COVID-19, Bone Health & Arthritis!

COVID-19 pandemic is raging across the world & by now we all are aware about its consequences. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its patients is severe. Communities across the globe are experiencing the coronavirus in different ways, requiring unique and localized responses. Although more than 95% of the infections result in mild symptoms, in some patients, particularly the elderly with underlying comorbidities (such as cardiovascular disease, COPD, diabetes mellitus and obesities), these symptoms can deteriorate in a severe bilateral pneumonia, requiring intensive care and mechanical ventilation in approximately few percentages of all the cases. 

COVID-19, has attacked countless individuals in more than 173 countries and territories worldwide. Since the outbreak has lead to a high number of infected individuals, various countries health facilities will face tremendous load to take care of the large number of patients. The courage of the doctors, nurses and care teams who are helping patients in the face of this global pandemic is inspirational. As they work to heal the sick, as an orthopedic surgeon Dr. Manuj Wadhwa – Chairman & Executive Director IVY Elite Institute of Orthopedic & Joint replacement. With his vast experience and knowledge he share few tips which will help individuals to identity the disease and take precautions for future and help the world by restraining it further.

• What is it that makes Covid-19 a ‘novel’ disease?
  When a new trait that has previously not been identified in humans appears, it becomes known as a ‘Novel’ Coronavirus (nCOV). Structurally, it comprises of a nucleoprotein at its center, which is surrounded by a layer of fat that has protein crowns on it. Genetically, it is related to the SARS virus that occurred in 2003, but both the diseases are unique in their own ways.
• Covid-19 symptoms & its spread pattern
  As we all know that the Coronavirus spreads because of coughing and sneezing and its symptoms are very basic like normal flu, fever, throat pain, running nose, joint pain etc which slowly involves lungs and causes severe infections like pneumonia. And now the question – is the disease airborne? Well, thankfully the virus can ONLY be spread by a human carrier. The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. These droplets are too heavy to hang in the air. They quickly fall on floors or surfaces.  
• Preventive measures to be taken
  
  • Social Distancing, maintaining at least 1mt. distance from one another
  • Wash hands with soap for at least 20 sec vigorously to destroy its layer of fats that keeps it protected or you can use hand sanitizer.
  • While coughing or sneezing use your elbow or tissue paper and discard it afterwards.
  • Wear mask to prevent yourself from virus to enter your body
• Who needs to be extra careful?
  While Covid-19 can affect anyone - young or old; there are a few people that need to be additionally mindful of the disease. This includes people who suffer from heart conditions or diabetes. The novel coronavirus targets the lungs and then spreads to the rest of the body. If the infected patient also happens to have a weaker heart, it becomes extremely cumbersome for them to pump oxygenated blood throughout the body. Patients with Diabetes have a weaker immune system. Once Coronavirus takes over, it can severely affect people who are immunocompromised. Thus, it is important for you to stick your regular routine of medicine and balanced diets so that your blood pressure isn’t affected.
• Have you pre-planned any surgeries?

  Try avoiding any pre planned surgeries suppose if any patient is suffering from arthritis then he or she should consult the doctor, ask for if any changes are required in medicine as they are more prone to get attacked by this disease not because of arthritis but because of their age. Also other than medicine patients who are suffering should maintain their regular routine like exercise, drinking water, intake of fiber rich food which help to take keep their immune system strong.

  As we all know we have entered the 3^rd phase of Covid-19 where it can spread in a very fast pace at community level. Hence till we find proper medication for the same lets help our country & our super heroes who are actively helping us to fight against this global pandemic by Wearing Masks, Washing Hands and most importantly – staying indoors.

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