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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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Online Health Screening Packages India: How SecondMedic Is Powering Preventive Healthcare for Every Indian

Online Health Screening Packages India: The Smarter Path to Preventive Care

In today’s fast-paced world, preventive healthcare has become more crucial than ever. Lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disorders are affecting millions of Indians - many of which could be prevented through timely screening.

With SecondMedic’s online health screening packages, Indians now have access to convenient, data-driven, and affordable health checkups designed to detect risks early and promote long-term wellness.

The Importance of Preventive Health Screenings

India is witnessing a sharp rise in chronic illnesses. According to NITI Aayog (2024), over 60% of deaths in India are caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), many of which are preventable through early detection.

Preventive screenings enable patients to track key health parameters - from cholesterol and sugar to liver and kidney function - before symptoms appear.

With the growing focus on digital health under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), online health packages are making proactive healthcare accessible across all age groups.

How SecondMedic’s Online Health Screening Works

SecondMedic simplifies preventive care through a three-step process:

Select Your Package: Choose from full-body, cardiac, diabetes, or age-specific health plans online.
Schedule Sample Collection: Certified technicians collect samples from your doorstep at your preferred time.
Receive Reports Digitally: Access doctor-reviewed and AI-enhanced health reports through your SecondMedic dashboard.

Each package includes a teleconsultation to interpret your results and guide next steps.

AI-Powered Health Insights

What makes SecondMedic stand apart is its use of AI analytics for personalized health evaluation.
The platform compares your test data against medical benchmarks and predicts early warning signs - even before conditions fully develop.

For instance, AI can detect pre-diabetic patterns, vitamin deficiencies, or cholesterol trends and recommend lifestyle changes instantly.

According to IMARC Group (2024), India’s AI-driven healthcare analytics market is growing at a CAGR of 22%, fueled by rising awareness of preventive care and health tech adoption.

Types of Health Screening Packages

1. Full Body Checkup
Covers over 80 parameters - including blood, kidney, liver, and thyroid functions - to give a 360° view of your health.

2. Diabetes Care Package
Ideal for individuals at risk of diabetes, including fasting glucose, HbA1c, and lipid profile tests.

3. Cardiac Health Package
Assesses your heart health with lipid profile, ECG, and cardiac enzyme tests.

4. Women’s Health Package
Focuses on hormone balance, thyroid health, and reproductive wellness.

5. Senior Wellness Package
Designed for elderly patients, covering bone, heart, and metabolic health markers.

Benefits of Online Health Screenings

Convenience: Schedule tests from home, no hospital queues.
Accuracy: AI-enhanced analytics ensure early and precise detection.
Affordability: Up to 40% cheaper than hospital checkups (IBEF, 2024).
Continuity: Track health over time via SecondMedic’s secure digital dashboard.
Accessibility: Nationwide sample collection network for urban and rural users alike.

Aligning with India’s Preventive Healthcare Vision

The Indian government’s National Health Policy 2023 emphasizes preventive healthcare and early intervention. Initiatives like ABDM and Fit India Movement encourage citizens to undergo regular screenings.

SecondMedic’s platform aligns perfectly with this national vision - bringing preventive care, diagnostics, and AI health tools together under one roof.

Data Security and Compliance

All reports and health data on SecondMedic are encrypted and stored as per HIPAA and ABDM standards. Patients can also link their ABHA health ID for unified digital record management, ensuring privacy and continuity of care.

The Future of Preventive Healthcare in India

As per a FICCI-EY 2024 study, India’s preventive health sector is expected to reach USD 20 billion by 2030, driven by rising awareness and digital adoption.

With AI tools, remote diagnostics, and home-based services, platforms like SecondMedic are reshaping healthcare from reactive to preventive - helping millions live longer, healthier lives.

Conclusion

Preventive care is no longer a luxury - it’s a necessity.
SecondMedic’s online health screening packages bring together technology, convenience, and expert care to help you stay one step ahead of illness.

Your health journey begins with awareness - and that starts with screening.

Book your online health checkup today at www.secondmedic.com

References

NITI Aayog – “India’s Preventive Healthcare Outlook” (2024)
IBEF – “Healthcare Industry Report 2024”
IMARC Group – “AI Healthcare Market in India 2024–2028”
FICCI-EY – “Digital Health Ecosystem and Preventive Care 2024”
ABDM – “Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission” – https://abdm.gov.in

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