THE COVID 19 SYMPTOMS THAT YOU SHOULD NOT IGNORE AND WHEN TO RUSH FOR CORONAVIRUS TEST

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused thousands of deaths and infected cases worldwide since its outbreak in Wuhan, China. 

The Coronavirus has been spreading rampantly since and has affected India with its first reported case on 30th January 2020 in Kerala. Today, more than three hundred thousand cases of COVID-19 have been reported in India alone. 

People need to be educated about what Coronavirus is and how to stay safe during the pandemic. Anyone showing signs of Coronavirus must rush to Corona testing centers immediately.

What is COVID-19/Coronavirus?

Coronavirus is not a single, but family of different respiratory viruses. The name has been given due to the crown-like spikes on their surface. The virus has shown to affect animals and humans alike. It is highly contagious and quickly spreads from one human to another through contact. 

What makes the virus so dangerous is their ability to mutate quickly and acquire new characteristics. Coronavirus has shown to cause diseases like the common cold and life-threatening pneumonitis/lower respiratory tract infections in people with lower immunity. 

The COVID 19 testing centers across the world have reported a variety of symptoms that range from mild flu-like symptoms to life-threatening respiratory tract infections. The most severe diseases are the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

COVID-19 is the official name that has been given to the novel coronavirus disease, under commonly agreed guidelines between the World Health Organization for Animal Health, and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN. 

Signs & symptoms of Coronavirus

The symptoms of COVID-19 may appear anywhere between 2-14 days after exposure to the virus and may vary in severity based on the immunity of the individual. 

· The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are tiredness, dry cough and fever.

· A few patients show signs of aches and pains, nasal congestion, sore throat, runny nose, or diarrhea. At first, the symptoms are mild and begin to get severe gradually.

· Loss of smell (anosmia) or loss of taste (ageusia) preceding the onset of respiratory symptoms have also been reported

·  Some people get infected by the virus but do not show any symptoms and do not get sick. However, anyone with even mild symptoms must visit COVID 19 virus test centres and have themselves diagnosed.

·  About 80% of patients recover from the virus without needing special treatment. 

· One in every six people infected by the virus becomes seriously ill and face difficulty breathing. 

·  Coronavirus tests reveal that older people and people with underlying medical conditions such as heart conditions, diabetes, or high blood pressure are at a higher risk of having severe illness.

· The common symptoms between the earlier coronaviruses and COVID-19 are fever, dyspnea, dry cough, and bilateral ground-glass opacities on chest CT scans.

·  One of the characteristic features of COVID-19 is that it targets the lower airway tract with URI symptoms. Chest radiography during corona testing shows that the virus also infiltrates the upper lobe of the lung, and there is increased dyspnea with hypoxemia in some cases.

· Compared to patients with MERS-CoV or SARS-CoV, many COVID-19 patients experienced gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea.

Testing for COVID-19

 There are two test kits for checking whether a patient is COVID-19 positive or not.

1. Rapid Antibody-Based Test Kit

§ Needs blood samples of patients.

§ The kit is not available at drugstores.

§ Only licensed and well-trained health workers can perform the test.

§ The test is conducted only in hospitals and licensed healthcare facilities.

§ Checks for virus-resistant antibodies and is meant for patients who show symptoms after 5^th to 21^st day.

§ Results are given in 15 minutes, but the patient needs to undergo the RT-PCR test if the COVID-19 result is not confirmed.

2. RT-PCR Test Kit

· The test needs nose and throat swab samples.

· Not available at drugstores.

· The kit is not available at drugstores.

· Only licensed and well-trained health workers can perform the test.

· The test is done in specialized laboratories.

· Test results arrive within 24 to 48 hours.

· Checks for viruses.

· The test kit checks for patients with or without symptoms.

· If the result is positive then it is confirmed COVID-19 case, but if negative, then it is not a COVID-19 case.

Is COVID-19 fatal?

The mortality rate among patients who tested positive is approximately 1.4% to 2%, while many infected people remain asymptomatic. Mild symptoms persist non-tested, and a wide spectrum of the severe disease requires a diagnosis of pneumonia.

Coronavirus tests have reported that clinical consequences of COVID-19 are usually similar to that of severe seasonal influenza.

Prevention

· Sanitize hands before eating meals and before touching eyes, nose, or mouth.

· Avoid making any physical contact with anyone, especially people showing symptoms such as cough, sneezing, or fever.

· Anyone who exhibits respiratory symptoms must wear a mask.

· Maintain respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette.

· Avoid eating food from outside and eat well-cooked food that is prepared hygienically.

· Avoid travelling to places where there are many animals, such as farms or areas where animals are slaughtered.

· Refrain from unnecessary travel.

Worsening symptoms

The symptoms of COVID-19 can get worse at any time. It may happen gradually or rapidly, depending on the individual case. Examples of worsening symptoms may include a sudden rise in body temperature, severe cough, and suffocation.

When to rush for coronavirus test?

People whose symptoms seem to get worse must immediately rush to an emergency service. One must know about a corona testing center and follow up with them whenever necessary. 

You can search on Google as coronavirus test near me India, and you will get to know about the medical testing centers in proximity. Immediately call the operator and tell her that you have COVID-19 symptoms.

You must rush to a doctor if you show the following symptoms:

· Difficulty in breathing

· Persistent pressure or pain in the chest area.

· A bluish tinge to face or lips.

· Feeling confused or unable to wake up.

The average recovery time for most patients with a mild case of COVID-19 is around two weeks. People with a severe condition or critical disease take around 3 to 6 weeks to recover.

People with COVID-19 symptoms must self-isolate and call for emergency services as soon as they experience symptoms since procrastinating will only make matters worse. Follow the doctor’s guidance immediately and do not try to self-medicate since your measures will only make things worse. 

 

How Stopping The Testing of Asymptomatic COVID 19 Patients Will Cause Worst Pandemic Scenario In India

If you look into the present scenario of India in terms of dealing with COVID-19, you have many reasons to feel hopeful. Although the country has not yet been successful in eradicating the virus, the authorities are trying hard to give the best service possible to the country people. 

A few areas need to be mentioned here where India has done a good job. Starting from setting up quarantining facilities, airport screening, contact tracing and creating a strong public awareness - the respective authorities have worked for keeping things as much in order as possible.

Not to forget, the corona testing centers in the country that are trying rigorously to trace the cases as rapidly as possible despite dealing with the lack of proper testing kits. However, one small mistake is enough to ruin the curve and take it deep down. 

A few days back, a comment from WHO has shocked the world and that is SARS-CoV-2 is more likely to spread like wildfire through asymptomatic patients. 

However, later on, another statement came from WHO claiming it was nothing but a misunderstanding. Rather, there is a 'rare' chance of the virus getting spread via asymptomatic patients.

However, the matter of concern here is the fact that a person can be affected by COVID-19 without showing the basic symptoms everyone was worrying about. 

And, the transmission may be rare but not impossible. And, what the Indian government may more likely to do is to stop the testing of these patients. Clearly, one can imagine how the situation can go out of the hands through this one step.

Most People Do Not Know That They Are Affected by the Virus

Well, a few days back, if a person around you coughed or sneezed a little, you became cautious. You were completely aware of the fact that at that stage, these two symptoms can actually ruin an entire community. 

But what if you don’t even know that the person next to you silently spreading the virus, completely unaware of the fact that he/she is an active carrier! Nothing can be more dangerous than that.

According to the leading COVID 19 testing centers, around 80% of COVID-19 patients are unaware of the fact that they are transmitting the disease as they do not have any symptoms at all. 

And, this percentage is enough to destroy the community at large. That is the reason why face masks and the use of sanitizers have become more important than ever if you go out to public places. 

A piece of confirmed news has arrived saying that at least 25% of the affected people are asymptomatic and they are enough to make the situation worse in India if the tests are not taken seriously.

What is Happening to the Asymptomatic Patients?

The common question arises here is if the asymptomatic patients are not showing any sign then how their body is getting is damaged with this virus? The common theory suggests that the respiratory droplets coming out from a person through coughing or sneezing are responsible for affecting the other.

However, asymptomatic patients are showing mild symptoms. And, as the situation is not getting worse, they are not getting their testing done in COVID 19 virus test centres. In the meantime, their lungs are getting affected severely. 

They are showing signs of vital lung abnormalities which may not match with that of asymptomatic coronavirus patients. In short, the lung damage they are facing is mild and gradual.

However, once affected, they are very much capable of affecting others. When you know that you are ill, you will take the necessary precautions, isolate yourself from others, and stay in rest. 

But the person having mild cough and cold symptoms may not take such precaution and possibly not go through coronavirus tests. The result of this is quite evident. 

The close circle of these asymptomatic patients is going to get affected the most at first and then they can take it to the next level.

Why India is Not Testing the Asymptomatic People?

Well, from the bird’s view, it seems this is just the lack of infrastructure. It is out of the capacity. However, the reality is something else. According to the centres conducting corona testing, the medical infrastructure of India allows 8000 samples to be tested in a day. 

But, initially, not more than 90 tests have taken place. This was the first alarming sign. Probably, the government has failed to scale up the community spread.

Now, ICMR has started to expand testing after test kits have started to arrive. Some medical experts have placed their view on this statement the lack of data was one of the reasons. Asymptomatic people are not listed in any data at all. 

They have not come forward for any tests. And, when the country is dealing rigorously with COVID 19 test for positive symptomatic patients, it seems pointless for them to walk that extra mile to track down the asymptomatic lot. And, that is one of the reasons why tests are not happening at all.

Conclusion

Italy has already proven the importance of mass testing. There were 3300 residents in a small town named Vo. And, they have not left a single person to be tested there. Affected people among them were being isolated and the rest were left to lead a normal life. 

With this measure, they have successfully stopped any further spread within that village. This was just an instance of what could be done. If Italy could do it, India can do it as well. It is a matter of time and more awareness. 

People who are having even the mildest symptoms of cough and cold should come forward, search the internet for "coronavirus test near me in India”, find out the most reliable clinic and get tested. 

When it is the matter of the health and wellbeing of the people around you, you should be the one taking responsibility, play their part and make their country get higher ranks in the recovery sector as soon as possible.

CONTRIBUTION OF PATHOLOGY LABS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID 19 PANDEMIC

COVID-19 is perhaps one of the largest global crises that the world has seen in a century. In the wake of the outbreak of the current coronavirus, each of the concerned officials and authorities is doing all possible to fight it. 

These persons from their part, are trying their best, to sort out the ways and measures that would help minimise the impact. One of the sectors that have been continuously fighting the pandemic is the healthcare sector. 

Each of the units has to deal with thousands of new cases. And behind all this treatment, pathology labs have a key role to play. It is because of them that not only testing but also effective treatment measures (quarantine and isolation) are being opted by the hospitals.

Pathology Laboratories during the Days of Pandemic

No one had ever earlier thought of such an outbreak. Until now, the present Corona Testing Lab in India used to test everything except the pandemic. In addition to this, being at the epicentre of the outbreak, the professionals have to keep in mind the safety- not only of the people and patients but also of themselves. 

As a result of this tackling, the situation stood to be challenging for the Corona Testing Centres. For countries like India, a lot was to be done in order to ensure that everyone acts as a cohesive unit.

The real challenge lies when it comes to knowing when this will end. It is for sure that these laboratories have to continue with the testing as of now. This thought often leads to the professionals and experts working at different Coronavirus Test Centres feel fractured.

Knowledge is Power and Laboratories Help Propagating it

It was 1918 when the massive influenza virus outbreak was noted. Undoubtedly, then as well, the virus took a toll on the global population. 

It is since then that we have been successful in gathering enough knowledge regarding any pandemic- its cause and the preventive measures. Thanks to the diagnostic centres and laboratories that have helped get an insight on any disease.

The report of COVID-19 too holds the same story. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it received a report of the emergence of a cluster of cases similar to pneumonia of unknown cause from the Wuhan City of China. 

On 12 Jan 2020, it was declared that n-coronavirus has been identified. This has been possible because of the presence of laboratories and testing centres. Thus, with the help of the knowledge associated with the professionals at these testing centres, the identification of the causative agent is made possible.

Corona Virus Test Centres & Their Fight to Eradicate it

Irrespective of the part of the location of the testing centres, the role of each of them stands the same- to help the medicos and healthcare workers fight the disease in all possible ways. 

The contribution of the Coronavirus Test Centres in India is praiseworthy especially when India is known to have one of the largest people around the world.

The following are some of the ways by which these corona testing centres have helped India in its fight to minimise the impact--

· Constant Support to Infected One

A patient becomes psychologically weaker when he/she comes to know that coronavirus has caused this. In this hour of crisis, each individual has to play their part.

The COVID 19 Testing Centres have laboratory doctors, virologists, and microbiologists. Their role is not only to test and take care of the patient who has been impacted but also to stand by the side of those patients whose reason behind their illness is not sorted or clear.

Apart from testing and diagnose, a responsible testing centre in India would have professionals who would successfully manage the spread of the pandemic infection in and around the hospital and containment area. 

In addition to this, the concerned experts often suggest and recommend doctors or medical practitioners on steps and measures to deal with the n-coronavirus based on the Coronavirus Tests reports.

· Thorough Investigation of the Pharmacological Response of Viruses

We cannot live with the virus for eternity. We need to find out ways to control or eradicate it. It is only possible when a thorough investigation is carried out regarding the pharmacological response of the virus to various drugs. 

In fact, according to the experts, the evolution of the anti-virus drug is only possible when proper and thorough SARS CoV 2 Test is being conducted and precise report is submitted. 

The professionals associated with these Corona Testing Centres take into account all the parameters that would help the concerned pharmacologists in their effort to drug evolution.

· Treatments are Proceeded as Per Virologists’ Instruction

There are various aspects of a virus spread. It can be the sole carrier or can accompany other pathogens like bacteria during the spread.

According to the virologists associated with the Coronavirus Testing in India, each of the units of the healthcare sector has to work in proper coordination to limit the spread. 

The thorough and bulk collection of samples help the pathology labs to further check for the possibilities of any super-infection after getting infected with say bacteria. Thus, the labs direct the hospitals regarding how these samples collection has to be done.

· Planning for the Next Course of Testing

The spread of any pandemic occurs in different stages and hence, the pathology labs have to be present to deal with the worst situation even. 

Thus, the concerned administration constantly remains in touch with the administration and hospital professionals regarding how Corona Testing needs to be carried even during the worst-case scenario.

In addition to this, the lab professionals engage with the hospital staff during the mass collection of the swab for SARS CoV 2 Test at different spots and locations in villages and cities.

Conclusion

The role of path-labs can never be ignored. Right from issuing the guidelines from time to time to holding a meeting and submitting the report, the professionals associated with the corona test are the unsung heroes in the time of crisis.

Looming Danger of The Second Wave of COVID 19 in India With Monsoon

The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic is posing a serious danger to all. While efforts are being taken to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, it is being stated that a surge in the cases of the patients of coronavirus will be witnessed during the monsoon in India. 

The Coronavirus Testing in India is being carried out in massive numbers. Although there is a steady fall in the number of cases in some parts of the country, there are chances of a second wave during the monsoon.

Scientists state that there will an increase in the number of cases in India as the lockdown is being lifted at various places. 

Some relaxations are being given at certain places and if social distancing is not followed then there are very high chances of spread of infection. The timing when the cases will be at their peak is not sure but will depend on the way people are following the instructions and measures are being taken. 

Every Corona Testing Lab in India is under much pressure for speeding up their process of testing.

What are the assumptions?

The cases of the novel coronavirus have taken a steady fall for the time being. Except for a few cities, most of the regions are witnessing the downfall in the number of patients of the pandemic disease.

 However, the assumptions for the rise of the second wave of the pandemic disease are on. The steady decline in the number of cases would last a few weeks or months but the second wave of COVID-19 is still being assumed at large. 

COVID Testing Cost in India was reduced to allow people to have the benefits but the cases do not seem to stop.

Why are the statements being made?

The country witnessed a rapid rise in the number of patients of COVID-19, post-lockdown. Even though the restrictions were imposed, the cases did not seem to decrease and kept on rising. 

When normal life has been disrupted, there should have been a decline, but the situation was vice-versa. Now, when the restrictions are relaxed, and the people return to their normal lives. 

There are very high chances and equal risk of acquiring the infection. COVID-19 Test is being done rapidly to bring out the patients, but the hidden cases will be out only after the normal life begins.

Are there chances of relapse?

Some of the recent studies conducted in other nations suggest that there are chances of relapse of the novel coronavirus in those who have recovered. 

No evidence has been found yet that suggests that immunity can be acquired after recovering from the earlier infection. This ultimately suggests that the entire population of the country is susceptible to the second infection. 

Efforts are being made to make the Corona Test At Home a practical option for those who cannot step out to be tested. The better part is that around 18 states have observed a decline in the number of cases with double recovery rates or have already reached the peak. 

This definitely sheds some light on the importance of lockdown that was the need of the hour.