein.
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Further, it induces our bodies to produce T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes, which will remind the body how to fight the virus if we become infected in the future. Oxford-AstraZeneca and Sputnik V are examples of viral vector vaccines.
Coronaviru Vaccine Efficiency
As you already know, several types of vaccines have been given to prevent coronavirus. However, how long the Immunity of any corona vaccine will last is still unclear.
According to a recent report, a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the first dose of Pfizer-BioNTech and modern vaccines is 80 percent effective, and the second dose is 90 percent effective. People who have been vaccinated have a lower risk of corona than others.
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People who have taken Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines will have Immunity for at least 6 months. It is 100% effective for CDC-listed sick people and 95.3% for FDA-listed patients. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is also known to be effective in South Africa. Also, the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine has an efficacy of up to 90 percent when given two doses.
Side Effects of COVID-19 Vaccines
Like all other medicines or vaccines, Covid-19 vaccines have some side effects. But, in most cases, the side effects are very mild, such as pain at the injection site, swelling, redness, weakness, muscle and joint pain, nausea, fever, fatigue, etc. However, no serious side effects have been reported so far. But, if there is any problem after the vaccination, you must go to the nearest hospital and seek doctor's advice.
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Coronavirus: How to get your smell and taste back after COVID-19?
One of the symptoms of coronavirus infection is loss of taste and smell. Losing taste and smell at the same is quite uncomfortable. Fortunately, after recovering from being infected with the deadly virus, it takes a long time to regain smell and taste. In many cases, the taste and smell do not return even after recovery from the corona. While other symptoms have subsided, this problem persists in many. As a result, many people are losing their normal amount of hunger. Many are also emotionally broken due to this.
But how will the taste and smell return? No effective cure has yet been found for the symptoms. But there are some domestic methods and foods that can bring back the smell and taste.
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What is the reason for the loss of smell and taste in the corona?
Doctors say the smell and taste can be reduced not only by coronavirus but also by other respiratory infections. That feeling may return slowly after the infection has healed. But, after recovering from corona, it may take a week in some cases, a month in others, and more in some cases to regain the sense of taste and smell.
Even if the fever or cold is not very high, this feeling of taste and smell go away within five days of being infected. In medical science, its name is 'Anosmia.'
Coronavirus can attach itself to the nervous system very quickly. The virus easily travels through the nose and attaches itself to the small nerves. Various studies have shown that the cells that keep our sense of smell active are attacked by the Covid virus. After that, the cell remains busy, preventing other infections.
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As a result, they have to move away from their main job, and sensitive information about smell does not reach the brain. That's why the recovered person cannot differentiate the taste and smell of foods or something. It has also been seen that the person gets confused with one smell with another.
According to a study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine, 95% of patients regain their sense of smell within 6 months. In most patients, the coronavirus cannot permanently damage the olfactory neural circuits. Those who have stronger immunity can get back the sense of smell and taste quickly.
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Getting your smell and taste back after Covid-19
Among all the Covid-19 symptoms, the sense of smell and taste take longer to recover. But no matter how late, the sense of smell and taste must return to normal. However, there is no 'proven' remedy for these symptoms. However, it is important to know a few food options that can help you regain your sense of taste and smell.
Garlic
Garlic has its own unique smell, and it is a powerful anti-viral. Further, it also helps in increasing immunity. Garlic may also have properties that reduce inflammation, ease breathing and help restore smell and taste more quickly. Heat 2 to 3 cloves of garlic in water and eat a little cold. Eat twice this way regularly. The olfactory cells will work properly, and the taste will return in a short time.
Lemon
Lemon contains vitamin C, and the smell of lemon is very refreshing. The good thing about the lemon is that it has the ability to fight viral bacteria. Eating lemon will be helpful for the closed nose, colds, and coughs. Corona sufferers can benefit from drinking lemon and honey in warm water every morning. However, the patients may need to eat for 2 consecutive months. Besides, the patient can also eat lemon pickles with rice or bread.
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Mint
Mint has a very nice smell, which keeps the mind and body fresh and keeps the nerves calm. It also helps to restore the taste. Drinking mint tea works on restoring both taste and smell. It works even better if the patient can drink green tea with mint.
Take Vapor
Taking vapor works great on recovering from cold or sneezing. For that, boil the water pot; when the water boils, turn off the gas and cover the head with a towel. Open your mouth, breathe well and exhale through your nose. Do this several times. All the blockages will be opened, and you will be able to breathe well. Continuous vaping will bring back the smell as soon as the cold is gone. This habit is very good even for a healthy person.
Red Chilli
Red chilli or chilli powder can be helpful in getting back your lost sense of smell. It contains powerful ingredients that can effectively 'clean' a stuffy nose. As well as activating the senses and helping to improve the effectiveness of olfactory sensations. Drinking a small amount of honey or sugar in a cup of pure water with red chilli powder more than once a day will be effective in getting back the smell.
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Drink warm water
Whenever you drink water, try to drink lukewarm water instead of cold water. But it is not advisable to drink too hot and drink a certain level of hot water that the body can tolerate. However, if you have difficulty drinking hot water, you can drink plain water. But drinking hot water at least twice a day will surely accelerate resolving the problem.
Smell training
Smell training is a process to sniff different scents every day over a period of months. This can help to enable the brain to recognize different smells. Taking smell for 20 seconds for each scent lets you concentrate on your smell training. This eventually helps you to recognize different smells, and you can smell everything correctly gradually.
Is there any medication?
Although there is no medication for this, you can contact your doctor if your smell or taste doesn't go back to normal within a few weeks. However, you may find many suggested medications on the internet. But taking the medication without the doctor's advice can be deadly sometimes.
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