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How quickly does influenza transmit in an elderly person and what’s the best solution to prevent it?

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system. The flu is most commonly spread through contact with respiratory secretions, such as droplets from coughing or sneezing, or by touching contaminated surfaces. The flu can cause severe illness, especially in young children, older adults, and people with certain chronic medical conditions.¹

I attended an FB Live session hosted by Blogchatter. It was insightful and the doctors shared some pertinent information about influenza. I have summarized my key learnings below.

Did you know: Key facts on Influenza

Influenza is a viral infection that attacks one’s respiratory system — nose, throat, and lungs. Influenza is commonly called the flu. Some key facts on Influenza are as follows:¹

Approximately 70% and 85% of seasonal flu-related complications have occurred in people 65 years and older, and between 50% and 70% of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations have occurred among the elderly as well.¹
Globally, about 5–10% of adults and 20–30% of children develop influenza.¹
India is one of the countries with the highest influenza incidence rates.¹

How does influenza or flu transmit?

The influenza virus is most commonly spread through contact. This includes coughing or sneezing or touching contaminated surfaces. The flu can cause severe illness, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, older adults, and people with certain chronic medical conditions.¹

What are the symptoms of influenza or flu?

According to World Health Organization, the symptoms of influenza usually appear suddenly and can include:⁴

Fever⁴
Coughing⁴
Sore throat⁴
Runny or stuffy nose⁴
Headache and muscle aches⁴
Extreme fatigue (tiredness)⁴

Some people may also experience vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms usually last for two to seven days.⁴

Are the elderly more susceptible to influenza?

Elderly people are at high risk for complications from the flu, so it is important to take steps to prevent its spread. According to a research study published in the journal Cell Host & Microbe, here are the 3 reasons why the elderly are most susceptible to influenza or flu:⁵

As we age, our immune system weakens. This makes it harder for our bodies to fight off infections, including the flu.⁵
Elderly people are more likely to have chronic medical conditions that can increase the risk of complications from the flu. These conditions include heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease.⁵
Elderly people are more likely to live in close quarters, such as nursing homes or assisted living facilities. This increases the risk of exposure to the flu virus and makes it easier for the virus to spread.⁵

How can one prevent influenza?

Several things can be done to prevent the spread of influenza in the elderly population.

According to Mayo Clinic, a flu vaccine is the best way to protect against the flu, and it is recommended for everyone aged six months and older.⁶
Washing your hands often, avoiding close contact with sick people, and covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough is effective in preventing flu.⁴
Clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. This includes door handles, light switches, countertops, and other surfaces that are commonly touched.⁶

What are some tips to boost one’s immunity?

Harvard Health Publishing has shared that there are several ways to boost your immunity, including:

Eating a healthy diet⁷
Getting enough sleep⁷
Exercising regularly⁷
Managing stress⁷
Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption⁷

All of these things will help to keep your immune system strong and help you to fight off infections, including the flu.⁷

Last words

The flu can be a serious illness, especially for the elderly. By taking steps to prevent its spread and by boosting your immunity, you can help to protect yourself and others from this virus.¹

If you are infected with influenza, contact your local healthcare provider. Medications can help to lessen the severity of the illness, and they need to be started within 48 hours of symptom onset. Early treatment is especially important for people at high risk of developing complications from the flu.⁶

Always remember Influenza is a serious disease that can have severe consequences, especially for the elderly. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your local healthcare provider. They will be able to give you the most up-to-date information and advice on how to protect yourself from the flu.

Get vaccinated to #FightAgainstFlu

Reference articles

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/keyfacts.htm#flu-vaccination. Last accessed 27th May 2022
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Flu-Related Hospitalizations and Deaths in the United States from April 2009 – January 30, 2010. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/hosp_deaths_ahdra.htm (accessed 27th May 2022)
Healthshots.com A change in season can bring on a host of health risks. Here’s what you must do. Available at: https://www.healthshots.com/preventive-care/self-care/side-effects-of-season-change-on-health-and-tips-to-handle-it/
4.World Health Organization.int. Influenza seasonal. Available at https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal) [ Last accessed on 18 July 2022]
5. Scienedirect.com. Influenza Virus Vaccination Elicits Poorly Adapted B Cell Responses in Elderly Individuals. Available at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1931312819300393?via%3Dihub [Last accessed on 18 July 2022]
Mayoclinic.org. Flu Shot: Your best bet for avoiding influenza. Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/in-depth/flu-shots/art-20048000 [Last accessed on 18 July 2022]
Health.harvard.edu. How to boost your immunity system. Available at https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system [Last accessed on 18 July 2022]

Travelling to Kota Kinabalu? Here are 15 places you must visit!

‘Joy of Discovery’ for me is synonymous with Kota Kinabalu. Its rich heritage and architecture leave you awestruck, trekking through its forests make you stop in wonder and the locals make a special place in your heart. It’s no wonder when asked to describe it, most travellers simply call it a ‘paradise’. Kota Kinabalu, the hidden gem of Malaysia is increasingly becoming popular in India and I was lucky to spend a week here. Here’s my list of top 15 places that you must visit when you are in Kota Kinabalu.

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1. Tamaza Adventure Park

Kota Kinabalu is one of Mother Nature’s favourite children. Trekking through its lush green forests, crossing rivers and rivulets with its icy cold water, splashing about in a secret waterfall and counting a million stars at night makes you realize what a beautiful place it truly is.

Tamaza Adventure Park is perfect for adventure enthusiasts and offers a range of activities. Spend a day trekking to a gorgeous waterfall and the next river rafting. Both are equally exhilarating.

2. Kiulu

Kiulu Valley offers one of the most stunning views of Kota Kinabalu city. Located in Duaran district in the northwestern part of Sabah, Kiulu valley is known for its rural tourism. It has cute cafes and farmhouses dotted along the way and it’s a great place to experience rural Malaysia.

3. Pillars of Sabah

A riot of colours and quirky art is how you would describe Pillars of Sabah at first glance.
Look closer and you will see the inspiring messages that aim to educate people on the importance of wildlife conservation and climate change. Pillars of Sabah is a free art gallery meant to inspire, awe and educate about the ill effects of climate change.

Each of the 30 pillars painted by Sabahan artists depicts 30 endangered animals who will become extinct if we don’t come together to work towards conservation and reversing climate change.

4. City Mosque

The city of Kota Kinabalu is a centre of great Islamic Heritage. A large white mosque, located near the sea and known as the floating mosque, is a remarkable display of Islamic architecture and is a must visit for visitors to the city. The mosque houses three traditional Islamic schools of learning known as Madrasas and has a capacity of almost 12,000 people. The Mosque is open to the public to visit and is closed only on Fridays for prayers. Non-Malaysians are not allowed to enter the mosque but can enjoy it’s beauty through a special viewing area created for them.

5. Jesselton Waterfront

Head to the Jesselton waterfront to enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets you have ever seen. A host of hotels and pubs are located around this area. The streets come to life at night with the flavours of fresh seafood wafting through the air. Jesselton Waterfront is perfect to spend an evening out.

6. Tara Arung beach

Aru trees gently sway in the breeze as the skies are splashed with vibrant colours signalling the end of a fabulous day at Kota Kinabalu. The Tara Arung beach is home to Shangri-la’s Tanjung Aru Resort, the Kinabalu Golf Club and the Kinabalu Yacht Club.

It’s one of the cleanest that you will come across and if you are staying at Shangri-la’s Tanjung Aru Resort, you can enjoy kayaking, riding an ATV amongst other activities.

7. Mount Kinabalu

At a little over 4000 meters, Mount Kinabalu is the tallest peak in South Asia. It offers some stunning views and is climbed by many experienced hikers in one or two days. It is advisable that one takes a little longer to savour the beauty of the trek while also reaching up there unhurt.

If you are keen to go for this hike, remember to plan and register for the hike in advance since there is a restriction on the number of people who are let to hike every day.

8.Mount Kinabalu Park Botanical Garden

Don’t let the nature enthusiast in you to miss the Botanical Garden near Mount Kinabalu. Said to be among the area’s best kept secrets, there are more than 5000 plant species that one can find in this park. Guided tours make exploring the park really worthwhile with the guide providing you knowledge about different plant species. They are available from morning to late noon and are a treat for nature lovers.

9. Klias Wetlands

Take a day out to explore the forest wetland reserve of Kilas near Kota Kinabalu. This will take you through scenic stretches of the river meeting the sea and will give you a sensational view of Mount Kinabalu. Take a relaxing trip through the lovely mangroves of the region where you will be able to catch sight of wild monkeys and beautiful birds. The late evening cruises can sometimes lead you to spectacular scenes of fireflies in the darkness.

10. Mari Mari Cultural Village

For the cultural enthusiast, a visit to the Sabahan tribal village of Mari Mari is a must. Mari Mari is a cultural village which is a short 30 minute trip away from the hustle and bustle of Kota Kinabalu. It gives travellers an opportunity to learn about the Sabahan people’s cultures first hand by indulging in their ways of life.

From their customs, food traditions to their traditional homes, the tours let travellers have an experience of a life time

11. Muzium Sabah

The Muzium Sabah is a repository of information that showcases distinct features of Sabahan culture. With sections on Pottery, History, Ethnography and other exhibits, it is an invitation to learn more about the Sabahan people. Although the visit might appear repetitive after one’s visit to Mari Mari, the museum is a good addition to people who love and appreciate the intricate aspects of indigenous cultures.

12. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

Located a short boat ride away from Kota Kinabalu, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is a gateway to a cluster of islands that offer a range of adventure sports activities.

The islands include Lulau Gaya, Pulau Mamutik, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Sapi and Pulau Sulug. The islands of Manukan and Gaya are home to a few of the most splendid beaches and are frequented by tourists who swim in the blue waters. Diving and snorkelling is in these clear waters is very popular here. Even untrained divers are taken on snorkelling trips to view the colourful seabed.

Licensed divers can take it to the next level by going on independent tours around popular diving spots in the island. Resorts are available in the islands for travellers to spend a night away from the bustling city of Kota Kinabalu.

13. Gaya Street Market

A visit to Kota Kinabalu will be incomplete without dropping by its famous flea market. Gaya Street comes alive on Sunday morning with stalls opening up to sell interesting little things of art and antiques. This is a great place to go buy souvenirs but be ready to wear your black belt at bargaining since that is a necessary skill to resist fleecing.

14. North Borneo Railway

The North Borneo Railway is run on a classic British steam locomotive engine and is a great way to experience the railways of yore. The coaches have been designed with interiors from the British era with staff wearing attire that remind one of the colonial times. Breakfast and lunch are served while onboard. The train chugs by the Lokawi Bay and through paddy farms, giving travellers picturesque views of the countryside. Travellers experience the clock rewinding into the past while on their trips.

The train starts from Tanjung Aru at 9:30 a.m. and covers a distance of 35 kilometers to reach Papar in two hours and fifteen minutes. The train halts for 20 minutes at the town of Tien on the way. Once at Papar, the train halts for 35 minutes allowing travellers to explore and visit local shops around the station. The train makes a return to Tanjung Aru at 1:40 p.m. in an estimated hour and twenty minutes.

Passengers are provided with continental breakfast and lunch while on the journey.

15. Suria Sabah Mall

The shopaholic in you will rejoice as you enter Suria Sabah Mall which has an excellent blend of local and international brands, lovely restaurants and other entertainment activities.

Travelling to Kota Kinabalu from India

There are no direct flights available from India to Kota Kinabalu and you are bound to have a layover at Kuala Lumpur. I recommend that you spend a few days exploring Kuala Lumpur. Have a look at this post which is a detailed guide on Things to do in Kuala Lumpur with kids.
After exploring the KL, take a short two hour flight to Kota Kinabalu and explore the best of what the city has to offer!

If you are planning a longer trip to Malaysia, I would recommend that you read this detailed guide on Malaysia and the detailed guide to ecotourism in Malaysia.

P.S. I would like to thank Travel.Earth, Sabah Tourism, Malaysia Tourism, Avasi Borneo and Malaysia Airlines for hosting me on this wonderful trip.

Factors That Affect Your Car Insurance Premium and Why

Car insurance is something that any present or potential car owner must plan and think about. And with ample options available in the market today, one must carefully understand the nitty-gritty of how car insurance works in order to make an informed decision. Given the number of accidents taking place on Indian roads every day, purchasing a comprehensive vehicle insurance online to cover damages in case of any unfortunate incident has become the need of the hour.

To help you understand car insurance better, here is a detailed explanation of the factors impacting your insurance premiums.

The Location Geography

This is an understandable part of how premiums work. If you reside in a region where the traffic is slow, such as a small town or rural area, the premium that you must pay for the given coverage and benefit will be lower than what you must pay if you live in a crowded metro city. This is simple risk assessment, as insurance companies deem a car in a large city to have a bigger risk of being in an accident than one that is in a smaller place.

Personal Circumstances

This is just another way of risk assessment done by insurance companies while deciding car insurance premiums. If you are young and under 25, you pay the highest, and people who are between 50 and 65 years of age pay the least. Women do not have to pay as much as men drivers because research shows that they are safer drivers than men. Also, single people are singled out as risky, and if you are married, you are likely to be paying much less premium than someone who is not.

Type of Car

The type of car you drive bears an impact on the kind of insurance you can buy. For instance, if you drive a diesel car, which is supposed to be more heavy duty and costlier (your IDV will be more expensive too), you will need to pay more to insure it than one that runs on petrol and is much lighter.

Age of the Vehicle

The age of your car has a lot to do with your insurance premium. Here’s how:

The older your car gets, the more value it loses. Therefore, if the car is less valuable, it may be less expensive to repair or replace it. This makes the insurance cheaper since the risk to the motor insurance company of paying out a large claim is reduced. Hence, the premium for the old vehicles is lower, whereas, a brand-new car comes with a higher premium.

Type of Coverage

This is one of the key things to look out for when choosing a car insurance plan. The kind of coverage a plan offers determines the car insurance premium. So, if you go for a comprehensive plan that provides benefits to the owner in case of a range of accidents, the plan is likely to be costlier.

Installed Security System

The car insurance premium takes into account the details of your car. Specifically, if it has a security system installed, the car insurance premium is likely to increase.

Customized Car Insurance Plans

This is another vital factor as far as car insurance premium is concerned. A number of insurance companies provide vehicle insurance plans which are tailor-made to suit all your requirements. So, if personal accidental coverage is important to you but does not occur in any of the plans that you like, you can have them draw up a special plan for you. Of course, for this, you do end up paying a higher premium.

No Claim Bonus

In order to encourage safe driving, car insurance companies offer an incentive to drivers who drive safely. This incentive is in the form of a bonus which you get in case you don’t make any claim in a particular year. It is known as ‘No Claim Bonus’ and is given at the time of renewing your car insurance policy. The amount is deducted from your own damage premium, and you are only required to pay the balance amount. This benefit is given for each year in which you have not claimed any financial loss from your motor insurance company.

Car insurance premiums go up and down depending on these factors. If you are considering buying one, simply go to the internet and compare premiums of different vehicle insurance plans online against the coverage they offer and also the benefits. It’s the easiest way to make an informed choice. One great tip is to include add-on covers while getting a new policy or just renewing an existing one.

5 day itinerary for Pondicherry!

The idyllic town of Pondicherry is a locale of cultures and ideas. The local Tamil culture, French colonial past and home to an experimental community of people professing integral living, it breeds creativity and exudes the virtues of peaceful coexistence. It is reminiscent of the bygone era of the French colonialists, yet it is so refreshingly modern in its outlook. The French style avenues, the gorgeous beaches where you can laze around all day, the churches, the temples and the poetically named streets make Pondicherry a perfect place to vacation. I love to curate experiences and I think the following 5-day itinerary for Pondicherry would be perfect. But before we start, let me remind you that the first step to making any trip successful is to get travel insurance online.

Day 1: Let’s Explore Pondicherry

Arrive at Pondicherry and enjoy your breakfast at Bon Bake. Their Basil Tomato & Cheese Sandwich and hot chocolate are highly recommended!

After a relaxing bath, head to Promenade Beach to laze around for a few hours. I recommend visiting the Pondicherry Museum, the Puducherry Botanical Gardens and the Light House.
End your day with a romantic dinner sitting under the mango trees at La Maison Rose.

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Day 2: Auroville day!

It’s time to visit Auroville, the City of Dawn and participate in the ‘Explore Auroville with Ambre’ tour. They have a 1 day or a 3-day tour option. When hunger pangs get unbearable, do visit the Auroville famous for its hot croissants, baguettes and pastries. The Happy Food Restaurant & Market is perfect for lunch. Don’t forget to purchase their delicious homemade jams and syrups.

Day 3: Let’s be a tourist!

Spend your third day at Pondicherry exploring all the tourist spots. I recommend visiting the Pondicherry Museum, the Puducherry Botanical Gardens and the Light House.

A boat ride at the Chunnambar Backwater resort is the perfect way to unwind and give your feet the much-needed rest after exploring Pondicherry for the entire day!

Day 4: Shop to your heart’s content

No trip is complete without taking back something local that will make you remember the good days! I recommend three must-visit places! Janaki which is a project to promote conscious and sustainable living sells beautiful apparel, pottery, aromatherapy products, hair and skin care products. If you want to purchase some unique apparels from independent designers, do visit Casablanca on Mission street. People who love embroidery will fall in love with the exquisite handiwork of women at the Cluny Embroidery Centre.

Day 5: Food for the soul

Pondicherry is a delicious amalgamation of different cultures and this is evident in the gorgeous cafes and restaurants dotted around the place. Spend your last day at Pondicherry by indulging in:

-A blend of Tamil spices and French flavours at Cafe Carte Blanche

-Burgers, crepes and croques at Cafe de Flore

Ending your day at Kasha Ki Asha, an ethnic café, run by a group of women serving scrumptious food and funky postcards, magnets, souvenirs, clothes, slippers, home accessories, handmade soaps, and a lot of other artsy stuff.

Don’t forget to pick up some pastries for your ride back to the airport and baked goodies for friends and family back at home. 🙂

Quick tips

Here are a few quick tips in addition to my itinerary for Pondicherry to make your trip successful

Pondicherry can get a wee bit expensive during the peak tourism season, so plan your trip accordingly.

Auroville has some fabulous and affordable guesthouses for tourists. Book them in advance because they are nearly always full. This is a great way to save money.

Pondicherry Tourism offers a full day tour city tour for just Rs. 300. Do try it out.

Remember to enjoy the fresh seafood and the French cuisine along with some of their delicious wines!

Research thoroughly, as there are many travel insurance companies out there before you insure your trip.

Stay safe, have fun and soak in all the culture that Pondicherry has to offer!

Jewellery haul with Jivaana.com

Hey guys!

Attending back-to-back big fat Indian weddings can mean only one thing. Shopping and more shopping! With my crazy schedule, I barely managed to pick up a couple of outfits but had to opt for online jewellery shopping from Jivaana.

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What is Jivaana.com all about?

Jewellery shopping at Jivaana — Beautiful packaging by Jivaana.com

Jivaana.com brings you a host of ethnic fashion products online for women that you can shop 24X7, where ever you may be in the world. They are a multi designer store that puts together a curated selection of ethnic, festive garments and accessories such as gold plated jewellery, shoes, purses and potlis and much more. They offer free shipping for Designer Wedding Dresses, domestic orders and reasonable shipping for international orders.

Why should you shop from Jivaana.com?

Unlike regular online portals that sell regular accessories and apparel, Jivaana specializes in ethnic dresses and wedding trousseau. Their collection is bespoke and one of its kind. Do check out their ‘Jivaana exclusives’. I was amazed by the pretty jewellery they had in store.

Most of the times, you will find me lounging around in tees and pyjamas but when it comes to weddings, I become Ms Bling. I love traditional, ethnic jewellery that adds that touch of glamour to any simple outfit. Designer earrings for weddings are Jivaana’s speciality and I can spend hours going through their collection.

Want to know what I picked up? Check it out.

Floral earrings from Kista Jewels

Kista Jewels by Jivaana — Modern chic earrings by Kista Jewels

I loved these earrings because they are a little hatke from traditional wedding jewellery and can add that modern look to any outfit. I have received a ton of compliments for this pair!

Kundan pearl drop earrings by Paisley Pop

These earrings started rusting after one use 🙁

Pearl and stone gold plated earrings with kundan design are the way to go when you want to add a hint of magic to your wedding outfit. These are quite lightweight and pretty. I am, however, disappointed to report that I was not happy with their overall quality. The gold plating is very poor and the earrings started rusting after one use.

Bootico’s Cherry Brogues

Walking around in heels at the wedding can be painful which is why I could not resist picking up these gorgeous laser cut brogues by Bootico. The fit is perfect, they are comfortable to walk in and they are perfect for casual wear. Jivaana also has a cool collection of juttis online but sadly they were not available in my size. Better luck next time, I guess 🙂

Golden Bird Danglers

I swear it was love at first sight when it comes to these danglers by Amara. The beautiful diamond earring with a little bird peeking out is the perfect style statement for the wedding reception.

White Swarovski earrings

I love Swarovski crystals. They twinkle merrily and make you feel like a queen. This is another pair that I picked up from Amara and I have to say they are as perfect as they look in pictures.

My verdict of shopping at Jivaana.com

Out of five things that I picked out, one was a complete disappointment but the other four were absolutely magnificent. I dazzled at the weddings that I attended and received a ton of compliments, too.

What I particularly appreciate about shopping with Jivaana is that they have managed to catch the pulse of women these days; tradition with a hint of modernity. They have a beautiful collection and I was impressed how Jivaana packs their products. It is like receiving a special surprise and it feels good to open the pretty package even though I know what it contains.

Have you ever shopped from Jivaana.com? Did you like my picks? Let me know 🙂

How quickly does influenza transmit in an elderly person and what’s the best solution to prevent it?