Call
+918447748545

Published on: Apr 04, 2020
1 minute read
By: Dr Rakesh Choudhary

Second Medic Health Care Update : Corona Virus

What is Corona Virus?

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases.

How can it affect you?

Coronavirus is the cause of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China.

These viruses cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

Can Corona virus infection spread from person to person who do not show any sign of illness?

According to recent reports, it may possible that people infected with Corona virus may be infectious before showing significant symptoms. However, based on currently available data, the people who have symptoms are causing the majority of virus spread.

Can Corona virus spread through animals?

Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. According to New York Times the coronavirus that has spread from Wuhan has been linked to the sale of live wildlife at a market that experts describe as a perfect incubator for novel pathogens.

How can you protect yourself?

Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

Can I take antibiotics for this disease?

The coronavirus is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment.

Is there any specific medicine to protect or treat from Corona virus?

To date, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the novel coronavirus. However, those infected with 2019-nCoV should receive appropriate care to relieve and treat symptoms, and those with severe illness should receive optimized supportive care.

In any case, if you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing please seek medical care early to reduce the risk of developing a more severe infection and be sure to share your recent travel history with your health care provider.

(Second Medic content is based on information provided by the WHO)

Read Blog

How Telemedicine Helps Patients: Improving Access to Modern Healthcare

Healthcare delivery has undergone significant transformation in recent years with the integration of digital technologies. One of the most impactful developments is telemedicine, which enables patients to consult doctors remotely through digital platforms.

Understanding how telemedicine helps patients highlights its role in improving healthcare accessibility, convenience and efficiency. Telemedicine bridges geographical gaps and allows individuals to receive medical advice without visiting hospitals or clinics.

What Is Telemedicine?

Telemedicine refers to the use of telecommunications technology to deliver healthcare services remotely.

Patients can connect with healthcare professionals through:

Video consultations
Audio calls
Online chat platforms
Mobile health applications

These technologies allow doctors to evaluate symptoms, provide guidance and recommend treatment plans.

Key Benefits of Telemedicine for Patients

1. Improved Access to Healthcare

Telemedicine allows patients to consult doctors regardless of their location.

This is particularly beneficial for individuals living in rural or remote areas where healthcare facilities may be limited.

Remote consultations reduce the need for long-distance travel to hospitals.

2. Convenience and Time Savings

Traditional healthcare visits often involve scheduling appointments, commuting to clinics and waiting in queues.

Telemedicine eliminates many of these steps, enabling patients to consult doctors from home or workplace.

This convenience is especially valuable for busy professionals and caregivers.

3. Faster Medical Advice

Early medical consultation can prevent minor health issues from becoming serious.

Telemedicine platforms often provide quick access to doctors, allowing patients to receive timely medical guidance.

Prompt advice helps manage symptoms effectively.

4. Reduced Healthcare Costs

Online consultations may reduce overall healthcare expenses by minimizing travel costs and unnecessary hospital visits.

For many patients, telemedicine provides a cost-effective way to access medical expertise.

5. Better Management of Chronic Diseases

Patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or asthma often require regular monitoring.

Telemedicine allows doctors to provide follow-up consultations and track progress without requiring frequent clinic visits.

This improves long-term disease management.

6. Access to Specialist Care

Patients can connect with specialists located in different cities or regions.

Telemedicine expands access to expert medical advice that may not be available locally.

This is particularly valuable for complex medical cases.

7. Reduced Risk of Infection Exposure

Remote consultations minimize exposure to contagious diseases in hospital environments.

During outbreaks of infectious diseases, telemedicine helps patients receive care while maintaining safety.

Conditions Suitable for Telemedicine

Telemedicine is commonly used for:

Fever and cold symptoms
Allergies
Skin conditions
Digestive problems
Mental health consultations
Follow-up appointments

Doctors can also provide prescriptions and health recommendations where appropriate.

When In-Person Care Is Necessary

Despite its advantages, telemedicine cannot replace physical examinations in certain situations.

Patients should seek immediate in-person care for:

Severe chest pain
Major injuries
Difficulty breathing
Medical emergencies

Hospitals remain essential for urgent or complex conditions.

Telemedicine in India

India has witnessed rapid growth in telemedicine services, particularly with increasing smartphone and internet penetration.

Government initiatives and healthcare organizations have promoted digital health solutions to improve healthcare accessibility across the country.

Telemedicine platforms now connect patients with doctors from multiple specialties, providing convenient healthcare support nationwide.

Ensuring Safe Telemedicine Practices

Patients should ensure that telemedicine services are:

Provided by licensed healthcare professionals
Conducted through secure digital platforms
Compliant with healthcare regulations

Using trusted platforms protects patient privacy and ensures quality care.

Preparing for an Online Consultation

To make the most of telemedicine appointments:

Prepare a list of symptoms
Keep medical history and previous reports ready
Ensure a stable internet connection
Ask clear questions about treatment and medications

Effective communication helps doctors provide accurate recommendations.

The Future of Telemedicine

Digital healthcare technologies continue to evolve rapidly.

Future developments may include:

Remote health monitoring devices
Artificial intelligence-assisted diagnosis
Integrated digital medical records

These innovations aim to make healthcare more personalized and accessible.

Conclusion

Telemedicine has transformed the healthcare landscape by enabling patients to access medical care remotely. By improving convenience, reducing travel and expanding access to specialists, telemedicine provides an effective solution for modern healthcare challenges.

While it does not replace emergency medical care, telemedicine offers a valuable option for managing common health concerns and obtaining timely medical guidance.

As digital health technologies continue to advance, telemedicine will play an increasingly important role in delivering patient-centered healthcare.

Accessible, convenient and efficient care is now possible from the comfort of home.

References

World Health Organization – Telemedicine and Digital Health Guidelines
Indian Ministry of Health – Telemedicine Practice Guidelines
NITI Aayog – Digital Health Initiatives
Indian Journal of Medical Informatics – Telehealth Research
Lancet Digital Health – Telemedicine Studies

Request A Callback

+91

By using this website/app, I confirm that I am at least 18 years old and consent to the processing of my personal data in accordance with the Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Declaration.