Call / Whatsapp
+918447748545

Published on: Oct 28, 2020
2 minute read
By: Dr Rajan ( Medical Second Opinion Cell)

COVID: A Reminder To Stay Safe

COVID: A reminder to stay safe

As we approach the second wave of COVID, we need to remain vigilant with our actions to prevent the spread of the virus. We are continuously reminded about wearing a mask in public, maintaining socially distant, and not engaging in risky behavior such as large gatherings. But today we will focus on other forms of transmission. COVID is primarily transmitted by airborne droplets, but spreading the infection through infected surfaces is still feasible. Here we will look at three articles that investigate this mode of transmission.

SARS-COV-2 Survives for 28 days on surfaces

This study by Australian scientists has found that SARS-CoV-2 can survive on surfaces for up to 28 days. The team investigated using the same amounts of virus found on infected individuals, interacting with surfaces such as cotton, paper, stainless steel, glass, and vinyl. Such materials were chosen as they represent commonly touched objects such as mobile phones, ATMs, supermarket checkout regions, items that may not be cleaned regularly enough. Previous research showed the virus could be detected in aerosols for up to three hours, and on plastic and stainless steel surfaces for up to three days.

This study found the virus may survive as long as a week on most surfaces, with enough potency to re-infect. Even after two weeks, there were still plenty of detectable viruses. On other surfaces such as banknotes, the virus could survive as long as a month. The survival of the virus is also potentiated by colder temperatures. The virus is far less likely to survive at 30C than at 6 C, a worrying finding for countries currently approaching winter.

Survival of SARS-CoV 2 on the human skin

We know our skin is host to millions of different bacteria and viruses, but the conditions created by the body alongside the degree of microbial competition actually makes it quite a hostile environment for pathogenic microbes. Hirose et al looked to investigate how well the SARS-CoV-2 virus survives on human skin, using a model. They found that SARS-CoV-2 and the influenza A virus were destroyed more quickly on the skin than other surfaces such as steel, glass, and plastic. However, COVID lasted over 4x longer on skin compared to Influenza A (9 hours vs 1.8 hours).

More importantly, ethanol compounds were found to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 within 15 seconds on human skin. This highlights the importance of regular hand washing, even if with alcohol gel. Taking this in mind, it is useful to keep small bottles of alcohol gel on a person when traveling in public and using it regularly. After all, if you are touching door handles and other items that hundreds of other people may have touched before you, potentially with poor hygiene, it is safer to regularly disinfect.

Low risk of COVID transmission by fomites in real life conditions

Having taken these studies into account, it is quite difficult to quantifiably measure transmission from surface to a person. Knowledge of this transmissibility is quite important, especially to those working in a hospital environment. A review by Mondelli et al published in the prestigious journal The Lancet (Infectious Disease) describes two sequential studies to looking at the possibility of contamination of surfaces in an infectious disease ward of a major Italian hospital, and also whether risk of transmission was higher in emergency rooms and sub-intensive care wards.

These studies found there were very few surfaces in the hospital through which positive swabs could be taken, suggesting contamination was low. Of course the hospitals were running standard cleaning procedures, with regular wipedowns of commonly toughed objects. This again highlights the importance of maintaining hygiene, and how adequate cleanliness can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

Read Blog

Why a Basic Checkup Is More Important Than You Think

When was the last time you visited a doctor without being sick? If you're like most people, the answer might be "a long time ago" or maybe even "never." But here's the truth—seeing a doctor when you're healthy can be just as important as going when you're unwell. That’s where a basic checkup comes in.

In this blog, we’ll break down what a basic checkup is, why it’s important, what to expect, and how often you should get one. Whether you’re young or old, this guide is for you.

What Is a Basic Checkup?

A basic checkup is a routine medical visit meant to assess your overall health. It helps catch any early signs of health problems and ensures everything is functioning properly. Think of it as a regular maintenance check for your body—just like you do for your car.

This type of checkup typically includes:

Measurement of height and weight
Checking blood pressure and heart rate
General physical examination
Blood and urine tests
Review of your lifestyle (diet, exercise, smoking, etc.)
Discussion of any symptoms or health concerns

It's a simple, painless way to stay on top of your health.

Why You Shouldn’t Skip It

Skipping your basic checkup might save time in the short term, but it could cost you more in the long run. Here are a few reasons why this small step makes a big difference:

1. Prevention is Better Than Cure

Many diseases, like high blood pressure, diabetes, and even some cancers, don’t show symptoms in the early stages. A regular checkup can catch these problems before they become serious.

2. Track Your Health Progress

Maybe you’ve started exercising or eating better. A basic checkup gives you a chance to see how those changes are affecting your body. It’s a great way to stay motivated.

3. Get Personalized Health Advice

Your doctor can give you tips specific to your age, lifestyle, and family history. This can help you avoid future health issues and stay fit for longer.

4. Mental Peace

Sometimes, just knowing everything is okay gives peace of mind. Even if you feel healthy, a checkup can confirm that you truly are.

What Happens During the Checkup?

If you’ve never had a basic checkup or it’s been a while, you might wonder what to expect. Don’t worry—it’s usually a smooth and simple process. Here’s a general idea:

1. Medical History Review

The doctor will ask about your medical history, medications, allergies, surgeries, and family health issues.

2. Vital Signs Check

This includes measuring your pulse, breathing rate, temperature, and blood pressure.

3. Physical Exam

They will examine your body, including your heart, lungs, abdomen, and reflexes.

4. Basic Tests

Depending on your age and risk factors, you may be asked to do:

Blood test (to check for sugar, cholesterol, anemia, etc.)
Urine test (to detect infections or kidney issues)

5. Lifestyle Questions

You might be asked about your diet, physical activity, sleep, stress levels, alcohol consumption, and smoking habits.

6. Vaccinations & Screenings

If necessary, you may get updated vaccines or screenings like Pap smears, mammograms, or prostate exams.

Who Should Get a Basic Checkup?

The answer is simple: everyone. No matter your age or how healthy you feel, a regular basic checkup can be beneficial. Here’s a quick guide:

Children: Yearly checkups for growth and vaccinations
Teens & Young Adults: Every 1-2 years to track development and habits
Adults (20-40 years): Every 1-2 years to catch early signs of health issues
Adults (40+ years): Once a year is ideal to monitor age-related changes
Seniors (60+ years): Annual checkups to manage existing conditions and prevent new ones

How to Prepare for a Checkup

To make the most of your visit, do a little prep:

List any symptoms or questions you have
Bring your current medications
Share details about your diet, sleep, and exercise
Don’t eat or drink before blood tests if your doctor tells you not to
Wear comfortable clothes

Being honest with your doctor helps them give you the best advice.

Common Myths About Basic Checkups

Let’s bust a few myths that stop people from booking regular checkups:

Myth 1: “I feel fine, so I don’t need a checkup.”

Truth: Many conditions don’t show symptoms until they’re advanced.

Myth 2: “It’s too expensive.”

Truth: Preventive care often saves money by avoiding costly treatments later. Many health plans even cover annual checkups.

Myth 3: “Checkups are time-consuming.”

Truth: A basic checkup usually takes less than an hour, and it's time well spent.

Simple Tips to Stay Healthy Between Checkups

A basic checkup is important, but so is your day-to-day lifestyle. Here are a few habits to support your health:

Eat a balanced diet full of fruits, veggies, and whole grains
Drink enough water
Move your body for at least 30 minutes a day
Get 7-8 hours of sleep
Reduce stress with activities like meditation or hobbies
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
Wash hands regularly and maintain hygiene

Conclusion

Your health is your most valuable asset. Taking out a little time for a basic checkup can help protect it. Whether you're perfectly healthy or have a few concerns, regular checkups provide reassurance, early diagnosis, and peace of mind.

Don't wait for symptoms to appear—book your basic checkup today and take the first step toward a healthier, happier you.