Latest news with #MichelleShah
Mint
20-06-2025
- Health
- Mint
COVID-19 cases dip in India: What doctors say about risks, new symptoms and safety
India, among many other countries across the globe, witnessed a sudden rise in COVID-19 cases. Triggered by four new Omicron sub-variants—LF.7, XFG, JN.1.16, and NB.1.8.1—several fresh cases emerged across India until Friday. On 20 June, positive cases witnessed a gradual decline. While the daily case numbers are dropping and the overall severity has remained low, health experts caution that the situation is far from over. India's active COVID-19 caseload dropped to 5,976 on Friday, marking a decline from 6,483 cases reported the previous day. Narayana Health City's Dr Nidhin Mohan from general medicine told Livemint, 'New COVID-19 variants tend to spread more rapidly and may be less responsive to existing vaccines.' According to doctors, these new sub-variants are highly transmissible but have not shown signs of causing more severe illness than earlier strains. The similarity is that those with compromised health and kids are at risk. Dr Michelle Shah, Pediatric Lifestyle Medicine Specialist, pointed out, 'These four sub-variants (LF.7, XFG, JN.1.16, and NB.1.8.1) are part of the evolution of the Omicron lineage. What we're seeing is increased transmissibility. JN.1.16, a descendant of the widely circulating JN.1, has shown dominance in India. All these mutations are adept at immune escape, which is why reinfections occur, even in vaccinated individuals. However, vaccines continue to offer robust protection against severe disease and hospitalisation.' The new strain comes with mild symptoms-- fever, continuous cough, loss of appetite or razor-blade sore throat. "By and large, symptoms are mild. Patients with fever, cough or red nose were particularly affected," shared Dr Umang Agrawal, who handles infectious diseases at P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mahim, Mumbai. 'Mild doesn't mean negligible. People should watch for prolonged fatigue, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or high-grade fever lasting more than 3 days. Also, if someone feels better and then worsens after a few days, that could be a sign of a secondary infection or post-viral inflammation. In children, elderly and immunocompromised, even low-grade symptoms warrant medical attention,' warns Shah. 'Typical current symptoms are very similar to the common cold: sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, dry cough, and mild fever. Some also experience a persistent cough that interrupts sleep, fatigue, or shortness of breath or chest discomfort (which anyone with existing conditions should be concerned about). In some cases, COVID symptoms are not even respiratory symptoms at all: gastrointestinal symptoms or neurological symptoms. Rarely, there can be mild clotting issues,' explains Dr Raja Dhar, Director & HOD of Pulmonology at The Calcutta Medical Research Institute. Despite mild symptoms, medical professionals warn that long-term effects are still not fully understood. 'The concern around long COVID or post-COVID syndrome remains in the conversation, but it has certainly had lower proportions of the diseased assessed as milder. When we looked at the studies during the earlier Omicron waves, about 20 per cent of people reported long-term symptoms. However, that number has now decreased. Many will still experience some residual effects of fatigue, muscle pain, changes to mood, and changes to sleep, which are typical residual symptoms following many viral infections. While not completely absent, the risk of longer-term complications with these newer sub-variants appears to remain low,' Dhar noted. Since January, over 100 COVID-related deaths have been reported in India, mostly among those with pre-existing health conditions. This highlights the ongoing danger for the elderly and immunocompromised. 'It's a reminder that for vulnerable groups, COVID-19 is still very much a threat. Pre-existing conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and compromised immunity greatly increase the risk of complications, even from supposedly 'mild' variants. We need to ensure these individuals are prioritised for early treatment,' Shah observed, underscoring the risky attitude of those putting their guards down after the decline in COVID-19 cases. Kerala, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Delhi have seen more cases than other regions. Experts attribute this to factors like higher population density, increased testing, and more frequent travel. 'All these states have almost always been among the first to witness a surge in COVID cases through all waves, including Omicron, primarily because of a high degree of intrastate and interstate movement, urban density, and travel, both domestic and international,' says Dhar. Doctors advise people should continue following basic precautions to protect themselves and others. During any surge in cases, one must be extra cautious, especially in public and crowded places. Annual COVID vaccination is necessary, particularly for high-risk groups.
Hindustan Times
02-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Mom guilt driving women out of workforce? Expert shares 4 health consequences of the emotional burden, what can help
As women juggle household chores, parenting responsibilities, and work deadlines, they are at increasing risk of experiencing mom guilt. They find themselves overwhelmed by the emotional turmoil of feeling like they are not doing enough for their family and children. In a fast-paced work culture that has normalised the hustle, the guilt only presses on, as mothers try to balance both work and home with equal fervour, but still feel they are falling short on all fronts. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Michelle Shah, a Paediatric Lifestyle Medicine Specialist, unpacks this silent emotional burden. The effects are far-reaching, impacting their health to career growth. She explained mom guilt and added, 'Motherhood is often portrayed as a journey filled with joy, fulfilment and boundless love. Yet, for many women, this experience is accompanied by persistent feelings of guilt, self-doubt and overwhelm, a phenomenon widely known as 'mom guilt'. Today, a large number of working mothers find themselves walking a tightrope, expected to excel in their careers while managing the lion's share of caregiving responsibilities. This unrelenting pressure fuels a pervasive yet often overlooked emotional burden of guilt.' Dr Michelle Shah shared a detailed guide with us, explaining the origins of mom guilt to the health consequences: ALSO READ: Mother's Day 2025: Expert tips to support the mental wellbeing of working, stay-at-home and single moms From a health standpoint, mom guilt is not just a psychological challenge; it's a silent contributor to chronic disease. The mental strain manifests physically, affecting long-term well-being: Companies, policymakers, and communities must actively create environments where maternal well-being is prioritised. Solutions may include: 1. Flexible work policies: Encouraging adequate maternity leave, hybrid models, remote work and adaptable schedules that enable mothers to balance professional and family responsibilities. 2. Access to mental health support: Providing counselling services, mental wellness programs and emotional resilience training for parents. 3. Promoting workplace inclusion: Normalising caregiving duties among all employees, regardless of gender, to reduce the pressure on mothers alone. 4. Health-centered solutions: Encouraging mothers to embrace lifestyle medicine practices, such as balanced nutrition, physical activity, and mindfulness, as essential steps in managing stress and enhancing overall well-being. ALSO READ: Mother's Day 2025: 5 yoga poses for mothers to recharge and relax Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
