Physiological Hazards and Advancement of COVID-19 in Patients as a Result of Habitual and Prolong Face Mask Usage: Potential Prevention

Background: Since the first report of coronavirus disease widely known as COVID-19, in late December 2019; face masks (medical, surgical etc.) became one of the preventive/common measures adopted, which in turn resulted to its habitual use. The habitual use of the masks portrayed potential physiological hazards as it is suggested to affect the human physiology adversely. Content: This article highlighted consequences of habitual and prolonged face mask usage which includes; potential physiological hazards and advancement of COVID-19 in infected individuals that employ its use. Conclusion: The article did not undermine the usefulness of surgical or medical mask as personal protective equipment worn to prevent transmission of airborne infections (COVID-19, etc.), but the article suggests avoidance of habitual and prolonged use of masks and possible ways to use it in order to prevent physiological hazards that result from its habitual use. Keywords: COVID-19, face mask, physiological hazard, habitual use, frequent.

Infectious morbidity in the Khabarovsk Krai in 2020

The article analyzes the infectious morbidity of the population of the Khabarovsk Krai in 2020. It is concluded that in the structure of infectious morbidity the prevailing nosological form is the group of airborne infections and the group of intestinal infections of viral etiology. A sporadic incidence of natural focal infections is recorded

Inferences on the Susceptibility of Wood of Different Tree Species to Heterobasidion annosum Sensu Lato (Fr.) Bref. Primary Infections and on the Range of Pathogen Spores Dispersal

Stumps play a pivotal role in the epidemiology of the fungal forest pathogens Heterobasidion spp. because they are the main courts of primary airborne infections. The aims of this study were (i) to determine the susceptibility of seven tree species (i.e., Larix sibirica, Picea abies, Picea sitchensis, Pinus contorta, Pinus strobus, Pinus sylvestris and Pseudotsuga menziesii) to primary infection by H. annosum and H. parviporum through comparative inoculation experiments of conidia on wood discs in controlled conditions; (ii) to compare the susceptibility of wood discs of the same tree species to natural airborne infections in two Latvian Norway spruce forest stands infested either by H. annosum or H. parviporum; (iii) to explore the rates of infection of wood discs at increasing distances from spore sources in these two forests to make inferences on the range of spores dispersal. Results obtained by spraying wood discs with conidial suspensions in controlled conditions are in agreement with those obtained by exposing wood discs to the natural airborne inoculum in the forests, as clearly supported by the significant correlation (r = 0.79; p < 0.05) between the two sets of data. Susceptibility was highest in Pinus species, followed by P. abies and P. sitchensis. Susceptibility was lowest for L. sibirica and P. menziesii. The area colonized by Heterobasidion spp. in the sapwood of wood discs was much greater than that colonized in the heartwood. A sharp decrease in the rate of infection of wood discs with distance from spore sources (i.e., fruiting bodies) was observed, further confirming the importance of local spore sources in the epidemiology of Heterobasidion spp. Taken together, these findings could help designing tactics to manage these fungal forest pathogens.

Concept Of Dhupana – A Preventative Approach In Ayurveda For Air Borne Infection

Airborne infections are such type of infections which are caused by pathogens that can be transmitted by air over time and distance by small particles. These pathogens may be viruses, bacteria or fungi that can spread through sneezing, breathing, talking etc. In our surroundings, there are millions and tons of such pathogens that are responsible for spreading such airborne infections. In Ayurveda, this airborne infections are correlated with Aupsargikarogaswhich spreads very easily in society. In current days the world is facing suchAupsargik Rogawhich is known as COVID 19 and which is a Pandemic disease. This Aupsargikarogas can sometimes prove fatal if they are not treated at a proper time or if proper prevention against this rogas is not taken. The organisms which are responsible for these airborne infections are opportunistic, as they attack such individuals who are with low immunity. So that these organisms can grow easily inside the individual's body without any type of disturbances can finally cause fatal disease. The whole world is suffering from this pandemic and there is a need to prevent the world from this pandemic disease. The most classical, authentic and best way to prevent from transmission according to Ayurveda isDhupan karma which is correlated with fumigation or sterilization. For this Karma, there are many such Dhupan dravyas which are explained by Acharyasin Samhitas.

Review on Role of Dhoopan in the prevention of airborne infections (COVID-19)

Dhoopan is a procedure in which fumes or smoke produced from defined drug formulations are inhaled/exposed by patients for the therapeutic relief or externally as a cleanser to the environment. There is a significant risk of spread of airborne infections with hospital-acquired infections and to mitigate Dhoopan is safe and effective to prevent such infections. The aim and objectives were to review and re-publicize the efficacy of Dhoopan in the prevention of diseases with the published data and Ayurveda compendium. The literature has been searched from database like Pubmed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Dhara online, other database and Ayurveda compendia from1980 to 2020. Dhoopan is an ancient method of sterilization for Vranitagar (vran/wound healing), Sutikagar, Kumaragar, etc. with preventive as well as curative efficacy. Smoke can be facilitated to expose or inhale in various diseases such as cough, coryza, piles, epilepsy, insanity, Asthma and wounds. The content of Dhoop are herbs, animal products (skin, hair, bones, horn, etc.) and minerals, described in Ayurveda compendia are potent anti-microbial, anti-fungal and antiviral action. Since time immemorial, sages used to clean the environment by Homa-havanadi rituals. However, due to the lacking scientific validation, these Dhoop methods are not popular, which bring attention to research opportunities and understand its safety and efficacy to prevent airborne infections. Dhoopakalpas are beneficial in dealing with airborne infection because of antioxidant and anti-microbial activity with safe, economical and eco-friendly potential. Thus, it can be publicized in the prevention of COVID 19 like a pandemic situation as an adjuvant.

Are healthcare workers safe? Facility assessment of airborne infection control measures in public hospitals of Kerala

Background: Nosocomial transmission of airborne infection is a major peril to health care providing community and has been linked to poor adherence to airborne infection control practices. The present study was conducted to assess the gaps in health care facilities and practices for prevention and control of transmission of air borne infections among healthcare workers in government district level hospitals of Kerala.Methods: A cross sectional survey including observation was done in 24 facilities. The tool for the survey and the check list for observation were developed based on national airborne infection control guidelines and assessment tool for prevention and control of infection by centre for disease control. The data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 23.Results: The functioning of airborne infection control system was found to be suboptimal in most of the institutions. Implementation of environmental control measures was poor when compared to administrative control and personal protection measures. Adequate ventilation was not present in more than half of the institutions (60%). All institutions had infection control committees in place but were not functioning well. Personal protective equipment’s were not available at point of use in more than half of the institutions (62.5%). Out of the 16 self-reported hospital acquired respiratory infections among the staff, pulmonary tuberculosis was predominant.Conclusions: Several barriers were identified at different levels for prevention and control of airborne infections among healthcare workers. The findings reinforce the need to implement strict guidelines to prevent occupation induced airborne infections among health workers in public health system.