Webinar – Health Crisis Of Visually Challenged Women And Children During COVID -19

The COVID-19 pandemic has left its mark on every section of the society, affecting each person differently. Among those, more often than not, women and children are the worst affected bearing its brunt in a more vulnerable state. These challenges prove to be twofold in the case of disability. The Blind Relief Association (B.R.A) organised a webinar on 25 May to address these challenges and discuss reproductive health, motherhood, and childcare of visually challenged mothers and mothers of visually challenged children. The main speaker was Dr. Sumita Arora, MBBS, MD (Obstetrician & Gynaecologist), Director, Aastha Maternity and Laparoscopy Centre, Lucknow who spoke on the theme titled “Health Crisis of Visually Challenged Women and Children during COVID-19”

Platform & Audience

The webinar was conducted on Zoom and simultaneously live streamed on YouTube. About 100 people attended the webinar live and the nature was highly interactive.

The Webinar

Mr Kailash Chandra Pande, Executive Secretary of the Blind Relief Association opened the webinar by welcoming the attendees and thanking Dr Sumita Arora. The webinar was moderated by Dr. Pubali Agarwal, Assistant Professor, Durgabai Deshmukh College of Special Education.

Presentation by Dr.  Sumita Arora            

Dr Arora started by giving a brief introduction of the pandemic and how people have suffered during the first wave, and the deadly second wave. She also gave insight into the spread of the virus and the precautions that can be taken such as wearing masks, social distancing and most importantly vaccination.

 Dr Arora explained how the vaccination is the most effective weapon against COVID-19 and addressed the misconceptions surrounding it. She stated that the vaccine is even more important in cases of pregnancy and infancy where immune system is more vulnerable. She dispelled the myth that pregnant women and people suffering from diseases should not take part in vaccination. She clarified that fever or any other minor inconveniences caused after taking the vaccine are very common and is just a sign of the body building protection. She stated that although taking vaccine during pregnancy is acceptable, but the government has not formally approved it as yet but has given approval for vaccinating the lactating mothers. In both these situations, the benefit of vaccine reaches both mother and child.

She elaborated on contra-indications and special conditions where taking vaccine is not advised. She highlighted that lactating mother can take COVID vaccine without any fear. Further on this subject, she stated that a COVID infected mother can still feed her child after wearing mask and taking other necessary precautions. She explained that menstruation is definitely not a contra-indication and menstruating woman can take vaccine without any ill effects. She clarified that women undergoing infertility treatments can also take vaccines.

Dismantling the myth that diabetic patients and people with high blood pressure should not take the vaccine, Dr Arora categorically stated that people in these conditions are at higher risk of mortality from COVID due to their low immunity and advised them to take vaccine as soon as possible. She explained that the only absolute contra-indication is that if one was allergic to any previous vaccination, in which case seeking doctor’s advice is recommended. The people currently suffering from COVID are also advised to take vaccine only after recovery. She suggested on visiting official government websites to know all the contra-indications.

The house was open for questions and a few of the interactions are recorded below.

1. Q: Can one take vaccine in case of hormonal imbalance or Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD)?

A: There are no issues regarding PCOD or other hormonal imbalances and vaccine can be taken without any fear.

• Q: Can a woman exercise just 3 months after caesarean delivery?

A: It’s not only okay but recommended too.

• Q: What are the steps a PCOD patient can take to conceive if they cannot visit hospital due to pandemic situation?

A: Follow diet and try proven weight reduction techniques to have a better chance until you can finally a visit doctor after the lockdown.

• Q: Is migraine a contra-indication while taking vaccine?

A: No

• Q: How can the immune system be improved?

A: Yoga, healthy diet, meditation and exercises etc and  taking vitamin if necessary.

• Q: What are the treatments needed by a one-year-old  if he is suffering from COVID infection?

A: The care is similar to patients of other ages but children are considered super spreaders and hence proper care must be taken to avoid it.

• Q: Should the vaccine be taken in empty stomach?

A: No, take some food before vaccination.

• Q: Is a three-year-old child prone to ailments in lung if he is affected by COVID?

A: No

• Q: Can I take my regular medicines after taking the vaccine?

A: Yes

In addition to these, Dr. Arora answered many questions on hormonal imbalance problems in unmarried women, irregularity in menstrual cycle, and breastfeeding. Dr Arora also stated that she is available for online consultation if needed.

Dr Arora, in concluding her session, spoke about the expected third wave and the impact it would produce. She suggested avoiding all negative news for the benefit of mental health and suggested taking necessary precautions. She also explained that since there is no vaccination for people below 18, the new mutation might develop to attack such age group in the third wave. But she stated that panic is not necessary as the mortality rate in children would be very low even if they were affected by the virus. She listed the precautions that need to be taken to minimise the effects of COVID on children.

Ms Swapna, Head – Communications of the Blind Relief Association, Delhi closed the session with a vote of thanks.

Link to the Webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUG-8K-DjEg&t=9s