Beware of New Symptoms of Corona Virus: Often Tingling Hands and Feet

Although there have been easing of territories in several countries due to the corona virus case which continues to go down even though it is not over, in fact this virus still shows increasing symptoms.

Everyone is still advised to maintain social distance and wear masks when traveling. Because, many people are infected with the corona Covid-19 virus without symptoms, but can still transmit the disease to others.

The common symptoms of the Covid-19 corona virus are persistent cough and high fever. But, many people experience different symptoms of the Covid-19 corona virus.

For example, some Covid-19 corona virus patients experience symptoms that affect brain function.

According to Havard Health, one specific neurological symptom is tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.

Meanwhile, researchers at JAMA Neurology, said confusion and delirium also included Covid-19 corona virus infection when it affected neurological function.

According to the National Health Institute, when someone recognizes or experiences a symptom of the Covid-19 corona virus, it's good to isolate themselves.

That is, a person is prohibited from traveling and locking himself from others to prevent transmission of the Covid-19 corona virus. Similarly, people who live under one roof, then need to isolate themselves.

"Anyone who lives together and anyone in the environment must also undergo a test if they experience symptoms of the corona virus," NHS was quoted as saying by Express.

We need to contact an emergency medical team if the symptoms of the Covid-19 corona virus continue to worsen. Because, the criteria that show symptoms worsen, that is we feel more breathless, the symptoms are getting more and can not be overcome alone at home.

Don't forget to say all symptoms experienced when asked by medical experts. Also make sure your symptoms get worse as time goes by.

However, we don't need to go to the hospital if the symptoms of the Covid-19 corona virus are mild and can be treated alone with home treatment or isolate independently.

The Discovery of a Virus that Could Create New Genes from the Human Genetic Code

Various opinions related to the emergence of corona virus from Wuhan, China are indeed often heard in our ears.

Considered a conspiracy theory that was deliberately created, in fact the corona virus has infected nearly 10 million people worldwide.

But in the midst of the turmoil associated with the corona virus (Covid-19), recently came the discovery that the virus can steal the human genetic code that will be able to create new genes.

As reported by Science Daily, Wednesday (6/24/2020), by stealing genetic signals from its host, viruses can multiply themselves by expanding their own genomes.

Interdisciplinary collaborative studies from researchers at the Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine in Mount Sinai in New York, and at the University of Glasgow's MRC Virus Research Center in the UK will soon be officially published in the journal Cell.

The team of virologists has observed a large group of viruses known as segmented negative-strand RNA viruses (sNSVs).

This virus includes extensive and serious pathogens from humans, pets and plants, including influenza viruses and Lassa viruses which cause Lassa fever.

UFO proteins when viruses multiply

The researchers show, by stealing the genetic code from its host, the virus can produce more proteins that were not previously detected.

A group of viruses is dubbed researchers as UFO proteins (Upstream Frankenstein Open reading frame).

Because, they are coded by bringing together the host and the sequence of the virus. There was no knowledge of the existence of this type of protein before the study was conducted.

This UFO protein can change the direction of infection and can be exploited for vaccine purposes.

"The capacity of pathogens to overcome their host resistance and build infection is based on the expression of proteins derived from pathogens," said Ivan Marazzi, PhD, Associate Professor of Microbiology at Icahn School of Medicine and the corresponding author of the study.

Marazzi added to understand how pathogens invade the host and cause infection, it needs to be clearly understood related to what proteins are encoded by the pathogen.

"How they function, and how they contribute to virulence," Marazzi said.

Viruses cannot build their own proteins, so they need to give instructions for building proteins from their host cells.

It is known that viruses do this through a process called cap-snatching, in which they will cut off the end of one of the cell's own protein-coding messages.

Next, extend that sequence with a copy of one of their genes, so this gives a hybrid message to read.

Potential to create new viral genes

For decades, said Marazzi, researchers thought, when the body found a signal to translate the message into protein, he read messages that were only provided by viruses.

"Our work shows that the gene sequence in the host is not silent," he explained.

The researchers point out that, because viruses make hybrid mRNA hosts with their own genes, viruses (sNSVs) can produce additional messages, the initial codon being passed on from the host.

This makes it possible to translate previously unexpected proteins from a sequence of hybrid host viruses.

They further showed that these new genes were expressed by influenza viruses and could potentially create a group of other viruses.

These hybrid gene products can be seen by the immune system, and they can modulate virulence.

Study: Pregnant Women Infected with Corona Virus with Potential Natural Pneumonia

Corona virus can affect anyone of all ages and conditions. Many pregnant women have reportedly been stricken with a virus that has no cure yet.

In fact, pregnant women who have corona virus have other risks. A study from Spain says that pregnant women have a higher risk of pneumonia or lung infections due to Covid-19 than women generally aged between 30 and 40 years.

Quoted from Asiaone, the study shown on Wednesday (06/17/20) was later developed by the Department of obstetrics and infectious diseases at Madrid Hospital 12 de Octubre in Madrid. They found a risk of severe pneumonia from Covid-19 in pregnant patients.

"Pregnant women are taller and superior with severe pneumonia due to Covid-19 than women of the same age," the hospital statement said.

According to research, pregnant women who show symptoms of corona virus are likely to get pneumonia by 61.5%.

This is different compared to the average risk of 25% for women aged between 30 and 40 years in Spain, said the study, which was also published in the medical journal The Lancet.

The researchers tracked 52 adult pregnant women diagnosed with Covid-19 between March 6 and April 5, 2020.

About 32 of the group contracted pneumonia, of which more than half needed additional oxygen.

Most pregnant women infected with Covid-19 do not need to be induced for labor and only three of the women included in this study needed cesarean section as a result of this disease.

To note, pregnant women, including groups that are vulnerable to corona virus transmission due to a weakened immune system during pregnancy.

Therefore it is highly recommended for pregnant women not to leave the house during this corona virus pandemic.

Not only WHO, Doctors also Do Not Suggest Exercise Using Masks

Some time ago the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued new guidelines related to the use of masks during exercise.

Based on these guidelines, WHO states, people should not wear masks when exercising because it can reduce the ability and comfort of breathing.

In addition, according to WHO, sweat can also make the mask wet faster so breathing becomes more difficult and can increase the growth of microorganisms.

For this reason, WHO reminds all people in the world to keep a minimum distance of one meter from other people while exercising.

In order for these guidelines to be implemented, a number of people again called on the community. One of them is a doctor named Dr. Andhika Raspati, SpKO.

A doctor from PPDS Sports Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia explained about the use of masks when exercising.

According to him, people who exercise using a mask to prevent the corona virus need not worry. Because, corona virus transmission does not occur in free air.

"If the aim is to prevent covid, remember that covid is transmitted through droplets not through free air," said Dr. Andhika, in a video.

"It means, as long as we can keep our distance from other people, it's actually safe," he added.

Furthermore, Dr. Andhika said that if people do not wear masks during sports and there are concerns that conditions where someone with Covid-19 runs so that the droplet hovers in the air, then there is no need to worry.

According to him, droplets do not float in the air for long periods of time.

Dr Andhika also explained the underlying reasons that the use of masks is not recommended when exercising.

"When we exercise again the body needs more oxygen, if we are blocked from wearing air masks, the body will be forced to find oxygen, the lungs will work harder. The heart will also work harder," he explained.

"This condition if experienced by people who do have medical problems that maybe he himself does not know so he must be prepared that his picture is displayed in the Yasin book" he added.

"Never mind people who have medical conditions, healthy people who have less oxygen can bleakout" he said.

Previously, Dr. Andhika also had said to avoid others who do not use masks.

He also emphasized, if we are outside the home to exercise then there is no need to deal or interact with other people.

To that end, in order to avoid the gathering of people while exercising, Dr. Andhika suggested avoiding crowded places like GBK and choosing sports locations that tend to be quiet.

Furthermore, Dr. Andhika suggested to bring a mask when exercising and wear when we enter a crowded area.

However, if the use of masks is forced to do, then you should decrease the intensity of exercise. This is done so that oxygen demand is reduced so it is safer to wear a mask.

Yoga can help manage stress, anxiety in kids: Here’s a simple asana to help your child calm down

There’s no denying the fact that yoga can be an excellent tool to address mental health concerns especially during these unprecedented times. Research suggests that the ancient practice helps find balance, calms the mind, and relaxes the body.

For parents, life can be even more stressful as children have been being confined to homes with schools shutting down early to help curb the spread of coronavirus.

Instilling health habits in kids - such as daily yoga practice - will help them cope with stress, anxiety while also improving their overall health and well-being.

Perhaps, if you notice that your child is often anxious or stressed, it is the need of the hour to introduce your kid to yoga.

Yoga is surely one of the best ways to help kids strike a successful balance.

This is so due to the fact that it can help reduce stress and anxiety and calm them down.

Thus, they will be able to understand the importance of mindfulness and will be able to relax.

What is yoga and how does it help to deal with stress and anxiety?

Yoga consists of a series of exercises that are meant to enhance your overall well-being.

The exercises are helpful in synchronizing your mind and body.

The asanas in yoga include deep breathing, calming, and body awareness.

Daily practice of yoga will help your child feel less anxious and stay stress-free.

Yoga can be described as a safe and effective practice that can help soothe the minds of anxious children and, in turn, will also be able to soothe the body’s stress response, said Dr Kritika Bolia, Consultant - Physiotherapist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharadi, Pune.

“The feelings of stress, anxiety, depression can be quickly dealt with the help of yoga. It can help slow down the psychological arousals that occur in the child’s body and can slow the heart rate and even lower one’s blood pressure.

Not only this, but it can also help perk up your child’s mood,” Dr Bolia added.

When the child is stress or even nervous, yoga can be helpful in calming his or her thoughts.

If the child feels overwhelmed or even worried, then yoga can come to one’s rescue. It tends to promote relaxation - the asanas focus on a breathing technique that is inhaled and exhale and wards off negative thoughts to clear the mind and get rid of stress. It helps release endorphins that reduce stress and anxiety and relieves tension. Here’ a great yoga pose to help your child manage stress, anxiety.

Easy Pose with Forward Bend for stress relief

• How to do this asana:
• Sit down on the edge of a mat with legs in ‘pretzel-style’, or simply sit cross-legged.
• Inhale, and on the exhale bend forward.
• Rest your head on your forearms - you can even place your head on the mat.
• Hold the posture for up to five minutes with deep breaths.
• Now, inhale and exhale slowly, and then sit up.
• Change the cross of your leg and repeat the pose, holding it for the same amount of time.

Takeaway: See to it that you choose a good yoga teacher for your child who will be able to design a proper tailor-made program for his or her to bid adieu to stress and anxiety.

South Africa begins its first trial for the corona virus vaccine

A resident from the sprawling Black township of Soweto, south of here, has become the first South African to be injected with a trial vaccine for COVID-19 as scientists seek a treatment for the virus which has infected millions and killed hundreds of thousands across the globe.

Mhlongo (24), is one of about 2,000 South Africans who will take part in the international study after the potential vaccine was developed at the Oxford Jenner Institute in the UK.

After receiving an injection during the trial on Tuesday from Shabir Madhi, head of vaccinology at Wits University and director of the South Africa Medical Research Council's vaccines and infectious diseases analytics research unit, Mholongo said he wanted to learn about COVID-19 and help doctors find a cure for the virus.

Madhi is also a member of the panel advising the South African government on the pandemic.

This is a landmark moment for South Africa and Africa at this stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we enter winter in South Africa and pressure increases on public hospitals, we need a vaccine now more than ever, said Madhi at the virtual launch of the trial, which is being run at multiple sites in South Africa.

The South African participants will be joined by 5,000 in Brazil, 4,000 in the UK, with an additional 10,000 participants planned, and up to 30,000 expected to be enrolled in the US.

Officially known as the Ox1Cov-19 Vaccine VIDA-trial, the South African component of the trial is also a first for the African continent.

Amid the optimism, experts pointed out that the vaccine being tested is one among the more than 100 that are currently being researched all over the world.

In South Africa, at least 1,00,000 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and more than 2,000 have died from virus since March when the President declared a state of disaster and national lockdown which is continuing at Level 3 of a five-level strategic approach to fight the pandemic.

Vaccines are amongst the most powerful tools to mitigate life-threatening diseases. Without a vaccine against COVID-19, there will likely be ongoing contagion, causing severe illness and death, said Zeblon Vilakazi, Vice Principal and Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research and Postgraduate Affairs at Wits University.

He said his institution was committed to cooperate with Oxford University in the trial.

Prior to the launch, the South African study was subject to rigorous reviews and was approved by both the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and the Human Research Ethics Committee of Wits University.

It is essential that vaccine studies are performed in southern hemisphere countries, including in the African region, concurrently with studies in northern hemisphere countries, said Helen Rees, Chair of SAHPRA and Executive Director of the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI).

This allows evaluation of the efficacy and safety of candidate vaccines to be assessed in a global context, failing which the introduction of many life-saving vaccines into public immunisation programmes for low-middle income countries frequently lags behind those in high-income countries.

There has been much debate internationally, including at the World Health Organisation, that the vaccine, when it is found, be made available to all countries at low or even no cost to developing countries, and not only be sold in rich and developed nations only.

As the world rallies to find health solutions, a South African endeavour for the development of an effective COVID-19 vaccine is testament to our commitment of supporting healthcare innovation to save lives, said Glenda Gray, President and CEO of the South African Medical Research Council, which is funding the project with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The project also has the support of the South African government.

The National Department of Health is excited at the launch of this vaccine trial, which will go a long way to cement South Africa's leadership in the scientific space, Sandile Buthelezi, the Director General of Health in the National Department of Health. With COVID-19 infections increasing every day, the development of the vaccine will be the last solution in the long term, and we are fully behind the team leading this trial, said Buthelezi.

Severely-ill corona patients may be 10 times more likely to suffer cardiac arrest

Contrary to what was believed initially, the novel coronavirus, also known as SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, does not only affect the lungs or the respiratory system.

As the disease spread across the world, it was found that the novel coronavirus may affect most vital organs – including the heart, kidneys, liver, etc, and can in fact damage blood vessels causing damage to almost any part of the body.

Reports of the virus affecting the nervous system also came in recently, which have only solidified the claims and reasons to take the virus seriously.

According to a recent report, COVID-19 patients who are admitted to an ICU due to severity of the illness are ten times more likely than others to be hospitalised with the viral infection, suffer a cardiac arrest, or heart rhythm disorders, according to a new study.

Researchers from various institutes, including those from the University of Pennsylvania, IS, said that these issues are common among severely-ill patients due to COVID-19, and are triggered due to a severe form of the disease, and not just the viral infection.

The findings of the study were published in the Heart Rhythm Journal.

These findings differ significantly from reports that showed a high number of arrhythmias among all COVID—19 patients, according to scientists. These results may provide more clarity about the role of the virus and the diseases and complications it leads to.

"In order to best protect and treat patients who develop Covid-19, it's critical for us to improve our understanding of how the disease affects various organs and pathways within our body -- including our heart rhythm abnormalities," said study senior author Rajat Deo from the University of Pennsylvania.
"Our findings suggest that non-cardiac causes such as systemic infection, inflammation, and illness are likely to contribute more to the occurrence of cardiac arrest and arrhythmias than damaged or infected heart cells due to the viral infection," Deo said, reported PTI.

To understand the risk, and incidence of cardiac arrest among patients hospitalised due to COVID-19, the Penn team evaluated 700 patients.

Researchers studied cardiac telemetry and clinical records for patient demographics and medical comorbidities, such as heart disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease and recorded all-important patient details, test results and treatment. The average age of these patients was 50 years.

Researchers identified 53 arrhythmic events, 9 patients who suffered cardiac arrest, 25 patients with atrial fibrillation, 9 with bradyarrhythmias and 10 non-sustained ventricular tachycardia events. Of the 700 patients hospitalised, about 11 per cent were admitted to the ICU. None of the other hospitalised patients suffered a cardiac arrest.

After controlling for underlying demographic and clinical factors, researchers found that cardiac arrest and arrhythmia were more likely to occur among patients in an ICU, as compared to other hospitalised patients.

“More research is needed to assess whether the presence of cardiac arrhythmias has long-term health effects on patients who were hospitalized for COVID-19,” Deo said.

“In the meantime, it’s important that we launch studies to evaluate the most effective and safest strategies for long-term anticoagulation and rhythm management in this population.”

Obesity And Heart Failure: Strong Link To Each Other

Being overweight is not only bad for your image, it's bad for your health, too.

That probably doesn't come as a shock to you, but there are some things that may surprise you about obesity and heart failure.

While the correlation between heart failure and high blood pressure, diabetes, or coronary heart disease has long been understood, it's only recently that researchers are discovering the strong link to obesity.

One thing researchers found is that any increase in weight seems to correlate to an increased risk of heart failure.

Some people think that only the morbidly obese are at risk, but that is not the case.

Being as little as ten pounds overweight may have an impact on your likelihood of experiencing heart failure.

It also seems that the more overweight you are, the greater the risk.

In one study, participants who were obese were three times more likely to suffer heart failure than those who were overweight, but those who were overweight were more likely to suffer than those who maintained an ideal weight.

The results of this and other studies show a clear link between obesity and heart failure.

One of the causes appears to be LVH (left ventricular hypertrophy), which is a fancy way of saying that the walls of the heart get too thick to work properly.

Another cause that may lead to heart failure in the obese is metabolic syndrome X, a condition that has a negative effect on lipids.

NOTE: You should always talk to your doctor about any health concerns you have including obesity and heart disease.

At first, this situation causes a dilemma. Which one should you treat first, the LVH and metabolic syndrome X, or the obesity?

There are treatments that are effective in battling the first two conditions, and they may help to take care of the immediate threat of heart failure.

However, treating the obesity decreases the overall risk, though it can take a bit longer to see results.

The answer is that all conditions should be treated at the same time.

In other words, if you have LVH or metabolic syndrome X, and are obese, then you should get the first two conditions treated and start losing weight as well.

You will have to discuss your treatment options with your doctor, but there are several things you can start doing right away to lose weight.

When it comes right down to it, there is only one way that anybody can lose weight.

They have to burn more calories than their body stores. 

Two-pronged approach is the best way to go.

Decrease the number of calories you take in by watching what you eat, and burn more calories by exercising.

Again, always talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.

The main thing to remember is that if you are overweight, then you are increasing your risk of many diseases.

Obesity and heart failure need to be taken seriously, so it's important that you take action.