Coronavirus

Incorrect recommendations or information regarding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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Incorrect Recommendations or Information Regarding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Now-a-days the several recommendations and information regarding the (COVID-19) coronavirus are being shared on social media including Facebook, WhatsApp, twitters, and others. A wide majority of these tips and information is based on false or unsubstantiated claims.

The Geneva health authorities have provided the list of the incorrect recommendations or information regarding the (COVID-19) coronavirus being shared. Here are the key list of these incorrect recommendations or information as follows:

Does a person without symptoms carrying the coronavirus is contagious?

According to the studies, people without symptoms are not the potential sources of contamination. The coronavirus infection spread mainly through respiratory droplets expelled by the people who cough. Sick people are most contagious when they are most symptomatic. There is no sufficient studies regarding the whether asymptomatic people infected with the new coronavirus are contagious or how long they are contagious before symptoms appear.

Will the virus die if exposed to temperatures of 26-27°C?

There are not any studies confirming that the climate or temperatures have an impact on the spread of coronavirus. Thus, it is impossible to say that spring or summer heat can literally kill a virus.

Does hot liquid neutralizes the virus?

It has been observed that drinking hot water or the frequency of water consumption has no effect on the coronavirus. It is not necessary to change the temperature of the water you drink. It is essential to drink water not just for killing the coronavirus.

Can coronavirus survive on inert surfaces for about 6 to 12 hours?

Various studies have shown that the coronaviruses can exist on surfaces from up to a few hours to several days depending on the different parameters such as surface type, temperature or humidity.

Does eating more ginger, garlic, pepper, etc. protects against coronavirus?

Eating ginger, garlic, pepper does not fight specifically against the coronavirus. These foods have virtues for the body.

One must hold your breath to find out if you are infected with the coronavirus. Holding one’s breath for more than 10 seconds without coughing, discomfort, congestion or tightness would prove that there is no fibrosis in the lungs and therefore no infection.

There is no scientific evidence to support this assertion. Only a laboratory test can confirm infection with the new coronavirus.

Does drinking water and gargling cure COVID-19?

Saltwater is effective in relieving the sore throat. People are advised to drink water to stay hydrated when they are sick with the flu or the novel coronavirus. Drinking does not eliminate the coronavirus in any way.

Dogs and cats can transmit the coronavirus?

There are not any studies demonstrating the transmission of the coronavirus through the dogs and cats.

Rinsing the nose regularly protects against coronavirus infection?

There are not any studies demonstrating the rinsing your nose with a saline solution protects against coronavirus infection.

Does coronavirus only affect vulnerable people?

Coronavirus can affect the people of any age-group. Elderly people and people with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, diabetes, chronic lung disease, cancer, heart disease, etc are at high risk of developing the coronavirus infection. Hence, people are advised to take measures to protect themselves from the virus through social distance of at least 2 meters, regular and meticulous hand washing, good respiratory hygiene, etc.

Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating coronavirus infection?

Antibiotics do not work against viruses but are effective against only bacteria. The antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment. If one is hospitalized for infection with CoV-2-CASR then one can receive antibiotics as the bacterial co-infection is possible.

Can Chloroquine cures COVID-19?

There is no drug effective for the treatment of COVID-19. Some treatments are tested in numerous research protocols worldwide. Hence, Chloroquine treatment is currently reserved for patients in hospital settings or as part of a research protocol.

Are fabric masks an efficient substitute for surgical masks?

Fabric masks not efficient substitutes for surgical masks. In fact, surgical masks are the only masks where there is scientific data regarding filtration efficiency and airtightness.  Fabric masks or other hand-made masks do not provide the bearer with any proven protection against coronavirus. Further, it is recommended that medical masks must be worn only by health staff members. FFP2 masks are required only if the presence of COVID-19 is suspected in a patient and if a high level of aerosol formation is expected during a medical procedure. Healthy people should not wear medical masks or surgical masks in the public. Healthy people must prefer fabric masks in the public.

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preventive Measures

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Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preventive Measures

The novel Coronavirus (COVID2019) outbreak identified in China is causing global concern. It has spread to more than 200 countries worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO)’s live report, there are more than 13,00,000 confirmed cases of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Approximately, 74,306 number of people died due to the novel Coronavirus. The United States accounts for highest cases (363,321) followed by Spain (135,032), Italy (132,547), Germany (99,225) China (83,157) and France (73,488).

There are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19. Several clinical trials are undergoing for evaluating the potential treatments. Hence, it is essential to prevent Coronavirus infection and slowing the rate of transmission.

“Prevention is better than cure”

Preventive measures for Coronavirus are as follows:

  • Wash Your Hands

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or clean them with alcohol-based hand rub

  • Avoid Close Contact

Maintain at least 1 metre distance with the people coughing or sneezing

  • Social Distancing & Stay Home

Stay home and Practice physical distancing by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from large groups of people

  • Wear Facemask

Wear a facemask if you are sick

  • Cook Food

Cook food thoroughly

  • Elbow Coughing

Use Elbow to cough into it

  • Cleanliness

Clean frequently touch surfaces daily

  • Cover coughs and sneezes

Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing

  • Avoid touching surfaces

Avoid touching doorknobs and banisters

World Health Day

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World Health Day

Every year, World Health Day is celebrated on April 7 under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as other related organizations.

This year, World Health Day i.e. April 7, 2020, will focus on the vital role played by nurses and midwives in providing healthcare worldwide. It will highlight the current status of nursing across the globe. WHO and its partners would make a series of recommendations to strengthen the nursing and midwifery workforce.

This world health day, we pay tribute to the contribution of nurses and midwives for their vital role in keeping the world healthy. Nurses and other health workers who are at the frontlines in providing the treatment and care to patients suffering from novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak by putting their own health at risk to protect the community.

We are thankful for their commitment and hard work for saving lives!

Impact of Coronavirus (COVID19) on India Pharmaceuticals

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Impact of Coronavirus (COVID19) on India Pharmaceuticals

India is one of the largest providers of generic drugs worldwide. India pharmaceutical industry supplies approximately 50% of vaccines worldwide, 40% of generics in the United States and 25% of all medicines in the United Kingdom. India exports bulk drugs, intermediates, drug formulations, biologicals, Ayush & herbal products, and surgicals to various countries.

According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the Indian pharmaceutical sector had a market size of USD 33 Billion in 2017. India’s pharmaceutical exports had witnessed an increase from USD 19.14 Billion in 2019 to USD 17.27 billion in 2018.

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak had a negative impact on the India pharmaceutical industry in the following ways:

  • India has restricted the export of several drugs such as paracetamol, antibiotics such as tinidazole and erythromycin, hormone progesterone, which is used in the contraceptive pill, and vitamins B12, B1 and B6. These drugs account for approximately 10% of all India’s pharmaceutical exports.
  • The Indian government have imposed limits on the export of 26 pharmaceutical ingredients
  • Indian pharmaceutical companies are now close to exhausting their supply of raw materials such as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Moreover, the inventories related to the pharmaceutical ingredients are running low.
  • Several pharmaceutical companies who have contracts with domestic clients and various state governments to supply medicines have been crippled, as manufacturing has come to a halt due to a shortage of raw materials from China
  • Pharmaceutical companies are not able to procure pharmaceutical ingredients for Mintelukast, used for asthma, pain medication Nimesulide, and Amoxicillin, Ofloxaicin, and Chloramphenicol, which are used to treat bacterial infections, and antibiotic Metronidazole
  • Small and medium companies have been most  affected as they depend on traders and keep lower inventory
  • There is a drastic increase of 20-30% in the prices of raw materials used in medicines like Amoxicillin and Paracetamol.
  • The pharmaceutical logistics is facing the difficulties in receiving the raw material from other parts of the country

Coronavirus Outbreak

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Coronavirus Outbreak

Coronaviruses Description

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that lead to respiratory illness, including the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). It is common in many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people such as with MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, and now with this new virus (named SARS-CoV-2). The SARS-CoV-2 virus is a betacoronavirus, like MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV.  All three of these viruses have their origins in bats. Similar infections are caused by human alpha and beta coronaviruses such as 229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1.

The symptoms associated with coronavirus are the common cold, such as running nose, headache, cough, fever, and sore throat. Viruses can spread from human contact with animals. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), scientists think MERS started in camels. Officials do not yet know what animal may have caused the current outbreak in Wuhan.

Human-to-human transmission has been confirmed for the Wuhan coronavirus, but depending on how virulent the virus is, a cough, sneeze or handshake could cause exposure. The virus can also be transmitted by touching something an infected person has touched and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes. Caregivers can sometimes be exposed by handling a patient’s waste, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Furthermore, SARS and MERS were largely transmitted inside hospitals. Some people are also considered to be “super spreaders.”

Current Scenario

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was first discovered in Wuhan, China in December 2019, since then, it has affected more than 400,000 people and caused 18,440 deaths according to the World Health Organization (WHO)’s recent situation report.

The seafood market of Wuhan was identified as the suspected hub of the coronavirus outbreak by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Now, there have been more new cases reported from countries outside of China than from China. Two new countries/territories/areas from the Western Pacific Region and the Eastern Mediterranean Region have reported cases of COVID-19.

The mysterious novel coronavirus outbreak was identified by Chinese authorities on January 7 and since named COVID-19, is a new strain that had not been previously identified in humans. The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak poses a significant life-threatening and economic risk throughout the world. Over 414,179 cases have been diagnosed across 48 countries, resulting in over 18,440 reported deaths. As far as concern, due to this contagious coronavirus outbreak death has been confirmed in Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, France, Iran, Taiwan, South Korea, and other countries. On 31st January 2020, officially WHO has declared it a global health emergency, due to increases number of infectious cases has been confirmed in countries such as South Korea, Afghanistan, France, UAE, and many more countries.

The mortality rate is mostly within 2%~3%, well in line with the WHO official estimate. For example, MERS, SARS and the Wuhan coronavirus appear to cause more severe disease in older people Age group 60-69 years old at 3.6%, 50-59 years old at 1.4% & least 40-49 years old at 0.4%, though uncertainty remains around the latest outbreak. Of the cases of Wuhan coronavirus reported so far, none are yet confirmed to be among children.

Treatment Landscape

Several vaccines, antibiotics & anti-retroviral drugs such as FTNX-1800 (Tonix Pharmaceuticals), Leronlimab (CytoDyn), etc. are undergoing the clinical trials for coronavirus outbreak. Apart from this novel therapies, supportive therapy is also recommended including over the counter medicine for a sore throat, fever & pain reliever medications, etc. to relieve the symptoms, if happens. Additionally, drink plenty of fluids, get rest and sleep as much as possible is recommended.

Government Initiatives

The government has taken initiative to allocate the emergency funds for improving public health to curb the current global coronavirus outbreak. For instances, The Trump Administration is looking to allocate approximately $2.5 billion in emergency funds to help prepare the country should the current coronavirus crisis become a public health care threat in the U.S. Other governments and global health authorities are taking similarly aggressive steps to prepare for the virus’s continued spread. Furthermore, the UK government like Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced that £20m in Government funding will be given to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to advance programmes targeting the coronavirus.

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Recent Updates

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Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

FDA Approves First Rapid Point-Of-Care COVID-19 Diagnostic Test

Sunnyvale-based molecular diagnostic company Cepheid received FDA approval for the first rapid coronavirus test with a 45-minute detection time. This test will be used primarily in hospitals and emergency rooms.

Abbott receives FDA Emergency Use Authorization and Launches Test to Detect Novel Coronavirus

Abbott has received FDA emergency use authorization for a molecular test for novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The Abbott m2000 RealTime System is a molecular solution featuring a broad menu of tests, including ones for infectious diseases. The platform uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, which amplifies a single piece (or few copies of a piece) of DNA to quickly and accurately diagnose a patient. The m2000 is currently used in labs around the world.

Roche begins shipments of first 400,000 COVID-19 tests to laboratories across the US to begin patient testing under FDA Emergency Use Authorization

Roche plans to ship an additional 400,000 tests per week to the laboratory testing sites across the nation that are set up to run the test immediately under the guidelines of the FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). The Cobas SARS-CoV-2 Test provides reliable and high-quality results for clinical decision-making for the improved management of COVID-19 patients and to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus) infection. These highly automated tests provide results in 3-½ hours.

Eli Lilly teams with Indiana Health Agency to provide speedy Coronavirus Testing to Indiana Residents

Eli Lilly teams with the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) to rapidly expand and accelerate testing for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in Indiana.

Thermo Fisher plans to produce up to 5 million of a new test to detect the Novel Coronavirus

Thermo Fisher, the largest maker of scientific tools, plans to produce up to 5 million of a new test to detect the novel coronavirus that causes Covid-19. The Food and Drug Administration granted the new test an emergency use authorization status.

*Emergency Use Authorization (EUA): Under section 564 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), the FDA Commissioner may allow unapproved medical products or unapproved uses of approved medical products to be used in an emergency to diagnose, treat, or prevent serious or life-threatening diseases or conditions caused by CBRN threat agents when there are no adequate, approved, and available alternatives.