• Published on: Nov 13, 2020
  • 2 minute read
  • By: Dr Rajan ( Medical Second Opinion Cell)

What Are Some Common Side Effects Of The COVID-19 Vaccine?

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COVID Vaccine, the Pfizer update

On Monday Pfizer announced to the world the vaccine, once it has been developing with Germany's BioNTech, was found to be more than 90?fective. If this is substantiated, it may be possible for countries to receive the vaccine before the end of the year.

The Vaccine is an mRNA Vaccine, a novel method that introduces viral RNA into the body via a viral coat. The vaccine is incorporated into the person's cell, where the viral RNA is read and viral proteins are produced, including the coronavirus coat proteins. As the body reads and recognizes these proteins, it produces antibodies against these viral proteins and activates immune T cells against the virus.

The Pfizer results are based of a phase 3 clinical trial with 43, 538 participants with a diverse background. In this trial, the participants were split between those receiving a vaccine, and those who received a placebo with no effect. The vaccine is administered in two parts, with a 90?ficacy obtained 7 days after the second dose. This would mean a person is vaccinated just 28 days after the initial vaccination.

The FDA usually looks for a minimum 50?ficacy in vaccination when approving new vaccines. It may surprise you that the annual flu jab is also estimated to be 50?fective. The data from Pfizer was verified by an external, independent Data Monitoring Committee. It used data from 94 patients enrolled in the trial and subsequently developed COVID. It is from this groupset that 90% of efficacy is obtained. This is not the final data analysis, and further publications are expected in late November, with a potential FDA Emergency Use Authorisation approval if the data continues to show promise.

If approved, Pfizer has the ability to make 50 million shots before the end of the year, and 1.3 billion by the end of 2021. Many countries are clamoring for their fair share of these limited resources; the US has already negotiated 200m shots, UK 50m, and Germany (one of the major financers for the Pfizer vaccine) over 300m for European Countries.

We should emphasize that rapid vaccine development on this scale at this speed was unheard of prior to COVID. Usually, the animal studies for vaccines can take 1-2 years. In that time Pfizer and others have managed phase 1-3 clinical trials in humans, something that usually takes upwards of 10 years.

There are many unanswered questions that remain from this information.

  1. How safe is the vaccine? Whilst safety information was not published, overall the vaccine appears to have minimal side effects. This is particularly difficult to state however since mRNA vaccines have never been used in people before.
  2. Does the vaccine prevent transmission? In theory, yes. If you are immunized the replication of the virus should be limited significantly, so the number of viruses in each cough will be much lower. However, we do not have data to prove that there is no transmission, but that is also because we have very little data overall.
  3. How long does the protection last? This is a very critical question. The 90?fectiveness rate was calculated just 7 days after the second shot, but it is likely this will change as data is collected over the long term. Some studies have suggested the antibody response fades within months following COVID infection. T Cell immunity on the other hand can stay for years, and it may be the effectiveness of creating a T cell immunity that dictates just how good this vaccine will be .
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Switch Soda with Detox Water: A Simple Lifestyle Change with Powerful Health Benefits

Switch Soda with Detox Water: A Simple Lifestyle Change with Powerful Health Benefits

India is witnessing a major shift in beverage consumption. With obesity, diabetes, and acidity on the rise, health experts are urging people to reduce sugary drink intake. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Indians consume approximately 11–14 teaspoons of added sugar daily, much of it coming from sodas and sweetened beverages.

Replacing soda with detox water is one of the easiest and most effective health decisions you can make. Detox water is flavorful, refreshing, and beneficial for digestion, hydration, and metabolic health—without the sugar spike caused by sodas.

Why You Should Switch Soda with Detox Water

1. Soda = High Sugar + Empty Calories

A single 300ml soda contains:

  • 6–8 teaspoons of sugar

  • Zero nutrients

  • Carbonation that worsens acidity

  • Artificial colors and preservatives

High soda intake increases the risk of:

  • Obesity

  • Diabetes

  • Fatty liver

  • Acidity & bloating

  • Poor hydration
     

Detox Water = Natural Cleansing + Hydration

Detox water supports:

  • Better digestion

  • Reduced bloating

  • Weight control

  • Improved immunity

  • Enhanced skin health

What Exactly Is Detox Water?

Detox water is simply water infused with natural ingredients such as lemon, mint, ginger, cucumber, cinnamon, or fruit slices. The nutrients seep into the water, giving it taste and health benefits without adding sugar or calories.

Popular Indian detox ingredients include:

  • Lemon for Vitamin C

  • Mint for cooling effect

  • Cucumber for hydration

  • Ginger for digestion

  • Tulsi for immunity

  • Cinnamon for metabolism

Health Benefits Backed by Real-Time Research

1. Helps Reduced Sugar Intake

By replacing soda even once a day with detox water, you reduce 20–25 grams of sugar daily, according to the WHO sugar intake guidelines.

2. Supports Weight Loss

Detox water:

  • Boosts metabolism

  • Keeps you full longer

  • Helps the body flush toxins
     

Indian nutrition surveys show individuals who replaced sugary drinks with infused water saw 3–5 kg weight reduction in 8–12 weeks.

3. Improves Digestion & Reduces Bloating

Ingredients like ginger and lemon help neutralize acidity and improve gut function.

4. Enhances Skin Health

Better hydration improves skin clarity and glow within weeks.

5. Supports Daily Hydration

Most Indians drink less than the recommended 2–2.5 liters/day. Detox water encourages drinking more.

 

Detox Water Recipes You Can Use Daily

1. Lemon + Mint Water

Boosts digestion and refreshes instantly.

2. Cucumber + Ginger Water

Ideal for summer hydration.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar Detox

Helps control appetite and blood sugar.

4. Tulsi + Lemon Immunity Water

Great for preventing seasonal infections.

5. Orange + Cinnamon Water

Rich in antioxidants.

 

Why Indians Are Switching from Soda to Detox Drinks

News and health reports highlight:

  • Increase in acidity cases among young adults

  • Rising obesity and pre-diabetes

  • Growing demand for healthy, zero-sugar alternatives
     

The Indian beverage market is shifting sharply toward functional drinks, and detox water stands at the center of this trend.

 

How to Make Detox Water a Daily Habit

  • Keep a glass bottle or large jar on your work desk.

  • Refill ingredients every 12 hours.

  • Carry detox water during travel or gym sessions.

  • Rotate ingredients weekly to enjoy different benefits.
     

 

Detox Water vs Soda: A Real-Time Comparison

Parameter

Soda

Detox Water

Sugar

Very High

Zero

Calories

High

Zero

Hydration

Low

High

Additives

Many

None

Health Impact

Negative

Positive

Suitable for Daily Use

No

Yes

 

Detox Water Helps Break Soda Addiction

Because detox water is flavorful and refreshing, it reduces cravings for sugary drinks. Many wellness studies in India show people successfully replaced soda within 2–3 weeks of consistent detox water consumption.

 

Conclusion

Switching soda with detox water is a small lifestyle change that delivers big health benefits—from better digestion and reduced sugar intake to improved hydration and long-term wellness. With natural ingredients and zero calories, detox water is the simplest and most effective upgrade to your daily routine.

 

References

  • ICMR – Sugar Intake Patterns India

  • WHO – Sugar Consumption Guidelines

  • National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau – Hydration Studies

  • AIIMS – Lifestyle & Metabolic Health Report

  • Journal of Clinical Nutrition India – Detox Hydration Effects

  • Ministry of Health, India – Obesity & Soda Consumption Report

See all

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