ApnaComplex is conducting a series of webinars in partnership with The Times of India. These webinars are exclusive only for members of Societies using ApnaComplex.

In these webinars, experts are speaking on important topics that focus on COVID-19. Since its advent in December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused stress, fear and panic among people. And as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to loom and the lockdown restrictions have been eased in some parts of the state, life has somewhat gone back to normal (the new normal).

While the numbers of coronavirus cases are declining, the risk of infection is still prevalent as we get back to our new normal life. So, in this live webinar, Dr. Shashank Joshi, an Indian endocrinologist, diabetologist and medical researcher spoke to us on “How to co-exist with COVID“, where he shared the precautions to take in our daily routine as we start moving out.

In the first segment of the webinar, Dr. Joshi spoke about the history of coronavirus and how it emerged as a global pandemic. He further explained the difference between coronavirus and COVID-19; coronavirus is the virus that causes COVID-19 disease. He also spoke about the symptoms of COVID-19 which includes dry cough, high fever, shortness of breath, lack of smell and taste, secretions from the nose and sore throat.

Dr. Joshi also spoke about how COVID-19 is transmitted from one person to another. In fact, he mentioned that around 60-80% of people get coronavirus. He also stated that the different stages of COVID-19 are asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe and critical COVID.

Dr. Joshi has shared a list of lifestyle protocols that we should implement into our daily routine during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Have your meals on time.
• Eat a large breakfast, moderate lunch and light dinner.
• Keep your body hydrated.
• Eat your meal slowly.
• Try to eat Sattvic food.
• Stay physically active.
• Try to get 7 hours of sleep; try to sleep between 9.30 p.m to 4.30 a.m or 10 p.m to 5 a.m.
• Quit smoking and avoid drinking alcohol.
• Stay positive and happy.

Dr. Joshi also spoke about the types of COVID-19 tests – RT-PCR test and antigen test. These tests will help in diagnosing the coronavirus infection in the body.

The post-recovery for COVID-19 includes taking utmost care of yourself, eating nutritious foods, doing yoga, pranayam and breathing exercises and staying connected with your doctor to help with the recovery process.

These are the key points shared by Dr. Joshi in the webinar:

• To prevent from getting infected from coronavirus, wear a well- fitted mask that covers your nose and mouth properly and a zero power or a regular spectacle.
• Choose a proper mask which will not allow you to blow a candle or you can’t see a bright light source through it. These are the signs of a good quality mask.
• Wearing a mask is important as it puts you at a lower risk of contracting the virus even if you are in close contact with a COVID-19 infected person. The chances of contracting are less than .5%.
• Maintain physical distancing.
• Ensure proper hand hygiene which involves washing your hands with soap and water or using a hand sanitizer.
• Do not touch your nose, mouth and eyes with your hands.
• The highest transmission risk occurs when you are eating out so ensure that you maintain physical distancing.
• In India due to COVID-19, the mortality rate is high among people who are above 50 years.
• People with diabetes, hypertensive, heart disease, chronic lung, kidney and liver disease and organ transplant survivors are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19.
• People who are undergoing chemotherapy and who are on steroids and immunosuppressant medications are at a higher risk too. Also, people with AIDS and congenital immunodeficiency disorders are more susceptible to get coronavirus.
• Avoid crowded places and poorly ventilated rooms.
• Homeopathic, allopathic and Ayurveda medicine will not prevent COVID-19.
• Children are less susceptible to COVID-19.
• Women are also less susceptible to COVID-19 because of the female hormone oestrogen.
• Men are more vulnerable to COVID-19 as compared to women.

Here are some excerpts from the webinar:

• What should you do if you think you have COVID-19?

Check your body temperature, monitor respiratory rate and pulse rate, monitor your blood pressure levels and monitor blood glucose levels to help determine if you have contracted COVID-19.

• What are the treatment options for COVID-19?

Antiviral drugs, supportive care and prone positioning are some of the treatment options for patients with COVID-19.

• Will you get immunity if you contract the virus?

If you get COVID-19, you will generate antibodies and after usually 3-6 months the antibodies will go away and you will get some immunity. However, this does not signify that you are immune to COVID-19.

• What foods should you eat to help boost your immunity?

Consume Sattvic foods which can help boost your immunity as it consists of fresh fruits and vegetables and essential spices and herbs.

• What are the atypical symptoms of COVID-19?

Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, lack of smell and taste are the atypical symptoms of COVID-19.

ApnaComplex conducts informative webinars on different topics. So, stay tuned to emails from ApnaComplex and ApnaComplex social media pages for upcoming webinars.