Omicron and vaccine booster dose – an update

Mutations in coronavirus is not unheard off. The variant, Omicron B.1.1.529 has overall 50 mutations and is considered as a variant of concern. Though the new variant has shown changes throughout its genome, S gene changes predominate. Significant changes in the S encoding gene, S gene, influences not only the transmissibility properties of SARS-CoV-2 but also the efficacy of existing vaccines. Increased transmissibility and ability of this variant to evade host immune responses conferred either due to past infections or due to vaccination driving increase in number of infections. However, the severity of the infections is low in comparison to its predecessors. A meta-analysis of ten studies analyzing the effect of COVID-19 vaccine booster dose, it was found studies report 10-to-42-fold increase in omicron neutralization. COVID appropriate behaviors, if followed rigidly can bring a meaningful change in the viral spread and resultant health impacts

Prevalence of Alcohol Consumption among Adults & Elderly- a Community based Study in Uttarakhand

Background: Alcohol is one of the leading causes of the death and disability globally. About two billion people worldwide consume alcoholic beverages and about one-third (nearly 7.6 million) are likely to have one or more diagnosable alcohol use disorders. In India, the economic returns from alcohol override public health issues with the situation being one of “getting less and losing more”. Aims & Objectives: To find out the prevalence of alcohol consumption in relation to socio-demographic characteristics among adults and elderly population of Uttarakhand. Methods and materials: This is a cross sectional study. In this study we included four different geographic settings (urban, rural, town and slum) of Uttarakhand. A simple random methodology was adopted. Results: Out of 400 participants interviewed, alcohol consumption was reported higher in 30-49 years age group (45%), married (38%), employed (58%), males (72%), residing in rural areas (43%). Conclusion: In Uttarakhand percentage of alcohol consumption is higher among middle age group (30-49 year). Males are more alcoholic than females

Correlation between screen time and psychosomatic symptoms in children during COVID-19 pandemic-related lockdown

Background: This study was planned to estimate the effect of lockdown on psychosomatic problems and sleep of children and their association with screen the time during the lockdown. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1–12-year-old children at a tertiary care hospital in South India. A pre-validated questionnaire with 20 related questions was disseminated through pediatric OPD, telemedicine service, and social media to eligible parents. Results: A total of 278 children aged 1–12 years with a mean (SD) age of 6.92 (3.01) years were studied. Most under 5-year-oldchildren had screen time of ≤2 hours/day, whereas 58.16% of children between 5 and 12 years spent >4 hours/day (P < 0.000). A significant proportion of participants aged 5–12 years had vision problems (P = 0.019), whereas under 5-year-old children had significant associated behavioral changes (P = 0.016) and sleep problems (P = 0.043). Conclusion: Behavioral and sleep problems were significantly high and correlated with an increase in screen time among under 5-year-old children. Vision problems were more in 5–12-year-old children