Call
+918447748545

Published on: Apr 04, 2020
3 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

Anyone With Flu Like Symptoms Are Now Encouraged

The Bold Strategy the UK has adopted against COVID-19

The UK government had outlined its Coronavirus strategy in three distinct steps. The first stage was to contain the virus. This was implemented when spread of the virus was primarily by infected patients from abroad. Public health advice was provided, campaigns on washing hands, not touching the face, practicing safe hygiene. Potentially infected individuals were informed to self-quarantine for 14 days whilst waiting for symptoms to develop and testing to occur. Now it is evident this is not enough. The virus has spread to enough people that transmission can now occur locally, between people who have never been abroad. Containment is not the aim, mitigation of number of cases to prevent burdening the health services. The second stage aims to reduce the epidemic’s peak, flatten it out so the number of cases do not occur at once.

Anyone with flu like symptoms are now encouraged to stay home for 7 days, and testing will only occur for hospital admissions. Beyond this little appears to have changed. Schools will remain open, social gatherings have not been cut yet (but is expected over the next week) and general life will continue as normal. This is a risky measure, one that suggests the government is not taking the issue seriously. France, Spain and Italy have enacted lockdown measures, Germany has begun cutting social gatherings. So why is the UK not following in step? Are people going to die as a result of this inaction?

DELAY THE SPREAD

The answer is of course complex. PM Boris Johnson has acknowledged that as a result of his decision people may die, especially the elderly who are seen as a very vulnerable population. But this plan has been discussed with multiple scientists, doctors, public health specialists, and there is method in the madness. Currently the UK is in the early stages of the epidemic. The number of infected are expected to rise sharply in 4 weeks, with a peak in 10–14 weeks. Implementing harsh restrictions too early can lead to “self isolation fatigue”, resulting in people not following the restrictions stringently or leaving their homes at the height of the epidemic. Restrictions also come with their own problems, and implementing them may lead to more harm than good. Simple measures such as hand washing and self isolation can itself reduce the peak of cases by 20%.

Schools have not yet been closed because COVID-19 does not appear to affect children as much. Closure of schools would also mean parents having to stay at home to look after their children (after all, nurseries, creches and other forms of childcare would still result in a spread of infection). In some cases these parents are also healthcare professionals, and the UK needs every single doctor, nurse and allied health professional to be on the frontline treating patients.

So what is the strategy? The NHS is currently full of patients due to the winter burden, one that is expected to taper off in the coming months. Slowing the onset of the epidemic’s peak to Summer, spreading it across the next few months so the maximum number of people can be treated in the hospital setting without overburdening. The aim is no longer to prevent the spread of infection but to protect the most vulnerable age groups. This model allows the young and healthy to become infected, almost encourages it.

INFECT YOUR CITIZENS

Now this sentence may sound ridiculous when said out loud. Allow infection. But why? The UK has acknowledged there is no way to stop the infection. Whilst the mortality in the elderly population and those with medical conditions are high, in the young and healthy it manifests as a mild illness with almost all infected cases recovering. More importantly, recovered patients have immunity against the virus, manifesting as antibodies in their blood. Immune patients cannot infect other people, so the more immune patients there are the slower the virus will spread. This is known as herd immunity, and the process is discussed in length in our blog on vaccines. Herd immunity needs to be achieved before the onset of winter in 2020, as winter admissions alongside COVID admissions would result in a disaster.

https://medium.com/@rajneesh.dwivedi/developing-a-vaccine-for-covid-19-part-1-f7263ae9bf88 Rajneesh secondmedic

The strategy is of course risky, and one that has not been implemented before. And since the infection will not be contained people will die. But by spreading the burden of the infection across a longer time period will allow those who require treatment to receive it in a far less burdened health system. And it has received support from health professionals, even those who are fierce critics of the PM and Conservative government. But it has resulted in confusion amongst the population, a population that looks at authoritative action taking place in other countries and not understanding why their own doesn’t follow suit. The issue is these draconian measures are not sustainable, and if implemented correctly the UK strategy may result in far less lasting damage on its health service and the economy.

Dr Rajan Choudhary, London UK

Head Of Products, Second Medic Inc (www.secondmedic.com)

Read Blog

Health Risks of Irregular Eating Habits: How Skipping Meals Affects Your Body

Maintaining a balanced and consistent diet is essential for good health. However, modern lifestyles often lead to irregular eating patterns due to busy schedules, work stress and changing daily routines. Many people skip meals, eat late at night or consume food at inconsistent times.

Understanding the health risks of irregular eating habits is important for maintaining metabolic balance and overall wellbeing. Consistent meal timing plays a key role in supporting digestion, energy levels and long-term health.

What Are Irregular Eating Habits?

Irregular eating habits refer to inconsistent or unpredictable meal patterns.

Common examples include:

Skipping breakfast or other meals
Eating meals at varying times each day
Consuming large meals late at night
Frequently replacing meals with snacks

These habits may disrupt the body’s natural metabolic rhythm.

How the Body Regulates Eating Patterns

The human body follows internal biological rhythms that regulate hunger, metabolism and digestion.

When meals occur at consistent times, the digestive system prepares enzymes and hormones needed for efficient food processing.

Irregular eating patterns may interfere with these processes.

1. Disruption of Metabolism

Metabolism refers to the process by which the body converts food into energy.

Skipping meals or eating inconsistently may slow metabolic activity, making it harder for the body to regulate energy balance.

This disruption may contribute to metabolic disorders over time.

2. Increased Risk of Weight Gain

Although skipping meals may appear to reduce calorie intake, it often leads to overeating later in the day.

Large or late meals may increase calorie consumption and contribute to weight gain.

Irregular eating may also affect hormones that regulate appetite.

3. Digestive Problems

The digestive system functions best when meals occur at regular intervals.

Irregular eating may cause symptoms such as:

Acid reflux
Bloating
Indigestion
Stomach discomfort

Consistent meal timing helps maintain digestive balance.

4. Fluctuating Energy Levels

Skipping meals can lead to sudden drops in blood sugar levels.

Low blood sugar may cause symptoms such as:

Fatigue
Dizziness
Difficulty concentrating

Regular meals help maintain steady energy throughout the day.

5. Impact on Blood Sugar Control

Irregular eating patterns may disrupt glucose regulation.

Over time, inconsistent meal timing may increase the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is important for metabolic health.

6. Nutritional Deficiencies

Skipping meals can reduce the intake of essential nutrients required for body function.

A balanced diet provides vitamins, minerals and other nutrients needed for immunity, metabolism and overall health.

Irregular eating habits may lead to nutritional imbalances.

Irregular Eating Habits in the Indian Context

In many urban areas of India, demanding work schedules and long commuting times often lead to irregular meal patterns.

Late-night eating, fast food consumption and skipped meals have become common among professionals and students.

These lifestyle patterns may increase the risk of metabolic and digestive health problems.

Promoting regular meal timing and balanced diets is essential for improving public health.

Tips to Maintain Healthy Eating Habits

Establish Regular Meal Times

Eating meals at consistent times each day helps regulate digestion and metabolism.

Do Not Skip Breakfast

Breakfast provides essential energy for starting the day and supports metabolic activity.

Plan Balanced Meals

Include a variety of foods such as:

Whole grains
Fruits and vegetables
Lean proteins
Healthy fats

Balanced nutrition supports overall health.

Avoid Late-Night Heavy Meals

Eating large meals close to bedtime may disrupt digestion and sleep.

Stay Hydrated

Adequate hydration supports digestion and nutrient absorption.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Consult a healthcare professional if irregular eating habits lead to:

Persistent digestive problems
Unexplained weight changes
Chronic fatigue
Blood sugar irregularities

Early intervention can help prevent long-term health complications.

Conclusion

Irregular eating habits may significantly impact metabolism, digestion and overall health. Skipping meals, inconsistent meal timing and late-night eating can disrupt the body’s natural rhythms and increase the risk of metabolic disorders.

Maintaining consistent meal schedules, balanced nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits can support digestive health and stable energy levels.

By adopting regular eating routines, individuals can improve metabolic balance and reduce the risk of long-term health complications.

Healthy eating patterns are a fundamental part of maintaining overall wellbeing and long-term health.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research – Nutrition and Dietary Guidelines
World Health Organization – Healthy Diet Recommendations
National Institute of Nutrition India – Balanced Meal Guidelines
Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism – Meal Timing Research
Lancet Global Health – Nutrition and Lifestyle 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.