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April 18, 2020 By Bhakti Mehta Leave a Comment

The Difference Between COVID-19 and Swine Flu

COVID-19Scientists have studied the Flu for decades. Despite its dangers, we know a lot about the Flu and viruses that cause it. In contrast, very little is known about the novel coronavirus. Both COVID-19 and Flu are respiratory illnesses that spread from person to person. This article will discuss the differences between COVID-19 and the Flu.

What is Flu?

Virus has the capacity to make changes to their genes and mutate. Influenza A (Swine Flu) took genomes from animals and humans to mutate. Influenza A exists in pigs, birds and humans. The virus in pigs also contracted some from the birds and humans and mutated itself. 

How is it different from COVID-19?

Corona is a virus family consisting of several viruses. The family is called Corona because the viruses are shaped like crowns in their appearance. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that occur in people as well as many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats and bats. This most recent outbreak, referred to as COVID-19, is a new strand of beta coronavirus that originated in China.

How are they Similar?

  1. Both Corona and Flu viruses show symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, fatigue, aches and pain. 
  2. They both can lead to pneumonia and respiratory concerns – which in turn can lead to organ failure. 
  3. Both viruses are most serious for the elderly and those with compromised immune systems or pre-existing respiratory problems. 
  4. The Flu and Coronavirus are both contagious. 
  5. WHO indicates that people with Flu can pass the virus on before they show any symptoms. A person can also pass on the COVID-19 even if they have no symptoms.

How are they Different?

  1. The symptoms of the Flu tend to occur faster and can have greater variation. 
  2. According to WHO, the speed of transmission differs between the two viruses. The symptoms of Flu appear sooner and it can spread faster than COVID-19.
  3. According to WHO, around 15% of COVID-19 cases are severe and 5% are critical. Those in a critical state required a ventilator to breathe. The chance of severe and critical infection is higher with COVID-19 than the Flu.
  4. There is vaccine and antiviral medication available to protect and fight against Flu. There are no vaccines for COVID-19 yet. Coronavirus is still so new that no vaccines or antiviral medications have yet proven effective against the virus. 

In Conclusion

Both the Flu and Coronavirus should be taken seriously. Be wary and take hygiene seriously by washing your hands regularly and consider keeping a sanitizer handy. Social Distancing is really important to avoid further transmission. Drink adequate amounts of water, eat a balanced diet, exercise, get the right amount of good quality sleep! 

For tips to boost your immunity, you can check out articles on Healthy Reads or tune in to GOQii Play! 

Stay Home, Stay Safe, Get Active and #BeTheForce! 

April 3, 2020 By Sunita Arora 4 Comments

Healthy Eating Tips and Suggestions While in Lockdown

healthy eating tips

Although questions have been raised regarding the transmission of COVID-19, there is currently no evidence to suggest that it can be transmitted through food or water systems. Proper home food safety is advised, including promptly refrigerating foods, keeping raw and cooked foods separate and heating food to the appropriate internal temperature. Today I’ll be sharing the list of foods which you should include for good nutrition and health, boost immunity and some healthy eating tips which you should follow.

7 Healthy Eating Tips While in Isolation  

  1. Include Green Vegetables: like spinach, kale, broccoli in the diet regularly. Spinach is packed with numerous nutrients & antioxidants which increases the body’s immunity to fight against infections.
  2. Don’t skip Vitamin B in Diet: as they contribute in recognizing a pathogen first and act as a security measure for our immune system. Include fortified cereals, mushrooms, fortified dairy products, legume, nuts, and seeds to boost the immune system.
  3. Boost immunity with Vitamin C: Include fruits like oranges, lemons, kiwis, avocadoes, tomatoes, berries etc. Vitamin C helps to protect our body cells from oxidative stress which is the main cause of the production of free radicals and inflammation in our body.
  4. Eat Healthy Snacks and Avoid Junk: You may spend all the time at home which makes your reach for comfort food easier. Avoid chips, biscuits, namkeen cookies, etc. and replace them with healthy snacks like roasted chana, makhana, air popcorn, nuts, sprouts and berries.
  5. Include Vitamin D-Rich foods: The more you stay inside, the more your chances of Sun exposure will be limited. You can sit at your balcony or near a window where you can get good sunshine and enjoy a good time with family. Also include Vitamin D rich sources in your diet like fortified dairy-free milk, tofu, orange juice, mushrooms, etc.
  6. Add Ginger & Garlic: to your food to strengthen your immune system and to enhance flavour. These foods have medicinal properties to fight viruses which mainly cause common cold and flu.
  7. Include Good Protein in Dinner: such as legumes, lentils, chickpeas which contain vitamin B, iron, zinc, magnesium to kill pathogens. These Protein-rich foods also repair body tissue, fight viral and bacterial infections. They also maintain the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes.

7 Valuable Tips While Purchasing Food During Lockdown

  1. Go Easy on Frozen Foods: As we all know most of the frozen food items are high in sodium, fat, and calories. You can try them if fresh fruits and veggies are not available or too costly but remember that canned and frozen fruits and vegetables provide the same nutrients as fresh but don’t forget to drain and rinse them before use. 
  2. Minimize Your Purchases for Tempting Foods: such as chips, sodas, cookies, and ice cream which can affect your immunity. They are high in empty calories and run up your grocery bill as well. Shop wisely and give priority to nutritive foods in place of junk foods.
  3. Keep Costs Down: while shopping online or at the store. Go for low-cost alternatives. Instead of buying everything ready-made, try to make some food items like hummus, salsa dip, purees, etc. at home. Don’t overstock food items. Check the labels for expiry date while shopping or after receiving through courier.
  4. Use a Disinfecting Wipe: while purchasing grocery from the store. Wipe your hands and grocery cart handle then put the wipe in a closed dustbin. After shopping don’t forget to wash your hands or use a sanitizer. 
  5. Use Contactless Payment: For making payment through card or in case of online payment, you can use your contactless card. If you are making payment by using a normal card where you have used a keypad, tapped the buttons and screen with your finger, then use a hand sanitizer after completing the payment transaction. 
  6. Eat Fresh As Much As Possible: Try to eat freshly cooked food, avoid storing food in the refrigerator and avoid wastage of food. Always cook food in limited quantities as per your need so there aren’t any leftovers which you have to store and eat forcibly the next day. Don’t compromise immunity and gut health in this tough time due to stale food.
  7. Eat Out Safely: If you are ordering cooked meals or you want to have take-out meals, take the food home right away and eat it while it is hot. Avoid storing leftovers. Order in required quantity only. If you want to store leftovers safely, wrap tightly and refrigerate and make sure that you reheat leftovers thoroughly before eating.
  8. Reconnect with Family During Meals: Try to eat maximum meals together at the table without television so that you can pay attention to each other and do not overeat. After the meal, you can engage in some fun indoor activity. It’s also a good time to try healthy recipes from Healthy Reads or GOQii Play – both within the GOQii App. 

We hope this article helps you make the right choices. Do leave your thoughts below. For more healthy eating tips, tune in to experts on GOQii Play. 

#BeTheForce 

March 28, 2020 By Dr. Viral Thakkar 1 Comment

How To Use A Mask The Right Way!

maskA mask is a barrier between the nose, mouth and the rest of the world. This small piece of cloth is extremely useful in preventing the spread of contagious infection that spreads through air. A mask prevents you from spreading infection and prevents the infection from coming on to you from others. A mask could be a piece of cloth covering your nose and mouth (your scarf or the basic cotton ones we see being sold these days) or specially manufactured to prevent infection (the ones we see doctors wearing). 

Should I use a mask?

  1. The answer is ‘yes’ and ‘no’. If you are healthy and everyone at your home is healthy, do not wear it. I suggest this because the precautions to using a mask must be followed at all times under all circumstances.
  2. Wear a mask if you have an infection (any infection like cough, cold, etc) or if you are a caregiver.
  3. Wear a mask if you are stepping out of your house, do not take it off when talking to people or under any circumstances. Take it off and put it for a wash immediately once you are home.

WHO says, you should use a mask:

  1. If you’re taking care of a person with infection (any infection)
  2. If you have any infection

 How to Use a Mask 

  1. A mask alone is not the only answer to protect you from an infection. Use alcohol-based sanitizers or wash your hands before, during and after using the it
  2. Before you touch your mask, wash your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or with soap and water
  3. Cover your mouth and nose and ensure there are no gaps in between
  4. Once you pull off the mask, because of the breath, the dirt will stick to it from the inside. Do not use it again, get a fresh one.
  5. One time use masks to be used once. Period!
  6. Since the mask is protecting you from infections, it has all infections on it. So do not touch it when it’s on.
  7. Discard it in a paper bag and then throw it in the dustbin.
  8. If you’re using one made from cloth, you can wash it in warm water, dry it in a clean place and reuse. 

There are different types available in the market. In the current epidemic, it is suggested to use the N95 respirator face mask to protect one from contracting COVID-19. All the indications to wear it stays the same as mentioned above. This mask filters particle (95% of very small particles) from the air that is breathed through it. These respirators filter out at least 95% of very small (0.3 micron) particles. It is said that these masks can filter most of the bacteria and viruses. And hence its utility. If these are properly fitted and worn, minimal leakage occurs around edges of the respirator when the user inhales air.

Currently, we increasingly see common vendors selling masks on the road side, people wear to check and keep them back. This is unacceptable and we are creating a pool of infection by such practises. Ensure you sanitise and clean the mask properly, before you put it on. Keep your it only for your use and no one else’s.

However, in the current scenario where masks are required by the medical fraternity more than the common citizens, I must reiterate that your mask against COVID-19 must be ‘social distancing’ and nothing else.

You can get N95 masks from the GOQii Health Store within the app. 

Stay safe. Stay at home. #BeTheForce against COVID-19! 

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