The Covid 19 crisis took the entire globe under a storm and created world history. It’s the 3rd running year of the virus and it still continues to send chills down the spine. Though the world has pretty much learned to live with this virus, the destruction caused by it remains inevitable.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), (https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/coronavirus-disease-covid-19) , about 80% of the people who develop symptoms, recover from the disease without needing hospitalization, 15% become seriously ill and need oxygen and medical attention, and about 5% suffer critically and require intensive care.
To battle these times of crisis, Ayurveda came out as a champion not only in India this time, but the entire world. Ayurvedic herbs, herbal concoctions-Kadha, yoga, pranayama, and other therapies magically helped in keeping the virus at bay and even combating the symptoms. But talking about symptoms, did Covid 19 actually even hit you? Seems like a question that crossed everybody’s mind.The symptoms of Seasonal allergies and Covid 19 are often confused which adds to the frenzy.
This article here is an attempt to throw light on the difference between the Covid 19 and common cold, their symptoms, and measures to treat each of them using Ayurvedic practices.
What is Corona Virus?
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is an infectious disease that causes mild to severe respiratory issues. The virus spreads rapidly from one infected person to the other in small liquid droplets, especially while sneezing, coughing, speaking, or breathing.
Coronavirus can often lead to life-threatening complications, which include acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multiorgan failure, thromboembolism, respiratory failure, and heart, liver, or kidney injury.
Coronavirus Symptoms
Considering the stats, it is extremely important to address the symptoms of COVID-19 and take immediate precautions to contain the virus and disease.
Let us first take a look at the Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Coronavirus:
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Nasal congestion
- Fatigue
- Loss of taste
- Loss of smell
- Conjunctivitis
- Headache
- Skin rashes
- Diarrhea
- Chills
- Dizziness
- Muscle and joint pain
- Sore throat
Severe Signs and Symptoms of Coronavirus include:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Loss of appetite
- High temperature
- Confusion
- Pressure and pain in the chest
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Irritability
- Depression
- Sleeping disorders
- Reduced consciousness
- Seizures
- Loss of speech
- Drop-in oxygen levels
If one experiences any of these extreme symptoms of COVID-19, they must immediately seek medicare care as these might even cause life-threatening complications.
How to Prevent Coronavirus?
THE COVID APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR:
In order to prevent the coronavirus from spreading and contracting, following a Covid appropriate behavior is a must. This includes:
- Meet and greet without physical contact.
- Wear a face mask at all times.
- Maintain physical distance.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Maintain proper respiratory hygiene.
- Avoid unnecessary traveling.
- Discourage crowded gatherings.
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Sanitize your hands frequently when outdoors.
- Regularly clean, sanitize, and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
AYURVEDA FOR COVID-19
- Drink lukewarm water throughout the day.
- Include Amla in your diet.
- Spices like turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, garlic, and cumin must be used in cooking and for preparing herbal concoction-Kadha as these contain anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Gargle with warm salted water at least twice a day, especially before sleeping.
- Eat fresh and home-cooked food.
- Practice yoga, pranayama, and meditation to maintain physical fitness and mental peace.
- Drink the golden milk made by combining milk and ½ tsp turmeric.
- Sleep for a minimum of 7-8 hours every day.
- Steam inhalation with carom seeds, mint leaves or plain water helps clear nasal congestion and sore throat.
- Combine honey and Mulethi powder to treat dry cough.
What is a Seasonal Allergy?
A Seasonal Allergy, commonly known as Hay Fever, occurs during a specific season as a result of an overreaction of the immune system to an outdoor allergen. Pollens are the most common allergens that are responsible for causing hay fever or allergic rhinitis, besides dust, mold, and animal dander.
Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies
Common signs and symptoms of Seasonal allergy include:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Itchy nose
- Runny nose
- Pressure in and around the nose and cheeks.
- Itching in the mouth, eyes, ears, throat, and nose.
- Water eyes.
- Sore throat
- Hives
- Headache
- Red and swollen eyes.
- Trouble smelling
How to Prevent Seasonal Allergies?
A few simple precautions can help in controlling the symptoms of Seasonal allergies. Let us take a look at a few of them:
- Try and stay indoors on dry and windy days.
- Wash the clothes you wore outdoors and take a shower to wash off the pollens from your hair or skin.
- Do not dry clothes outdoors especially during the spring as pollens and dust might stick to towels and sheets.
- Try wearing a face mask when going outdoors.
- Avoid going out during early morning hours as the pollen count is the highest during the hours.
- The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger can help in suppressing allergic symptoms.
- Bee pollen often helps in curing hay fever due to its composition of enzymes, honey, nectar, flower pollen, and wax.
- Citrus fruits such as oranges, sweet lime, grapefruit, berries, etc. help in soothing symptoms of allergic rhinitis due to the Vitamin C content in them.
We hope that this article helped you in chalking out the difference between Coronavirus and seasonal allergies, along with the different symptoms produced by each. By following the easy set of precautions and Ayurvedic measures, you can successfully treat and prevent the conditions.
To get further assistance and knowledge over the same, you can get in touch with us at IAFA, where Ayurvedic Experts provide herbal medical solutions to treat various illnesses, allergies, and infections.