2020 is a survival year for all. In the past couple of months, an unknown disease called COVID-19 has shaken the world with its quick & unstoppable spread into more than 160 countries across the world. This complicated viral infection caused due to coronavirus is known to damage the lungs. But, as more people become infected & more understanding of the disease emerges. It is well evaluated that this coronavirus- officially called SARS-CoV2 can also cause severe & lasting harm in other organs, including the kidney, heart.

Comorbidities as a risk factor in COVID-19 scenario

Shocking data saying- 73% of COVID-19 deaths in India are people with comorbidities. These statistics have double the threat for people having chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, CKD & COPD. Clinically also it appears to be a twofold increase in the incidence of COVID-19 infection when coexisting with other chronic illnesses. Even the doctors & researchers have found that the comorbidities work as triggering factors for immediate hospitalization & mortality of the COVID-19 infection. (https://www.livemint.com/news/india/73-of-covid19-deaths-in-india-are-people-with-co-morbidities-health-ministry-11591094600772.html)

 The Possible mechanism behind the risk associated with comorbidities

In healthy individuals, the body’s immune system is able to develop antibodies that will fight off viral infections. However, ICMR, guidance document stated that in co-existing patients with diabetes, CKD &  hypertension, it is often difficult to treat infection due to impaired immune-response in relation to both cytokine profiles & change in immune-responses including T-cell & macrophage activation. Furthermore, it is discovered that compromised immunity may also worsen the recovery of COVID-19 positive or susceptible individuals as these co-existing conditions increase the risk of developing secondary lung infections, and may lead to complications in a COVID-19 patient. Therefore, positive COVID-19 patients with coexisting comorbidities are more likely to have poorer baseline well-being.

Important measures for diabetic, CKD & hypertensive patients

As per the guidelines of Ministry of AYUSH (https://www.ayush.gov.in/docs/ayurveda.pdf)

• Regular monitoring of blood sugar level may help in the risk assignment
• Proper caution should be taken in terms of diet

• Strike sugar & salt consumption
• Eat plenty of green vegetables
• Regular intake of warm water
• Gargle with pinch of turmeric & salt
• Early morning oil pulling
• Use of pratimarsh nasya  (2 drops of sesame / coconut oil each nostril )
• Regular consumption of immunity boosting herbs/formulation

• Indulge in regular yoga practice & cope up with day to day stress (https://www.facebook.com/AimilHealthcare/)
• Maintain social distancing with all possible measures of wearing N95 mask, gloves  & sanitization

• Frequently wash your hands with soap & water
• Protect  your hands with alcohol based hand rub or sanitizer, use herbal sanitizer to avoid skin infections.  (https://ayouthveda.com/collections/intimate-hygiene-care/products/deep-clean-gentle-hand-wash-set-of-2)
• Avoid frequently touching of eyes, nose & mouth
• Maintain social distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) with anyone who is coughing or sneezing.