Recent FAQs and information regarding COVID-19

Can I get coronavirus even after getting vaccinated?

COVID vaccines are tested as per official norms, and getting vaccinated will protect you against severe symptoms of COVID-19. It will build your immunity against the virus. You are however not immune to the coronavirus itself.

What is the time period suggested by the government between the two doses?

The time duration is different for different vaccine and will be specified on your vaccination certificate. Currently, for Covidsield, the duration is 12-16 weeks.

Is online registration mandatory for Covid 19 vaccination?

No. Vaccination Centres provide for a limited number of on-spot registration slots every day. However, it is recommended to register online and schedule vaccination in advance for a have hassle-free vaccination experience

When to get a second dose of vaccine if you become covid positive in between?

If you get tested positive for Covid-19 after your first dose, you will have to wait for 12 weeks from the date you got tested to get your second dose.

Will I get sick after vaccination?

After COVID-19 vaccination, you may have some side effects. These are normal signs that your body is building protection. The side effects from COVID-19 vaccination, such as tiredness, headache, or chills, may affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.

What are home testing kits?

These are kits that allow symptomatic individuals to test themselves. For more information, read this pdf.

When to seek medical attention?

Patient / Care giver will keep monitoring their health. Immediate medical attention must be sought if serious signs or symptoms develop. These could include:
i. Difficulty in breathing,
ii. Dip in oxygen saturation (SpO2 < 94% on room air)
iii. Persistent pain/pressure in the chest,
iv. Mental confusion or inability to arouse

What is black fungus?

Black fungus, or mucormycosis, is a complication caused by a fungal infection. This is a relatively rare but potentially fatal condition.

Who can contract black fungus or mucormycosis?

People in an extreme immune-compromised state are likely to contract this infection. Diabetologists across the country raise caution against the increased prevalence of mucormycosis during COVID-19, urging people to keep their sugar levels under check to reduce the risk.

Who can opt for home isolation?

i. The patient should be clinically assigned as mild/ asymptomatic case by the treating Medical
Officer.
ii. Such cases should have the requisite facility at their residence for self-isolation and for
quarantining the family contacts.
iii. A care giver should be available to provide care on 24 x7 basis. A communication link between the
caregiver and hospital is a prerequisite for the entire duration of home isolation.
iv. Elderly patients aged more than 60 years and those with co-morbid conditions such as
Hypertension, Diabetes, Heart disease, Chronic lung/liver/ kidney disease, Cerebro-vascular
disease etc shall only be allowed home isolation after proper evaluation by the treating medical
officer.
v. Patients suffering from immune compromised status (HIV, Transplant recipients, Cancer therapy
etc.) are not recommended for home isolation and shall only be allowed home isolation after
proper evaluation by the treating medical officer.
vi. The care giver and all close contacts of such cases should take Hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis as
per protocol and as prescribed by the treating medical officer.
vii. In addition, the guidelines on home-quarantine for other members available at:
https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Guidelinesforhomequarantine.pdf , shall be also followed.

How to monitor your health?

Use of Pulse Oximeter: In simple terms, Oximeter indicates the amount of oxygen in your body. It is a technique to keep track of oxygen levels in your body. This information of drop in oxygen levels in your body may help you take better and swift precautions in the times of Covid.
Keeping a check on any new symptoms: Any individual presenting with fever with/without cough, headache, sore throat, breathlessness, body ache, recent loss of taste or smell, fatigue, pink eye and diarrhoea should isolate and get tested for Covid.