Indian J Med Res
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The present study describes the epidemiological characteristics of 3,08,259 suspected cases of COVID-19 from the Pune district, India. The samples were referred for COVID-19 testing between January 24, 2020 and April 30, 2021. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from the ICMR-portal as a single dataset and analyzed. ⋯ Among symptomatic cases, cough was the most common complaint, followed by fever. Among the COVID-19 positives, one-fifth were asymptomatic, highlighting the necessity for close contact tracing even among apparently healthy contacts. The second wave of COVID-19 had double the per cent of symptomatic individuals as compared to the first wave.
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During any public health emergency, a need-based national non-communicable diseases (NCD) preparedness plan is essential. People living with NCDs could face challenges owing to restricted mobility, low access to medical care and suboptimal logistics during the pandemic. The present study explored the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on NCD care in a district of Odisha State of India. ⋯ Our findings showed that people with chronic NCDs faced multiple challenges in accessing health care during the pandemic. A cohesive doctor-pharmacy-patient engagement is vital for managing NCD care during a pandemic. During emergencies, changes in dispensing practices and service provision closer to the patients are crucial. Additionally, health literacy and home-based NCD management should be encouraged.
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In the context of India's ongoing resurgence of COVID-19 (second wave since mid-February 2021, following the subsiding of the first wave in September 2020), there has been increasing speculation on the possibility of a future third wave of infection, posing a burden on the healthcare system. Using simple mathematical models of the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2, this study examined the conditions under which a serious third wave could occur. ⋯ This study demonstrates plausible mechanisms by which a substantial third wave could occur, while also illustrating that it is unlikely for any such resurgence to be as large as the second wave. Model projections are, however, subject to several uncertainties, and it remains important to scale up vaccination coverage to mitigate against any eventuality. Preparedness planning for any potential future wave will benefit by drawing upon the projected numbers based on the present modelling exercise.
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COVID-19 pandemic has taken a significant toll on the health of the people across the globe, including India, and is still continuing with its rapidly evolving second wave. Although the COVID-19 vaccines effectively prevent infection, yet some cases of infections have been reported post-vaccination, raising concerns about their efficacy and safety. This study was aimed to investigate the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among the symptomatic-vaccinated healthcare workers (HCWs) and to analyze the severity of their disease. ⋯ The COVID-19 infection after vaccination occurred in a smaller subset (2.63%) of HCWs, in both PV and the FV groups. These infections were primarily minor and did not lead to severe disease. Overall, the vaccination with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine (recombinant) prevented SARS-CoV-2 severe infection in the HCWs, leading to ICU admission and deaths.
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Upper respiratory mucosa is the entryway for SARS-CoV-2, and cells at this site form the first line of resistance against the pathogens. Innate immune response at this point is crucial for managing the replication and early stage symptoms of virus infection. This study was aimed to evaluate the expression of pattern recognition receptors and cytokines in upper airway cells of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. ⋯ The findings suggest that increased MDA5 in NP cells of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 positive patients may subsequently induce type 1 IFNs to protect the individuals from further clinical severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. A future prospective study in NPS of larger cohort needs to be performed to confirm our findings.