Health
EXCLUSIVE – With Omicron variant, COVID-19 pandemic may become endemic: Virologist | Health News
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New Delhi: As India is in the midst of a third COVID-19 wave fuelled by the new Omicron variant, it has been observed that while the novel coronavirus cases are soaring, individuals are mostly experiencing mild symptoms with faster recovery. Omicron is termed by experts as more transmissible than the Delta variant but also less virulent. Experts are also suggesting that Omicron can also lead to COVID-19 becoming endemic.
“In the case of any living organism, the ultimate idea is survival, propagation, and perpetuation of the species,” said Dr Niranjan Patil – Scientific business and Head of Department for Clinical Microbiology, Infectious Molecular Biology and Virology at Metropolis Healthcare Limited, Mumbai.
Elaborating why COVID-19 can become endemic, he explained, “The SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus and like other RNA viruses it replicates as well as mutates at a very high rate. But if the virus infection in its hosts is likely to be so lethal that it kills the host eventually the transmission may stop as there will be no susceptible/ vulnerable host that will continue to exist for such a virulent pathogenic microorganism. It may mean dead-end for such highly virulent pathogenic microorganism’s transmission as well as propagation of that species. This is something which no living pathogenic microorganism including SARS CoV 2 can afford in the long run.”
OMICRON LESS SEVERE THAN PREVIOUS VARIANTS
Dr Patil also shared that Omicron is less dangerous than previous SARS-Cov-2 variants. “Omicron is more likely to affect the nose and throat (which constitutes the upper airways) rather than the lungs and thus there is less likelihood of it progressing into COVID pneumonia or arising need of oxygen and ICU admission”.
He further told that the duration of the disease is shorter, lasting on average of 3 to 7 days maximum in the vast majority of cases. In fact, in most cases up to 85 to 90 percent are without any symptoms especially in people who are even partially vaccinated.
SHOULD WE NOT WORRY ABOUT OMICRON?
We have to remember that the severity of the symptoms is less as compared to Delta variant or Delta plus variant but in those people who have hybrid immunity.
Hybrid immunity refers to a combination of immunity that an individual gains from a natural infection against the virus as well as from vaccines. People who have recovered from COVID-19 develop hybrid immunity when they get vaccinated, given that they now have both natural and vaccine-induced immunity.
However, Dr Patil warns against getting lax in taking precautions against Omicron and shared, “We need to remind ourselves that the Omicron is equally severe in unvaccinated individuals or those with comorbidities whether single or multiple e.g. those with pre-existing Diabetes mellitus, heart disease, dialysis, chronic kidney diseases, those on steroids or immunosuppressants, transplant recipients, cancer patients, etc”.
FOCUS ON EQUITABLE VACCINE DISTRIBUTION TO FIGHT PANDEMIC
Even with fewer chances of a lethal COVID wave in near future, it is still a possibility. The best way to minimize its chances is by ensuring that COVID vaccines are available to people across countries and social classes. Dr Patil says that the severe forms of illness have been seen predominantly in unvaccinated individuals with comorbidity which weakens the host defense immune responses.
“If entire humanity has to get rid of the pandemic, vaccine inequality among nations of the world has to go away. Otherwise, we will end up in an unending cycle of new variants arising in chronically immunocompromised individuals infected with SARS CoV2 from poor or developing nations with vaccine inequality,” warned Dr Patil.
He further elaborated that immunocompromised individuals “take a long time to clear the virus from their bodies and continue shedding and exposing others who come in contact with such individuals”.
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Sweets
How to Make 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake
This simple apple dump cake is the perfect dessert for fall. You’ll need a box of cake mix, apple pie filling and butter—that’s it!
I see dump cake recipe ideas all over TikTok because this dessert is so simple. The name, “dump cake,” refers to the way the ingredients are literally dumped into a baking dish—no mixing is required. A dump cake comes together in minutes and, after it’s baked, the flavor and textures are amazing. There are several types of dump cakes including peach cake, cherry pineapple cake and, of course, the ever-popular popular apple dump cake!
3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe
This easy apple dump cake uses cake mix and apple pie filling. Serve it on its own or topped with a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
1 package yellow cake mix (regular size)
2 (20 ounce) cans apple pie filling
1 cup melted butter
Optional: 2 teaspoons cinnamon sugar
You can also add vanilla extract, cinnamon or nutmeg to round out the flavors.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Then coat a 13×9-in. baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Layer the pie filling and cake mix
Pour the canned apple pie filling over the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, if desired. (I definitely did.)
Next, sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the canned apple pie filling.
Editor’s Tip: Be sure to spread the cake mix evenly. This will ensure the cake bakes evenly.
Step 3: Add the butter
Now it’s time for the melted butter! Pour evenly over the layers of apple pie filling and cake mix. Sprinkle with more cinnamon and sugar, if desired.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until golden brown on the top and bubbling around the edges of the baking dish.
Keep a close eye on the cake while it’s baking. Once you start to see bubbling around the edges, this usually means the filling has thickened in the middle and the cake is ready.
Let the cake cool for 10 to 15 minutes, to give the filling a chance to thicken a little more. Then it’s ready to serve!
Tips for Making Apple Dump Cake
Can you use fresh apples instead of apple pie filling?
You can certainly use fresh apples, but the apple dump cake will need to bake longer. If using fresh apples, peel the apples first, and be sure to add some extra cinnamon sugar to give the apples more flavor and balance out any tartness. Here are the best apples for apple bakes.
Does apple dump cake need to be refrigerated?
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can an apple dump cake be frozen?
Baked apple dump cake can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To thaw, place the frozen dump cake in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350° for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave smaller servings for about 45 seconds or until warmed through.
Weight loss
Curd For Weight Loss: Does curd help in weight loss?
Yogurt is high in calcium. It helps in controlling BMI levels. The probiotics present in yogurt regulate the digestive system, thus facilitating the weight loss process.
Yogurt is something that we all include in our diet. It is rich in nutrients. Acts as a digestive stimulant. Yogurt is a probiotic dairy product. It is a very healthy food to add to your diet.
Yogurt is high in calcium. It helps in controlling BMI levels. The probiotics present in yogurt regulate the digestive system, thus facilitating the weight loss process.
It contains live bacteria known as Lactobacillus bulgaricus. This bacterium has been shown to alleviate dyspepsia.
Protein is an important nutrient for weight loss. Yogurt is high in protein. The bacterial content in curd helps in improving the functions of the intestines thereby resulting in proper digestion.
1 ounce of yogurt contains 12 grams of protein. Being a protein-rich food, yogurt keeps your stomach full for longer which keeps your hunger under control. It reduces excess fat.
Being a nutritious dairy product, yogurt is rich in calcium, which helps in improving bone strength. Yogurt helps improve the thermogenesis process in your body, which increases the metabolic rate.
Yogurt contains important nutrients like calcium, vitamin B-12, vitamin B-2, potassium and magnesium which are essential for the overall development and growth of the body. These essential nutrients are extracted from the milk while making yogurt. However, yogurt is digested faster than milk.
Health
Bad Breath is no more, try these methods
Bad breath is a major problem facing many people today. Bad breath can be caused by anything from food waste to the growth of bacteria in the mouth. Here are some home remedies to get rid of bad breath
Although it may seem trivial, there are many among us who suffer from bad breath. Many people are unable to even speak in a group due to bad breath. Lack of confidence even to open mouth. Bad breath can be caused by the accumulation of food debris in the mouth and germs in the mouth. Dental and gum diseases are other common causes of bad breath.
Why, even digestive problems lead to bad breath. We do not have to worry about this problem anymore as we have some natural mouth fresheners at our fingertips that help to remove bad breath.
Cloves
Cloves are another common ingredient that is always found in our kitchen. Its anti-bacterial properties reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth and reduce the risk of other dental problems such as bleeding and tooth decay. You can put a few cloves in your mouth and chew it to get rid of bad breath.
Water
Drinking very little water a day can also cause bad breath in your mouth. Water helps to expel bacteria from the mouth and prevent them from multiplying in the mouth. This will help keep your breath fresh. So, if you feel that your breath is stinking, drink plenty of water every day. You can also squeeze half a slice of lemon into your water to refresh your breath.
Honey and cinnamon
Honey and cinnamon have strong anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that can help reduce the growth of bacteria in your mouth and maintain gum health. Regular application of honey and cinnamon on the teeth and gums can reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum bleeding and bad breath. Both ingredients are perfectly safe and can always be easily found in the kitchen.
Cinnamon, like cloves, has antibacterial properties that reduce the growth of bacteria that cause bad breath. Just put a small piece of cinnamon in your mouth for a few minutes and then spit it out.
Salt Water
Rinsing the mouth with lukewarm salt water will prevent the growth of bad bacteria in the mouth and make your breath refreshing. Brine prevents the bacteria that cause bad breath from multiplying in the mouth and expelling them. Before going out, you need to mix 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of salt in a glass of water and rinse your mouth with that water.