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

Protect Yourself From COVID-19 (novel Coronavirus)?

COVID-19 is a viral disease that is spread by airborne droplets, similar to other viral diseases such as the common cold. Symptoms include respiratory issues such as coughing and sneezing, and for this reason many people look towards masks to prevent the spread of this disease. Whilst masks have their place in the treatment and management of respiratory illnesses in the healthcare setting, for the general public masks are of little use. Most members of the public use simple surgical masks, and these are not as effective as the approved N95 particulate respirators used by healthcare professionals.

THE PROBLEM WITH MASKS

Simple face-masks help prevent large droplets and particles from teaching your mouth and nose, particles that may contain viruses and bacteria. In surgery they prevent bodily fluids from being transmitted between patient and surgeon, such as blood. However their design does not block the very small particles that are transmitted by coughs and sneezes. Furthermore they are loose fitting and so particulates can still enter through the gaps between the mask and the skin.

N95 respirators on the other hand are specially designed to prevent very fine particulate matter from entering the users nose and mouth. However even these are not perfect as they are only rated to block 95% of all such matter. Their use also depends on having a tight seal around the face, and cannot be used with facial hair. Application of the mask must also be done in a particular manner without touching the mask to ensure it remains sterile. It needs to be replaced as soon as it is damp, and by only touching the straps behind your head. Before and after putting on the mask your hands should be cleaned with alcohol based gels, or with soap and water.

Because of the issues associated with masks, the WHO has released recommendations on when members of the public should use masks:

· If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection.

· Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.

· Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

THE IMPORTANCE OF HYGEINE

So if masks are not effective, what should you do? The simple answer is you should maintain good personal hygiene to minimise the risk of infection. Simple, frequent hand-washing with soap and water or with alcohol gel physically destroys the virus on your hands. This minimises any transmission risk to yourself and to other people. If sneezing, you should sneeze into the crook of your elbow or into a tissue, and dispose of this. After this you should once again clean your hands and dry them thoroughly. Washing your hands for 20 seconds is more effective at reducing the risk of infection than wearing a mask.

Antibiotics will not help in treating COVID-19 as this is a viral disease. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses because they are completely separate types of organisms, as different as a human is to a potato. Other drastic measures such as irradiating your body or using highly irritant cleaning products on the skin such as bleach can cause harm and create further medical problems. Using traditional or homemade medical therapies advocated on social media or by word-of-mouth are similarly not effective in destroying the virus. Some treatments can be harmful to your body as they are untested with no evidence to show they work, and unfortunately can provide you with a false sense of security. If you wish to obtain advice you should do so from a qualified health professional or from the World Health Organisation site on public advice. This can be found on https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public COVID-19.

www.secondmedic.com website

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Importance of Hydration for Organs: How Water Keeps the Body Functioning

Water is the most essential nutrient for human survival, yet it is often the most neglected. Every cell, tissue and organ in the body depends on adequate hydration to function properly. The importance of hydration for organs becomes clear when we understand how even mild dehydration can disrupt critical physiological processes.

In India’s climate, with high temperatures and humidity in many regions, dehydration risk is especially high, making conscious hydration a daily health priority.

Why Water Is Vital for the Human Body

The human body is made up of approximately 60 percent water. This water:

transports nutrients and oxygen
regulates body temperature
removes waste products
supports metabolic reactions

Without adequate hydration, organ systems begin to struggle.

Hydration and Kidney Health

The kidneys are among the most hydration-dependent organs.

Proper hydration:

helps kidneys filter blood efficiently
flushes out toxins and waste
reduces risk of kidney stones

Chronic dehydration forces kidneys to concentrate urine, increasing strain and long-term damage risk. According to Indian Council of Medical Research data, dehydration is a major contributor to kidney stone formation in India.

Brain Function and Hydration

The brain is highly sensitive to hydration levels.

Even mild dehydration can cause:

headaches
difficulty concentrating
memory issues
irritability

Studies published in the Lancet show that dehydration negatively affects cognitive performance and mood, even before thirst becomes noticeable.

Heart and Circulatory System

Hydration plays a critical role in cardiovascular health.

Adequate water intake:

maintains blood volume
supports smooth circulation
reduces strain on the heart

Dehydration thickens blood, making the heart work harder and potentially increasing the risk of low blood pressure, dizziness and cardiovascular stress.

Digestive System and Hydration

Water supports digestion at every stage.

It helps:

break down food
absorb nutrients
prevent constipation

Chronic low water intake is linked to digestive discomfort, bloating and poor gut motility.

Liver Function and Detoxification

The liver relies on water to:

metabolise nutrients
detoxify harmful substances
support metabolic balance

Inadequate hydration slows detoxification processes and increases metabolic strain.

Muscle and Joint Health

Muscles and joints contain significant water content.

Hydration:

prevents muscle cramps
supports joint lubrication
reduces injury risk

Dehydrated muscles fatigue faster and recover more slowly.

Skin as an Organ and Hydration

The skin is the body’s largest organ.

Adequate hydration:

maintains skin elasticity
supports barrier function
reduces dryness and irritation

While water alone is not a cure for skin problems, chronic dehydration worsens skin health.

Hydration and Immune Function

Water supports immune health by:

enabling transport of immune cells
aiding removal of toxins
supporting lymphatic circulation

WHO recognises hydration as a foundational element of immune system support.

Effects of Dehydration on Multiple Organs

Dehydration affects the body systemically.

Common effects include:

fatigue
dizziness
reduced urine output
dark-coloured urine
dry mouth and eyes

Severe dehydration can lead to organ failure if untreated.

Why Dehydration Often Goes Unnoticed

Many people confuse thirst with hunger or fatigue.

Risk factors include:

busy work schedules
excessive caffeine intake
high temperatures
inadequate fluid intake

By the time thirst is felt, dehydration has already begun.

Hydration Needs Vary by Individual

Water requirements depend on:

age
body size
physical activity
climate
health conditions

General guidelines suggest 2–3 litres daily for adults, but individual needs may vary.

Hydration and Chronic Disease Prevention

Proper hydration supports prevention of:

kidney disease
urinary tract infections
constipation
heat-related illness

NITI Aayog and WHO highlight hydration as a basic preventive health measure.

Best Practices for Staying Hydrated

Effective hydration strategies include:

drinking water regularly throughout the day
increasing intake during heat or physical activity
consuming water-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables
limiting sugary and caffeinated beverages

Consistency matters more than quantity in a single sitting.

Signs You May Need More Water

Watch for:

frequent fatigue
headaches
dry skin
reduced urination
poor concentration

These are early indicators of dehydration.

Role of Preventive Health Awareness

Preventive healthcare focuses on simple daily habits.

Hydration:

costs nothing
supports every organ
reduces disease risk

Small habits deliver large long-term benefits.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Consult a healthcare professional if experiencing:

persistent dehydration symptoms
kidney or urinary issues
dizziness or fainting
chronic fatigue

Underlying conditions may require medical evaluation.

Conclusion

The importance of hydration for organs cannot be overstated. Water supports kidney filtration, brain function, heart circulation, digestion, immunity and overall metabolic balance. Even mild dehydration disrupts organ performance and increases health risks over time. In busy modern lifestyles, consciously prioritising daily hydration is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect vital organs and maintain long-term health. Consistent water intake is not just a habit—it is a foundation for organ health and wellbeing.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Hydration and Kidney Health Studies
World Health Organization (WHO) – Water Intake and Health Guidelines
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Nutrition and Lifestyle Data
Lancet – Hydration, Cognitive Function and Organ Health Research
NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Lifestyle Recommendations
Statista – Global Hydration and Health Trends

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