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

Problems With Detecting The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) (1)

The Novel Coronavirus Disease has been in the public eye for almost two months now, and a lot has been happening behind the scenes to understand this new outbreak. Several organizations have been working together with the World Health Organization and Officials from China to understand the symptoms and how the virus causes the disease, track the number of people infected by the virus and put in place public health measures to adequately mitigate the potential dangers this disease can bring with it. In this post we will discuss the new updates to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

IDENTIFYING COVID-19

As of 17 February, there have been 70, 365 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in China, with 1772 deaths, which gives it an estimated fatality rate of 2.5%. Now whilst these are official figures, the actual estimate may differ from this. This is because the areas that have been heavily affected especially the Hubei region, have had shortages of coronavirus testing kits, with demands far outstripping supply. Testing is required to not only identify patients for treatment but also for isolation and quarantine. This is a key step in preventing the rapid spread of disease amongst the population. Understanding the spread of a new disease also helps scientists create accurate disease models that can determine the infectivity, morbidity and mortality of COVID-19, and predict where the infection may strike next. The government authorities can use this information to prepare the surrounding regions, and ensure the impact of the disease is lessened.

Current testing requires swabs to be taken from the patients mouth and throat. This sample is then sent to laboratories, where the viral DNA is replicated in order to identify whether this DNA is from the coronavirus. Unfortunately, this is expensive, uses lots of reagents and can take two days. Even with laboratories working round the clock, running 6,000 tests a day, the workload is outstripping the health departments capacity. This leaves a large population of the Hubei Province with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 but with no way to formally diagnose the disease. There may be a significant under-reporting of cases simply because capacity does not exist to test everyone, and the disease burden may be considerably higher.

INNOVATION IN RESPONSE

In response to this doctors have started using CT scans to identify potentially infected patients. CT scans are a quick, non-invasive and readily available. By looking for lesions and signs of pneumonia in the patients lungs. Whilst this negates the need for testing strips, lesions are a fairly late sign of COVID-19, and so this method is not suitable for those who have recently been infected or have not yet shown these symptoms. In the Hubei Province however, with the drastic shortage of testing kits, clinical and radiological diagnosis is now being used to increase the rate of detection.

Manufacturers are also struggling to increase output of testing kits and reagents to match this demand, and the race is on to develop new rapid testing kits. Beijing has approved seven Biopharmaceutical companies to push forward with fast track development of testing kits. Liferiver, a Shanghai based biotech company, took just 20 days from development of its kit to launch. This process normally takes 3 years. China’s Nankai University announced on Monday a breakthrough in developing a rapid test kit that can identify infection among suspected patients within 15 minutes.

And it’s not just Chinese companies — a Singapore based biotech company has announced a portable kit that can detect the novel coronavirus as well as similar viruses responsible for MERS and SARS in a single 2 hour test. These innovations represent a massive step forward in identifying infected patients early in order to provide them the necessary treatment, and in accurately tracking the spread of the disease.

www.secondmedic.com

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Switch Soda with Detox Water: A Simple Step Toward Better Metabolic Health

Soda and sugary beverages have become a major contributor to India’s rising burden of metabolic diseases. According to NFHS-5 and ICMR data, high intake of sugary drinks significantly increases the risk of obesity, high blood sugar, fatty liver disease and heart problems. Replacing these drinks with detox water is one of the easiest and most sustainable lifestyle changes for preventive health.

Detox water is not a medical treatment-it is a healthy hydration alternative that supports the body’s natural processes. SecondMedic encourages simple, evidence-based swaps like this to help individuals improve daily habits without drastic diets.

Why Soda Is a Major Health Concern in India

1. Extremely high sugar content

A single can of soda contains:

8-10 teaspoons of sugar
Over 140 empty calories

This spikes glucose levels and increases insulin resistance.

2. Artificial additives

Flavours, colours and preservatives strain the liver and may worsen inflammation.

3. Link to chronic diseases

ICMR and Lancet studies show soda consumption increases risk of:

Type 2 diabetes
Hypertension
Weight gain
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

4. Poor hydration

Soda does not hydrate the body. Caffeine and sugar can actually increase dehydration.

Benefits of Switching to Detox Water

Detox water provides hydration and additional wellness support through natural ingredients.

• Improved metabolism

Ingredients like lemon, ginger and cinnamon support metabolic balance.

• Better digestion

Mint and ginger soothe the digestive system.

• Stable blood sugar

Sugar-free detox blends prevent rapid glucose spikes.

• Enhanced hydration

Water absorption improves when infused with electrolytes and antioxidants.

• Reduced cravings

Replacing soda breaks dependence on sugar.

• Skin health improvement

Hydration + antioxidants help reduce dullness and inflammation.

Popular Detox Water Ingredients and Their Benefits

Lemon

Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, helps improve digestion and immunity.

Mint

Reduces bloating and supports gut comfort.

Cucumber

Hydrates deeply and reduces water retention.

Cinnamon

Known for supporting stable blood sugar.

Ginger

Anti-inflammatory and excellent for digestion.

Apple slices

Add natural sweetness without added sugar.

Berries

High in antioxidants; good for heart health.

Easy Detox Water Recipes

1. Lemon + Ginger Detox

Supports metabolic health and digestion.

2. Cucumber + Mint Hydration Blend

Great for daily hydration and cooling.

3. Apple + Cinnamon Water

Helps stabilise glucose naturally.

4. Mixed Berry Infused Water

Boosts antioxidant levels for skin and heart health.

5. Turmeric + Lemon Detox

Mild anti-inflammatory properties.

How Detox Water Helps Reduce Soda Dependence

1. Replaces sweetness gradually

Natural fruit flavours reduce the urge for sugary beverages.

2. Keeps you full

Hydration decreases cravings, especially in the evening.

3. Offers variety

Different combinations keep the habit interesting.

4. Improves energy

Consistent hydration reduces fatigue and brain fog.

The Science Behind Hydration and Metabolic Health

According to WHO and NITI Aayog health reports:

Hydration improves nutrient transport
Helps maintain blood pressure
Aids liver detoxification
Supports kidney function

Soda disrupts these processes, while detox water supports them.

How SecondMedic Helps You Transition from Soda to Healthy Hydration

• AI Health Guide

Identifies sugar consumption patterns and suggests healthier beverage alternatives.

• Dietitian support

Provides personalised hydration plans for metabolic health.

• Preventive care tracking

Monitors progress for weight, energy and blood sugar.

• Health education

SecondMedic guides families, teenagers and adults on sustainable lifestyle swaps.

Tips to Make the Switch Successfully

1. Start gradually

Replace one soda per day with detox water.

2. Add natural flavour

Use citrus or herbs to enhance taste.

3. Keep it accessible

Carry a bottle to avoid impulse soda purchases.

4. Choose chilled detox water

Cold drinks create a similar refreshing experience.

5. Track your progress

Energy and digestion improve noticeably within 2-3 weeks.

Conclusion

Switching soda with detox water is a small step with big preventive health benefits. It reduces sugar intake, supports metabolic wellness, improves hydration and strengthens long-term health. With personalized recommendations from SecondMedic, this transition becomes easy, enjoyable and effective.

References

• ICMR - Sugar Consumption & Metabolic Health Report
• NFHS-5 - Obesity, Diet and Lifestyle Indicators
• NITI Aayog - Preventive Health & Hydration Behaviour Study
• WHO - Health Effects of Sugary Drinks
• Lancet - Soda Consumption & Disease Burden India
• Statista - Beverage Consumption Trends in India
• EY-FICCI - Lifestyle Behaviour & Preventive Health Report

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