• Published on: Apr 04, 2020
  • 1 minute read
  • By: Raj Dwivedi

Everything You Wanted To Know About Quarantine!

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I have received many questions lately asking clarity around

· Can You Be Forced into Quarantine?

· how quarantines are imposed enforced during Corona Virus?

· Can the government impose a quarantine on anybody?

· Are quarantines, including self-isolating at home, voluntary or mandatory?

· Is there a right to appeal?

· What does the government provide during a quarantine?

· Are quarantines effective?

Here are some of the facts and details around Quarantine in US

· When it comes to the federal government, it can impose quarantines under the Public Health Service Act for two main reasons:

o to prevent the spread of communicable disease into the United States or between states.

· Quarantines are considered a measure of last resort when no preferable means is available to halt the spread of a deadly communicable disease.

· Those subject to quarantine should be either infectious or have been exposed to the disease, experts said.

· There is no blanket law, the laws vary by state and even locality.

· Voluntary or Mandatory? It is a bit of a gray area. It often seems voluntary until the person involved tries to leave, at which point health officials are likely to make it compulsory, experts said.

· The bottom line is that if a quarantine is not enforced and other people catch the fatal disease as a result, the local government could be held liable.

· Laws vary by state, but those who ignore the rule could face fines or jail time

· Local authorities often have some form of enforcement power, but usually try gentle persuasion to persuade people that it is for their good and the good of the community.

· An infected person blatantly ignoring an order might be forced to go into medical isolation — that is, some form of locked hospital ward.

· Scope of Change in Appeal process — States should have some manner of appeal process, and some require a court order from the outset. If there is no medical tribunal or other means for a second opinion, ultimately anyone could challenge a quarantine order in court through a writ of habeas corpus.

· Under C.D.C. rules, the federal government must test those confined within 72 hours and define the length of stay from the outset — two weeks for the coronavirus because that is the incubation period for the disease.

· The most glaring hole in American quarantine laws, experts said, is that there is no guaranteed salary. An employer could even fire a quarantined employee. President Trump has said that his administration would address financial relief for people quarantined.

· Quarantine Effectiveness — They generally help slow the spread of the disease but sometimes do not depending on the disease and the conditions of the quarantine, holding passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan appeared to create a kind of petri dish with more people infected.

· Historically In the United States, quarantines have been extremely rare. The last federal quarantine was in the early 1960s against a suspected smallpox outbreak. Instead the C.D.C. tends to issue health warnings, like advising pregnant women to avoid Southern Florida in 2016 during an outbreak of the Zika virus.

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Vitamin B12 Test

When to Take Vitamin B12 Test – Signs to Look For

Vitamin B12 is one of the most essential vitamins for the body. It plays a major role in making red blood cells, maintaining nerve function, and supporting brain health. Unlike other vitamins, your body cannot produce Vitamin B12 on its own. It mainly comes from animal-based foods like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy.

In India, Vitamin B12 deficiency is very common, especially among vegetarians and vegans. Unfortunately, the symptoms are often ignored or mistaken for general tiredness or stress. This makes it important to recognize when to take a Vitamin B12 test so that treatment can start before complications arise.

 

Why is Vitamin B12 Important?

Vitamin B12 helps in:

  • Producing red blood cells
     

  • Preventing anemia
     

  • Supporting brain and memory functions
     

  • Keeping nerves healthy
     

  • Boosting energy levels
     

A deficiency can cause long-term health problems if not treated on time.

 

Key Signs You Need a Vitamin B12 Test

1. Constant Fatigue and Weakness

If you feel tired even after proper sleep, it could be due to low Vitamin B12. This happens because your body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells, leading to less oxygen supply to tissues.

2. Numbness or Tingling Sensations

Vitamin B12 supports nerve health. Deficiency can cause nerve damage, leading to tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.

3. Memory Problems and Brain Fog

Difficulty in concentrating, forgetfulness, or confusion can be early signs of low Vitamin B12 levels.

4. Mood Swings and Depression

Low Vitamin B12 affects neurotransmitters that regulate mood. You may feel anxious, irritable, or even depressed.

5. Pale or Yellowish Skin

Since B12 deficiency causes anemia, your skin may appear pale or slightly yellow.

6. Unexplained Muscle Weakness

Weak muscles and difficulty walking can also be due to prolonged deficiency.

 

Who Should Get Tested?

  • Vegetarians and vegans (as B12 mainly comes from animal foods)
     

  • People above 50 years (absorption decreases with age)
     

  • Individuals with digestive disorders like Crohn’s or celiac disease
     

  • People who have undergone gastric surgery
     

  • Those taking long-term medications like metformin or antacids
     

 

How is the Vitamin B12 Test Done?

The Vitamin B12 test is a simple blood test. A small sample is taken from your vein and analyzed in the lab. No fasting is required unless your doctor suggests additional tests along with it.

 

Can Vitamin B12 Deficiency Be Treated?

Yes. Once diagnosed, treatment can be done in three ways:

  1. Dietary changes – Eating more eggs, dairy, fish, or fortified cereals.
     

  2. Supplements – Oral Vitamin B12 tablets or capsules.
     

  3. Injections – For severe deficiency, doctors may recommend B12 injections.
     

 

Preventing Vitamin B12 Deficiency

  • Include B12-rich foods in your diet
     

  • If you’re vegetarian, choose fortified cereals and plant-based milk
     

  • Go for regular check-ups if you’re at risk
     

  • Discuss supplements with your doctor if needed
     

 

Conclusion

Vitamin B12 deficiency can easily be overlooked, but the symptoms often give early warnings. If you experience fatigue, numbness, mood changes, or memory issues, it may be time to book a Vitamin B12 test. Early detection ensures timely treatment and prevents long-term complications.

Don’t ignore your health—book your Vitamin B12 test today and take control of your well-being.

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