Let's get facts straight and burst some common myths on #BlackFungus.
Share with and educate those around you as well. #stayaware.
π’ NO. Black Fungus is not a new disease.
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π’ NO. Black Fungus is not contagious. It doesn't spread from person to person.
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π’ NO. Covid doesnt cause black fungus.
It is a fungal attack that happens when immune response is lowered. During Covid, one reason for more cases is due to unscientific use of steroids. Steroids are greatly helpful when used well, but it suppresses immune response as well
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NO. Not everyone who had Covid is at risk of black fungus. Do not panic.
Check if you fall under the risk category for black fungus. If you don't, do not panic.
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NO. Just because you had Covid, it doesnt make you a candidate for Black Fungus infection.
Stay aware of the risk category and do not panic.
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NO. You should not stop using steroids for Covid treatment.
Steroids have been shown to be life saving when used at the right time and dosage for Covid.
Take steroids only after consulting with a doctor. Do not self-medicate.
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NO. Those who did not have Covid can also catch black fungus.
Black fungus has been there even before Covid. The fungus spores are present in our envrionment. Those with diabetes and reduced immunity are at higher risk of this, with or without Covid.
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Understand who is at risk and the symptoms of #blackfungus.
π Understand the facts and do not unnecessarily panic.
π Keep diabetes under control.
π Do not take steroids without doctor prescription.
π Strictly wash hands with soap and wear mask.
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What will happen to covid19india.org after October 31st? Some pointers:
* There will be no data updates from 1st Nov, 2021 (sigh!).
* The website will be up and available for referencing past data.
* The website/operations are not being handed over to any group.
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* Our team will wind down and we will be limiting our interactions on email and twitter. We will monitor communications occassionally and will try to respond to critical messages.
* With minimal involvement, we are constrained to respond to requests for interviews/talks.
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* Why don't you convert the website to track broader health data?
This is an audacious goal, but our team is not invested into public health. Our work is open sourced. Groups with interest in public health can utilise our code to build broader public health data platforms.
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Latest data from @PHE_uk on vaccine efficacy (VE) against HOSPITALISATION for the Delta variant.
VE for Covishield against hospitalisation:
β After 1 dose: 71%
β After 2 doses: 92%
βWasn't the reported efficacy lower against Delta? What has changed?
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Vaccine efficacy can be measured against different endpoints. There can be efficacy against hospitalisation, against death, against symptomatic infection etc.
Earlier studies from the UK, had reported VE against SYMPTOMATIC INFECTION.
This is VE against hospitalisation.
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Putting both these studies together:
VE for Covishield towards Delta variant:
β After 1 dose:
π Against symptomatic infection: 33%
π Against hospitalisation: 71%
β After 2 doses:
πAgainst symptomatic infection: 60%
π Against hospitalisation: 92%
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On breakthrough infections, vaccines and gap between doses:
A correspondence published in NEJM on 2nd June, details a study on breakthrough infections with a large cohort of 7000+ healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital in India.
7000+ received the first dose and 3600+ of them subsequently got the 2nd dose.
Vaccine administered was Covishield.
An additional 5000+ were not vaccinated.
Study period: Jan-Apr 2021.
π 506 HCWs tested +ve during the study, of which 64% were unvaccinated.
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π Of the 7000+ HCWs that got the 1st dose, only 2.6% of them tested positive.
π 3600+ HCWs got both doses and 2% of them tested positive.
π Breakthrough infection, measured as those testing positive 14 days after both doses stood at 1.6%.
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If you do not have any symptoms 14 days after confirmation of Covid, a repeat test IS NOT required.
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βWhen can I consider myself recovered from Covid?
β‘οΈ 14 days after date of test.
β‘οΈ 3 consecutive days of no symptoms.
β‘οΈ If you had severe symptoms, consult your doctor for discharge criteria.
β‘οΈ No need for a repeat RTPCR test.
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βDo I need to continue wearing masks inside my home after recovery?
No. One does not generally transmit the virus after Day 10 of infection. After 14 days of room quarantine, there is no need to wear a #mask inside the house.
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A quick overview of Biological E.'s Covid vaccine:
β Vaccine platform: Protein Subunit.
β Number of doses: 2 doses
β Gap between doses: 28 days*
β Current status: Completed Phase 1 and 2 trials. Got approval for Phase 3 trials in April 2021.
*As per clinical trials.
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β Partnership: Antigen developed by Texas Children's Hospital for Vaccine Development and Baylor College of Medicine. Adjuvant supplied by Dynavax Technologies (US).
β Proven platform used for Hepatitis B vaccine. Novavax vaccine also uses subunit technology.
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β What is a protein subunit vaccine?
It consists of specific parts of the SARS-Cov-2 antigen that are synthesized and harvested in a medium like yeast. The proteins themselves elicit weak immune response and they need an adjuvant added to augment the immune response.