• Published on: Apr 04, 2020
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

Anyone With Flu Like Symptoms Are Now Encouraged

  • WhatsApp share link icon
  • copy & share link icon
  • twitter share link icon
  • facebook share link icon

The Bold Strategy the UK has adopted against COVID-19

The UK government had outlined its Coronavirus strategy in three distinct steps. The first stage was to contain the virus. This was implemented when spread of the virus was primarily by infected patients from abroad. Public health advice was provided, campaigns on washing hands, not touching the face, practicing safe hygiene. Potentially infected individuals were informed to self-quarantine for 14 days whilst waiting for symptoms to develop and testing to occur. Now it is evident this is not enough. The virus has spread to enough people that transmission can now occur locally, between people who have never been abroad. Containment is not the aim, mitigation of number of cases to prevent burdening the health services. The second stage aims to reduce the epidemic’s peak, flatten it out so the number of cases do not occur at once.

Anyone with flu like symptoms are now encouraged to stay home for 7 days, and testing will only occur for hospital admissions. Beyond this little appears to have changed. Schools will remain open, social gatherings have not been cut yet (but is expected over the next week) and general life will continue as normal. This is a risky measure, one that suggests the government is not taking the issue seriously. France, Spain and Italy have enacted lockdown measures, Germany has begun cutting social gatherings. So why is the UK not following in step? Are people going to die as a result of this inaction?

DELAY THE SPREAD

The answer is of course complex. PM Boris Johnson has acknowledged that as a result of his decision people may die, especially the elderly who are seen as a very vulnerable population. But this plan has been discussed with multiple scientists, doctors, public health specialists, and there is method in the madness. Currently the UK is in the early stages of the epidemic. The number of infected are expected to rise sharply in 4 weeks, with a peak in 10–14 weeks. Implementing harsh restrictions too early can lead to “self isolation fatigue”, resulting in people not following the restrictions stringently or leaving their homes at the height of the epidemic. Restrictions also come with their own problems, and implementing them may lead to more harm than good. Simple measures such as hand washing and self isolation can itself reduce the peak of cases by 20%.

Schools have not yet been closed because COVID-19 does not appear to affect children as much. Closure of schools would also mean parents having to stay at home to look after their children (after all, nurseries, creches and other forms of childcare would still result in a spread of infection). In some cases these parents are also healthcare professionals, and the UK needs every single doctor, nurse and allied health professional to be on the frontline treating patients.

So what is the strategy? The NHS is currently full of patients due to the winter burden, one that is expected to taper off in the coming months. Slowing the onset of the epidemic’s peak to Summer, spreading it across the next few months so the maximum number of people can be treated in the hospital setting without overburdening. The aim is no longer to prevent the spread of infection but to protect the most vulnerable age groups. This model allows the young and healthy to become infected, almost encourages it.

INFECT YOUR CITIZENS

Now this sentence may sound ridiculous when said out loud. Allow infection. But why? The UK has acknowledged there is no way to stop the infection. Whilst the mortality in the elderly population and those with medical conditions are high, in the young and healthy it manifests as a mild illness with almost all infected cases recovering. More importantly, recovered patients have immunity against the virus, manifesting as antibodies in their blood. Immune patients cannot infect other people, so the more immune patients there are the slower the virus will spread. This is known as herd immunity, and the process is discussed in length in our blog on vaccines. Herd immunity needs to be achieved before the onset of winter in 2020, as winter admissions alongside COVID admissions would result in a disaster.

https://medium.com/@rajneesh.dwivedi/developing-a-vaccine-for-covid-19-part-1-f7263ae9bf88 Rajneesh secondmedic

The strategy is of course risky, and one that has not been implemented before. And since the infection will not be contained people will die. But by spreading the burden of the infection across a longer time period will allow those who require treatment to receive it in a far less burdened health system. And it has received support from health professionals, even those who are fierce critics of the PM and Conservative government. But it has resulted in confusion amongst the population, a population that looks at authoritative action taking place in other countries and not understanding why their own doesn’t follow suit. The issue is these draconian measures are not sustainable, and if implemented correctly the UK strategy may result in far less lasting damage on its health service and the economy.

Dr Rajan Choudhary, London UK

Head Of Products, Second Medic Inc (www.secondmedic.com)

Read Blog
Neurobion

Neurobion Forte: Benefits for Nerve Health and Vitamin B Deficiency

Vitamin deficiencies are a common but often overlooked health issue. Among them, vitamin B deficiency is particularly significant because of its direct impact on nerve function, energy metabolism and overall neurological health. Neurobion Forte is a widely used vitamin B-complex supplement designed to address these deficiencies and support nerve health.

Understanding how Neurobion Forte works and when it is beneficial helps individuals make informed decisions about their nutritional and neurological wellbeing.

 

What Is Neurobion Forte?

Neurobion Forte is a combination supplement containing essential B vitamins, primarily:

  • vitamin B1 (thiamine)
     

  • vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
     

  • vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
     

These vitamins play a vital role in nerve signal transmission, energy production and maintenance of the nervous system.

 

Why Vitamin B Is Essential for Nerve Health

B vitamins are crucial for:

  • nerve impulse transmission
     

  • myelin sheath formation
     

  • energy metabolism in nerve cells
     

Deficiency can impair nerve function, leading to discomfort and neurological symptoms.

 

Common Causes of Vitamin B Deficiency

Vitamin B deficiency may occur due to:

  • inadequate dietary intake
     

  • poor absorption
     

  • chronic illnesses
     

  • long-term medication use
     

  • alcohol misuse
     

Vegetarians and elderly individuals are particularly at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.

 

Symptoms of Vitamin B Deficiency

Early symptoms may include:

  • fatigue
     

  • weakness
     

  • numbness or tingling in hands and feet
     

  • poor concentration
     

If untreated, deficiency may progress to more serious neurological problems.

 

How Neurobion Forte Supports Nerve Health

Supports Nerve Repair

Vitamin B12 contributes to nerve regeneration and maintenance of nerve fibres.

 

Improves Nerve Signal Transmission

Vitamin B1 supports proper nerve impulse conduction.

 

Reduces Nerve Irritation

Vitamin B6 helps regulate neurotransmitter synthesis, reducing nerve-related discomfort.

 

Supports Energy Metabolism

B vitamins help convert food into energy, supporting overall nerve and muscle function.

 

Role of Neurobion Forte in Nerve Pain

Nerve pain caused by vitamin deficiency may present as:

  • burning sensation
     

  • tingling
     

  • numbness
     

  • shooting pain
     

In such cases, correcting the deficiency through supplementation may help relieve symptoms over time.

 

Conditions Where Neurobion Forte Is Commonly Used

Neurobion Forte may be prescribed or recommended in cases such as:

  • peripheral neuropathy
     

  • diabetic neuropathy (as supportive care)
     

  • nutritional deficiency-related nerve symptoms
     

  • general weakness associated with vitamin B deficiency
     

It is not a painkiller but supports underlying nutritional correction.

 

Importance of Medical Guidance

While vitamin supplements are widely available, inappropriate or excessive use may cause side effects.

Medical guidance ensures:

  • correct diagnosis
     

  • appropriate dosage
     

  • monitoring of response
     

Self-medication should be avoided, especially for long-term use.

 

Diet and Vitamin B Intake

Dietary sources of B vitamins include:

  • whole grains
     

  • legumes
     

  • dairy products
     

  • eggs
     

  • meat and fish
     

Balanced nutrition remains the foundation of vitamin sufficiency.

 

Who May Benefit Most from Neurobion Forte?

Individuals who may benefit include:

  • those with confirmed vitamin B deficiency
     

  • people with nerve-related symptoms
     

  • elderly individuals with poor nutrient absorption
     

  • individuals with restricted diets
     

Supplementation should complement dietary improvement.

 

Possible Side Effects and Precautions

When taken as advised, Neurobion Forte is generally well tolerated.

However:

  • excessive vitamin B6 intake may cause nerve symptoms
     

  • allergic reactions are rare but possible
     

Always follow professional advice.

 

How Long Does It Take to See Benefits?

Improvement depends on:

  • severity of deficiency
     

  • duration of symptoms
     

  • individual health status
     

Some people notice symptom improvement within weeks, while others require longer support.

 

Neurobion Forte and Overall Wellbeing

Correcting vitamin B deficiency supports:

  • nerve health
     

  • energy levels
     

  • cognitive function
     

  • overall vitality
     

Supplementation is most effective when combined with healthy lifestyle habits.

Conclusion

Neurobion Forte plays an important role in managing vitamin B deficiency and supporting nerve health. By supplying essential B vitamins, it helps restore nerve function, reduce deficiency-related symptoms and improve overall neurological wellbeing. While it can be highly beneficial when deficiency is present, its use should always be guided by medical advice to ensure safety and effectiveness. Balanced nutrition, early diagnosis and appropriate supplementation together form the foundation of healthy nerve function.

 

References

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Micronutrients and Neurological Health

  •  Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Nutrient Deficiency Guidelines

  • National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) – Vitamin B and Nerve Function Reports

  • Lancet Neurology – Vitamin Deficiency and Neuropathy Studies

  • Indian Journal of Clinical Nutrition – Vitamin B Supplementation Researc

  •  Statista – Dietary Supplement Usage Trends

See all

Live Doctor consultation
Live Doctor Chat

Download Our App & Get Consultation from anywhere.

App Download
call icon for mobile number calling and whatsapp at secondmedic