Podcasts by SANGYAN for Public Health Education and FAQs

5 Frequently asked questions about Nutrition and COVID-19

Q16. Do vitamin and mineral supplements prevent COVID-19 or cure those individuals who get COVID-19?

It is believed that micronutrients play a major role in improving the health system and boost immunity. A nutritionally balanced and diversified diet can provide you with micronutrients like fruits, vegetables and animal source foods. But, there is no such guidance till now on micronutrient supplementation in covid-19.

Q17. How can people with hypertension avoid complications during COVID-19 infection?

• KEEP diet low in salt
• EXERCISE regularly – briskly walk or walk at least 30 minutes a day. In situations where it is not possible to walk outdoors, this can be done at home
• QUIT smoking and avoid taking any form of tobacco. Seek help from a health professional if needed
• AVOID harmful use of alcohol
• TAKE prescribed medications for hypertension regularly.

Q18. Which type of foods should be consumed during covid-19 to boost immunity?

It is recommended to consume a variety of foods for a healthy and balanced diet , including whole grains , legumes , nuts , fruits, vegetables and animal sources . there is not any such one type of food which will prevent you against covid-19.

Q19. Is it safe to take out meals and food delivery during covid-19?

According to the CDC , COVID-19 is not likely to be transmitted through food itself . Any risk would more likely come from close contact with the person delivering the food.

Food service establishments and delivery should be following the local health department guidelines on food safety guidelines and regular screening of the employees for COVID-19 symptoms. Nowadays, establishments is now providing food with minimal or no contact with prepaying over phone , food being carried to the car for a pickup, or left at the doorstep.

Q20. Do high blood pressure medications increase the risk of getting COVID-19?

No, these medications do not increase the risk of getting covid-19 or developing any other disease. These antihypertensive medications can lower the risk of death and getting infection of covid-19.

5 Frequently asked questions about Nutrition and COVID-19

Q11. What healthy food practices to be followed at home to minimize the risk of contamination from COVID-19 infection?

• Wash vegetables and fruits before eating.
• Wash, rinse, and disinfect objects and surfaces every time before and after use.
• Keep cooked and raw foods separate, as it would prevent the harmful microbes from raw foods spreading to cooked foods.
• Use different chopping boards and utensils for cooked and raw foods to prevent cross-contamination.
• Use gloves while preparing a meal.
• Frequently disinfect surfaces which came in contact such as door knobs, grocery items etc.

Q12. Do people with diabetes have a higher chance of experiencing serious complications from COVID-19 infection?

People with Diabetes are not more likely to get the virus compared to the general public. However, if they contact COVID-19 infection, people with diabetes are more likely to have serious complications and become seriously ill from COVID-19, than those who do not have diabetes. Hence, follow a healthy diet and exercise, take medications regularly and test sugar levels frequently so as to keep your diabetes under control. When diabetic patients become sick, they may require frequent monitoring of blood glucose and adjustment of drugs including insulin, small frequent meals and adequate fluids.

Q13. Does regular physical activity prevent you from COVID-19?

No, Regular physical activity does not prevent from COVID-19 but it benefits both the body and mind. It can reduce high blood pressure, help manage weight and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and various cancers – all conditions that can increase risk to COVID-19 infection.

Q14. How to maintain easy, affordable and healthy eating during COVID-19?

• Keep up fruit and vegetable intake rich in plenty of minerals and vitamins including antioxidants which help boost immunity.
• Swap in healthy dried or canned alternatives when fresh produce is not available like (like dried beans, pulses and grains such as lentils or canned beans and chickpeas, which provide an abundance of nutrients)
• Rolled oats cooked with milk or water can serve as an excellent breakfast option, and can be spiced up with yoghurt, chopped fruits or raisins.
• Build up a stock of healthy snacks like nuts, cheese, yoghurt (preferably unsweetened), chopped or dried fruits, boiled eggs, or other locally available healthy options as these foods are nutritious, more filling, and help build healthy eating habits that last a lifetime rather than consuming sweets or salty snacks
• Limit highly processed foods like ready-to-eat meals, packaged snacks and desserts are often high in saturated fat, sugars and salt.

Q15. Is it safe to get vaccination for a breastfeeding mother against COVID-19 infection?

Yes, It is totally safe to get vaccinated. There are not any studies found which claim that it can risk a baby's health or the mother's. There is evidence that after vaccination, antibodies are found in breast milk, which can prevent babies from infection.

5 Frequently asked questions about Nutrition and COVID-19

Q6. What is the role of Nutrition during the management of COVID-19 for Diabetes Mellitus Patients?

Nutritional deficiencies of protein, essential fatty acids and some micronutrients are associated with decreased immune function and increased susceptibility to viral infections including the COVID-19 infection, which can affect severity of infection especially in vulnerable patients like diabetics. Therefore, considering nutritional status of patients and appropriate macronutrient and adequate micronutrients intake is very important in the management of COVID-19 for Diabetes Mellitus Patients.

Q7. What are the impacts of consuming Fast food and Alcohol during COVID-19 Lockdown?

During the first COVID-19 lockdown a high prevalence of sleep disorders was reported, which could also be linked to imbalanced dietary patterns. Overeating is directly related to an increased risk of developing obesity and subsequently the risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD)and type-2 diabetes mellitus is increased. Alcohol consumption pattern during the lockdown is related to an increased prevalence of negative health outcomes and also negatively influences the quality of life for both the consumer and his/her family members.

Q8. How micronutrient Zinc and Selenium impact the Immune system during COVID-19?

Deficiency of zinc and selenium can weaken the immune system and can increase rate of infection. In some setting, zinc supplementation can decrease risk of death with severe pneumonia. Limited emerging evidence suggests low zinc or selenium status could be linked to more severe COVID-19.

Q9. Is it probiotic help in preventing COVID19?

No. Probiotics are live microorganisms that are generally added to foods or used as a supplement to the diet to confer a health benefit. However, there is currently no evidence to support the use of probiotics to help prevent or cure COVID-19.

Q10. Is intake of fruits and vegetables beneficial during Covid-19?

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is regarded as healthy and beneficial in a number of conditions. Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and flavonoids, can help manage symptoms and to reduce the risk of severity from COVID-19 infection. Fruit and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, which have a lot of beneficial effects. Therefore, it is beneficial to have fresh fruits and vegetables to fight COVID-19 infection.

5 Frequently asked questions about Nutrition and COVID-19.

Q1. How can good nutrition boost immunity to fight COVID-19?

Number of vitamins (A, B6, B12, folate, C, D and E) and trace elements (zinc, copper, selenium, iron) are vital for supporting immune function. Other essential nutrients including other vitamins and trace elements, amino acids and fatty acids are also important in this regard. Thus, nutrient deficiency impairs immune function and increases susceptibility to infections and that these two outcomes can both be prevented or reversed by treating the deficiency(ies). This may be through diet or in some cases may require supplementation or some other form of therapeutic administration, depending on the nutrient, the extent of the deficiency and the setting.

The best diet to support the immune system is one with a diverse and varied intake of vegetables, fruits, berries, nuts, seeds, grains and pulses along with some meats, eggs, dairy products and oily fish. Such a diet would preclude too much processed and 'junk' food and excessive amounts of saturated fat and sugar. In addition to considering the 'direct' effects of nutrition on the immune system, many plant foods, fibre and fermented foods play a role in creating and maintaining a healthy gut microbiota that will also help to support the immune system.

Q2. Is Obesity related to increased risk for COVID-19?

Obesity causes stress and disruption of several tissues, with inflammation mainly in the tissues, gut and respiratory tract. The stress and inflammation determine the altered activation of leucocyte cells. These changes impair the immune response, increasing the risk for the evolution of infections to severe disease, and might be the leading causes for increased death rate in patients with obesity and COVID-19.

In addition to disruption of the immune system, obesity can result in metabolic dysfunction leading to dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and CVD, all of which increase patients' vulnerability to COVID-19 infection. Thus, obesity plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19.

Q3. Is Vitamin A rich diet important to fight Covid-19?

There are a number of reviews of the role of vitamin A in enhancing the immunity and in improving an individual's susceptibility to infection.

Vitamin A is important for normal differentiation of epithelial tissue and for immune cell maturation and function. Thus, vitamin A deficiency is associated with impaired barrier function, altered immune responses and increased susceptibility to a range of infections.

Lack of vitamin A leads to respiratory infections, diarrhoea and severe measles. Studies show children with no deficiency of vitamin A reduced all-cause mortality, reduced incidence, morbidity and mortality from measles and from infant diarrhoea, and improved symptoms in acute pneumonia which is a symptom seen in patients with Covid-19.

Q4. How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted food security status?

Prior to the pandemic, 21% of households were identified as food insecure. Six months into the pandemic, the prevalence of any food insecurity increased from 21% to 80%, of which mildly, moderately and severely food insecure households increased. Overall, 62% households changed from being food secure to food insecure during the pandemic. Household food insecurity (HFI) experiences sharply increased for each domain. For example, the prevalence of anxiety and uncertainty about the household food supply, insufficient quality of food and insufficient quantity of food consumed during the pandemic were 45%, 78% and 42%, respectively, which was much higher than before the pandemic.

Q5. How to maintain healthy diets and lifestyle during COVID -19 pandemic?

Good nutrition is very important before, during and after an infection. Infections take a toll on the body especially when these cause fever, the body needs extra energy and nutrients.

The COVID-19 pandemic is causing a lot of changes in the daily lives of people around the world. However, there are things that can be done to maintain a healthy lifestyle in these difficult times. Eat a variety of foods within each food group and across all the food groups

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Consume a diet rich in whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats such as in olive, sesame, peanut or other oils rich in unsaturated fatty acids
• Continue to practice good food hygiene.
• Drink water regularly.
• Limit consumption of alcohol.

And don't forget, in addition to a healthy diet, other lifestyle factors are critical part of maintaining wellbeing and a healthy immune system. A healthy lifestyle includes additional strategies such as:

• not smoking;
• exercising regularly;
• getting adequate sleep; and,
• minimizing and coping with stress.

5 Frequently asked questions about Omicron.

Q18. Whether children under 5 year should undergo RT - PCR test for Covid- 19 if planned to travel? No, children under 5 years of age are exempted from both pre- and post-arrival testing. However, if found symptomatic for COVID-19 on arrival or during home quarantine period, they shall undergo testing Source: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/RevisedGuidelinesforInternationalArrivaldated20thJanuary2022.pdf Last updated on: 20/January/2022

19. When genome sequencing is done for Omicron?

Genome Sequencing is done for surveillance purposes and is not required to be undertaken for treatment purposes.It is to be performed only in a subset of positive samples as per recommendations of INSACOG (Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Surveillance Consortium).The newer SARS-CoV-2 Omicron or variant detection rRTPCR assays are recommended to be used in areas with limited genomic surveillance capacity for quick detection of emergence of newer variants in such areas.

Source: https://www.icmr.gov.in/pdf/covid/strategy/Advisory_COVID_Testing_10012022.pdf

Last updated on: 10/January/2022

20. What should you do if you wish to travel Internationally?

1. All travellers should - Submit complete and factual information in self-declaration form on the online Air Suvidha portal before the scheduled travel, including last 14 days travel details.
2. Upload a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR report*. The report should have been conducted within 72 hrs prior to undertaking the journey
3. Decision of appropriate government authority to undergo home/institutional quarantine/ self-health monitoring.
4. Continuing with the earlier approach, travellers from certain specified Countries (based on epidemiological situation of COVID-19 in those Countries) are identified for additional follow up.
5. All travellers who need to undertake testing on arrival, should preferably pre-book the test online on Air Suvidha Portal, to facilitate timely testing.

Source: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/RevisedGuidelinesforInternationalArrivaldated20thJanuary2022.pdf

Last updated on: 20/January/2022

21. What is the protocol for those arriving from 'at risk' countries?

Individuals who are originating or transiting from at-risk countries will undergo post arrival testing, quarantine if tested negative, home quarantine for 7 days and shall undertake RTPCR test on the 8th day repeat RT-PCR test for COVID-19 upload negative report on Air Suvidha portal (to be monitored by the respective States/UTs).

However, if tested positive, their samples will be further sent for genomic testing at INSACOG laboratory network and shall be treated/isolated as per laid down standard protocol.The contacts of such positive case should be kept under home quarantine and monitored strictly by the concerned State Government as per laid down protocol.

Source: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/RevisedGuidelinesforInternationalArrivaldated20thJanuary2022.pdf

Last updated on: 20/January/2022

22. What are the RT-PCR test/ Isolation guidelines for those who are Travelers from Countries?

2% of the total flight preferably from different countries shall undergo post-arrival testing at random at the airport on arrival and Laboratories shall prioritize testing of samples from such travellers. All travellers (including those 2% who were selected for random testing on arrival and were found negative) will undergo home quarantine for 7 days and shall undertake RT-PCR test on the 8th day of arrival in India. Travelers shall also be required to upload results of repeat RT-PCR test for COVID-19 done on 8th day on Air Suvidha portal. If the 8th day RT-PCR test is negative, they will further self-monitor their health for the next 7 days. However, if such travellers are tested positive, their samples should be further sent for genomic testing and isolated according to standard protocol.

Source: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/RevisedGuidelinesforInternationalArrivaldated20thJanuary2022.pdf

Last updated on: 20/January/2022

5 Frequently asked questions about Omicron.

Q13. Whether the elderly patients with co - morbidities conditions like Hypertension, Diabetes, Heart disease, Chronic lung/liver/ kidney disease, Cerebrovascular disease etc patients tested for Covid- 19 can opt for home isolation?

Elderly patients aged more than 60 years and those with comorbid conditions tested positive for Covid- 19 shall only be allowed for home isolation after proper evaluation by the treating medical officer.

Source:https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/RevisedHomeIsolationGuidelines05012022.pdf

Last updated on: 5/January/2022

Q14. Whether the immune compromised status (HIV, Transplant recipients, Cancer therapy etc.) patients tested for Covid- 19 can opt for home isolation?

Patients suffering from immunocompromised status are not recommended for home isolation and shall only be allowed home isolation after proper evaluation by the treating Medical Officer.

Source: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/RevisedHomeIsolationGuidelines05012022.pdf

Last updated on: 5/January/2022

Q15. When to discontinue home isolation?

Patients under home isolation will stand discharged and end isolation after at least 7 days have passed from the day tested positive and no fever for 3 successive days and they shall continue wearing masks. There is no need for retesting after the home isolation period is over.

Source: Revised (Guidelines For Home Isolation of Mild /Asymptomatic COVID-19 Cases)https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/RevisedIllustratedGuidelinesforHomeIsolationofMildAsymptomaticCOVID19Cases.pdf

Last updated on: 12/January/2022

Q16. Is a prior COVID-19 infection effective against the Omicron variant?

WHO reports that early evidence suggests that previous infection could offer less protection against Omicron in comparison to other variants of concern, such as Delta. Information is still limited though and we will share updates as it becomes available.

You should get vaccinated even if you've previously had COVID-19. While people who recover from COVID-19 may develop some natural immunity to the virus, we do not yet know how long it lasts or how well you are protected. Vaccines offer more reliable protection.

Source:https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/what-we-know-about-omicron-variant#reinfection

Updated on: 17 December 2021

Q17. What is the risk of Hospitalization for Omicron for those who are vaccinated?

Risk of hospitalization is lower for Omicron cases after 2 and 3 doses of vaccine, with an 81% (77 to 85%) reduction in the risk of hospitalization after 3 doses compared to unvaccinated Omicron cases.

Source:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1044481/Technical-Briefing-31-Dec-2021-Omicron_severity_update.pdf

Updated on: 30 December 2021

6 Frequently asked questions about Omicron.

Q7. Would I get infected if I am fully vaccinated? Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. However, breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated are likely to occur. The recent emergence of Omicron further emphasizes the importance of vaccination and boosters.

Q8. What are the Indian guidelines for those who tested Omicron positive? Those tested omicron positive will be kept in isolation for a period of 10days or if negative RT-PCR.

• Thereafter home isolation for a week
• 14 days of isolation is calculated on the day of the test instead of onset of symptoms

Q9. What are the travel advices to individuals in relation to the emergence of Omicron?

• Individuals who are unwell, who have not been fully vaccinated, or do not have proof of previous infection and are at increased risk of severe COVID-19, including people 60 years of age or older and those with comorbidities (such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes) are advised to postpone travel to areas with community transmission.
• Those who wish to travel should remain vigilant for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, to get vaccinated when it is their turn and to adhere to preventive measures at all times, regardless of their vaccination status.

Q10. What does asymptomatic cases of Covid -19 means?

The asymptomatic cases are laboratory confirmed cases but not experiencing any symptoms

and have oxygen saturation more than 93% (at room air)

Q11. What does a mild case of Covid - 19 mean?

Clinically assigned mild cases are those who experience upper respiratory tract symptoms with or without fever, without shortness of breath and having oxygen saturation more than 93% (at room air).

Q12. What is the Discharge Policy of Covid - 19 (Omicron) for those Individuals who recovered from the Hospitals?

• for Mild cases admitted to a COVID Care Facility or under home isolation will undergo regular health monitoring. The patient shall be discharged after at least 7 days have passed from testing positive and with no fever for 3 successive days. There is no need for testing prior to discharge.
• for Moderate cases admitted to Dedicated COVID Health Centre

1. 1. Patients whose signs and symptoms resolve and maintain saturation above 93% for 3 successive days (without oxygen support), and stable comorbidities, if any, such patients will be discharged as per the advice of the treating medical officer. There is no need for testing prior to discharge.
   2. Patients on oxygen whose signs and symptoms do not resolve, and demand of oxygen therapy continues Such patients will be discharged as per the advice of the treating medical officer only after resolution of clinical symptoms, ability to maintain prescribed oxygen saturation for 3 successive days without oxygen support, stable comorbidities, if any.

• In case of Severe Cases including immunocompromised (HIV patients, transplant recipients, malignancy etc.) Discharge criteria for severe cases will be based on clinical recovery at the discretion of the treating medical officer.

6 Frequently asked questions about Omicron.

Q1. What is Omicron variant ? The Omicron variant, variant B.1.1.529, was first reported to WHO on 24 November 2021 and was classified as a variant of concern by WHO on 26 November 2021. The classification was made on the advice of the Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution, based primarily on information from South Africa that the variant has a large number of mutations and has caused a detrimental change in COVID-19 epidemiology. Source:https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-variants-of-sars-cov-2

Last Updates on: 4 December 2021

Q2. What are the symptoms of Omicron?

It appears to be a mild illness that can resemble the common cold, which is another form of the coronavirus. These symptoms can include sore throat, headache, cough, fatigue, congestion and runny nose.At present there is no information avaiable to suggest that Omicron causes different COVID-19 symptoms from other COVID-19 variants.

Source: https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-patients-may-ask-about-covid-19-omicron-variant

https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/what-we-know-about-omicron-variant#symptoms

Last updated on: 29/December/2021 & 17/December/2021

Q3. How severe is Omicron when compared to other variants?

Early findings suggest that Omicron might be less severe than the Delta variant, but more data is needed and WHO warns that it should not be dismissed as "mild". Studies are ongoing and this information will be updated as it becomes available.

It is important to remember that all variants of COVID-19 can cause severe disease or death, including the Delta variant that is still dominant worldwide, which is why preventing the spread of the virus and reducing your risk of exposure to the virus is so important.

SOURCE: https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/what-we-know-about-omicron-variant#severity

Last updated on: 17/December/2021

Q4. Whether the Omicron variant is more contagious than other variants?

Omicron is spreading more quickly than other variants. Based on the information available, WHO believes it is likely that Omicron will outpace the Delta variant where there is COVID-19 transmission in the community.

SOURCE:https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/what-we-know-about-omicron-variant#transmissibility

Last updated on: 17/December/2021

Q5. Which age group is more prone to omicron?

Research is ongoing into Omicron's transmissibility. However, people who are mixing socially and those who are unvaccinated are more susceptible to contracting COVID-19.

Source : https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/what-we-know-about-omicron-variant

Last updated on:17/December/2021

Q6. What precautionary measures should be taken to prevent Omicron?

The precautions and steps to be taken remain the same as before.The most important thing we can do to reduce risk of exposure to the virus are

• Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth. Make sure that your hands are clean when you put on and remove your mask.
• Keep a physical distance of at least 1 meter from others.
• Avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces.
• Open windows to improve ventilation indoors.
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Take both doses of vaccines (if not yet vaccinated)WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.

Source: https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/what-we-know-about-omicron-variant#family

Last updated on: 17 December, 2021

Two vaccines have been approved for Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) by the National Regulator i.e. Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). These are "Covishield" manufactured by Serum Institute of India (SII) and "Covaxin" manufactured by Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL). Several other vaccines are at various stages of clinical development within the country. The National Regulator grants Permission for Restricted Use in Emergency Situations to Sputnik-V vaccine. PDF: COVID-19 Vaccine: Getting Started Source: pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1711342

We request you to wait at the vaccination centre for at least half an hour after taking the COVID-19 vaccine. Inform the nearest health authorities / ANM / ASHA in case you feel any discomfort or uneasiness subsequently. Remember to continue following key COVID Appropriate Behaviours like wearing of mask, maintaining hand sanitization and physical distance (or 6 feet or Do Gaj). PDF: COVID-19 Vaccine: Getting Started Source: MyGov, India