• Published on: Oct 28, 2020
  • 2 minute read
  • By: Dr Rajan ( Medical Second Opinion Cell)

COVID: A Reminder To Stay Safe

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COVID: A reminder to stay safe

As we approach the second wave of COVID, we need to remain vigilant with our actions to prevent the spread of the virus. We are continuously reminded about wearing a mask in public, maintaining socially distant, and not engaging in risky behavior such as large gatherings. But today we will focus on other forms of transmission. COVID is primarily transmitted by airborne droplets, but spreading the infection through infected surfaces is still feasible. Here we will look at three articles that investigate this mode of transmission.

  • SARS-COV-2 Survives for 28 days on surfaces

This study by Australian scientists has found that SARS-CoV-2 can survive on surfaces for up to 28 days. The team investigated using the same amounts of virus found on infected individuals, interacting with surfaces such as cotton, paper, stainless steel, glass, and vinyl. Such materials were chosen as they represent commonly touched objects such as mobile phones, ATMs, supermarket checkout regions, items that may not be cleaned regularly enough. Previous research showed the virus could be detected in aerosols for up to three hours, and on plastic and stainless steel surfaces for up to three days.

This study found the virus may survive as long as a week on most surfaces, with enough potency to re-infect. Even after two weeks, there were still plenty of detectable viruses. On other surfaces such as banknotes, the virus could survive as long as a month. The survival of the virus is also potentiated by colder temperatures. The virus is far less likely to survive at 30C than at 6 C, a worrying finding for countries currently approaching winter.

  • Survival of SARS-CoV 2 on the human skin

 

We know our skin is host to millions of different bacteria and viruses, but the conditions created by the body alongside the degree of microbial competition actually makes it quite a hostile environment for pathogenic microbes. Hirose et al looked to investigate how well the SARS-CoV-2 virus survives on human skin, using a model. They found that SARS-CoV-2 and the influenza A virus were destroyed more quickly on the skin than other surfaces such as steel, glass, and plastic. However, COVID lasted over 4x longer on skin compared to Influenza A (9 hours vs 1.8 hours).

More importantly, ethanol compounds were found to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 within 15 seconds on human skin. This highlights the importance of regular hand washing, even if with alcohol gel. Taking this in mind, it is useful to keep small bottles of alcohol gel on a person when traveling in public and using it regularly. After all, if you are touching door handles and other items that hundreds of other people may have touched before you, potentially with poor hygiene, it is safer to regularly disinfect.

  • Low risk of COVID transmission by fomites in real life conditions

Having taken these studies into account, it is quite difficult to quantifiably measure transmission from surface to a person. Knowledge of this transmissibility is quite important, especially to those working in a hospital environment. A review by Mondelli et al published in the prestigious journal The Lancet (Infectious Disease) describes two sequential studies to looking at the possibility of contamination of surfaces in an infectious disease ward of a major Italian hospital, and also whether risk of transmission was higher in emergency rooms and sub-intensive care wards.

These studies found there were very few surfaces in the hospital through which positive swabs could be taken, suggesting contamination was low. Of course the hospitals were running standard cleaning procedures, with regular wipedowns of commonly toughed objects. This again highlights the importance of maintaining hygiene, and how adequate cleanliness can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

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Reasons Behind Low Haemoglobin in Non-Anaemic People

Reasons Behind Low Haemoglobin in Non-Anaemic People

When people think of low haemoglobin, they often assume it's always linked with anaemia. But that’s not always true. You can have a slightly low haemoglobin count even if your red blood cell count and iron levels are still in the normal range.

So, what does it mean when non-anaemic people have low haemoglobin? Should you worry? Let’s explore the reasons behind low haemoglobin in non-anaemic people and what you can do about it.

 

What Is Haemoglobin?

Haemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. The average normal levels are:

  • Men: 13.5 – 17.5 g/dL
     

  • Women: 12.0 – 15.5 g/dL
     

Levels just below the normal range may not be classified as anaemia—but they can still indicate something going on.

 

Common Reasons for Low Haemoglobin in Non-Anaemic People

1. Mild Nutrient Deficiencies

Even if you’re eating regularly, you could still lack key nutrients needed to build haemoglobin—such as:

  • Vitamin B12
     

  • Folate (Vitamin B9)
     

  • Vitamin C (helps absorb iron)
     

Low levels of these don’t always lead to full-blown anaemia but can reduce haemoglobin production.

 

2. Chronic Inflammation or Infections

Your body may produce less haemoglobin during periods of chronic inflammation—such as:

  • Thyroid disorders
     

  • IBS or gut issues
     

  • Low-grade infections
     

These may not show symptoms right away but can slightly lower your haemoglobin over time.

 

3. Dilution from Overhydration

If you drink too much water before a blood test, your blood plasma volume may increase and dilute your haemoglobin, giving a lower reading.

This is temporary and often not harmful, but it can confuse test results.

 

4. Hormonal Imbalances

Conditions like hypothyroidism can subtly affect red blood cell and haemoglobin production.

In women, heavy menstrual bleeding can cause periodic dips in haemoglobin levels—especially if not supported with iron-rich nutrition.

 

5. Athletic Training (Pseudo-Anaemia)

In endurance athletes or those who do high levels of cardio, the body increases plasma (fluid) volume to improve circulation. This can lower the haemoglobin concentration without reducing red cell count—this is called athlete’s pseudo-anaemia.

 

What Tests to Consider

If you have low haemoglobin but no signs of anaemia, your doctor may recommend:

  • Serum Ferritin (iron storage)
     

  • Vitamin B12 and Folate tests
     

  • Thyroid profile
     

  • CRP or ESR (for inflammation)
     

You can get these tests easily with home sample collection from trusted platforms like SecondMedic.com, powered by Thyrocare.

 

Should You Be Concerned?

If your haemoglobin is:

  • Slightly below normal (e.g., 11.8–12.2 g/dL)
     

  • You have no symptoms (fatigue, paleness, breathlessness)
     

…then it may not be an emergency. However, monitoring and lifestyle changes are still important.

If it drops further or if symptoms appear, consult a doctor immediately.

 

What You Can Do Naturally

Improve Your Diet

  • Eat leafy greens, legumes, citrus fruits
     

  • Add iron-rich foods like beetroot, dates, and jaggery
     

  • Pair iron with vitamin C (e.g., lemon + spinach)
     

Reduce Inflammation

  • Avoid excessive sugar, fried foods, and processed meals
     

  • Include turmeric, ginger, and antioxidants in your diet
     

Stay Active but Balanced

  • Don’t overtrain
     

  • Rest and hydrate well, especially before blood tests
     

 

Conclusion

Low haemoglobin without anaemia is more common than you might think. The causes are often mild and reversible, but keeping an eye on your numbers and adjusting your diet or lifestyle can make a big difference.

If you’ve been wondering about the reasons behind low haemoglobin in non-anaemic people, now you know how to understand and manage it better—naturally and confidently.

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