How better a Health Could Be Defined? What could be the Definition of Health? What is the Composition of Health?

What is Health?

The world consists of two types of people when it comes to the knowledge of health. These people could either be the group of people who know what exactly health is and that includes our medical experts and practitioners.The second group holds the people who barely know about the health.

The definition of health could be a little more than what we normally think it is. Usually, Health is defined as the state of well being. But it is not sufficient in my perspective. Definition of health must be elaborated in different aspects. In order to understand health, we need to visualize what health comprises of. Therefore, health is comprised of following;

1. Psychological state/ Mental state or Mental health
2. Internal systematic Functions/ Functions of the different systems
3. Immune System/ Immunity

The above three parameters are the fundamentals of our health. If any of these parameters gets disordered, we may say that one’s status is unhealthy. If you have no signs of sickness nor any disease but you could not slept last night peacefully, your health is compromised. If you often gets sick then that means your immune system is not strong enough to combat external matters and thus, you will be considered as unhealthy.

How to Keep Health Good?

In our daily lives, We have been taught and advised to have normal morning or evening walks everyday ( For that, many people have bought smartwatches and spent hundreds and thousands in order to retain such activity ). Drinking milk and eating an apple everyday is also considered healthy but there are very few among us who know more than this aforementioned activities.

Jogging is one of the exercises that many obese people adopt in their lives in order to get slim but here is the tip. ” Jogging is not for everyone “. Now a question arises, why? Answer to this question is that jogging is healthier for people who have normal bmi ( Body mass index ). This is because jogging puts alot of pressure on the legs as compared to normal walking. and ultimately pressure leads to friction. So, if an obese person will jog, there are chances of knee injury or muscle pain which leads to discomfortness.

Drinking water is very healthier but how many of us know that stopping the intake of food almost three to four hours before bedtime is even healthier as well. And at the same time, eating less than the capacity is the best advice that anybody could provide. The reason behind is that when someone eats and sleep quickly, There are chances of liver inflammation because liver secretes different enzymes that help in the breakdown of food, Simply we can say liver helps in metabolism.

How to keep Immunity Strong?

Immunity is our defense mechanism against foreign particles. These foreign particles could be either micro organism such as virus, bacteria etc or any particle that could be introduced to our bodies. Immunity must be strong in order to keep ourselves healthy. Many vitamins play vital role in boosting immunity. Such vitamins could be taken up from fruits, vegetables, seafood etc. Dates, figs and dry fruits have enormous amount of vitamins but intake of such food items are very less in our daily lives.

Impact of Atmosphere:

Atmosphere, in other words, Surrounding greatly affects the health of any person. This is because micro organisms and other hazardous substances are found in our surroundings which increases the chances of infections and different kinds of diseases. If someone is living in an area in the surrounding of which is more traffic, more confrontation of things then there is a greater probability of sickness as compared to the person who is living in a bit isolated area.

Conclusion:

Health does not mean only the state of well being but actually many parameters collaborate together forming health. In order to stay healthy, We need to keep a balance in every thing and everywhere. A normal everyday walk is far better than brisky jogging. Do not consider small term solutions but rather look up for better and healthy solutions.

Study of Alcohols, Its Etymology and Chemistry

Introduction:

As the name indicates, This blog will be compensating the aforementioned term ”Alcohols”. Alcohols are one of the most demanding class of organic compounds that are being used widely in commercial products, cosmetics, pharmaceutical products, fuels, paints and furnishes, polishing liquids and in almost every industry somehow and could make up the 80-90% of the market’s holdings.

Normal spirits that are being used for disinfection purposes are spirits. Many pharmaceutical products contain alcohols such as elixirs, cough syrups and many more. Fuels, paints, these are all organic compounds and comprise of alcoholic groups. Alcohols are also used in microbiological studies, For research purposes. Many drinks that are being consumed occasionally contain alcohols such as vodka, beers, wine and etc.

Etymology:

1540s (early 15th century. as alcofol), “fine powder produced by sublimation,” from Medieval Latin alcohol “powdered ore of antimony,” from Arabic al-kuhul “kohl,” the fine metallic powder used to darken the eyelids, from kahala “to stain, paint.” The al- is the Arabic definite article, “the.”

Paracelsus (1493-1541) used the word to refer to a fine powder but also a volatile liquid. By 1670s it was being used in English for “any sublimated substance, the pure spirit of anything,” including liquids. Sense of “intoxicating ingredient in strong liquor” is first recorded 1753, short for alcohol of wine, which was extended to “the intoxicating element in fermented liquors.” In organic chemistry, the word was extended 1850 to the class of compounds of the same type as this.

Note:

Paragraphs for etymology have been extracted from the below reference.

https://www.etymonline.com/word/alcohol

Chemistry of Alcohols:

In order to understand the chemistry of alcohols, First we need to understand a little bit chemistry.

What is Chemistry? Well, Chemistry is the branch of science that is concerned with the substances of which matter is composed, the investigation of their properties and reactions, and the use of such reactions to form new substances. Or in simple words, It may be defined as ” Chemistry is the branch of science which deals with the composition of matter and its physical and chemical properties ”.

Chemistry has been further sub branched into many classes but here we will divide it into two branches for our own ease. So, Chemistry is further divided into inorganic and organic chemistry.

Inorganic chemistry is concerned with the properties and behavior of inorganic compounds, which include metals, minerals, and organo-metallic compounds. Examples of inorganic compounds may include water, acids, salts, iron compounds and etc.

While organic chemistry is defined as the study of carbon-containing compounds and inorganic chemistry is the study of the remaining subset of compounds other than organic compounds, there is overlap between the two fields (such as organo-metallic compounds, which usually contain a metal or metalloid bonded directly to carbon). Example of organic compounds may include ethanol, butanol, acetones, ketones, carboxylic acids, fuels and many more.

Chemically, Alcohols comprise of carbon chains of any length having atleast one hydroxyl group attached to any of the carbon. Hydroxyl group ( -OH group ) is a mandatory factor to call any compound alcoholic.

A diagram has been quoted above to ease our understanding about alcohols. As it can be seen, There is a carbon chain comprises of four carbons having their bonds with hydrogen but there is also one hydroxyl group attached to the second carbon. This hydroxyl group represents alcoholic group and in the field of chemistry, Hydroxyl groups are being called as alcoholic groups. Hence, the overall compound is alcoholic in nature.

Conclusion:

Alcohols are the widely used organic compounds in today’s markets. Their importance and consumption plays a key role in world’s economy. World’s Statistical reports show huge alcohol consumption in different regions of the world, in different ages of people as well.

Such class of organic compounds have rooted strongly worldwide. Its demand reaches to almost 80-90% of the world’s industrial zones. However, there are some dark sides of this specific class of organic compound and that would be discussed in the coming blogs.

Please convey your messages and/or comments in the comment section. Your appreciation is highly important.

References:

https://www.etymonline.com/word/alcohol

https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/careers/college-to-career/areas-of-chemistry/inorganic-chemistry.html

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Drugs And the Concept of Drug Abuse.What is meant by Drug Abuse? How drugs can affect us? Do Drugs cause addiction?

In our daily lives, We consume alot of stuff in order to gain something. Those consuming items could either be supplemental such as our daily food which is rich in fundamental nutrients that are essential for us for our living and which includes proteins, carbohydrates,fats, salts, water, vitamins and etc. So, They are like energy packets for us from which we gain energy and they are also essential for our health system. In order to keep us healthy, we need all these essential nutrients. It is important to understand the balance between the consumption and utilization of anything.

Concept Of Drug:

What is the definition of Drug? What is it mean by a drug? How would one define a drug? Let’s try to understand the drug and/or its concept. Drug could be anything which can be beneficial for us in any manner. For example, When our homeostatic condition is disturbed somehow and our body temperature rises, We call it fever. In order to lower the temperature, We either take a drug such as Paracetamol or drink water so that our body temperature gets back to normal. So, Paracetamol is a drug. Now, If someone gets weak, that needs some kind of minerals to restore the health. That mineral could either be a salt or any nutrient in the form of supplements that are available in the markets. So, In this case, Drug is either a salt or that specific nutrient.

Drug Abuse:

Our body has limits to everything we consume. It is just like we consume food in a limited quantity, water we drink in limited volume per day. It is because the space we have been provided inside is naturally upto some limits. If we consume more food than normal routine, Then we start having stomach problems and vice versa. Similar is the case with drugs. The main and important thing that segregate drugs from normal food is their potency. Drugs are highly potent and they are consumed in milligrams or some are consumed rather in micrograms.

In order to understand the concept of drug abuse, One must get onself known about the three levels of effects that could be produced by any drug when consumed. Those levels are:

• No Effect
• Therapeutic Effect
• Lethal Effect

Drugs show their effects when a certain level of quantity is reached into our systemic circulation, In general terms, this means in blood. This is because of the reason of drug receptor binding. In order to achieve therapeutic effect, certain amount of drug needs to be bound with receptors that are present in our blood. That is why, the drugs that are available in markets are of specific dose or quantity. If a drug is consumed below its defined quantity, There is a possibility of zero to little effects. When a drug is consumed in its rightful quantity, therapeutic effects are achieved and this therepeutic effect is our desired effect. If a drug is consumed above the required quantity, that could produce undesired or harmful effects and/or even may disturb our central system. That is the reason, Patients are given a calculated amount of drug for their cure.

Therapeutic Window:

Therapeutic window is the gap between therapeutic effects and lethal effects. Or, it may also be defined as ” This window defines the limit of any drug given in order to achieve beneficial effects”. Drugs who are extremely potent have narrow therapeutic window and require keen observation during administration such as digoxin. This is because, the difference between the therapeutic dose and lethal dose is much smaller. Lethal dose could lead to death.

Blood Brain Barrier:

Naturally, Our brain or central nervous system has been protected via membrane so to avoid any harm to this delicate part of our body and to keep the normal activity. This membrane is known as blood brain barrier. Not all the drugs could pass through this membrane but there are some which could possibly pass through it. Those drugs are addictive in properties which means that they can cause addiction if taken for long such as Nicotine, Caffeine and besides, many drugs that are hypnotics or sedatives. And here comes the concept of drug abuse. Drug abuse means that a drug is taken for addictive intentions and not for its therapeutic purposes.

Such drugs when consumed soothen our mind and the consumer feels a relief. But when the quantity starts declining in our blood, The thirst for the consumption increases and the person feels terrible. Many addictive drugs are highly potent as they can cause addiction right after second or third consumption but this is not sufficient. It also depends upon the physiology of each person. Some individuals are much resistant to these kind of narcotic drugs and their bodies combat against their will but some may addicted quicker. The food we eat also plays a vital role in our health system. Addiction could be adapted abruptly but it could be harder for someone to withdraw addiction and for that purpose, there are many rehabilitation centers available in order to cure people that got into addiction either accidently or intentionally or somehow.

Conclusion:

The food we eat is a drug and its over consumption may lead to harmful effects such as kidney stones, stomach issues because of the reason that our food is rich in minerals and basic nutrients. Similarly, The supplements or the medicines we take also could either be beneficial or harmful or in the worst case, Could be lethal depending upon the amount of doses. So, There shall always be a balance in our consumption..

A drug is abused or can be abused when it is taken for the purposes other than cure or beneficial or therapeutic effects. And ultimately, drug abuse leads to addiction which gets worse and terrible with the passage of time. Addiction may lead to death in its worst scenarios due to high consumption of addictive drugs that could finally lead to some strokes, cardiac failures, hepatic or renal failures.

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Did We Know That? Do We Care? Are you Curious About your Health? Are you Facing Health Problems?

In Today’s blog, we are going to highlight the modern life health cautions.
There was a time when people used to eat freshly sown vegetables and fruits. and if we go little back in time, we will come to the point that people of those times were much healthier than us. They were more energetic and sonic. They had better mental and physical health.
So what exactly happened with the passage of time. Even though we call ourselves modern. We got better and advanced technologies, food processing abilities and much more.But why is our health deteriorating despite being good enough.
Before going deeper into that. Lets think for a while that do we know how food is being processed now a days. Did we ever focus upon our daily diet. How much of the food we eat is fresh and what amount of the food is processed or preserved. Do we know how things are made now a days. What chemicals are being used to process and preserve these foods for the particular period of time. how is plastic affecting our food products. What is leaching and sorption? What is the effect of preserved food on our health? on our bodies? why the gastro intestinal problems are rising?

All these questions grab our minds when we start observing ourselves and our surroundings. Obesity, cardiac and digestive problems have become very common in our societies. Our temptation towards junk food is one of the biggest reasons for obesity and all aforementioned disorders.

According to the report, Between 2013 and 2016, about 37% of US adults consumed fast food on any given day. This is a huge number which may increase with time.

The link is: https://edition.cnn.com/2018/10/03/health/fast-food-consumption-cdc-study/index.html
According to the statistical unit of cdc ( Center for disease control ) which is National center for health statistics.
Data of digestive diseases of u.s citizens.
Morbidity: Number of adults with diagnosed ulcers: 14.8 million

Percent of adults with diagnosed ulcers: 5.9%

Number of visits to physician offices with diseases of the digestive system as the primary diagnosis: 22.4 million
Emergency department visits
Number of visits to emergency departments with diseases of the digestive system as the primary diagnosis: 8.3 million

The link to the statistics is: https://ftp.cdc.gov/pub/Health_Statistics/NCHS/NHIS/SHS/2018_SHS_Table_A-4.pdf

In our daily routine, We do use number of tanned and/or preserved food items. On average, Almost more than 30 percent of our consumption comprises of preserved food products which may include tomatoes, fries, milk, dairy products, mix vegetable packs and many more. Though the food preserving firms do make sure that the quality of the products stays high but there are certain chemicals that leach into the food and may cause problems in long run. For example, Ghee is the hydrogenised form of oil. Ghee is made by the hydrogenation reaction of oil in the presence of nickel ( in traces). This nickel is hazardous for our health. There could be many more examples.

This is what i do feel about all this matter. Please let me know about your opinions. Sometimes, we shall not believe in what we have been shown.

What is Dexamethasone? New Research Says Steroid Can Reduce Mortality Ratio in Covid-19 Patients With Severe Conditions

The drug has been found potent in reducing mortality ratio by 17% in coronavirus patients with severly ill conditions but some doctors have still objections over its reported benefits.

It has been nearly six months since corona virus a.k.a Covid-19 has been gripping the world and in this shot period of time, multiple medications—namely hydroxychloroquine ( Commonly used antimalarial drug and recently had its emergency use authorization revoked by the FDA) and remdesivir, an antiviral drug currently in the lead for proven, albeit modest benefits in treatment)—have been found as “game-changer” in the treatment.

We have recently got an add on in the tray of medicines that are presently given in the treatment of corona virus. Pharmacologically, Its a corticosteroidal molecule, commonly known as Dexamethasone. This information has been received from a statement released on Tuesday from chief investigators who conducted clinical trial in uk regarding the effectiveness of dexamethasone in severly ill or hospitalized covid-19 patients who require oxygen because of their respiratory systems being compromised due to virus. Dexamethasone has been found potent upto the extent that scientists are pondering to recognize this molecule as a standard in the treatment against covid-19.

This could be because of the mechanism of action of steroids or their nature, being anti inflammatory. Thus, reducing the inflammation inside the respiratory system paving the way for oxygen supply and the patient gets able to breathe smoothly. It is admirable to have such effects against covid-19 but there is a need of more trials and research as whether using steroids could be beneficial in long run? Because historically, It has been observed that using steroids may lead to many cardiac, renal and hepatic dysfunctions or disorders.

It must be kept at the front that dexamethasone is not the only drug currently being used. Besides, other forementioned drugs are also on the list including azithromycin which is a very commonly used antiobiotic. Being respiratorily compromised, one may lead to cardiac arrests, shock conditions and many severe conditions as well. Drugs have their therapeutic windows and index which means that every drug has its potency within a particular range of dose. Once it is crossed, It could lead to toxic effects. Just for the sake of an example, i would like to include that a very commonly used pain killer in our societies in paracetamol ( Brand Name: Panadol ). It comes in 500mg tablet normally. But it could be harmful for the human body if the blood levels reaches upto certain amount.

Reference: http://www.health.com

How long the covid-19 would last? This might be the question everybody might be thinking of!

It’s been almost half an year since the world is facing corona virus outbreak. In this interval, Many people have lost their loved ones. Many souls have been departed. The regulatory authorities put restrictions nationwide. The markets were observed with tremendous downfall. And finally, We are now into depression phase. Everyone is waiting for these restrictions to be lifted up because its summer time and it would not need any attention that how much summers are being missed for the whole year.

1. As long as people keep co operating with the governments and regulatory bodies by following the covid protocols, It can be assumed that soon such restrictions would be lighten up.

It has been observed in many places that people are avoiding face masks and maybe the other protective protocols too. Why is that so? or Why isn’t it should be like that? The answers could be both. Initially, People did follow the safety measures took by the health bodies but this is a normal human behaviour or in other words we can say a human psychology that we get frustrated with things easily and soon. So, The problem arised is that we need to live against our behaviour and/or mindset and follow the safety protocols as long as this whole scenario gets ended.

2. None of us knows when would this whole situation reaches to an end.

Many countries including some parts of united states, europe, scandanavia and even Asia, after the series of restrictions, finally have loosen their policies regarding corona virus due to some other factors that must be focused upon and need attention. One of those factors includes Economy. Many think tankers suggested that putting the state curfews is not the solution for this outbreak. Though decisions were made to restrict sociel meetups but soon the authorities realized that these decisions would either sooner or later affect the economy. Therefore, It has now been eased upto some limits but still preventive measures need to be taken up.

3. Is the vaccine under production?

Multiple pharmaceutical industries went into research in order to prepare the vaccine specifically for the covid-19. Some months ago, It was being heard that some combinationa therapies have been found quite effective against covid-19. The famous is of azithromycin with chloroquine. And now a days, Dexamethasone is getting fame for its anti inflammatory action in patients with severe conditions.

When will the vaccines hit the markets? The answer for this question is still pending. Presently, No one can provide a specific date for the availability of vaccines for covid-19 in markets but we must endorse and appreciate that the scientists are doing their best to bring their knowledge into practice. Some scientists also conducted successful trials of vaccines ( prepared specifically for other infections previously) that were injected into covid-19 patients and got positive results.

CONCLUSION:

It can be assumed by the flow of trials that vaccines may soon hit the markets but till then, We shall keep distancing and follow the necessary protocols.

REMEMBER: WE ARE NOT ONLY SAFEGUARDING OURSELVES BUT BY FOLLOWING THE SAFETY PROTOCOLS, WE ARE ALSO SAFEGUARDING OUR SOCIETIES AND THE WHOLE PUBLIC

WHAT IS BIOTECHNOLOGY?

In Today’s blog, we will be discussing about the term ” Biotechnology ”. The first and important thing we should know is that ” What is Biotechnology? ” How would anyone define Biotechnology? What does Biotechnology mean? So, Lets have a look at its origin.

The term ” Biotechnology ” is the combination of two words. ”Bio” and ” Technology”. Bio is a Greek word which means ” life ” and technology upholds a broad meaning that includes ” the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes ”. So, Together biotechnology involves the technology that is used upon the living beings in a scientific manner in order to obtain useful products for the betterment of mankind. It is to be mentioned that products obtained through biotechnological processes could be helpful for human beings either directly or indirectly.

TYPES OF BIOTECHNOLOGY:

Biotechnology, Based upon its application is divided mainly into four categories or groups which are;

1. Healthcare Biotechnology
2. Agricultural Biotechnology
3. Industrial Biotechnology
4. Environmental Biotechnology

CONCEPT AND NEED:

Over centuries, A practice of using plants ( herbs etc ) and animals was common among the human beings for their own benefits. Numerous components used to be extracted from plants for their medicinal values and other cosmetic effects. Similar is the case with animals for being as important as plants such as ” Musk Deer ” whose meat is considered a local delicacy, and musk is still used in various medicines in order to cardiac, circulatory and respiratory disorders. The sun bear is a specie that is killed for its gallbladder, which is used for treating everything from burns to asthma to cancer.

With the discovery of microscope, A new era of science and scientific research hit the world. Many discoveries were made by the scientists, Many micro organisms were discovered. Their living patterns, mechanisms and behaviours were studied and published. A new field of biology came into being which till today known as ” Micro Biology ”. Scientists came to know that these micro organisms secrete many various types of chemicals that could be used in many medicinal products and even some of them could be used as drugs for many diseases. There are number of examples available, among which are the Penicillins originally derived from fungus. There is a normal flora of our body that help us in metabolism.

Scientists proposed that such activities by micro organisms could be used positively for human’s ease and benefits by involving technology. So, The technology was incorporated and micro organisms were used as the starter or primer in many various processes among which the very famous one is ” Fermentation ”. Other examples may include Antivenoms, Vaccines, Antiallergic drugs are being prepared via biotechnology and many more.

CONCLUSION:

A vast number of products are available in markets that are being prepared and/or manufactured with the help of biotechnological processes. Biotechnology is a very brighter and broad side of natural sciences which could be made even more broader by bringing more brains and ideas into this field. It could not be thought that how many scientists worldwide would be discussing this term with different approaches and angles but the simpler thought is that there is still much more to dig in. It’s a vision for many new ideas and discoveries. It’s a deep well of knowledge that could lead us to the path of new formations and new class of lifestyle.

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THE ORIGIN OF THE SARS CORONA VIRUS ( COVID-19 )

THE VIRUS

On 30 December 2019, three bronchoalveolar lavage samples were collected from a patient
with pneumonia of unknown etiology – a surveillance definition established following the
SARS outbreak of 2002-2003 – in Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital. Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) assays
on these samples were positive for pan-Betacoronavirus. Using Illumina and nanopore
sequencing, the whole genome sequences of the virus were acquired. Bioinformatic
analyses indicated that the virus had features typical of the coronavirus family and belonged
to the Betacoronavirus 2B lineage. Alignment of the full-length genome sequence of the
COVID-19 virus and other available genomes of Betacoronavirus showed the closest
relationship was with the bat SARS-like coronavirus strain BatCov RaTG13, identity 96%.
Virus isolation was conducted with various cell lines, such as human airway epithelial cells,
Vero E6, and Huh-7. Cytopathic effects (CPE) were observed 96 hours after inoculation.
Typical crown-like particles were observed under transmission electron microscope (TEM)
with negative staining. The cellular infectivity of the isolated viruses could be completely
neutralized by the sera collected from convalescent patients. Transgenic human ACE2 mice
and Rhesus monkey intranasally challenged by this virus isolate induced multifocal
pneumonia with interstitial hyperplasia. The COVID-19 virus was subsequently detected
and isolated in the lung and intestinal tissues of the challenged animals.

Whole genome sequencing analysis of 104 strains of the COVID-19 virus isolated from
patients in different localities with symptom onset between the end of December 2019 and
mid-February 2020 showed 99.9% homology, without significant mutation.

NOTE

1. COVID-19 virus is referred to as 2019-nCoV, the interim virus name WHO announced early in the
   outbreak.

2. COVID-19 is referred to throughout as novel coronavirus pneumonia or
NCP, the term by which COVID-19 is most widely known in the People’s Republic of China.

Post-mortem samples from a 50-year old male patient from Wuhan were taken from the
lung, liver, and heart. Histological examination showed bilateral diffuse alveolar damage
with cellular fibromyxoid exudates. The lung showed evident desquamation of
pneumocytes and hyaline membrane formation, indicating acute respiratory distress
syndrome (ARDS). Lung tissue also displayed cellular and fibromyxoid exudation,
desquamation of pneumocytes and pulmonary oedema. Interstitial mononuclear
inflammatory infiltrates, dominated by lymphocytes, were seen in both lungs.
Multinucleated syncytial cells with atypical enlarged pneumocytes characterized by large
nuclei, amphophilic granular cytoplasm, and prominent nucleoli were identified in the intra-alveolar spaces, showing viral cytopathic-like changes. No obvious intranuclear or intracytoplasmic viral inclusions were identified.

THE OUTBREAK

As of 20 February 2020, a cumulative total of 75,465 COVID-19 cases were reported in
China. Reported cases are based on the National Reporting System (NRS) between the 6
National and Provincial Health Commissions. The NRS issues daily reports of newly
recorded confirmed cases, deaths, suspected cases, and contacts. A daily report is provided
by each province at 0300hr in which they report cases from the previous day.
The epidemic curves presented in Figures 2 and 3 are generated using China’s National
Infectious Disease Information System (IDIS), which requires each COVID-19 case to be
reported electronically by the responsible doctor as soon as a case has been diagnosed. It
includes cases that are reported as asymptomatic and data are updated in real time.
Individual case reporting forms are downloaded after 2400hr daily.

DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS

Among 55,924 laboratory confirmed cases reported as of 20 February 2020, the median age
is 51 years (range 2 days-100 years old; IQR 39-63 years old) with the majority of cases
(77.8%) aged between 30–69 years. Among reported cases, 51.1% are male, 77.0% are from
Hubei and 21.6% are farmers or laborers by occupation.

ZOONOTIC ORIGINS

COVID-19 is a zoonotic virus. From phylogenetics analyses undertaken with available full
genome sequences, bats appear to be the reservoir of COVID-19 virus, but the intermediate
host(s) has not yet been identified. However, three important areas of work are already
underway in China to inform our understanding of the zoonotic origin of this outbreak.
These include early investigations of cases with symptom onset in Wuhan throughout
December 2019, environmental sampling from the Huanan Wholesale Seafood Market and
other area markets, and the collection of detailed records on the source and type of wildlife
species sold at the Huanan market and the destination of those animals after the market
was closed.

ROUTES OF TRANSMISSION

COVID-19 is transmitted via droplets and fomites during close unprotected contact between
an infector and infectee. Airborne spread has not been reported for COVID-19 and it is not
believed to be a major driver of transmission based on available evidence; however, it can
be envisaged if certain aerosol-generating procedures are conducted in health care facilities.
Fecal shedding has been demonstrated from some patients, and viable virus has been
identified in a limited number of case reports. However, the fecal-oral route does not
appear to be a driver of COVID-19 transmission; its role and significance for COVID-19
remains to be determined. Viral shedding is discussed in the Technical Findings (Annex C).

HOUSEHOLD TRANSMISSION

In China, human-to-human transmission of the COVID-19 virus is largely occurring in
families. The Joint Mission received detailed information from the investigation of clusters
and some household transmission studies, which are ongoing in a number of Provinces.
Among 344 clusters involving 1308 cases (out of a total 1836 cases reported) in Guangdong
Province and Sichuan Province, most clusters (78%-85%) have occurred in families.
Household transmission studies are currently underway, but preliminary studies ongoing in
Guangdong estimate the secondary attack rate in households ranges from 3-10%.

CONTACT TRACING

China has a policy of meticulous case and contact identification for COVID-19. For example,
in Wuhan more than 1800 teams of epidemiologists, with a minimum of 5 people/team, are
tracing tens of thousands of contacts a day. Contact follow up is painstaking, with a high
percentage of identified close contacts completing medical observation. Between 1% and
5% of contacts were subsequently laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19, depending on
location. For example:
• As of 17 February, in Shenzhen City, among 2842 identified close contacts, 2842
(100%) were traced and 2240 (79%) have completed medical observation. Among
the close contacts, 88 (3.1%) were found to be infected with COVID-19.9
• As of 17 February, in Sichuan Province, among 25493 identified close contacts,
25347 (99%) were traced and 23178 (91%) have completed medical observation.
Among the close contacts, 0.9% were found to be infected with COVID-19.
• As of 20 February, in Guangdong Province, among 9939 identified close contacts,
9939 (100%) were traced and 7765 (78%) have completed medical observation.
Among the close contacts, 479 (4.8%) were found to be infected with COVID-19.
Testing at fever clinics and from routine ILI/SARI surveillance
The Joint Mission systematically enquired about testing for COVID-19 from routine
respiratory disease surveillance systems to explore if COVID-19 is circulating more broadly
and undetected in the community in China. These systems could include RT-PCR testing of
COVID-19 virus in influenza-like-illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI)
surveillance systems, as well as testing of results among all visitors to fever clinics.

In Wuhan, COVID-19 testing of ILI samples (20 per week) in November and December 2019
and in the first two weeks of January 2020 found no positive results in the 2019 samples, 1
adult positive in the first week of January, and 3 adults positive in the second week of
January; all children tested were negative for COVID-19 although a number were positive for
influenza. In Guangdong, from 1-14 January, only 1 of more than 15000 ILI/SARI samples
tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. In one hospital in Beijing, there were no COVID-19
positive samples among 1910 collected from 28 January 2019 to 13 February 2020. In a
hospital in Shenzhen, 0/40 ILI samples were positive for COVID-19.
Within the fever clinics in Guangdong, the percentage of samples that tested positive for the
COVID-19 virus has decreased over time from a peak of 0.47% positive on 30 January to
0.02% on 16 February. Overall in Guangdong, 0.14% of approximately 320,000 fever clinic
screenings were positive for COVID-19.

SUSCEPTIBILITY

As COVID-19 is a newly identified pathogen, there is no known pre-existing immunity in
humans. Based on the epidemiologic characteristics observed so far in China, everyone is
assumed to be susceptible, although there may be risk factors increasing susceptibility to
infection. This requires further study, as well as to know whether there is neutralising
immunity after infection.

CHILDREN

Data on individuals aged 18 years old and under suggest that there is a relatively low attack
rate in this age group (2.4% of all reported cases). Within Wuhan, among testing of ILI
samples, no children were positive in November and December of 2019 and in the first two
weeks of January 2020. From available data, and in the absence of results from serologic
studies, it is not possible to determine the extent of infection among children, what role
children play in transmission, whether children are less susceptible or if they present
differently clinically (i.e. generally milder presentations). The Joint Mission learned that
infected children have largely been identified through contact tracing in households of
adults. Of note, people interviewed by the Joint Mission Team could not recall episodes in
which transmission occurred from a child to an adult.

THE SIGNS, SYMPTOMS , DISEASE PROGRESSION AND SEVERITY

Symptoms of COVID-19 are non-specific and the disease presentation can range from no symptoms (asymptomatic) to severe pneumonia and death. As of 20 February 2020 and 12 based on 55924 laboratory confirmed cases, typical signs and symptoms include: fever (87.9%), dry cough (67.7%), fatigue (38.1%), sputum production (33.4%), shortness of breath (18.6%), sore throat (13.9%), headache (13.6%), myalgia or arthralgia (14.8%), chills (11.4%), nausea or vomiting (5.0%), nasal congestion (4.8%), diarrhea (3.7%), and hemoptysis (0.9%), and conjunctival congestion (0.8%). People with COVID-19 generally develop signs and symptoms, including mild respiratory symptoms and fever, on an average of 5-6 days after infection (mean incubation period 5-6 days, range 1-14 days). Most people infected with COVID-19 virus have mild disease and recover. Approximately 80% of laboratory confirmed patients have had mild to moderate disease, which includes non-pneumonia and pneumonia cases, 13.8% have severe disease (dyspnea, respiratory frequency ≥30/minute, blood oxygen saturation ≤93%, PaO2/FiO2 ratio <300, and/or lung infiltrates >50% of the lung field within 24-48 hours) and 6.1% are critical (respiratory failure, septic shock, and/or multiple organ dysfunction/failure). Asymptomatic infection has been reported, but the majority of the relatively rare cases who are asymptomatic on the date of identification/report went on to develop disease. The proportion of truly asymptomatic infections is unclear but appears to be relatively rare and does not appear to be a major driver of transmission. Individuals at highest risk for severe disease and death include people aged over 60 years and those with underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease and cancer. Disease in children appears to be relatively rare and mild with approximately 2.4% of the total reported cases reported amongst individuals aged under 19 years. A very small proportion of those aged under 19 years have developed severe (2.5%) or critical disease (0.2%).

As of 20 February, 2114 of the 55,924 laboratory confirmed cases have died (crude fatality
ratio [CFR2] 3.8%) (note: at least some of whom were identified using a case definition that
included pulmonary disease). The overall CFR varies by location and intensity of
transmission (i.e. 5.8% in Wuhan vs. 0.7% in other areas in China). In China, the overall CFR
was higher in the early stages of the outbreak (17.3% for cases with symptom onset from 1-
10 January) and has reduced over time to 0.7% for patients with symptom onset after 1
February (Figure 4). The Joint Mission noted that the standard of care has evolved over the
course of the outbreak.
Mortality increases with age, with the highest mortality among people over 80 years of age
(CFR 21.9%). The CFR is higher among males compared to females (4.7% vs. 2.8%). By
occupation, patients who reported being retirees had the highest CFR at 8.9%. While
patients who reported no comorbid conditions had a CFR of 1.4%, patients with comorbid
conditions had much higher rates: 13.2% for those with cardiovascular disease, 9.2% for
diabetes, 8.4% for hypertension, 8.0% for chronic respiratory disease, and 7.6% for cancer.

The Battle of Unseen

More than 6000 positive cases of covid19 were reported in california in a single day as per the reports.

Though many preventive measures have been taken up by the state authorities since the outbreak of virus but it is hard to tell who and who may not the vector of the contagious virus. It has been few days since some states reopened their economies and just in a matter of time, huge numbers are being reported each single day.

A person could be looking very normal even if he/she has this virus. This is because the symptoms may take time. This could be upto several days when the symptoms start showing up and in that meantime, that person would have meet up so many people, including family, friends, colleagues and many more. So the spread of this virus is fast and exponential.

The numbers that are being reported worldwide everyday are from the people that have been screened and tested. If the testing capacity is increased, it is quite expected that the figures may show up in a horrible range.

Besides precautions and safety protocols, Governments are also suggesting their public to avoid panic situations. It is a psychological factor that when someone look at the figures reported, it brings fear inside the head and this fear synergistically affect the overall condition.

It was being heard previously that almost a big percentage of the world’s population would be affected by this virus. Those who get affected should stay home and get themselves quarantined. Let them stay isolated for sometime and when they become negative for virus, they shall live normally.

Figures may keep rising for an indefinite period of time. It is hard to tell when would this pandemic gets to an end. World is demanding the vaccine. Scientists are struggling at their best. Even, many doctors are requesting the people who have got well from the infection to donate their blood for the plasma. This plasma is helpful in keeping the patients to go into severe conditions.

Source: http://www.health.com

Is Sore Throat a Covid-19 Symptom? Or Having a Fever makes you a Covid-19 vector?

The world was busy in its affairs steadily. People were planning for the upcoming summers somewhere in the middle of winters. No one was expecting such an event that would change the trend of this world. A virus broke out and spread in no time in many countries. A fear that grabbed every single’s mind. Death toll raised to its peak levels. Health organizations worked up and published the awareness plans for the safety of the public.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

It was found that the corona virus which is also known as ” Covid-19” has some of the effects simmilar to that of flu or some allergies. Among them includes fever, tiredness and dry cough. These are the most common symptoms that can be observed in individuals affected by covid-19 virus. A bit more serious or in other words can be labelled as less common symptoms may include, ” Diarrhea, sore throat, conjunctivitis, aches and pains, headache, loss of taste and smell, a rash on skin, discolouration of fingers or toes. And the serious symptoms include difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure and loss of speech or movement.

CAUTION:

Please do visit your concerned doctor or medical specialist immediately if you do observe some of the symptoms within yourself. Normally, Symptoms may take few days to show up after the infection of virus.

OBSERVATION:

As the sore throat and fever are among the symptoms of the covid-19 but having such symptoms does not make one truely a covid-19 patient. People do have such symptoms in case of allergies, seasonal changes and even in flu. One shall not get panic for having specifically these two symptoms and it is better to stay isolated for two to three days. If the symptoms persist then he/she shall have a visit for the covid-19 test.

RECOMMENDATION/CONCLUSION:

To avoid rush in hospitals and other health providing facilites, we need to stay isolated at homes in case of any mild symptoms. This is obvious that hospitals have limited number of rooms and/or beds available to serve patients. That is why, in order to avoid panicity, we need to be very polite and disciplined. Those with serious symptoms need first attention.

PUBLIC MESSAGE:

1. Please avoid rushy places.
2. Please keep distance.
3. Please keep wearing protective gear ( Masks and gloves ) while visiting stores and markets.
4. Get yourself isolated if you get any abnormal symptom.