Friday, March 29, 2024
ADVT 
Health & Fitness

A Quick Guide to Covid-19

By Rakim Chattopadhyay, 31 Mar, 2020 06:05 AM

    Human body physiology is equipped to tackle any infection proactively provided we are aware of some basic precaution and give priority to our nutritional health.

     

    Infection and malnutrition have always been intricately linked. Malnutrition is the primary cause of immunodeficiency worldwide, and we are learning more and more about the pathogenesis of this interaction. Early 1960s, less was known about nutrition and infection. We believed that protein deficiency (kwashiorkor), more than total calorie deficiency (marasmus), was the predominant basis of nutrition problems. Then we started emphasizing on energy, with the assumption that if a person consumed enough kilocalories of energy, all nutrient needs would be met. 

    Now we are clearer that malnutrition and nutritional alterations, common complications of human immunodeficiency virus infection, include disorders of food intake, nutrient absorption, and intermediary metabolism, and play a significant and independent role in morbidity and mortality. This simple understanding is the key in any innovative research or pandemic situation like COVID-19, NIPA, and Ebola. Human body physiology is equipped to tackle any infection proactively provided we are aware of some basic precaution and give priority to our nutritional health.

     

    KNOW THE FACTS:


    • Does not spread from properly cooked non-vegetarian food

    • Does not spread from Chinese food or carrier

    • Has no risk from pets

    • Symptom-free people need not use mask

    • Every cough and cold is not corona

    • Mild and moderate disease is curable with supportive care

     

     

    Important to know about CORONAvirus:


    • NCV (COVID-19) is a subtype of coronavirus family.

    • These viruses are responsible for flu-like respiratory diseases.

    • Previous coronavirus diseases were SARS and MERS.

    • They are zoonotic (transmitted from animals).

    HOW IT SPREADS:


    • Droplet (cough)

    • Fomite (hand to mouth)

    • Ingestion (food-borne – very rare)

    Diagnosis:


    • Real-time PCR assay – done on sputum / throat swab / body fluids.

    • Supportive test – complete blood count, chest X-ray, chest CT scan. Treatment:

    • No specific treatment, no vaccine available – isolation care, supportive care (fluids) • Good nutrition

     

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    Rakim Chattopadhyay is a post graduate in Human Physiology and specialised in Medical Nutrition. He is the founder and CEO of
    Esperer Onco Nutrition.

     

     

    MORE Health & Fitness ARTICLES

    Even 25 cups of coffee a day not bad for heart: Study

    Even 25 cups of coffee a day not bad for heart: Study
    The researchers found that drinking coffee was not associated with stiffer arteries as previously thought.

    Even 25 cups of coffee a day not bad for heart: Study

    Eating blueberries can improve heart health

    Blueberries and other berries should be included in diets to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

    Eating blueberries can improve heart health

    Mutation that protects against HIV raises death rate

    People with a DNA mutation that reduces their chance of HIV infection may die sooner, according to a study that suggests tinkering with a gene to try to fix one problem may cause others.

    Mutation that protects against HIV raises death rate

    Drugs make headway against lung, breast, prostate cancers

    Newer drugs are substantially improving the chances of survival for some people with hard-to-treat forms of lung, breast and prostate cancer, doctors reported at the world's largest cancer conference.

    Drugs make headway against lung, breast, prostate cancers

    British Columbians feel travelling outside Canada puts them at risk for vaccine preventable diseases

    Pharmacists urge travellers to get current on vaccinations before leaving the country    

    British Columbians feel travelling outside Canada puts them at risk for vaccine preventable diseases

    Beat The Heat

    The hottest season of the year is just around the corner! It is important to remember to take care of yourself and be mindful of the small steps you can take to enjoy the upcoming months to their fullest.

    Beat The Heat