Latest news with #ManjushaAgarwal
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Is it COVID-19 or just a viral fever? Cases spike in Delhi, UP & WB; experts reveal signs to watch out for
The fever is back and so is the panic! India is currently seeing an upward spiral in COVID-19 cases after spreading in Southeast Asian countries including Singapore, Thailand, and Hong Kong. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, on Wednesday, the total number of active cases in the country stands at 4,302, with nearly 300 fresh Covid cases reported in the last 24 hours. Moreover, Delhi, UP, West Bengal, and Gujarat are seeing a gradual rise in infections. The highest number of cases are reported in Kerala, and two more deaths linked to COVID-19 were recorded in the country over the last 24 hours, taking the total tally to 7 for 2025. As per PTI, the current surge in cases is driven by four variants, including LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1. Notably, a new variant called NB.1.8.1 is a new COVID-19 subvariant that has been detected in the country. COVID Cases Continue To Rise In India📌Total Active Cases- 4302Source: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, COVID DashboardAs on June 4, 2025#COVID19 #COVID_19 #Corona #COVIDIndia #India #Kerala #Delhi #WestBengal #Maharashtra #Gujarat Is it COVID-19 or just a fever? With the emergence of a new COVID-19 subvariant, NB.1.8.1, recently detected in the country, concerns are rising once again. Amidst this, there can be cases if someone in your family tested positive. Your neighbor's child has been coughing for days. You have a sore throat, a mild headache, and that familiar fatigue. The weather is shifting, and seasonal illnesses are on the rise, but is it just a seasonal fever — or is COVID quietly making a comeback? 'Having a fever can be a symptom of many illnesses, including COVID-19, but it is not definitive on its own. COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, often presents with a range of symptoms beyond fever, such as cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, and body aches,' says Dr. Manjusha Agarwal, Senior Consultant Internal Medicine, Gleneagles Hospital Parel Mumbai. It's important to note that some individuals may experience mild or no symptoms at all. According to Dr. Agarwal, 'If you have a fever, the best course of action is to monitor other symptoms you may be experiencing. Along with viral infections and other infections like gastro, dengue, and malaria, typhoid cases are also rising. It is always important to meet your doctor.' Who is at risk? Check the groupwise list Individuals at higher risk of severe COVID-19 can be grouped into several categories. Older adults, particularly those 65 and above, are at significantly higher risk. 'People with underlying medical conditions such as asthma, cerebrovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic lung diseases (including COPD, bronchiectasis, interstitial lung disease, and pulmonary hypertension), diabetes, heart conditions, HIV with an unsuppressed viral load, and obesity are also at higher risk,' says Dr. Divya Joshi, consultant in infectious diseases at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road. 'Additionally, those receiving immunosuppressive medications with existing cancer, autoimmune conditions, solid organ transplants, and bone marrow transplants are a vulnerable population,' adds Dr. Joshi. Preventive tips for being safe amid the COVID-19 rise In addition, maintain good hygiene practices such as washing your hands frequently and wearing a mask if you suspect you might be contagious. If your fever persists or worsens, or if you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, or confusion, seek medical attention promptly. Remember, only a healthcare professional can provide a definitive diagnosis and guidance tailored to your situation. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
Indian Express
01-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
This is what happens inside the stomach when you eat very quickly
Some people eat too quickly, a habit that can be detrimental to health, leading to issues like bloating, gas, and digestion troubles. An Instagram video demonstrates exactly this with an experiment: In the video, the blogger puts baking soda in two separate zip-lock bags containing water. If baking soda is put in too quickly, the water may overflow, just like food in our stomachs. Conclusion: One must eat their food slowly to allow their stomach to digest it without discomfort. Why does it happen? Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant in internal medicine at Gleneagles Hospital Parel Mumbai, argued that it is mainly because you swallow excess air when eating quickly. 'Your stomach has to work harder to break down the food when it is not chewed properly. This can further lead to indigestion and acidity. It also prevents your brain from recognising whether you are full or not. This can increase the chances of overeating and weight gain,' explained Dr Agarwal. It's essential to not eat too fast (/Thinkstock) According to the expert, rapid eating can put extra strain on digestion, potentially leading to acid reflux and severe stomach cramps. 'It can also slow down your metabolism. This is why it becomes crucial to prioritise health and eat slowly,' said Dr Agarwal. Eating slowly, at a relaxed pace,, allows your digestive system to function smoothly and also helps you absorb the essential nutrients from the food more effectively. Tips Ensure that you chew your food slowly and take small bites. 'Avoid taking bigger bites. Eating in a calm setting without any distractions can be helpful,' said Dr Agarwal. A post shared by Emmie Keefe | Healthy Emmie (@healthyemmie) Also, do not drink water during the meal as it can quickly make you full. 'Instead, try drinking water 20 to 30 minutes before your meal to aid digestion,' shared Dr Agarwal. Simple changes in eating habits can have a significant impact on gut health and long-term health.
News18
27-04-2025
- Health
- News18
Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Here's Why It Is Low Despite Eating Meat
Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when you do not eat enough vitamin B12 or your body does not absorb the vitamin B12 you consume adequately. A vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when your body does not receive enough vitamin B12 from your diet or does not absorb enough of it to function as it should. An essential nutrient, vitamin B12 aids in the production of red blood cells and DNA, the genetic material found in all cells. If left untreated, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to neurological, psychological, and physical issues. Vitamin B12: What Is It? An essential nutrient that supports the health of your blood and nerve cells is vitamin B12. It also aids in the production of DNA, the genetic material found in every cell in your body. Vitamin B12 is not produced by your body. To obtain vitamin B12, you must eat and drink foods and beverages that contain the vitamin. Meat, cheese, and eggs are examples of animal items that contain vitamin B12. Additionally, fortified foods – foods that have certain vitamins and nutrients added to them – like bread, nutritional yeast, and some cereals, include it. The daily requirement for vitamin B12 is approximately 2.4 micrograms (mcg) for adults and more for pregnant and lactating women. Depending on their age, infants and kids require different amounts of vitamin B12. After that, your digestive system can absorb vitamin B12. A lack of vitamin B12, which is mostly present in animal products like meat, fish, and dairy, appears to have become very widespread recently, especially among people who eat these foods. However, what may be causing that? Talking to the Indian Express, Dr. Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant in internal medicine at Gleneagles Hospital Parel, Mumbai, stated that 'conditions like anaemia, coeliac disease, Crohn's disease, or even long-term use of medications can affect how the body absorbs B12 from the digestive tract." Poor absorption is one common explanation for this. Additionally, Dr. Agarwal stated that the production of stomach acid, which is required to release B12 from meals, decreases with age. 'Some people also lack the protein needed to absorb B12 properly. Even with a meat-based diet, if your body can't absorb B12 efficiently, the levels can go down," said Dr Agarwal. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause symptoms like mood swings, numbness, memory problems, and exhaustion. Eating a balanced diet that includes foods high in vitamin B12 is crucial to preventing vitamin B12 insufficiency. It's best to speak with a healthcare professional about testing and whether dietary adjustments or supplements are required if you suspect a deficiency. First Published:
