SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19)
COVID-19 is a contagious disease caused by a coronavirus. People infected with the COVID-19
experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and usually recover without requiring
special
treatment.
People with underlying conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory
disease
and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.
The best way to protect yourself and to slow down the transmission of COVID-19 is to be
well-informed
about the virus and how it spreads. The COVID-19 virus spreads through droplets of discharge
from
the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Till now there are no specific vaccine or curative treatment options for COVID-19. However,
there are
many trials going on evaluating potential treatments
WE WILL FIGHT CORONA TOGETHER
We are currently facing a pandemic situation which has devastated everyone around the
world. It is time to stand united and fight against COVID-19. For the sake of lives
lost, for all the health care workers on the front line working day and night to save
us, let us all pledge to fight Corona.
Symptoms
The COVID-19 virus affects people in different ways. People over 65 years old and those who have
underlying conditions are at higher risk of developing severe disease.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Headache
- Breathlessness
- Bodyache and tiredness
Other symptoms include:
- Sore throat
- Diarrhea, nausea or runny nose
- If you feel you have mild symptoms but you are healthy then immediately isolate yourself
and contact the health care provider for advice on testing and referral.
- If you have fever, cough, and shortness of breath then immediately call the doctor.
Prevention
To prevent COVID-19 infection and to slow down the transmission, do the following:
- Wash your hands with soap and water regularly, or clean them with alcohol based hand rub
- Maintain 1-metre distance between you other people.
- Avoid touching your face and wash your hands and face as soon as you enter home.
- While coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth.
- Stay home if you feel unwell.
- Avoid smoking or other activities that weaken the lungs.
COVID-19 FAQs
1. What is a coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that cause respiratory infections ranging from cold to severe
illness such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus
is called COVID-19.
2. What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is the contagious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus, originated
from Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
3. What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
The most common symptoms of recent coronavirus are fever, breathlessness, and dry cough. Other
symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, diarrhea. People with age above 65,
asthma, obesity, chronic kidney or liver diseases, heart problems and diabetes are at a greater risk
of getting severe infection.
4. How does coronavirus spread?
COVID-19 is highly contagious and can spread from others through small droplets from the nose or
mouth which are spread when an infected person coughs or exhales. People can catch COVID-19 by
touching surfaces that are contaminated by infected droplets. These include doorknobs, lift buttons,
mobile phones, shared towel etc.
It is important to stay 1 meter away from a COVID-19 infected person.
5. Is there any drug vaccine or treatment for COVID-19?
No, till now there is no vaccine, drug or medicine known to prevent or treat COVID-19, but there are
treatment methods to relieve symptoms.
6. What precautions should I take to avoid COVID-19?
Take these precautions to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:
- Frequently clean your hands,
- Cover your mouth with a tissue or the elbow while sneezing or coughing and dispose of tissue.
COVID Testing at Sakra Fever Clinic
Pre Registration
Due to the surge of COVID patients at the hospital and a longer waiting time, Sakra World Hospital has enabled a pre-registration facility on our website. With the aim to help the patients to register online before their visit to the Sakra Fever clinic which will allow them to spend less time in our facility and immediately move into the sample collection activity hence spending less time in the COVID testing zone.
How to self-register for the COVID-19 sample collection procedure:
Click on the link to register: https://reg.sakraworldhospital.com/
*For registration basic details of the patient like name, date of birth, email ID, mobile number are required.
Steps to be followed for COVID-19 Testing Process in Sakra Fever Clinic
Visitors visiting Sakra Fever Clinic will have to take a note of the below step for a smooth and hassle-free COVID-19 testing experience:
STEP 1: Collect your Billing token from the Token vending machine.
STEP 2: For self-registration scanthe QR code or go to this URL: https://reg.sakraworldhospital.com to complete your registration for the COVID test. (Applicable to first-time visitors to Sakra World Hospital). After completion of registration, you will receive a confirmation message with having pre-registration number on your registered phone number.
STEP 3: Proceed to the respective billing counter once your token number is announced & displayed.
STEP 4: Upon completion of the billing procedure, tender a new token for a sample collection from the Token vending machine and proceed toward the sample collection bay.
STEP 5: Collect the COVID Testing Sample Kit from the Kit distributor representative next to the sample collection cabin and wait for your turn to give the Covid test samples.
STEP 6: After giving the COVID test samples you may return to your residence and isolate yourself until you receive negative results. Do not have contact with others until you have your test results. We will send your COVID test reports on your registered email Id in 24 to 48hrs.
Note:
- At any point of time you get confused or forget your next step, Our COVID Taskforce specialist will always be available for assistance.
- To pre-register, all you need is a mobile device that can receive email or messages. If you can’t register on your phone, you will still be tested. Staff will register you, but it will take much longer.
COVID-19 Vaccine
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Everyone 18 years of age and older are now eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccination.
We at Sakra, are committed to caring for you and offering you the chance to get the COVID Vaccination in Bangalore as quickly and safely as possible.
Preparing for COVID-19 Vaccination
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at protecting you from getting infected from coronavirus. There are two different types of vaccine available at the covid vaccination centre in Bangalore:
COVAXIN: It is an inactivated vaccine that has developed with Whole-Virion Inactivated Vero Cell-derived technology. The vaccine contains inactivated viruses which can not infect a person but still can instruct the immune system to prepare a defence mechanism against the active virus.
COVISHIELD: It is made from a weakened version of adenovirus from chimpanzees. The virus is modified to enable it to carry the COVID-19 spike protein into the cells of humans. Sakra World Hospitals is providing a Covishield vaccine in Bangalore to help prevent you from getting or spreading the infection.
Getting COVID-19 Vaccination
- Before arriving at the vaccination centre review your appointment confirmation and check if you need to bring any documents for verification.
- You and your doctor should wear a mask while you are getting a vaccine. Try to stay six feet away from people in lines and inside the room.
- You will get a vaccination card which will tell you which vaccine you have received and when you will receive the second dose of the vaccine.
- Do not get any other vaccine until the 14 days of covid-19 vaccination. Or if you have recently received any other vaccine then wait for at least 14 days before getting your COVID-19 vaccine.
- Get the second dose of your vaccination even if you have side effects from the first dose, unless the doctor advises otherwise.
What to Expect after Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine
You may experience usual side effects after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. The common side effects include:
- Pain and swelling on the arm where you get the vaccine
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Cold
- Fever
- Nausea
Before you schedule your vaccination appointment, please first consider:
- If you had a severe allergic reaction to any vaccine in the past.
- If you had a severe allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine then avoid receiving a second dose of the same vaccine at this time.
- If you received plasma as part of COVID-19 treatment then you should wait for at least 90 days to get vaccinated.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding then consult with your obstetrics before getting the vaccine.
FAQs
Can a person get vaccinated without registration?
Registration is necessary, only after the registration information about the time and vaccination date will be shared.
Is it compulsory for all to take the vaccine?
It is advisable to get vaccinated to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Can I get vaccinated without a photo ID?
Photo Id is must for registration and verification at the government or private hospitals in Bangalore for COVID vaccine to ensure that the intended person is vaccinated.
Which vaccine is better between Covisheild and Covaxin?
Both the vaccines work fine in preventing the infection as well as prevent a person from going into a severe state of the disease.
Should women delay conception after getting the COVID-19 vaccine?
Women who are trying to conceive should get their vaccine as soon as possible after consulting with their gynecologists.
1) What happens if a person becomes Covid-positive between two vaccine doses?
If you get COVID-19 after taking one dose of Covid vaccine then that doesn’t mean you can't get a second dose. Covaxin second dose is given after four weeks of the first dose and Covishield second dose is given after 6 - 8 weeks of the first dose. Consult with the doctor on when to take the second dose and do as the doctor says. Two doses are necessary to build immunity against COVID-19. You can go to any Covaxin vaccination centres in Bangalore and get vaccinated if you have registered online.
2) What are the Side Effects of a COVID-19 Vaccine?
Common side effects of COVID-19 vaccine are:
On the arm where you get the Covid-19 shot:
In the rest of the body:
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Chills
- Fever
- Nausea
3) Can I get a COVID-19 from the vaccine?
No, you cannot get a COVID infection from the vaccine because it doesn’t contain the live virus.
4) Are Covaxine and Covishield effective against all mutations found till now?
According to the doctors, vaccines are effective against all strains except a few. One of them is the South African variant, it is very difficult to fight this strain with the present vaccine.
5) How many variants of COVID-19 are there now?
There are multiple variants of the virus circulating globally that causes COVID-19. CDC has established three classifications for the SARS-CoV-2 variants being monitored: Variant of Interest (VOI), Variant of Concern (VOC), and Variant of High Consequence (VOHC).
There are currently five VOCs:
- B.1.1.7: First detected in the US in December 2020.>
- B.1.351: First detected in the US at the end of January 2021.>
- P.1: First detected in the US in January 2021. >
- B.1.427 and B.1.429: First detected in California in February 2021 and were classified as VOCs in March 2021.>
Covid-19 Vaccine Myths:
1. Myth: Patients with blood pressure issues, diabetes, HIV, kidney problems, or cancer survivors should not take Covid-19 vaccine?
Fact: This is absolutely false. People with blood pressure, diabetes, HIV, kidney problems or cancer should be the first ones to be vaccinated on priority due to their health conditions.
2. Myth: Don’t get vaccinated during your periods because your immunity is low.
Fact: Mensuration is a normal process through which women’s bodies go every month, it doesn’t affect the immunity of the women. Mensuration has no effect on the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine. Therefore, it is absolutely safe to get vaccinated during your periods.
3. Myth: If you have had COVID-19 once then you don’t need vaccination or masks.
Fact: COVID-19 reinfection is very much possible even if you had the covid infection before. Wearing a mask all the time is very much important and taking a vaccine after you come negative is necessary to reduce the chances of reinfection.
4. Myth: COVID-19 Vaccines can make you infertile.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence that proves or even suggests that COVID vaccines affect fertility at all.
5. Myth: Pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking COVID-19 vaccine.
Fact: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult with the doctors and discuss in detail about the vaccine.
Sakra Updates
Sakra World Hospital is pleased to provide the public with information on health, wellness,
guidelines and latest updates related to COVID-19. If you have symptoms, call the primary care
provider. Please do not come to the hospital or emergency care clinic unless instructed.
We have taken advanced steps in response to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Please find
the latest news and information here.
Patient-Visitor Guidelines
All patients and visitors are requested to wear a face covering mask to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Please bring your own face mask to wear while at our facilities to protect our health care workers,
yourselves and to combat any additional community spread.....
Following measures are being taken to prevent the community spread:
Screening
- To provide a safe working environment to our patients and Physicians, we are doing thermal
sensor based temperature screening.
- A COVID-19 assessment test is taken by our dedicated nurse team for each and every visitor
and patient at the entry gate.
- Then, a secondary screening is conducted at the ‘ Covid Pavilion’, a separate area outside
the hospital building for those filtered from primary screening.
- Attendants have been restricted as have been visitors to the patients in hospital. Consult
the “ Visitor Restrictions” section lower on this page for more details.
Secure Patient and Caregiver Environment
Sanitizer hand-rubs and masks are available at all entry points and reception desks for use of
patients, visitors and staff.
Frequently touched surfaces are cleaned daily with disinfectant within every three
hours.
- All our ICUs and operation theatres have air-conditioning with the recommended air-exchanges
with HEPA filtration to ensure safety from droplet infection
- All the physicians involved in clinical care have been provided with adequate quantities of
appropriate personal protective equipment.
- To minimize chances of exposure, doctors and nurses have changed their working patterns with
encouragement for longer periods of stay at home for multiple clinical and non-clinical
departments, backed by a flexible WFH/leave approach.
- Our eligible caregivers have been given prophylaxis with HCQ in accordance with ICMR
guidelines.
Patient Care
- We have started ‘Fever Clinics’ in collaboration with PHANA and BBMP at the specially
fabricated ‘Porta-Cabins’ outside the hospital building.
- Here patients who may not be in position to avail of routine OPD services are offered
consultation services and counselling in line with BBMP guidelines.
- We have set-up two hermetically separated sections across a glass partition to offer a
protected environment to the doctors and patient both.
- Video consultations are operationalized and encouraged in all specialties after KMC go ahead
was received and the ICMR released its guidelines.
Limited Services to avoid Crowd
- To reduce the physical crowding and possible exposure to patients and healthcare workers,
physical consultations are restricted to those in pressing need.
- Health Checks and dental clinics were stopped at the outset.
- Elective surgical work has cut down radically.
- Patients requiring time-critical care continue to be attended to promptly and with due
consideration for their safety.
- Many departments like Emergency services, critical care, coronary care unit, trauma surgery,
labour and caesarean sections, cancer chemotherapy, dialysis, Lab services, Radiology, Blood
bank and support services etc are fully functional in ensuring no compromise to patient
care.
Gearing Up
The entire Emergency Room area has been redrawn in readiness for the anticipated flow of patients
with possible Covid-19. This includes provision for an isolation area and some numbers of
critical care as well as HDU beds. These are hermetically (AC) separated out from all other
areas of the hospital minimizing risk of spread.
Contingency plans are being implemented to provide for increased influx should the situation so
demand. This includes modification of existing patient care areas to provide for well ventilated
isolation and care facilities. Also the entire gamut of activities from re-drawn staffing
rosters, stocks of medications, supplies of PPE and consumables, training and protocols for
patient care, shifting, food handling, cleaning and waste management etc.
RT-PCR testing facility has been installed in our lab and ICMR has accorded approval. Testing is
expected to commence shortly after due validation. This would greatly enhance capability for
quick clinical decision making.
Sakra World Hospitals has 300 beds and all are approved for COVID-19 testing. We have also
created an isolated area at our emergency room which is converted into a respiratory room.
Our 50% beds are clinical-care ready beds and other 50% are high dependency unit beds. ICMR has
approved all facilities for COVID-19 testing.
Education
Extensive campaigns internally have reinforced the appropriate use of personal protective
equipment (PPE) and use of masks and hand hygiene.
A number of signboards are put up educating patients on the nature of disease, its spread and
practical steps that can be followed.
