The COVID-19 outbreak, since it originated in Wuhan, China towards the end of 2019, has spread globally since January of 2020. Since then, the disease has been classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a pandemic. More than a year on since this declaration, the disease has spread across the globe, claiming more than […]
National
Deaths due to COVID-19 understated?
India’s official COVID-19 death figures are already tragic, rising rapidly throughout the second wave. However, there are many that now believe these death figures are being severely underreported. A Twitter thread in early May by Dr Ashish K. Jha, Dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, suggests that the fact that crematoriums […]
Targeting NCDs to prevent pandemics
Following millions of deaths worldwide as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries have been left to scramble to find ways to combat, and even prevent, future pandemics. Targeting noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) may seem counterintuitive when discussing infectious diseases, but the rationale for this approach may be the key to addressing the issue. In […]
The third wave: COVID-19’s next act
When India’s second COVID-19 wave hit, it sent the nation reeling. Hospitals were overwhelmed. Vaccine exports were halted to accommodate those at home. People took to social media to beg for supplies of vital medical equipment such as medical oxygen amidst shortages. To consider the prospect of a third wave right now may seem to […]
Reinfection with COVID-19 unlikely to cause deaths
A study has found that those reinfected by COVID-19 often present with severe symptoms, but are unlikely to be fatal. The study, conducted by the All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi analysed “breakthrough infections” — or the small number of vaccinated individuals who are still reinfected by a disease. Conducted over the […]
Covaxin trials to start among minors
Trials of Covaxin, India’s indigenously-manufactured COVID-19 vaccine candidate, are set to begin among young people to test its immunogenicity, reactogenicity, and safety. Trials among those aged between twelve and eighteen years are set to commence across five institutes throughout India. The institutes in question are the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bihar […]
COVID-19 cases rapidly decline in official figures
India’s COVID-19 figures have been on a consistent decline for nearly a month. However, we are far from safe to celebrate. While the news of a consistent decline in new cases may come as a welcome relief, it cannot be denied that the second wave has exerted a considerable toll on India. Deaths in the […]
Lymphatic filariasis ignored during COVID-19
COVID-19 has brought considerable disruption to India’s health system. Efforts have been necessarily diverted to tackling the disease, though this has often come at the expense of treating other conditions. Lymphatic filariasis is one of these diseases. Lymphatic filariasis, or elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that attacks the lymphatic system. It is […]
Lack of sanitation behind black fungus?
More than 9,000 cases of mucormycosis — or black fungus — have now been reported in India. Some now speculate that issues such as a lack of sanitation, and unclean oxygen canisters and ventilators could have helped in driving the surge. Mucormycosis has become a major issue across the country in the light of India’s […]
Cardiovascular disease rising among women
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is already known to be India’s leading cause of death. Given a new insight into the demographic trends of those affected by the disease, a recent report has revealed that the condition is becoming increasingly common among women. The report ‘The Lancet Women and Cardiovascular Disease Commission: reducing the global burden by […]