Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Study says ICUs without air-conditioning might save doctors from Covid-19

A new study has found out that Intensive care units (ICUs) at hospitals without air-conditioning could limit the risk of infecting doctors.

The study by the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru suggested to do away with air-conditioning at hospitals treating Covid-19 patients, if possible.


Frontline health workers around the world have borne the brunt of the coronavirus crisis. More than 500 doctors have died from Covid-19 in India - the world's second-worst hit nation - as infections near 8 million, straining the country's weak and underfunded public health system.

"The re-circulation of the air by the centralised air-conditioning systems is what has led to the significant infection of our committed medical fraternity and has also led to deaths of doctors and nurses," the study said.

Reducing recirculation of air and increasing the use of outdoor air can lower the risk of spreading coronavirus in indoor spaces, the World Health Organisation has said.

Previous studies have suggested countries in hot climates should take care that indoor rooms are not dried out by over-cooling with air conditioning, noting that keeping indoor humidity levels between 40 per cent and 60 per cent will help limit airborne transmission of the virus.

Where air-conditioning can be done away with, ICUs could be fitted with fans that force air inside, and exhaust fans to pull the infected air and treat it with soap-based air filters or very hot water before releasing it outside, the study added.

"Covid-19 patients in the ICU are active sources of the virus, and they are constantly expelling particles," said A G Ramakrishnan, the lead author of the study. "So, if you are not filtering the air, it is making things worse."

In ICUs where air-conditioning is necessary, the air conditioning system of the Covid-19 ICU can be de-linked from other ICUs and exhaust fans should be installed to pull any infected air for filtration, the study said.

More For You

Dr Punam Krishan: ‘My book inspires children to appreciate their bodies’

Dr Punam Krishan

Dr Punam Krishan: ‘My book inspires children to appreciate their bodies’

AN ASIAN doctor said she wants children to feel excited and empowered about their bodies when they read her new book.

Published last month, Dr Punam Krishan’s You & Your Body helps children and families understand the human body and make positive choices about well-being, the author said.

Keep ReadingShow less
Obesity drug
Boxes of Wegovy are seen at a pharmacy in London. (Photo: Reuters)

GPhC tightens rules for online obesity drug prescriptions

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), which oversees UK pharmacies, has introduced stricter rules for online pharmacies prescribing obesity drugs. The regulator said the changes aim to prevent individuals from receiving medicines that could pose health risks.

The new guidance, updated for the first time in three years, follows concerns about how some online pharmacies dispense weight-loss drugs.

Keep ReadingShow less
12 tricks to stick to your New Year’s resolutions and achieve your goals

Building habits gradually can lead to sustainable, long-term change

12 tricks to stick to your New Year’s resolutions and achieve your goals

Anjali Mehta

WHETHER it’s eating healthier, exercising more, saving money, or any number of goals, millions of people around the world make ambitious New Year’s resolutions.

Yet, by February, most of these well-intentioned plans are abandoned. If that sounds familiar, don’t worry – remember that it’s never too late to turn things around or set new goals.

Keep ReadingShow less
Getting set for a fitness journey

Bijan Azarmi

Getting set for a fitness journey

Bijan Azarmi

THE pressure to get fitter often discourages people from starting or causes them to give up soon after beginning. However, there are simple steps that can help navigate this challenging path toward better health through exercise.

With that in mind, Eastern Eye asked London-based fitness expert and personal trainer Bijan Azarmi to share his top tips for starting a physical health journey and staying motivated.

Keep ReadingShow less