How Did the People of India Become Helpless in the War Against COVID

12 simple yet life-saving tips from someone who is amid harrowing havoc.

My phone has become shameless in ringing at any time of day. I am tired of calling unknown people asking for their help.

Though my family is safe in the countryside, the COVID wave has gripped many of my friends and their families. Their helpless cries melt my heart. Someone needs an oxygen cylinder, another needs a bed, yet another needs ICU.

Looking at the mirror made me realize this form is too delicate. A small virus can overpower this giant body.

I am a Dental Surgeon in New Delhi, and the situation here is atrocious.

People are losing their lives at an exponential rate. India is reeling under the triple mutation of the COVID variant that evades the human immune system.

Forget about the ICUs or hospital beds. Even the oxygen and basic medicines are out of stock. People have lost faith in government. Doctors are overwhelmed.

The skyrocketing prices of these products on the black market are inhumane. The money mongers are looting the common people where people are gasping for a single breath.

A post by my dear friend Sahiba left me in tears. She mentioned that her friend’s mother was gasping for a single breath. Her mother said, ‘Please give me oxygen for few moments so that I can breathe properly, and then let me die.’ Sahiba arranged an oxygen cylinder for her. After the cylinder was exhausted, her mother passed away.

People are criticizing politicians and policy failures. The government is trying to censor its people on social media. Politicians are accusing each other and people of carelessness. Accusations will not bring back the people or cure those who need oxygen and medicines.

Last month, massive political rallies were organized in certain states of India. The government organized Kumbh Mela on a large scale. According to reports, 99% of Kumbh returnees are COVID positive. Is it a system’s failure or ignorance of people?

Because of the shocking increase in cases, there is a shortage of RT-PCR kits. Labs require these kits to test COVID cases. People can’t get their COVID test done easily in the high population areas. Delayed tests and results are also raising the affected numbers.

My friend’s brother and his son waited for 2 hours in Delhi summer heat for a COVID test. Plus, they had a fever for the last few days. This is inhumane. Without testing, nobody can know that what disease they have. There is an acute deficit of COVID test kits. Hue and cry are echoing everywhere.

In another city, my aunt was down with a fever for 5 days. When she tested COVID negatively, she went for other tests. Doctors diagnosed her with dengue. Dengue and typhoid are on the rise as well. How to detect what disease is affecting whom when testing is hampered because of the shortage?

Covid cases are rising as if a giant tsunami has touched the coastline. Those who are COVID positive are waiting in queues for tests, at medical shops for medicines. Who will take care of them if nobody is supporting them? My friend’s entire family is COVID positive. He was the only one catering to their needs. But now he himself is in ICU.

Every day I hear someone known died or someone urgently needs oxygen or a hospital bed. According to the reports, 12 people are dying each hour in Delhi because of COVID. Hospitals have run out of their oxygen supply. Cremation grounds are full of dead bodies.

My heart cries for them, with them.

Although my family is safe in the countryside, the helpless situation of lack of facilities is gut-wrenching.

Normally I detest calling someone as it drains my energy. But for the last few weeks, I am the one calling almost all my contacts. Requesting them to take precautions and what they should do if symptoms arise.

High Court has warned of dire consequences if someone obstructs the oxygen supply. But right now, no relief is in sight.

Govt could have avoided mass cremations and sufferings. The lack of beds is so grim that patients are forced to share beds with other patients.

Every resident knows the epic battle between Centre Modi’s government and Delhi State Kejriwal’s government. But now is the peak time to keep the blame game aside and help the average person. Maybe they are doing it, but the results are not visible till now.

Every death speaks volumes of administration failure. The experts had warned the administration of the next enormous second wave. Maharashtra was under lockdown a month ago. Still, the people in overcrowded areas didn’t learn.

According to a US study, cases will peak by mid-May. Only God knows what will happen at that time.

Last week, my close friend direly needed ICU. His complete family was COVID positive. He was taking care of his aged father, whose oxygen dipped to 73. The normal oxygen level is above 95.

While taking care of his family, he succumbed to low oxygen levels. His oxygen plunged to 70. He and his father needed oxygen. They both were in-home care. Their oxygen cylinder was running out by every hour. They sent someone for the refilling of empty cylinders. Simultaneously, I was frantically looking for an oxygen cylinder in the market. I spoke with many dealers, but oxygen was not available.

From those whom I spoke, one promised me the home delivery of an oxygen cylinder. Happily, I paid them, thinking that they would deliver the cylinder within an hour. But neither cylinder came nor the money. It is awful to see these scams in this hour of need.

Anyway, they somehow arranged an oxygen cylinder. But the refilling is as important as having an oxygen cylinder. Their family was desperately trying to refill these cylinders in Delhi for two days. Refilling was not available anywhere. Long queues at filling stations exhausted the supplies when their turn came.

He ended up in ICU. I am thankful to God at least he got a bed. Currently, I am not aware of his exact situation. Every day and night, I am praying for his speedy recovery.

Learning from this helpless feeling, I made several help groups to support each other.

At the dire time, it is impossible to arrange anything all by yourself. You need a support system. You need people to try on behalf of you. It is difficult to cope when each family member is down with the disease. You need help, whether it is for finding supplies like oxygen, bed, ambulance, food, etc., or for mental peace.

The support system does not let you feel alone in these desperate times. You are never alone with the support from good-hearted people.

The Good News Is That It Has Brought People closer.

In this dark era, there is a ray of hope. People have surpassed the boundaries of religion, region, economic difference, and positions. They are supporting each other in every manner they could.

Where vote bank and divisive politics failed big time, the unity of the common man is doing their best.

Arranging for food, medicines, circulating their oxygen supply is truly heartening. Everybody is looking out for their neighbors and friends and their friends. The chain of humanity is supporting each other. Doctors are providing free telephonic consultations.

People are teaming up at the grass level to assist each other. Despite the scams, humanity has seen resurrection in times of need. We can not ignore the good samaritans who are working day and night to help one another.

Doctors of the international community have come together to help India in these desperate times. Indian doctors settled abroad are providing free consultations for Indian patients.

What You Can Learn from This Situation.

Viruses are tricky organisms. The survival of the virus is extraordinary because of mutations.

By analyzing closely, we realize overcrowded areas are the worst hit. The deaths spiraled up because of the negligent behavior of people, underlying medical causes, insufficient hospital care, and policy failures.

Prevention is truly better than cure, especially in these times

While writing this post, my heart cried several times. Covid variant is mutating, and nobody knows what is or will happen and how to cope with it. We base everything on trial and error. Doctors are also learning each day. This is the best time to follow the rule prevention is better than cure.

A month back, there was a COVID case in my home. Thankfully, it was not severe, and we took all the measures from the start. From research and personal experiences, there are some points where we can always work on.

#1. Wear a Mask In public.

We all know this. But do we all follow this basic precaution?

Here are the guidelines of CDC on how to wear a mask. Here are do’s and don't while choosing your face mask. Double masking is also recommended in high viral load conditions.

The famous scientific publication Nature states that the virus is staying in the air for a long period. So the mask is two-way prevention. Mask prevents you from catching the virus. And also, you do not spread the infection via air, be it simple flu or COVID.

#2. Maintain Social Distancing.

CDC has evaluated social distancing help flatten the curve. Limit your socializing. Your relatives or friends can wait to meet you.

Use the technology to remain in contact with them. Here are the 8 free apps that help you stay connected with your loved ones.

Physical contact is a must-no in these times.

#3. Take or Don’t Take Steam — let This Research Help You decide.

Taking steam has become a debatable topic.

Some researchers in their clinical trials have proved in their preliminary report that steam might be useful in halting infection in the upper airway tract during the initial stages. Another scientific study also shows that severity and duration reduced after steam inhalation therapy.

Pulmonologist and biochemist Dr. Earl Louis Sempio states that steam inhalation eases the symptoms of nasal congestion and is not a cure as it does not address the virus that caused it. It poses a great threat to others around if a COVID patient coughs in between steam inhalation. Also, Reuters claims to debunk the steam inhalation myth here.

There is a tug of war going on this topic. But personally, I have seen its benefits.

I take steam regularly. If anything substantial comes against it, I might stop taking it. But for now, I am taking it. Please decide for yourself.

Cautions to be taken in case you decide to take steam:

1. Every individual in the family should have their own steamers to prevent cross-contamination.
2. Be cautious of burns. Stay at a safe distance while taking steam.

#4. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle to Strengthen Your Immunity system.

The defense mechanism of the body is called the immune system. Immunity is of three types — inherent, acquired, and active/passive.

We can not enhance it by ourselves. The body works by the chemicals secreted within. We can support our immune system with a healthy lifestyle.

1. Healthy Diet: Include fresh fruits, sprouts, and vegetables. Consume nutritious food. They are easy to digest. Avoid heavily processed food like cereals, biscuits, chips to avoid unnecessary load on the body. Here are the tips of UNICEF for healthy eating and maintaining food hygiene.
2. Consume anti-inflammatory foods: Harvard Medical School has listed food that fight off inflammation in the body. These include tomatoes, berries, green tea, nuts, fruits, olive oil, green leafy vegetables. A scientific study has recorded many benefits of onions and raw garlic. Include these in your daily dietary regime.
3. Exclude refined sugar. Sugar increases inflammation. A 2014 scientific study has concluded that those who reduced their sugar beverage intake resulted in reduced chronic inflammatory markers. High blood sugar in COVID worsens the situation. It is better to avoid this from the meals.
4. Hydrate the body: Keep sipping water and electrolyte-rich liquids such as coconut water. Water helps to dilute urinary waste.
5. Don’t forget to take quality sleep: Sleep is the natural stress booster and relaxes, heals, and rejuvenates the body. Scientific research states that sleep boosts the innate immune system, whereas lack of sleep increases inflammatory molecules.
6. Exercise regularly: Exercise boosts the lymph flow and the circulation of immune cells. Also, it improves your mental state. Include moderate exercise in your routine.
7. Maintain healthy weight
8. Quit smoking: It is a no-brainer that you need healthy lungs now more than ever. Smoking reduces your lung capacity and functions. Coronavirus attacks your lungs. Smoking weakens your lungs. WHO scientific study also suggests smoking increases the severity of disease and death in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
9. Quit Alcohol: Don’t strain your body with unnecessary toxins. It is time to revitalize your body. CDC also warns against the excessive usage of alcohol in these times.
10. Increase the capacity of the lungs by doing yoga and breathing exercises. These breathing exercises can help in increasing lung capacity. Yoga relaxes your body, increases body immunity, and reduces stress.
11. Maintain your hygiene and wash your hands frequently. You can know everything about washing hands at UNICEF’s latest information.

#5. After Vaccination, Don’t Be Careless.

Some mutant variants can bypass the immunity. You may inadvertently catch or spread the virus. Vaccination does not provide 100% protection at this stage.

It is better to get a jab after researching your local vaccine.

India has produced two indigenous vaccines — Covaxin (made from dead virus) and Covishield (made from live virus). Indian Council of Medical Research has found Covaxin more superior to deal with variants when compared to Covishield. Also, Covaxin has milder side effects as compared to Covishield.

Different countries have their own vaccines. Before getting vaccinated, it is better to know the efficacy and side effects of vaccines and their action against mutations.

But even after vaccination, take precautions. You can not fly around like a Superman. CDC has hinted new variants may evade vaccines. A recent study in the Washington University School of Medicine finds out recent evidence that antibodies and vaccines are less effective against variants.

So vaccination is good, but still not the ultimate solution. Take precautions even after vaccination.

#6. Reduce Your Stress to Improve Your immunity

Scientific studies claim that stress suppresses your immune system. Instead of watching the news constantly, watch some light-hearted comedy shows. Do meditation at home.

No need to fear. Many people are recovering. Be alert and act proactively. Maintain a lighthearted living. Meditate regularly. A meditative person has a lower respiratory rate than a fearful person. This suggests efficient functioning of the lungs.

#7. Maintain a Strong Community Bond Virtually.

What I learned from my experience that it is not possible to find out resources all alone. After experiencing 3 harrowing days without proper food and sleep searching for oxygen for my friend, I made many WhatsApp groups to reconnect with my school friends, undergrad, and postgrad friends.

You need help. This is not the time to shy away from asking. Be ready to help others. I feel we humans have an innate capacity to feel for each other. Open your heart to others. Nobody wants anyone to feel helpless. This might save many lives.

Reach out to your neighbors and friends virtually. Have a light-hearted chat. Ask if they need any help. Reach out to older people. They would be grateful to you.

Having a strong sense of community is what we need the most right now. It also increases your mental health too. Here are 13 ways to connect while maintaining social distancing.

#8. Four Must-Have Apparatus At home.

1. Thermometer to measure temperature. You can have digital thermometers too.
2. Pulse Oximeter to record oxygen saturation. This device measures the arterial oxygen concentration in the body. The ideal figure is 95+. Below 94 means medical intervention is needed.
3. A Glucometer is portable to check the blood glucose level (mandatory for diabetics and optional for others). Glucose levels increase in the body when doctors prescribe you steroids to combat COVID. Regular monitoring becomes necessary. Keep this device handy for regular monitoring of blood sugar.
4. Sphygmomanometer to measure blood pressure. Keep digital sphygmomanometer. They are handy to use. Sometimes low BP gives you rapid shallow breathing, dizziness, cold extremities, shiver, etc. High BP causes irregular heartbeats, severe headaches, nosebleeds, confusion, etc. If your nearby hospitals get overwhelmed like the ones here in India, then you can assess these symptoms and treat mild symptoms at home.

#9. Things to Do When You Have A fever.

If you have a high temperature, don't rule out Covid until test results show otherwise.

If you or anybody have a fever, isolate yourself/them immediately. Maintain a daily chart of your temperature and oxygen concentration.

Consult a doctor immediately. They will advise you to undergo some tests to rule out COVID. If you are infected, they will recommend certain medications and blood tests to determine the inflammatory activity in the body.

Inflammation means the body is trying to ward off the virus. But severe inflammation hits the lungs hard.

A Lung CT scan or X-ray assesses the conditions of the lungs involved. Doctors assign a score on a CT scan that shows the percentage of lungs involved. More CT score means you require aggressive therapy.

Take your prescribed medications diligently. All the initial efforts are towards halting its further spread and progression within the body. Don’t be fearful. Maintain a positive attitude but be alert towards any worsening of conditions.

A daily chart helps you monitor your symptoms so that you can take proactive measures as soon as possible. Seek immediate medical help with no delay when your symptoms worsen.

#10. Don’t Panic but Don’t Show laxity.

I have seen deaths because of carelessness. Many people could have easily avoided deaths if they were proactive. The major hindrance in seeking medical support was their major mistake. Thinking it to be a common flu or seasonal change, they were callous in its management at early stages. This led to their sudden deaths once the virus affected lungs heavily.

If you have a high temperature, note the details from that day. Look out for other symptoms and contact your health professional immediately.

An early measure is better than a lax attitude. The virus takes time to multiply, grow and infect the lungs. Halt its progression early only.

Timely action saves a lot of effort, money, and sleepless nights later on. Coronavirus creates patches in the lungs that may remain for a long time. It is better to protect the lungs from further severity.

Be proactive while dealing with the unknown enemy. You can not afford to put down your guards.

#10. Don’t Let Fear Overpower You.

Fear of being infected. Fear of not getting better. Fear of isolation. Fear of being strapped to a hospital bed. Fear of loneliness.

It is okay to be fearful in these times. But don’t let it paralyze you. Go past your fears. If you ignore your early situation because of fear, it deteriorates faster.

See the statistics. Many people have recovered. If you become infected, chances are you will recover well. These chances increase if you intercept it early.

I have seen cases deteriorating because of fear. They didn’t consult the doctor. They ignored their fever. They resisted the hospital stay. It resulted in their deaths. They also transmitted COVID to near ones before passing on. This is not fair to your near ones.

Be conscious and talk about your fears. Help is not far if you seek it. Fear is not the solution. Going beyond the fear is.

#11. Know What Is “Proning.”

If you feel your breathing capacity has diminished, do Self proning. Proning increases the capacity of the lungs. It alone helps to take care of your breathing in mild symptoms only. When severity increases, oxygen support becomes a must.

Proning is a position where you lie on your stomach. Keep 3 pillows handy. Put one pillow below your feet, hip/pelvis area, and upper chest area. There should be a gap between your stomach and the bed. Your hand should be able to pass through beneath your stomach.

Here is the guide to rotate your position after some time.

This practice relieves some of the pressure on the heart and diaphragm when lying on the back. It clear respiratory secretions. This helps to increase oxygen to the back and lower portions of the lungs.

This simple and effective position has saved many lives where hospital staff stretches thin.

You can do this at home to relieve the mild breathlessness issue. Monitor your oxygen saturation while proning. Consult your doctor if it drops below 94. The doctor might request you to get hospitalized if you can not maintain your oxygen levels at home.

#12. Use Naturopathy in the Initial Stages of Infection.

Our kitchen is no less than a mini pharmacy. Basic herbs and humble vegetables can work like a miracle. Onion is one of those magic potions. Dr. Ghassan Kanj, a Pulmonologist, talks about the use of onion in reducing chest congestion.

Make an onion poultice to relieve cough. Cut the small pieces of onions. Keep those pieces in a thin cotton cloth. Make a poultice of that cloth. Now crush the onion so that its juice seeps out. Keep that poultice over your bare chest area where you feel pain. It is better to cover the entire chest area. Change the onion at regular intervals.

This testimonial speaks volumes of its useful therapy, and the book from where the author got the guidance is Kitchen-Medicine.

COVID produces pneumonia-like symptoms. In naturopathy, the humble poultice has improved pneumonia symptoms. It would be foolish not to have tried this natural product.

Last year my friend was suffering from COVID. During morning hours, she started developing symptoms of breathlessness. Her oxygen dropped to 92. When suggested, she tried this method. Overnight her oxygen levels jumped to 98. She did this for 3 straight days. While regularly changing the poultice. Her symptoms stabilized, and she recovered at home.

Since then, I have suggested this simple therapy to all my affected friends. And I have received multiple positive responses.

Summary

Be prepared and alert in case COVID knocks on your city gates. Don’t be fearful or lazy. Don’t panic.

Do your bit to protect yourself and your near ones. Even an asymptomatic person can spread infection. Limit your physical interactions. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Be light-hearted. Maintain a strong social bond virtually.

Every suffering hides a life lesson. Be open to change. Look beyond the fear and challenges. Let your loved one know you are available when the need arises.

We do not know what life may bring next. But we know together we can and will see a shining, healthy, and loving world.

“When the chance comes to do a good deed, don’t waste it because it might never come back. The ‎world doesn’t have an (Undo) button; still, you have your conscience, brain, wisdom, and heart to help you do the right thing.” — Noora Ahmed Alsuwaidi

Disclaimer: The tips in this article are NOT a medical substitute. You should seek medical counsel. It is an adjunct to all the other therapies so that your health does not deteriorate further.