corona virus

A Return to Pre-pandemic Life – Mask-free Nations

The fear of becoming a victim to the pandemic lies in each of our minds. While some countries are taking their best measures to get out of the pandemic clutches, some have walked their way to a victorious mask-free status.

Here’s a list of countries that have gone mask-free and enjoy the freedom as pre-pandemic.

Israel

Israel is the first country to have declared itself as COVID-free and has gone mask-free. About 70% of its population has been vaccinated and the mandatory face mask rule has been withdrawn. With no new cases since April 24^th, people have started to live the old normal life as before the pandemic.

Bhutan

Though sharing its border with India and China, Bhutan was able to recover from the novel coronavirus with its timely preventive measures and vaccinating 90% of its population. It reported only one death till date and controlled the pandemic without getting into a lockdown.

The United States of America

The USA Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared a mask-free movement in May and announced mask-free rule for fully vaccinated people. Americans who have received both the shots can now go without a mask for running, walking and in small gathering, but will be required to wear a mask during public transportation and large gathering.

New Zealand

New Zealand reported its last COVID patient recovery on June 8^th and no new cases in the country post that. With stringent measures of lockdown for more than 7 weeks with only essentials working, the country has lifted its COVID restriction except the border closure restrictions.

China

It all started here, but the country has managed to vaccinate most of its population and lifted all bans on COVID. People can go mask-free to all public gatherings, parties, and outdoors. People with fever or respiratory symptoms are advised to avoid large gatherings. From being one of the worst affected countries, China managed to get off the pandemic with strict lockdowns. It has opened the door for tourism.

Tanzania, Vatican, France, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles are few other countries that join the mask-free movement. Every nation aspires to become covid free. With lockdowns, curfews, and speed vaccinations across nations, we can soon let go off masks and bring back the pre-pandemic era.

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FACTS vs MYTHS on COVID-19 Vaccination

As India braces to lead the race in vaccination against COVID-19, there are still rumors lingering around if one should boldly step forward to take the jab. Listing a few of the common myths and facts surrounding the COVID-19 vaccines.

Myth 1: I will get COVID if I get vaccinated

Fact 1: You cannot get infected through vaccination. The mild fever post-vaccination is only a normal reaction of your body to the vaccine and not an infection.

Myth 2: I have been infected by COVID-19, I am immune now and do not need a vaccine.

Fact 2: The immunity you get from infection, called natural immunity is not consistent and doesn’t last long. Hence, getting vaccinated provides utmost protection from infection.

Myth 3: COVID-19 vaccines may not be safe to use as they were developed in a very short time.

Fact 3: COVID-19 vaccines have gone through various rounds of clinical trials and have been approved by the regulatory authorities before releasing it to public use. There are millions who are vaccinated now and there are no reports of serious side effects. Hence, it is absolutely safe to use.

Myth 4: After my vaccination, I need not wear a mask and maintain social distance.

Fact 4: Vaccination is a preventive measure; it is not a fool-proof solution. Hence it is essential is stay cautious as always by wearing masks, social distancing, and personal hygiene.

Myth 5: People with pre-existing medical conditions should not be vaccinated.

Fact 5: Some medical conditions are excluded from vaccination. However, many conditions are included from being vaccinated. Reach out to your doctor for any individual recommendation.

Myth 6: COVID-19 vaccines are not effective against corona mutants.

Fact 6: Medical council continues to monitor this closely. It is important to first get immunized with a vaccine. The COVID vaccines can be modified quickly to counter the varying new strains.

Myth 7: Getting the COVID vaccine causes severe side effects.

Fact 7: Minor side effects, which are common to any vaccine, such as mild fever, body ache, sore arm at the place of injection are seen even with the COVID vaccine. No major side effects are reported to date.

Myth 8: COVID-19 vaccine can affect a woman’s fertility.

Fact 8: COVID Vaccine will not affect fertility, it only increases the body’s immune response. Such a rumor set in when a false report was circulated on social media stating that the coronavirus spike protein was similar to the protein Syncitin-1, which aids in the growth and attachment of the placenta in pregnancy. These proteins are distinct and do not affect a woman’s fertility by any means. The Pfizer vaccine study included 23 women volunteers who became pregnant post-vaccination and did not report any loss.

If you still have any questions, reach out to your doctor for clarification.

Link: ilioSpark.com

corona virus, corona, covid-19, covid, covid second wave

Combating the Second Wave of COVID 19

India sailed through the first wave between March 2020 to Sep 2020 and slowly showed a decline in the number of covid cases. However, again in February 2021, India began to see an exponential surge in the number of cases, owing to the second wave. The main reason for the second wave could be caused by new strains from the UK, South Africa, and double mutant.

The COVID second wave is very concerning as the new mutant is highly contagious and known to escape our antibodies. This mutant is known to affect all, regardless of their age and immunity. It is also called a super spreader and can rapidly spread to others in the community.

Common and New Symptoms:

Although the new strain causes new symptoms, that does not mean old symptoms do not exist. Along with the old symptoms such as loss of smell/taste, dryness in the throat, cough, and others, new ones would be.

Diarrhoea
Conjunctivitis
Vomiting
Headache

Keeping Yourself SAFE During This Wave

The safety precautions remain the same for the new double-mutated coronavirus as well. It spread through droplets from infected people and from contaminated surfaces.

Owing to the contagious nature of the virus, you should step out only if it is absolutely necessary.
Stay home as much as possible, avoid unnecessary gatherings and public places.
When you need to step out, ensure to wear dual masks, a surgical mask topped with an N95 mask.
Ensure to stay masked the whole time you are outside.
If you feel uncomfortable wearing double masks, you can wear an N95 mask and a face shield.
Sanitize your hands often when out of the home. Once returned, ensure to use an antibacterial disinfectant soap to wash off your hands.
When out maintain a minimum of 6-feet social distance from others. Never step into crowded zones.
If you are travelling by cab, do not turn on the AC. Wind the windows down to allow for maximum air circulation. Ensure that the cab driver is masked.
Wherever possible use stairs. Take the lift only if it is necessary and you need to reach the top floor of a multi-rise building. Lifts are a breeding place of COVID as it is a compact and closed area.
Ensure to educate children about COVID-19 and its effect, so that they will continue to stay home and will not step outside.

Above all the precautions, get VACCINATED as soon as you can. The vaccine reduces the chances of getting infected and even if infected, you will be at a lower risk. In case you observe any symptoms of COVID, immediately isolate yourself, book for a COVID test and reach out to your healthcare professional without further delay.

Link: ilioSpark.com