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Experts reveal that female genital tuberculosis needs timely intervention

Female Genital Tuberculosis (FGTB) is commonly seen in women and requires prompt medical attention. It is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (rarely Mycobacterium bovis and/or atypical mycobacteria) being usually secondary to TB of the lungs or other organs. "Female Genital Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection of the female reproductive system that is known to cause infertility in women. This type of TB can take a toll on the fallopian tubes, uterus, ovaries, cervix, and vagina," said Dr Surabhi Siddhartha, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Mumbai. In FGTB, fallopian tubes are affected in 90 per cent women, whereas uterine endometrium is affected in 70 per cent and ovaries in about 25 per cent women. It causes menstrual dysfunction and infertility through the damage of genital organs. Women suffering from female genital TB generally develop no symptoms at all, especially in the early stages. Often, infertility is the only presenting symptom. "If the fallopian tube is infected the egg which gets fertilised will fail to pass via the tube and reach its destination which is the uterus. Hence, the woman will not be able to conceive," Siddhartha said. TB is the world's deadliest infectious disease, which afflicts more than 10 million people each year. India contributes to over 30 per cent of the global TB burden. In 2021, India had estimated 30 lakh new TB cases. About 38 per cent of TB deaths globally took place in India. "Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious airborne disease leading to high morbidity and mortality rates not only in India but globally too. TB can have severe consequences for women, especially during their reproductive years and during pregnancy. TB most commonly affects the lungs, but it may affect multiple organ systems in the body and it may lead to infection in the fallopian tubes as well. It can also have a lasting impact on the endometrium, leading to infertility among females," said Dr Sulbha Arora, Clinical Director, Nova IVF Fertility, Mumbai. The diagnosis includes doing a laparohysteroscopy and dye test. Women known to have genital TB are treated with ATT (anti-tubercular treatment). ATT is the first line of treatment for women who are confirmed to have genital TB. According to the doctors, one of the ways to keep genital TB at bay, is to treat pulmonary TB effectively without fail. Doing so can stop it from spreading to the reproductive system. Also, practising safe sex methods, and getting immunised as per the doctor's advice, they suggested. "Moreover, women with genital TB can conceive through assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF with proper medication. So, speak to a fertility consultant and clear all your doubts regarding pregnancy," Arora said. Also Read: ‘They can’t read pamphlets; we have to think out of the box’ This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

23 March,2023 04:44 PM IST | New Delhi | IANS
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Covid cases surge to highest in 140 days, states to focus on five-fold strategy

The Union Health ministry on Thursday advised the states to follow five-fold strategy to fight Covid-19 as the country recorded 1,300 new coronavirus cases, the highest in 140 days. The active cases have increased to 7,605, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) advised all the states to focus Test-Track-Treat-Vaccination and Covid Appropriate Behaviour to fight Covid-19. The notification stated, "We will do another mock drill." The ministry has also asked the states to ensure the availability of required drugs and logistics for influenza and Covid 19 across health facilities. The  states have been asked to ensure the availability of sufficient designated beds and health workers. According to the ministry's website, 220.65 crore doses of Covid vaccines have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide vaccination drive. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,41,60,997, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 per cent. Also read: PM Modi emphasizes on Covid-appropriate behaviour amid spike in influenza, Covid-19 cases A total 92.06 crore tests for detection of Covid has been conducted so far with 89,078 tests being conducted in the last 24 hours. The Covid case tally was recorded at 4.46 crore One death each has been reported by Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra, the data stated. The daily positivity was recorded at 1.46 per cent while the weekly positivity was pegged at 1.08 per cent. The death toll has increased to 5,30,816 with three deaths. 

23 March,2023 02:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
A health worker collects a swab sample for Covid-19 test. File Pic

India reports 1,300 new Covid-19 cases, active tally at 7,605

India logged 1,300 new coronavirus cases, the highest in 140 days, while the active cases have increased to 7,605, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday. According to news agency PTI, the death toll has increased to 5,30,816 with three deaths. One death each has been reported by Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra. The daily positivity was recorded at 1.46 per cent while the weekly positivity was pegged at 1.08 per cent. The Covid case tally was recorded at 4.46 crore (4,46,99, 418). The active cases now comprises 0.02 per cent of the total infections, while the national Covid-19 recovery rate has been recorded at 98.79 per cent, the ministry said. Also Read: Mumbai reports 71 Covid-19 cases; 1 dead in Solapur A total 92.06 crore tests for detection of Covid has been conducted so far with 89,078 tests being conducted in the last 24 hours. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,41,60,997, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 per cent. According to the ministry's website, 220.65 crore doses of Covid vaccine have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.  Meanwhile, Maharashtra on Wednesday recorded 334 fresh coronavirus cases, 54 more than a day before, and one fatality, the health department said in a bulletin. With the new cases, the state's Covid-19 tally rose to 81,40,479 and the death toll to 1,48,430. One patient died of the viral disease in Solapur. The case fatality rate in the state is 1.82 per cent. The active cases stand at 1,648. The bulletin said 174 people recovered from coronavirus infection in the last 24 hours, taking the cumulative recoveries to 79,90,401. The recovery rate in the state is 98.16 per cent. The health department said 6,440 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours, taking the overall number of tests conducted in the state to 8,65,63,502. In New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting on Wednesday to review the Covid-19 situation amid a rise in cases in the country and also took stock of the public health preparedness, officials said. India has recorded 1,134 new coronavirus cases, while the active cases increased to 7,026, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday. (With inputs from PTI)

23 March,2023 11:07 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Through Samvad, MDACS tried to identify the earliest sign of mental health issues in PLHIV. Representation pic

Mumbai: MDACS’ Samvad for mental health to help all HIV patients

Besides treatment for HIV, as a pilot project for its initiative Samvad, the Mumbai AIDS District Control Society (MDACS) had been treating People living with HIV (PLHIV) for mental illness. The pilot survey revealed that 10.8 per cent of  PLHIV participants had symptoms suggestive of mental health comorbidity. Now MDACS will reach out through Samvad to the around 36,000 PLHIV across Mumbai. In today’s competitive world people have work and career tensions, physical issues, financial and relationship issues, and all these impact their mental health, resulting in stress, anxiety, and sometimes depression. In view of rising mental illnesses, MDACS started the mental health sessions ‘Samvad’ in the year 2021. Identifying the issues Speaking to mid-day, Additional Project Director of MDACS, Dr Vijay Karanjkar said, “If a person has mental health issues, they will have an impact on her/his treatment. Many times we see people with HIV leaving treatment midway, or becoming irregular in taking medicines, which eventually affects their health. Through Samvad, we tried to identify the earliest sign of mental health issues in PLHIV, who come to our 20 ART centres for treatment.” Also Read: Mumbai: BMC chief orders immediate restart of Aapli Chikitsa services “In the pilot project our counselors screened 9,497 PLHIV, out of whom 1,033 (10.8%) had symptoms suggestive of mental health comorbidity. We found most common mental health issues were anxiety, stress, and mood disorders. Our counselors at ART centers started counseling people to overcome mental illness, and if needed, referred them for psychiatric care,” he added. Now MDACS aims to reach out through Samvad to around 36,000 PLHIV across Mumbai. Dr Karanjkar said, “Our aim is to ensure that mental health issues don’t become hindrances to HIV treatment. We want them to be fit mentally and physically.” ‘A welcome move’ HIV and TB activist Ganesh Acharya said, “It is a welcome move by MDACS. Mental health issues are common in society, and identifying them at the earliest is very important. A decade back PLHIV faced stigma about the disease. They still are worried if they haven’t told the family and the work place about the disease. But now people manage and the stigma has also gone down. But some might need help to overcome mental illness. I am glad that such initiatives are taken up for PLHIV.”

23 March,2023 07:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Suraj Pandey
A woman is tested for Covid-19, at Bandra Terminus. Mumbai, as of Wednesday, had 361 active cases. File Pic/Shadab Khan

Mumbai reports 71 Covid-19 cases; 1 dead in Solapur

Maharashtra on Wednesday recorded 334 fresh novel Coronavirus cases, 54 more than a day before, and one fatality in Solapur, the health department said in a bulletin. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) report, 71 of these new cases were from Mumbai. Five confirmed Covid-19 patients were hospitalised in the city on Wednesday. A total of 1,290 people were tested for the virus, according to the BMC report. As of Wednesday evening, 26 beds were occupied out of the total 4,350 beds dedicated to Covid-19 management in the city. Not a single patient needed oxygen support, shows the BMC report.  Also Read: PM Modi emphasizes on Covid-appropriate behaviour amid spike in influenza, Covid-19 cases The state’s Covid-19 infection tally rose to 81,40,479 and the death toll to 1,48,430. The active cases stand at 1,648. The case fatality rate in the state is 1.82 per cent. The bulletin said 174 people recovered from coronavirus infection in the last 24 hours, taking the cumulative recoveries to 79,90,401. The recovery rate in the state is 98.16 per cent. The health department said 6,440 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours, taking the overall number of tests conducted in the state to 8,65,63,502. In New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting on Wednesday to review the Covid-19 situation amid a rise in cases across the country and also took stock of the public health preparedness, officials said.  He directed officials to enhance genome sequencing while also emphasizing on Covid-appropriate behaviour. India recorded 1,134 new cases, while the active cases increased to 7,026, as per the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

23 March,2023 07:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Agencies
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Influenza cases: Maha reports 249 H3N2 and 417 H1N1 cases in 2023

A release by the Maharashtra government on Thursday showed that the state reported 3,11,193 suspected influenza cases in 2023 (From January 1 to March 21). Among them, 1777 suspected flu patients were given oseltamivir -- an antiviral medication used to treat and prevent influenza A and influenza B, viruses that cause the flu. It further shows that the number of infected patients of H1N1 and H3N2 during the same period are 417 and 249, respectively. While three deaths are reported due to H1N1 infection, whereas one H3N2 suspected death is also reported. However, the release added a note saying, "Apart from this 3 suspicious deaths have been reported. Out of which 1 death is from Washim, 1 death is from Khadki Cantonment Board and 1 death is from Pune Municipal. The cause of all these deaths will be ascertained after post-mortem." Also read: Maharashtra: 73-year-old man who tested positive for H3N2 virus dies in Pimpri-Chinchwad Meanwhile, on Thursday, March 16, a 73-year-old man with comorbidities, who had also tested positive for the H3N2 virus, died in a civic-run hospital in Pimpri-Chinchwad industrial town in Pune district of Maharashtra As a part of preventive and remedial measures, the release stated that "routine patient survey for covid-19/influenza resident survey instructions have been issued." "Similarly, all District Health Officers, District Surgeons and Medical Health Officers of the state have been instructed by the VC," it read. The release also mentioned that "flu-like patients are treated without delay according to classification." "Isolation rooms have been set up in government hospitals as well as medical college hospitals in the state," it added.

22 March,2023 11:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
According to officials, a large number of flyers coming into the city have tested positive for COVID. File pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Mid-Day Premium Mumbai: All wards have Covid-19 cases; only one critical

Two months ago, only six wards reported a handful of COVID-19 cases. The scenario has changed dramatically today, with Andheri, Bandra and Grant Road reporting the highest number of cases. Officials say most people who are travelling abroad and some international flyers coming to Mumbai have tested positive during routine checks.  However, 91 per cent of patients are asymptomatic and only one is critical. Meanwhile, Dr Gautam Bhansali, the chief coordinator between the civic body and private hospitals, said a possible increase in cases could be tackled and eight patients were on oxygen support across the city. On January 31, out of the city’s 24 wards, only six reported COVID cases in a week, and there were fewer than 20 cases. A health worker collects a sample from a vegetable vendor at Vile Parle on May 10, 2021. Pic/Satej Shinde According to the civic health department from 14 to 20 March, the city reported 270 new cases.  At the moment, all 24 wards have reported COVID-19 cases, with K West (Andheri West) reporting 29, K East (Andheri East) 23, H West (Bandra West) 22, and D (Grant Road) 20. Also Read: Mumbai: Dadar-Mahim area sees rise in coronavirus cases in March; no new case in Dharavi On the condition of anonymity, a civic official from K West ward said, “Mostly people who are coming from abroad are testing positive while there are a few patients. However, there is no need to panic as many of them are asymptomatic.” Another official from K East ward said, “People who are testing positive have mostly come from abroad and very few of them are local residents.” A senior health official said, “As the number of COVID-19 cases is going up, we have been instructed to take note of patients’ histories and monitor areas where multiple cases have been reported. Our COVID war rooms are still there so it won’t be a major challenge.” New cases On Monday, Mumbai reported 61 new cases after 1,913 samples were tested. The positivity rate was 3.15 per cent while the active case count has gone up to 321. Twenty-six patients have been hospitalised eight of which are on oxygen support. On Tuesday, the state reported one death from the Beed district while 280 fresh cases were reported in the past 24 hours. So, the active patients count has reached 1,489. Out of the 280 new cases, 101 are from MMR and 133 are from Pune circle. Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr Sanjeev Kumar said, “The cases are increasing but there is no need to be worried. We are vigilant and follow the Central and state government’s instructions regarding testing, tracking and treatment. We urge people to mask up and maintain hygiene.” Currently, 4,350 beds are reserved for COVID patients. Dr Kumar said, “The situation is under control and we are monitoring wards that are reporting more cases. There are ample beds.” ‘Private hospitals are ready’  Dr Bhansali told mid-day, “We are in touch with BMC officials on a daily basis. Many hospitals have kept 10 beds reserved for COVID patients, but many hospitals don’t have a single patient. If cases go up shortly, we can ramp up bed strength on short notice.” SixNo. of wards that had COVID cases on January 31 24No. of wards that have COVID cases as of March 20

22 March,2023 05:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Suraj Pandey
Image used for representational purpose. Pic/iStock

Influenza cases: Maha reports 249 H3N2 and 417 H1N1 cases in 2023

A release by the Maharashtra government on Thursday showed that the state reported 3,11,193 suspected influenza cases in 2023 (From January 1 to March 20). Among them, 1558 suspected flu patients were given oseltamivir -- an antiviral medication used to treat and prevent influenza A and influenza B, viruses that cause the flu. It further shows that the number of infected patients of H1N1 and H3N2 during the same period are 417 and 249, respectively. While three deaths are reported due to H1N1 infection, whereas one H3N2 suspected death is also reported. Currently, 160 patients are hospitalised. However, the release added a note saying: "Apart from this 3 suspicious deaths have been reported. Out of which 1 death is from Washim, 1 death is from Khadki Cantonment Board and 1 death is from Pune Municipal. The cause of all these deaths will be ascertained after post-mortem." Also read: Maharashtra: 73-year-old man who tested positive for H3N2 virus dies in Pimpri-Chinchwad As a part of preventive and remedial measures, the release stated that "routine patient survey for covid-19/influenza resident survey instructions have been issued." "Similarly, all District Health Officers, District Surgeons and Medical Health Officers of the state have been instructed by the VC," it read. The release also mentioned that "flu-like patients are treated without delay according to classification." "Isolation rooms have been set up in government hospitals as well as medical college hospitals in the state," it added.

21 March,2023 07:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representative image. Pic/Istock

H3N2: Maharashtra sees 82 per cent increase in cases in five days

In the last five days, Maharashtra recorded an 82 per cent rise in H3N2 cases in the state. While from January 1 to March 15, the state reported 119 H3N2 cases, the public health department’s data shows the number of cases increased to 217 by March 19. On Monday, the state’s public health department released data that stated that since January 1, Maharashtra reported over 200 cases of H3N2 on March 19 (the highest number of cases since the data was made public by the state). This year, the state reported one suspected death due to H3N2, the data further revealed. According to the doctors, there has been a significant rise in the number of cases in a week. Speaking about the rise in H3N2 cases in Mumbai, Dr Abhishek Subhash, Consultant, Internal Medicine at Bhatia Hospital, “The increase in H3N2 cases is significant for a week, though it has been going on for a month. The contributing factors are fluctuating temperature which was unusually hot in February and rain in March. This causes the influenza virus to thrive more.” Out of 10 patients around six to seven of them have flu symptoms. This amounts to almost 60 per cent of the cases. In the past 2-3 weeks many pregnant women have been coming with flu symptoms, said Dr Subhash. Also Read: Mumbai: Only hospital patients to be tested for H3N2 Talking about the precautionary measures, he added, “People who have the flu symptoms should wear a mask to avoid spreading it to others. People especially those who have autoimmune disorders, diabetes, heart problem, underlying lung problems especially asthmatic, COPD, chronic kidney disease and people undergoing chemotherapy, transplant patients, and pregnant women should wear masks. Elderly people and those with comorbid conditions should take the Influenza vaccination and keep their disease under control through regular checks with their physicians.” The data also revealed that 407 cases of H1N1 (swine flu) and three deaths were reported in the state this year till March 19. Interestingly, the National Centre for Communicable Disease (NCDC) data shows that Maharashtra reported 170 cases of H1N1 till February 28 and two deaths. The swine flu cases in Maharashtra increased in the month of March.

21 March,2023 12:27 PM IST | Mumbai | Anagha Sawant
A health worker collects a swab sample for Covid-19 test. File Pic

India records 699 new Covid-19 cases, active tally at 6,559

India logged 699 new cases of coronavirus, while the active cases increased to 6,559, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. According to news agency PTI, the death toll increased to 5,30,808 with two deaths. While one death was reported by Odisha, another was reconciled by Kerala. The daily positivity was recorded at 0.71 per cent while the weekly positivity was pegged at 0.91 per cent. The Covid case tally was recorded at 4.46 crore (4,46,96,984). The active cases now comprise 0.01 per cent of the total infections, while the national Covid-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.80 per cent, the ministry said. A total of 92.04 crore tests for detection of Covid have been conducted so far with 97,866 being conducted in the last 24 hours. Also Read: Mumbai: Health experts alarmed after respiratory viruses soar The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,41,59,617, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 per cent. According to the ministry's website, 220.65 crore doses of Covid vaccine have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide vaccination drive. Meanwhile, Maharashtra on Monday recorded 128 new cases of coronavirus that took the tally of infections to 81,39,865, the state health department said. The toll remained unchanged at 1,48,428, while the count of recoveries reached 79,90,073 after 72 patients recovered. The daily count of infections has dropped by more than a 100, as the state had reported 238 cases on Sunday. With 2,498 swab samples tested in the last 24 hours, the total number of tests conducted across the state rose to 8,65,49,217. As per the health department report, Mumbai circle logged the highest 78 new cases, followed by 37 in Pune, seven in Nashik, two cases each from Latur and Aurangabad, and one case each in Kolhapur and Nagpur. Mumbai saw 35 new infections, taking its tally to 11,54,938, which includes 19,747 casualties. With this, the state now has 1,364 active cases, of which Pune accounts for the highest 411 infections, followed by 296 and 244 in Mumbai and Thane districts respectively. Maharashtra's recovery rate stands 98.16 per cent and fatality rate is 1.82 per cent, the report said. (With inputs from PTI)

21 March,2023 10:45 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
A rapid antigen test is done at the CSMT on January 3, 2021. File pic

Mumbai: Health experts alarmed after respiratory viruses soar

Health experts are concerned about the recent surge in Covid-19 and influenza cases in Maharashtra and India. They fear this is because of an increase in lower respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) circulation in the atmosphere along with other respiratory viruses like influenza A and B (H3N2, referred to as common seasonal flu) and SARS-CoV-2. Vulnerable age groups, which comprise children and elders, have fallen victim to this triple whammy. While there is no vaccine for RSV, the concern is that the public at large has stopped taking precautionary shots for the other two viruses. Health experts have cautioned citizens to mask up in public and follow Covid-appropriate behaviour to prevent transmission of the viruses. Triple whammy “The triple viral whammy of respiratory illnesses is projected to put high pressure on healthcare systems. A similar situation is emerging early in Mumbai and several states, possibly due to reduced exposure to these viruses during years of following Covid-appropriate measures. For influenza viruses, India has several local vaccines for individuals over 6 months of age to prevent severe respiratory illnesses,” said Dr Subhash Hira, professor of global health at the University of Washington, Seattle, an infectious diseases expert and member of health core groups of G20. Also Read: Mumbai: Only hospital patients to be tested for H3N2 “Furthermore, the Covid-19 pandemic has not ended. The sudden increase in new cases caused by mutant sub-variants of Omicron, namely XBB and XBB.1, has occurred in most Indian states. New Covid-19 cases in Mumbai increased from a few in early March to 36 on March 14. Cumulative active cases in Mumbai are shown as 256 after the celebration season,” said Dr Hira. He added, “Prevention and control of respiratory illnesses include staying home when ill; good hand and respiratory hygiene; appropriate use of face masks; appropriate ventilation of indoor spaces; use of teleworking where possible; and avoiding crowded public spaces, including public transportation, to reduce the spread.” WHO statistics Dr Wiqar Shaikh, professor of medicine, Grant Medical College and Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, said that he is worried about the recent surge in Covid-19 cases as well as the widespread increase in influenza cases. He added that World Health Organisation statistics reveal that a total of more than 220 crore doses of Covid-19 vaccine have been administered in India till March 11, 2023. However, the number of doses being administered in India is only 8,000 per day. He added that 13.33 billion Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered worldwide to date while 4.5 lakh people across the globe are getting the jab daily.  Dr Shaikh said that he welcomes the approval granted to the use of nasal Covid-19 vaccines in India but added that they cannot be administered to those who have already taken a booster dose. The Covid working group in India has explained that the nasal vaccine can only be taken as a first booster dose. Dr Shaikh also stated that whether multiple booster doses of the Covid-19 vaccine provide any additional benefit is an unanswered question. He explained that in North America and Europe, despite taking three, four or even five doses, people continue to suffer from Covid-19 infections. Dr Shaikh said that the expiry date of Covid-19 vaccines is 12 to 18 months from the date of manufacture, depending on their type. He added that there is no data as to how many doses of expired or unused Covid-19 vaccines are lying around in India. He explained that their disposal is a complex process that involves crushing, autoclaving and chemical treatment. Numbers on rise abroad too In recent weeks, RSV circulation in the US and 45 countries of the European Union has intensified, with high transmission rates in all population groups and an almost a month-earlier-than-usual start of the respiratory illnesses than in pre-Covid-19 years. RSV infections generally cause mild disease, but severe cases are being reported in children below five years, those aged 65 years and above and individuals with underlying comorbidities. Hospitalisations caused by RSV and other respiratory pathogens are putting pressure on healthcare systems  in foreign countries. There are currently no licensed vaccines available to prevent RSV infection. At present, there are no specific treatment options for RSV, and treatment of hospitalised patients is mainly supportive. Vaccine maker says A spokesperson at M/s Bharat Biotech, Hyderabad, told mid-day, “Despite the lack of demand for Covid-19 vaccines, we continued product development in intranasal vaccines to be well prepared with platform technologies for future infectious diseases. We have also initiated the development of variant-specific vaccines for Covid to be future-ready for India and worldwide.” “The intranasal vaccine is cost-effective and does not require syringes, needles, alcohol wipes, bandages, etc, saving costs related to procurement distribution, storage and biomedical waste disposal, which are routinely required for injectable vaccines. At present, it is available in Chennai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, only,” the spokesperson said. He added, “iNCOVACC utilises a vector-based platform that can be easily updated with emerging variants leading to large-scale production, within a few months. These rapid response timelines and easy intranasal delivery make it an ideal vaccine to address future infectious diseases. We will develop an antigen bank of 10 million doses, as a stockpile, the capacity for our intranasal vaccine is very large and can be scaled up as required. We have approval for primary and booster doses for adults and not for children, as of now.” 8,000No of Covid vaccinations administered in India daily

21 March,2023 06:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar Menon
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