Umesh is a software developer who spends the majority of his time in front of his computer due to the nature of his job. However, he ensures that he stays active and diligently takes out time from his schedule to work out in the gym.
He had got his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination. However, he was still anxious about contracting COVID because of the new corona variants. His anxiety turned to alarm when he started feeling fatigued, and this tiredness and lethargy did not dissipate even after a week. In fact, he also started suffering from a severe headache and body pain and showed signs of an increase in the body temperature as well.
After exhibiting suspected COVID symptoms, he undertook an RT-PCR test to detect COVID. To his dismay, he found that he was infected by one of the newer variants of COVID.
Fortunately for him, though, he was advised by one of his gym buddies, who had a similar experience, to enrol in the Apollo ProHealth CoRe (Covid Recovery) program after his recovery, which could be done at home and bounce back to peak health.
He started his ProHealth journey by filling in a ‘personalized Health Risk Assessment’ (pHRA) questionnaire.
Apollo ProHealth’s pHRA covers 4 aspects of an individual’s health:
- Medical History – This section consists of inquiries about any previously diagnosed illnesses or disease(s) or surgeries
- Family History – This section includes any family history of illnesses or disorders.
- Lifestyle habits – This section includes questions about diet, exercise, use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs.
- Current status – This section involves any current symptoms or complaints, mental health, sleep and, stress levels.
Once the pHRA was completed, he was recommended a personalized, comprehensive health program designed specifically for recovering from COVID, known as CoRe (Covid Recovery). Through a home sample collection and a tailored health risk assessment, the CoRe program assessed his current health condition. The CoRe program’s physician-guided path to wellness, along with follow-ups by a health mentor, paved the way to help him recover better and improve his chances of a full recovery.
One of the primary challenges for Umesh was to get over the disappointment of contracting the virus despite taking precautions and being injected by the first dose of vaccine.
The first thing his ProHealth physician asked him to do was not to panic and helped guide him to a positive frame of mind. He explained to him that this particular virus affects everyone in different ways, and that it was good that his symptoms were detected at an early stage.
As we delve deeper into Umesh’s recovery, let’s also understand how the latest variant of the Coronavirus is different from the other types.
What is coronavirus/ COVID-19?
Umesh’s health mentor explained to him that coronaviruses (CoV) are a broad family of viruses that can cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more serious illnesses like Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
Umesh already knew that most patients infected by the COVID-19 virus will show mild to moderate respiratory symptoms and usually recover without the need of special medication or therapy. He also knew that seniors above the age of 65, and people who have underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer, are at a higher risk. But Umesh was unaware of how certain side-effects of COVID would continue to linger in the body, even after recovering from it.
Umesh’s mentor informed him that if his symptoms were not addressed properly, it could lead to more health complications.
What is the new variant of the Coronavirus?
The health mentor explained to Umesh that the variant that’s infected him was the Delta variant (Delta – B.1.617.2). This variant was first found in India. Due to its progressive mutation capabilities, this particular variant is more contagious than the previous variants. If proper measures are not taken at the right time, it can lead to more serious complications. Additionally, the Delta variant has a higher probability of infecting people who are vaccinated.
How does coronavirus spread and how did Umesh get infected by it?
The virus spreads through minute liquid particles that are expelled from an infected person’s lips or nose when they cough, sneeze, speak or breathe.
The virus spreads among people in close proximity to one another (within a one-meter radius). Infections can occur when virus-containing aerosols or droplets are inhaled or come into direct contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth.
The virus can also spread in small and poorly ventilated closed environments. This is because aerosols remain suspended in the air can travel a distance of more than one meter.
People can potentially contract the virus by touching contaminated surfaces without washing their hands before touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.
This information, delivered by his mentor, helped Umesh take an educated guess on the source of his infection. Umesh realized that he may have contracted the virus from his gym or office.
Important facts about the new Delta variant
- The Delta virus strain is more contagious than the others
Even with strict preventive measures in place, the rate with which Delta variant has spread across the globe is one of its distinguishing features. The first Delta case was discovered in December 2020, and the virus strain quickly became the most common variant found in India.
- Non-vaccinated people are at a higher risk of fatalities
People who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 are the most vulnerable to developing life-threatening symptoms. Teenagers and children are also at a higher risk of developing serious symptoms compared to the other variants.
- The signs and symptoms vary from the previous variants
Umesh’s health mentor informed him that symptoms are a bit different than the original virus. Coughing and loss of smell appear to be less common and headache, sore throat, runny nose, and fever are all mostly present.
- The best way to avoid getting infected by the Delta variant is to get vaccinated
Umesh understood that in order to protect himself from the Delta variant of COVID-19, he needs to get fully vaccinated. Vaccinations help reprogram the body’s immune system to fight against a new infection.
Apollo ProHealth helped Umesh with recovery from the new Covid variant and lead a healthier lifestyle
After a comprehensive consultation session with his Apollo ProHealth physician, Umesh joined the ProHealth CoRe (Covid Recovery). On subscribing to this personalized program, Umesh was assigned a mentor who continuously monitored his progress for about 3 months, and provided guidance and necessary support to improve his lifestyle.
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