The Indian Medical Association observes National Doctors’ Day on July 1 to honour doctors. National Doctors’ Day first came into being in 1991.
The day was chosen to coincide with the birth and death of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy.
A Bharat Ratna recipient, Dr Roy started as a professor at the Calcutta Medical College and contributed to the founding of numerous hospitals and clinics in India. Dr Roy was also West Bengal’s chief minister from 1948 till his demise in 1962.
In the section below, medical professionals from three different branches of science discuss on prevention of “long covid.”
The allopathic take on “long covid” symptoms:
According to Dr Kosha J. Mistry: “Covid affects the body and its metabolism, its processes and is known to leave behind its imprints.
Taking medicines on an indefinite basis is not advisable. People are known to pop in DOLO-650 for relief from mild fever and body ache. Likewise, self-prescribing Azithromycin (an antibiotic) or resorting to cough syrups is not a good idea. Any ailment must follow the diagnosis-prescription route. Else, medicines are also known to generate multi-resistant bacteria, which becomes even more difficult to treat. Focus on prevention.”
Handy Tips:
- Breathing difficulty has been identified as a long covid fallout. Exercises like pranayama are very beneficial.
- Vitamin B12, D3 and Folic Acid deficiency are common in the Indian disposition. Post recovery, do a complete blood check and take proper supplements
- Eat healthy foods. Avoid a spicy, oily intake for at least three months. That will aid your body to recover faster.
- Some have reported a huge amount of hair fall. Right diet and medicinal supplements must be focussed upon
- Covid and its isolation has been known to trigger mental ails. Meditation is extremely necessary. Research proves that it boosts the mind and is associated with neuro-plasticity. Talk to people you are near to, be open about it and of course, do reach out to your doctor.
The homeopathic take on “long covid” symptoms:
Homoeopathy provides a very customised treatment. Hence, there is no generalised pattern of medication for those afflicted with covid. According to Dr Kavita Panchal B.H.M.S. P.G.HOM.(Lon): “Unlike generic off-the-counter drugs in allopathy, this branch of science treats each case in a unique and specific way. The root cause is treated and not the manifestation because fever is just the body’s response to an infection. However, some medicines which we do prescribe for cough, cold and high fever are Arnica, Dulcamara, Bryonia and Belladona.”
The ayurvedic take on “long covid” symptoms:
Mumbai-based Dr. Shruti Phade B.A.M.S (MUHS) explains that ayurveda has certain limitations. “We focus on building immunity instead. Our best bet is Chawanprash, full of antioxidants and known to trigger immediate response to the invasion of any pathogenic. The prescriptive list also Amal and Guduchi.” Dr Phade also advocates a holistic look at the body to treat the sore issue at hand. “For instance, shwaasahar dravyas is a treatment for breathlessness that filters air as we inhale. So, instead of dealing with a virus in the lungs, this branch focusses on the capacity of the lungs and filter techniques.”
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