Prahladananda Swami: The following is an interview concerning COVID 19 with Kalpataru Krishna dasa (Dr Kailas Methe) the Medical Superintendent at the Bhaktivedanta Hospital & Research Institute. He is the doctor in charge of the hospitalās COVID 19 patients.
Prahladananda Swami is the Health and Welfare Ministry for ISKCON.
Masks
Prahladananda Swami
What kind of masks are the most efficient for breathing and also give some protection?
Kalpataru Krishna dasa (Dr Kailas Methe)
a. āFabric masksā are breathable and also offer some protection. These should be used consistently in public places, during transport and at places where it is not possible to keep a physical distance.
b. āMedical masksā (three-ply mask) should be used when a person is ill with (flu-like) symptoms or if a person is caring for an ill family member.
c. Consistent use of the mask where it covers nose, mouth and chin when outdoors (crowd/market places, etc.) is a must, especially during conversations.
Herbs and Precautions
Prahladananda Swami
Are there any herbs or other precautions that you would recommend to the devotees?
Kalpataru Krishna dasa (Dr Kailas Methe)
a. We are using āa decoction (Kadha)ā made of one inch of ginger, black pepper powder one pinch, coriander seeds one teaspoon, turmeric powder half teaspoon, jaggery 10 grams and black raisins 10 pieces. Add these contents in 250 ml water and boil to bring volume to half (125-130 ml) and add lemon juice half tsp. 60-70 ml of this Kadha can be taken twice a day.
b. Ayurvedic tablet Guduchi/ Giloy (if available) can be taken twice a day after meals by adults to boost immunity.
c. Chyvanprash (if available) 10-15 grams in morning before breakfast
Stages of the Disease
Prahladananda Swami
What are the general stages of the disease that are consistently observed?
Kalpataru Krishna dasa (Dr Kailas Methe)
Following stages are commonly observed in COVID *
a. āMildā stage (85-90% patients recover in this stage)
Patients with uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection, may (or may not) have mild symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, malaise, headache. Other symptoms that are less common and may
affect some patients include loss of taste or smell, diarrhoea, or a skin rash.
b. āModerateā (10-15% patients may progress to this stage)
Pneumonia with breathlessness (hypoxia, SpO2< 94% at room air) but no signs of severe disease.
c. āSevereā (3-5% patients may progress to this stage)
Pneumonia with breathlessness (hypoxia, SpO2< 90% at room air), may progress to Acute respiratory distress syndrome/ Sepsis & septic shock.
Diagnostic Tests
Prahladananda Swami
What are the most accurate tests for knowing if one has the virus?
Kalpataru Krishna dasa (Dr Kailas Methe)
a. Qualitative RTPCR test (nasopharyngeal swab) is the gold standard for diagnosis at present. The test result may be affected by the technique of swab collection and stage when swab is collected.
b. High resolution CT scan pf chest in symptomatic cases when RTPCR is negative is also used as diagnostic test.
Viral Load
Prahladananda Swami
Are there any tests for determining the amount of viral load present?
Kalpataru Krishna dasa (Dr Kailas Methe)
Yes, Quantitative RTPCR test is used to determine the viral load. However the viral load testing is currently not done for case management. It is being studied presently for determining the outcome and infectivity of the
disease.
Prahladananda Swami
6. Any other recommendations?
Kalpataru Krishna dasa (Dr Kailas Methe)
Simple precautions if followed correctly and consistently help in breaking transmission of COVID
a. Wearing of mask
b. Physical distancing
c. Hand hygiene
d. Healthy diet
e. Physical activity (Pranayama exercise)
f. Positive mindset
*When a person develops any of the above mentioned symptoms he/she must seek medical attention.