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

Good News Around Corona Virus On Friday Everyone Missed!

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· On Friday FDA announced an emergency authorization of a Roche Holding AG test that can screen patients much faster than all existing options.

· The biggest impact of these tests would be that it would help catch up on the all the tests which are on queue currently.

· What very few have realized that our inability to test enough people fast enough has led to an outbreak that is likely to spin out of control in the weeks to come. If that happens then we won’t be able to contain things any time soon.

· More than lab tests we need “serologic tests” and “on-site diagnostics” which can play a crucial role in helping to better estimate the size of the problem (outbreak) and exercise necessary control to prevent the spread.

· Serologic diagnostics allow extensive testing of samples from people who aren’t confirmed COVID-19 cases.

· The best thing is that If people have been exposed and have developed antibodies against the virus, such tests will let health officials in frontline know much faster.

· This is invaluable information in the fight against a disease that is mild or asymptomatic in many people.

· It will bring some key KPIs to limelight in addition to giving a better sense of how many cases we’re missing and COVID-19’s true fatality rate, it could also identify areas where it is spreading more quietly and help direct needed response.

· Centres for Disease Control Director Robert Redfield recently told a Congressional committee that his agency has two tests of this type in development.

· This fast deployment is critical piece around the globe as there simply isn’t any reliable information on where we stand at any time and where the disease is and how many people have it.

· Another important step would involve moving testing capabilities out of the lab and into doctors’ offices.

· Ideally, providers should be able to order and run tests rapidly on site similar to the flu instead of sending them off to an overtaxed lab and lowering risk of infection

· An accurate and quick test of this type would mean that fewer people are left hanging in limbo about their actual infection status, expediting isolation, monitoring, and treatment efforts.

· People could be diagnosed in a far broader array of settings, lowering the risk of further spread of infection and keeping them out of hospitals that could spend more of their time totally focused to severe cases.

· A wider range of diagnostics would enable more targeted monitoring and reduce the need for blanket travel bans and other economically harmful containment measures. We hope that all support would get these tests approved and distributed quickly.

So in summary the approach is in a good direction and agility around diagnosis will get us ahead of things while we’re still only in the early stages of this outbreak.

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Fatigue

why fatigue should not be ignored

Feeling tired occasionally is a normal response to physical exertion, lack of sleep or emotional stress. However, when fatigue becomes persistent, overwhelming or unexplained, it should not be dismissed. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms reported in healthcare, yet it is also one of the most frequently ignored.

Understanding why fatigue should not be ignored is essential because it often acts as an early warning sign of deeper physical or mental health issues.

 

What Is Fatigue?

Fatigue is a state of ongoing physical, mental or emotional exhaustion that:

  • lasts longer than expected
     

  • interferes with daily activities
     

  • does not improve with rest or sleep
     

Unlike ordinary tiredness, fatigue affects motivation, concentration and overall functioning.

 

Why Fatigue Is Commonly Ignored

Fatigue is often dismissed because:

  • busy lifestyles normalise exhaustion
     

  • symptoms develop gradually
     

  • people attribute fatigue to stress or ageing
     

  • rest temporarily masks the issue
     

Ignoring fatigue allows underlying conditions to progress unnoticed.

 

Common Medical Causes of Persistent Fatigue

Nutritional Deficiencies

Deficiencies in:

  • iron
     

  • vitamin B12
     

  • vitamin D
     

  • magnesium
     

can significantly reduce energy levels and cause weakness.

 

Anaemia

Anaemia reduces oxygen delivery to tissues, leading to:

  • constant tiredness
     

  • breathlessness
     

  • dizziness
     

It is one of the most common yet underdiagnosed causes of fatigue.

 

Thyroid Disorders

Both underactive and overactive thyroid conditions affect metabolism.

Symptoms include:

  • fatigue
     

  • weight changes
     

  • cold or heat intolerance
     

Thyroid-related fatigue often persists despite rest.

 

Chronic Infections

Low-grade or unresolved infections keep the immune system activated, causing prolonged fatigue.

 

Hormonal Imbalance

Hormones regulate energy, sleep and metabolism.

Imbalance may lead to:

  • exhaustion
     

  • poor sleep
     

  • low motivation
     

 

Poor Sleep Quality

Even with sufficient sleep duration, poor sleep quality can cause fatigue due to:

  • sleep apnea
     

  • frequent awakenings
     

  • stress-related insomnia
     

 

Mental Health Conditions

Anxiety, depression and chronic stress commonly present with fatigue as a primary symptom.

Mental fatigue is as real and impactful as physical fatigue.

 

Lifestyle Factors That Worsen Fatigue

Certain habits intensify tiredness:

  • irregular meals
     

  • excessive caffeine
     

  • dehydration
     

  • lack of physical activity
     

  • prolonged screen use
     

Lifestyle-related fatigue often coexists with medical causes.

 

How Fatigue Affects Daily Life

Persistent fatigue impacts:

  • work performance
     

  • concentration and memory
     

  • emotional regulation
     

  • physical activity
     

  • social relationships
     

Over time, quality of life declines significantly.

 

Warning Signs That Fatigue Needs Medical Attention

Seek evaluation if fatigue:

  • lasts more than two weeks
     

  • worsens progressively
     

  • occurs with weight loss or fever
     

  • is associated with breathlessness
     

  • interferes with daily tasks
     

These signs suggest an underlying issue.

 

Why Early Evaluation Matters

Early identification of fatigue causes:

  • prevents disease progression
     

  • simplifies treatment
     

  • improves recovery time
     

  • restores normal energy levels
     

Delayed care often leads to chronic complications.

 

Diagnostic Evaluation for Fatigue

Assessment may include:

  • detailed history
     

  • blood tests
     

  • nutritional screening
     

  • hormonal evaluation
     

  • sleep assessment
     

Testing helps identify root causes rather than treating symptoms alone.

 

Can Fatigue Be Prevented?

Some preventive measures include:

  • balanced nutrition
     

  • adequate hydration
     

  • regular physical activity
     

  • consistent sleep routine
     

  • stress management
     

However, prevention does not replace evaluation when fatigue persists.

 

Fatigue and Chronic Disease Risk

Long-term fatigue may be linked to:

  • cardiovascular disease
     

  • metabolic disorders
     

  • immune dysfunction
     

This makes fatigue an important early health signal.

 

When Rest Is Not Enough

If energy does not return after:

  • adequate sleep
     

  • reduced workload
     

  • lifestyle changes
     

medical evaluation is essential.

 

The Cost of Ignoring Fatigue

Ignoring fatigue can lead to:

  • delayed diagnosis
     

  • worsening health conditions
     

  • reduced productivity
     

  • emotional burnout
     

Listening to the body early prevents long-term consequences.

 

Conclusion

Fatigue is not merely a sign of a busy life—it is often the body’s way of signalling imbalance or illness. Persistent tiredness that does not improve with rest should never be ignored. Whether caused by nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, chronic stress or underlying disease, fatigue deserves attention. Early evaluation and timely care can restore energy, prevent complications and significantly improve quality of life. Listening to fatigue is an act of self-care and preventive health.

 

References

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Fatigue and Lifestyle Health Report

  •  World Health Organization (WHO) – Chronic Fatigue and Health Guidelines

  •  National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) – Nutrient Deficiency and Energy Research

  • Lancet – Fatigue as a Marker of Chronic Disease Studie

  •  Indian Journal of Medicine – Persistent Fatigue and Diagnosis

  • Statista – Fatigue, Stress and Health Trend Analysis

See all

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