• Published on: May 04, 2020
  • 1 minute read
  • By: Dr Vibhash Mishra

Relaxation Of Lockdown Is Not The End Of Corona!

  • WhatsApp share link icon
  • copy & share link icon
  • twitter share link icon
  • facebook share link icon

Relaxation of lockdown is not the end of Corona!

It is heartening to see the number of new cases of COVID-19 going down or plateauing almost everywhere in the world. For us Indians, it should be a matter of relief and pride that we have been the nation with the fewest mortality. The government deserves to be thanked and congratulated for prompt cautionary actions. The citizens deserve our applause even more for it is the job of the government to issue orders and instructions, but if they were not followed strictly by the neighborhoods in the villages, towns, and cities, the plan would have failed miserably. Therefore, in this war, everyone has been a valiant soldier so far and should be saluted.

Now that there has been some relaxation in the lockdown, there must be a great sigh of relief. In this euphoric state of regaining your long lost freedom, it is quite possible to lose sight of the harsh reality and take it as the end of the nightmare. The truth, however, is that the pandemic is nowhere near its end and it is hardly the time to be complacent. In fact, now that there is going to be a spate of movements of people between places, new cases of infection are bound to be brought from the badly affected zones to the erstwhile safe zones. A possible second wave of infection is very real. Your safe zone is at fresh risk.

What should you do then? How do you keep yourself and your family safe? How do you protect yourselves? By doing the same things that you have done so well so far. This is no time for daredevilry or adventure. Instead, swallow your pride, be humble, and accept that this tiny enemy called Corona is mightier than all of us fighting together. And that this is one war in which running away from the battlefield to the safety of your home is an act of bravery. Do not go out unnecessarily. Social distancing and hand hygiene remain just as relevant today as they were two months ago. Avoid overcrowding. Sometimes it may seem impossible to stay indoors or even avoid overcrowding. If you are ill, how will you not go out and wait in the crowded waiting room to see a doctor? Think again, is it really necessary? Is there really no alternative? Can you not consult a specialist online from the convenience of your home? Have you tried us at www.secondmedic.com? Do try. We may just have answers to all your questions. Well, maybe not all, but certainly most.

Dr. Vibhash Mishra
Chief Medical Officer Second Medic Inc

Read Blog
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.

See all

Live Doctor consultation
Live Doctor Chat

Download Our App & Get Consultation from anywhere.

App Download
call icon for mobile number calling and whatsapp at secondmedic