Category: Covid FAQs & Guidelines
The Omicron variant is a variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. As of December 2021, it is the newest variant. It was first reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) from South Africa on 24 November 2021.On 26 November 2021, the WHO designated it as a variant of concern and named it "Omicron", the fifteenth letter in the Greek alphabet.The variant has an unusually large number of mutations, several of which are novel (see § Mutations) and a significant number of which affect the spike protein targeted by most COVID-19 vaccines at the time of the discovery of the Omicron variant. This level of variation has led to concerns regarding its transmissibility, immune system evasion, and vaccine resistance, despite initial reports indicating that the variant causes less serio
Read MoreAs the second wave of COVID-19 continues to rage across India, some parts of the country have begun witnessing the resurgence of COVID-19-induced “black fungus” cases. This fungal infection, which caused many patients to lose their eyesight last year, has emerged in several hospitals in Delhi and Gujarat this week.In spite of its prevalence since the beginning of the pandemic, doubts still linger over the nature of this fungal infection. Here are some answers to those doubts and other frequently asked questions:Q. What is black fungus?Black fungus, also known as MUCORMYCOSIS, is a rare fungal infection. It is called “black” because of the color of the fungal growth. It is caused by exposure to mucor mold which is found in soil, manure, and rotten/decaying fruits & vegetables. It is ubi
Read MoreMucormycosis, dubbed "black fungus" is usually most aggressive in patients whose immune systems are weakened by other infections. Diabetics suffering from COVID-19 who are being given steroids have a high chance of being affected by mucormycosis or "black fungus", All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Director Randeep Guleria said on Saturday, as hospitals report a rise in the rare but potentially fatal infection. "Mucormycosis spores are found in soil, air and even in food. But they are of low virulence and usually do not causes infection. There were very few cases of this infection before Covid. Now a large number of cases are being reported due to Covid," he said at a news briefing. Flagging "a misuse of steroids" as a major cause behind the cases, Dr Guleria urg...
Read MoreThese are questions that were curated questions from an apartment community in Bangalore in May 2021. These are responses from two eminent Doctors. That said, this is NOT to be construed as "formal" medical advice but just practical tips/guidelines/pointers for common but confusing questions. As always, please do a personal consultation with your Doctor for any personal/direct medical guidance and treatment since your situation will depend on your age, comorbidities, past medical history, allergies history, etc. This information is offered on a best-effort basis so it can be of use. If someone is asymptomatic, is there an easy way to tell other than RT-PCR test? What precautions can be taken to prevent asymptomatic spread?● No there is no way to tell other than an RT PCR test.● No one ...
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