The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) has stated in its latest advice that many painkillers such as ibuprofen had increased the severity of corona infection. These drugs, which are already considered to be harmful for heart patients, can even increase the risk for kidney.
The ICMR stated that people should avoid NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and take these medicines only on as prescribed by the doctors. Take paracetamol only if necessary. It is one of the safest painkillers.
People often take anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic medicines in case of fever or pain in the body. The most common of these are drugs prepared by mixing ibuprofen with paracetamol.
Co-morbid patients are not at higher risk
The ICMR further said that patients with heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure are not at greater risk of getting infected with corona in comparison to others. Although, if we have a look over the experiences around the world, so it suggests that people suffering with such comorbidity are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill after having corona infection. Therefore, such people are advised to take more care.
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Diabetes: check sugar, eat medicine
The ICMR recommends that diabetic patients need the right food and the right exercise on the advice of the doctor. These patients must keep the regular check of their sugar level and take medicines on time.
Heart Disease: Keep taking medicine even if you do not get doctor
Similarly, it is very important for heart patients to take medicines regularly. Do not stop the medicine without the doctor’s advice. Keep taking medicines even if you are unable to meet the doctor.
Blood pressure: BP medications aren’t increasing severity of corona
The ICMR says that after a review of the available information, scientists and cardiologists say that there is no evidence that blood pressure medications increase the likelihood of corona occurring or after it. These include both drugs ie ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers ie ARB.
ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors which includes medicines like Ramipril, Enalapril etc. At the same time, ARB (angiotensin II receptor blocker) including medicines like Losartan, Telmisartan etc. ICMR states that these drugs are very effective in preventing heart attack and reducing high blood pressure. Discontinuing these medications can be detrimental to health.
Be physically active, you can continue to consume meat
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ICMR recommends that people should keep their lifestyle healthy. Distance yourself from cigarettes and alcohol. Keep your blood pressure and blood sugar under control and regularly do physical activity in some form or the other. Also, take care of social distancing when outside the house. Do not eat too much salt. If you are a non-vegetarian then you can continue to consume meat. Eat fruits and vegetables along with protein and fiber in food.
No painkillers before or after vaccination
Experts all over the world have advised against taking painkillers before or after getting the Corona vaccine. Some painkillers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and other brands) that reduce inflammation slow the body’s immune response. While the purpose of applying the vaccine is to intensify it.
According to a research published in the journal Virology, these painkillers reduce the rate of antibodies in the body of mice. University of California, pharmacist, Jonathan Watanabe says that if someone needs to take painkillers, they should take Acetaminophen (Tylenol), or paracetamol. This is the safest.