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Indian Express
02-08-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Hepatitis A surges with monsoon: What tests to do, what vaccines to take and how to keep the virus at bay
When a 30-year-old woman walked into Dr Rommel Tickoo's clinic, one look at her yellowish eyes told him that she had a liver problem. Sure enough, when the internal medicine expert at Max Healthcare, Delhi, checked her liver enzymes, they were through the roof. Her enzyme levels stood at around 3,000 IU/L — the normal ranges are between 7 and 55 IU/L. She tested positive for hepatitis A, a viral infection usually transmitted through contaminated food and water. With several gastrointestinal infections and vector-borne diseases being common during the monsoon, getting the correct diagnosis may be a challenge. 'The typical symptoms, such as yellowing of skin and eyes that people associate with hepatitis, are not the first ones to appear. The yellowing happens at later stages of the disease, where there are high levels of accumulated bilirubin (a yellow pigment produced when the red blood cells break down, usually cleared out by the liver). A person should ideally go to a doctor before this happens,' says Dr Tickoo. Why a test matters The overlapping symptoms, which can be caused by other gastrointestinal infections, are the reason that doctors go in for tests to be sure. As Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant of internal medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, says, 'During this season, you would either see food and water-borne infections, vector-borne infections and some respiratory infections. Usually, patients coming in with symptoms such as loose motions, vomiting, loss of appetite have gastrointestinal diseases such as hepatitis A, E, gastroenteritis or typhoid. High fever, headache and body ache would usually be the symptoms in patients with vector-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria or chikungunya.' Dr Tickoo usually gets such patients tested for complete blood count, liver enzyme and C-reactive protein, the last indicative of the inflammation in the body. Then he prescribes tests for dengue, malaria, typhoid, and in some cases, especially concerning the women and elderly, he gets a urine culture to check for urinary tract infection. When to see a doctor People who get fever, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea should go to a doctor if the symptoms seem to be worsening or do not seem to be improving after a couple of days. Dr Chatterjee advises that anyone who is immunocompromised — for example, if they are living with conditions such as heart diseases, liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, cancers, HIV, or have undergone an organ transplantation — should go to their doctor sooner. 'One should also go to a doctor immediately if their symptoms are unmanageable, say if they are vomiting or getting loose motions more than 20 times a day,' he says. Do not pop pills at will Importantly, people with these symptoms should only take medicines such as paracetamol and those to prevent vomiting when at home. 'Other medicines such as Combiflam should be avoided. Pain medications such as diclofenac or mefenamic acid should also be avoided, especially when diseases like dengue are likely. These medicines are known to increase the risk of bleeding in patients with dengue. Antibiotics are a strict no-no. They are of no use in cases of viral infections such as hepatitis, can lead to growing antimicrobial resistance and, importantly, may also affect the results of certain tests we need to confirm our diagnosis,' says Dr Tickoo. While most people with hepatitis A get better within four to 16 weeks, some go on to develop serious complications such as liver failure and coma. 'It is, however, impossible to tell who will get the complications. So it is essential that everyone who has the hepatitis A infection takes rest and helps the body recover,' says Dr Ashwini Setya, senior consultant of gastroenterology at Medanta, Gurugram. What to eat during recovery While at home, patients should ensure that they drink plenty of fluids and eat healthy meals as per their appetite. 'It is a myth that people need to eat bland, boiled food. They should only eat as much as they feel like. Usually, people's appetite reduces significantly when they have a hepatitis infection. Force-feeding can lead to more nausea,' says Dr Setya. It is better to boil water and follow hand hygiene, according to Ritika Samaddar, regional head, dietetics and nutrition, Max Healthcare. 'During the recovery phase, liver cells are regenerating. So they need protein in the form of eggs, milk and paneer. They need good fat, so normal refined, olive and nut oils work, but in moderation. A teaspoon of ghee can be had too to whet the appetite. Carbs are equally important for regenerating liver cells. Have small, frequent meals,' she says. However, she warns that the diet discipline must be adhered to strictly for at least six months. 'Hepatitis A is a self-limiting infection. But sometimes there can be a relapse if you do not take care. Besides, you could be at risk of other strains of the hepatitis virus. A diet discipline is a must,' says Samaddar. She even suggests a strict preventive regime: 'Please drink only filtered and boiled water, even cook with it. Wash all your fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Do not eat raw or undercooked foods. Avoid street food, cut fruits and even ice drinks from the roadside or restaurants.' Take the preventive shot There are five hepatitis viruses that cause liver disease in humans. Hepatitis A and E are transmitted through contaminated food and water and usually do not lead to lasting liver damage. Hepatitis B, C and D, on the other hand, are usually transmitted by blood and can lead to chronic infections. At present, vaccines are available against hepatitis A and B. This may also reduce the risk of hepatitis D, which can only occur in people who have hepatitis B infection. While there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, there is an effective antiviral treatment. 'When it comes to water-borne hepatitis, any person who has had hepatitis A is immune for life, but hepatitis E can happen multiple times,' says Dr Setya. Hepatitis E infection in a pregnant woman can lead to abortion of a foetus and increase the risk of maternal mortality, he adds. So, who should take the hepatitis A vaccine? Doctors recommend it for children, students living in hostels, people who eat out often or those who are immunocompromised. Others may also take it to reduce the risk of an infection, but it is not necessary for everyone. (With inputs by Rinku Ghosh) Anonna Dutt is a Principal Correspondent who writes primarily on health at the Indian Express. She reports on myriad topics ranging from the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension to the problems with pervasive infectious conditions. She reported on the government's management of the Covid-19 pandemic and closely followed the vaccination programme. Her stories have resulted in the city government investing in high-end tests for the poor and acknowledging errors in their official reports. Dutt also takes a keen interest in the country's space programme and has written on key missions like Chandrayaan 2 and 3, Aditya L1, and Gaganyaan. She was among the first batch of eleven media fellows with RBM Partnership to End Malaria. She was also selected to participate in the short-term programme on early childhood reporting at Columbia University's Dart Centre. Dutt has a Bachelor's Degree from the Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune and a PG Diploma from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. She started her reporting career with the Hindustan Times. When not at work, she tries to appease the Duolingo owl with her French skills and sometimes takes to the dance floor. ... Read More
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Founder makes Forbes, intern 'ninja' gets Amazon voucher: Bengaluru entrepreneur's post on startup hustle strikes a chord online
In the city that's often dubbed India's Silicon Valley, where million-dollar valuations and 20-hour workdays go hand in hand, a Bengaluru entrepreneur 's satirical LinkedIn post has gone viral for all the right—and wrong—reasons. Shravan Tickoo , founder of Rethink Systems, a community-led SaaS platform aimed at helping operators and founders collaborate more effectively, recently shared a humorous take on the lopsided power dynamics between startup founders and their interns. While he has long been known in product management circles for his sharp wit and teaching insights, this time, his sarcasm struck a far deeper chord. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Healthcare others Cybersecurity Degree Operations Management Data Science healthcare MCA Artificial Intelligence Leadership Data Science Others Public Policy Product Management PGDM Data Analytics MBA Management Finance Digital Marketing Technology Design Thinking Project Management CXO Skills you'll gain: Financial Analysis in Healthcare Financial Management & Investing Strategic Management in Healthcare Process Design & Analysis Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Certificate Program in Healthcare Management Starts on Jun 13, 2024 Get Details A Satire Too Close to Reality? In his now widely shared post, Tickoo painted a grimly funny picture of 'Bengaluru Tech Life,' where founders earn hefty salaries while interns slog through weekends, build minimum viable products, manage customer support, and still face accusations of lacking the elusive 'hustle mindset.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If you have a mouse, play this game for 1 minute Navy Quest Undo The punchline? "Founder raises $5M + gets featured in Forbes. Intern: ₹500 Amazon voucher and a LinkedIn shoutout: 'Big shoutout to our ninja!' MODERN STARTUP KARMA 😂" MORE STORIES FOR YOU ✕ « Back to recommendation stories I don't want to see these stories because They are not relevant to me They disrupt the reading flow Others SUBMIT The contrast was as humorous as it was haunting, and for many LinkedIn users, it hit uncomfortably close to home. Between Laughs and Laments Responses flooded in. Some users called the post 'too real,' describing the intern experience in India's startups as a form of 'modern slavery,' thinly masked by free pizza and claps on LinkedIn. 'This is not sustainable,' one commenter wrote. 'Terms like 'best learning opportunity' and ' hustle culture ' are often just buzzwords used to justify unpaid or underpaid labour.' Another laughed and wept at the same time: ''Ninja' is so on point 😂😭' But not all reactions were in praise. One LinkedIn user pushed back, arguing that Tickoo's satire undermined the blood, sweat, and sleepless nights that startup founders endure. 'This wasn't funny, it was tone-deaf,' they wrote, urging Tickoo to use his platform more responsibly. 'Many aspiring entrepreneurs look up to influencers like you. Misinformation can be detrimental.' Whether Tickoo's post was a wake-up call or a cynical oversimplification is a matter of perspective. What's undeniable is that the post has sparked a larger conversation about fair compensation , toxic startup work cultures, and how often the youngest contributors are overlooked in the glitter of founder success stories.
India Today
13-06-2025
- India Today
Bengaluru man says landlord deducted Rs 82,000 from Rs 1.5 lakh deposit, shares ordeal
A Bengaluru man's ordeal with an unresponsive landlord and a massive deposit cut has triggered a debate over tenant rights in the Karnataka Tickoo, who recently moved out of a 2BHK on Sarjapur Road after two years, shared his story in a post on LinkedIn.'When I had moved in, my owner never spoke to me not once in two years. The reason? She only speaks Kannada. I used to communicate with her building representative, who told me the same thing,' Tickoo For Tickoo, the lack of interference seemed like a blessing at first. However, it also meant that even urgent maintenance, a broken windowpane on the 13th floor for example, was left entirely to him.'When I deducted the repair cost from the rent and sent her the invoice on WhatsApp, she flat-out refused. Her minion called and said, 'Bhaiya, aise nahi hota hai (This cannot happen)',' he of rumours that previous tenants had been harassed over security deposits, Tickoo mentally prepared himself for trouble while vacating the flat and his fears were landlord demanded Rs 55,000 for painting and over Rs 25,000 for miscellaneous charges, including Rs 2,000 for 'lift usage.' Despite asking for a breakdown with proper bills, Tickoo received only a handwritten list of of his Rs 1.5 lakh deposit, he received just Rs 68,000 as the landlord deducted Rs 82,000 for 'painting and damages.''This is my story and the story of many others living here,' Tickoo said, adding: 'Dealing with landlords in Bengaluru is just disheartening.'He acknowledged his fault for not doing enough research, but emphasised the need for structural changes to protect tenants, especially migrants trying to build a life in the city: 'When you feel unwelcome in your own home, in your own city, it hurts.'Read the full post here: In the comments section, social media users shared their personal experiences while discussing the rights of renters and the need for enforceable regulations in Bengaluru's housing market. Through his post, Shravan Tickoo called on policymakers and the real estate sector to take the issue seriously: 'I hope there's change. I hope there's help. Because Bengaluru landlords are becoming a menace.'Tune InMust Watch
NDTV
13-06-2025
- Business
- NDTV
"Paid Rs 82,000 For Painting, Damages": Bengaluru Tenant's Ordeal Sparks Discussion Online
Stories about awful landlords in Bengaluru often go viral on social media, sparking widespread debate. These posts often highlight tenant-landlord disputes over deposits, broken agreements or evictions. Recently, a LinkedIn post by founder Shravan Tickoo has sparked a discussion online after he shared his experience of shifting rental homes in the tech capital of India. The IIT graduate said his landlord deducted a large portion of his Rs 1.5 lakh deposit, citing what he described as "unreasonable and unexpected" charges. "So recently, I moved out of my 2BHK on Sarjapur Road after living there for two years, into a larger house. When I had moved in, my owner never spoke to me not once in two years. The reason? She only speaks Kannada," the user said, adding that the landlord always communicated with him via the building manager. "There were always rumours that the owner had harassed previous tenants over the same issue. So, when the time came, I was mentally prepared. Still, when I finally left, I tried to stay civil. But then came the blow: Painting charges - Rs 55,000. Miscellaneous damages - Rs 25,000+," Mr Tickoo wrote. The founder said that when he asked for a detailed list, the damages were "absurd". He claimed that the landlord charged him Rs 2,000 for using the lift. "After a lot of back and forth, she returned only Rs 68K out of my Rs 1.5 lakh deposit, citing Rs 82K for painting and damages. I had asked her to provide a list of actual purchases, with invoices. All I got was a handwritten sheet with random charges. So in the end, I got back just about 40% of my deposit," he continued. Mr Tickoo said that he takes the blame for not doing proper due diligence "But the reality is, dealing with landlords in Bengaluru is just disheartening," he added. "I'm not saying all landlords are like this but when you hear your friends struggling with abrupt rent hikes, withheld deposits, and more... You begin to realize: there should be better protections and support for those who've left their hometowns behind to build a life in Bengaluru - the apparent future city of India," he wrote. "I hope there's change. I hope there's help. And I hope this reaches the people who can do something about it. Because Bengaluru landlords are becoming a menace," the founder concluded. The post has sparked a conversation online, with many users sharing similar experiences. "It's not just Bangalore. I got scammed similarly by my landlord when I was in Chennai. India has no regulations that create a fair platform for tenants, even though rental income constitutes 50% of real estate revenue in metro cities," wrote one user. "Bangaloreans are great , but a Bangalorean landlord is a villain. same story , my deposit was 4 lacs , I sweated and dreaded asking back the money and got random cuts to the tune of 1 lacs .... pains so much seeing this kind of behaviour !" commented another. "Completely agree Shravan Tickoo! I remember my first landlord in Bangalore had done something very similar, they deducted 50% of our deposit! Back then, I didn't know any better. Living in other places has taught me to be more diligent. But that experience will always be burnt in my mind as a cautionary tale," shared a third user.
Hindustan Times
13-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Thinking of renting an apartment? Here's why tenants should vet their landlords too
In the growing rental market, prospective tenants often focus on location, rent, and amenities but overlook a critical step: vetting the landlord. With tenant-landlord disputes on the rise, legal experts say renters should conduct due diligence on landlords just as carefully as they inspect the property, to avoid potential conflicts down the line. Real estate consultants note that landlords, too, must adapt to current market realities. With job uncertainty and layoffs affecting household budgets, tenants are becoming more cautious with rental commitments, seeking flexibility and transparency. Legal professionals advise renters to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Resident Welfare Association (RWA). This can help confirm the property is free of ownership disputes and that the landlord has no outstanding maintenance dues. 'Just as landlords run background checks on tenants, renters should also verify the credentials and credibility of landlords,' said a Bengaluru-based property lawyer. Experts warn that a basic landlord check could avoid many tenant issues, from deposit disputes to surprise eviction notices. As Bengaluru's rental market continues to tighten, transparency and trust are becoming non-negotiable on both sides of the lease. Also Read: Bengaluru rentals stay high as landlords capitalize on return-to-office demand, but tenants remain wary A LinkedIn post by startup founder Shravan Tickoo recently sparked discussion after he shared his experience of shifting rental homes in Bengaluru. The IIT graduate said his landlord deducted a large portion of his ₹1.5 lakh deposit, citing what he described as 'unreasonable and unexpected' charges. 'There were always rumours that the owner had harassed previous tenants over the same issue. So, when the time came, I was mentally prepared. Still, when I finally left, I tried to stay civil. But then came the blow: Painting charges - ₹55,000. Miscellaneous damages - ₹25,000+,' Tickoo wrote. The landlord in this case returned only ₹68,000 out of the ₹1.5 lakh deposit, citing ₹82,000 for painting and damages, the founder said. 'If you're renting, speak to previous tenants, neighbours, even security guards. Don't go by appearances (of landlords). Because once you're locked in, you could literally be locked out," the Google techie said on LinkedIn. In another case, one of the tenants at Prestige Langleigh Phase 1 claimed that the society started cutting off essential services such as power backup, garbage pickup, and access to the gym and swimming pool. 'In a shocking move, the water supply was almost blocked, with society staff seen trespassing and tampering with valves. The reason? The landlady hadn't paid maintenance dues for years, a fact she never disclosed when the tenants moved in,' the tenant wrote on a social media platform X. After police intervention, the landlord initially agreed in writing to refund their ₹5 lakh deposit or allow a rent-free stay until it was recovered. When she failed to find a new tenant and the rent stopped, she returned with threats, including filing a false harassment case, until the tenants were forced to vacate, losing a portion of their deposit, the tenant wrote. 'If you're renting, speak to previous tenants, neighbours, even security guards. Don't go by appearances (of landlords). Because once you're locked in, you could literally be locked out," the Google techie said on X. Also Read: 'Bengaluru landlords are becoming a menace': Founder vacates 2BHK, gets hit with ₹55,000 painting charge Legal experts advise that the first step before signing any rental agreement is to verify the landlord's ownership of the property. Tenants should ask for documents such as the sale deed, khata certificate, or the latest property tax receipt as proof. Additionally, they recommend requesting a government-issued ID such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport to confirm the landlord's identity and keep a copy for your records. "The tenants should secure a signed no-objection certificate from the resident welfare societies that the apartment title is clear and also to verify that the landlord is paying the monthly maintenance diligently," Akash Bantia, an advocate, said. It is also important to inspect the property thoroughly before moving in. Experts recommend taking photos and videos of the entire home, focusing on walls, floors, electrical fittings, bathrooms, and appliances if it's a furnished unit. This provides a timestamped record and can help in case there are later disputes about damage or repairs. "Another step is speaking to previous tenants, if possible. They can offer honest feedback about the landlord's behaviour, the refund process for the deposit, and any ongoing issues with the property. Their insights can help you decide whether the landlord is reasonable and reliable," Bantia said. Finally, tenants should make sure the rental agreement includes clear provisions to safeguard their rights. The agreement should spell out the exact amount of rent and security deposit, the date rent is due, the lock-in period (if any), and the notice period for both parties in case of termination. "It should also include clauses on maintenance responsibilities, conditions for deposit deductions, and how disputes will be handled. A specific clause stating that the deposit must be returned within a fixed number of days after vacating, typically 15 to 30, can prevent unnecessary delays," Bantia added.
