After receiving a simple COVID-19 treatment, a six-month-old baby boy's eye colour reportedly changed from dark brown to bright blue. The infant from Thailand was diagnosed with COVID-19 after he showed symptoms of fever and cough for a day, as mentioned in a case published in the medical journal Frontier in Pediatrics.

After receiving a simple COVID-19 treatment, a six-month-old baby boy's eye colour reportedly changed from dark brown to bright blue. The infant from Thailand was diagnosed with COVID-19 after he showed symptoms of fever and cough for a day, as mentioned in a case published in the medical journal Frontier in Pediatrics. The doctor had prescribed favipiravir to the infant as per a Thai Ministry of Public Health-approved antiviral treatment for children with mild to moderate symptoms. However, after 18 hours, the baby's mother noticed his eyes had changed colour. Concerned, the mother contacted the medical professionals, who asked her to stop the treatment immediately, the New York Post reported. The discolouration faded after five days, and the baby boy's eyes regained their original colour. Doctors also examined the infant and found the cornea had cleared, and the bluish hue was gone from the surface of the iris or the anterior lens capsule. ALSO READ | It's not OKAY to kiss your pets. Survey reveals why While experts are still unaware of the reason behind the discolouration, they suspect the fluorescence (the emission of absorbed light) may be because of the drug's metabolites or additional tablet components like titanium dioxide and yellow ferric oxide. Some studies have suggested a direct relationship between the concentration of favipiravir and fluorescence intensity, particularly in human hair and nails. The child did not experience any vision damage and successfully recovered from COVID-19 symptoms. Mild hyperuricemia (increased uric acid levels), diarrhoea, and neutropenia (decreased white blood cell neutrophils) are the most common side effects of favipiravir, accounting for roughly 20 per cent of adverse reactions. ALSO READ | Nomophobia, the fear of being detached from your mobile phone. Check causes, symptoms & prevention However, this was not the first corneal discolouration due to favipiravir consumption for COVID-19 treatment. In 2021, a 20-year-old Indian man reported the strange effect of the treatment. He noticed his dark brown eyes had become bright blue on the second day of favipiravir treatment. Doctors instructed him to stop the medication, and his eyes returned to normal after one day. Several countries, including Japan, Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Moldova, and Kazakhstan, have approved Favipiravir for COVID-19 treatment, but it has not received an FDA licence. It received approval for emergency use in Italy in 2020. Many United States researchers suggest the medication is effective for COVID-19 treatment, as several studies tested the drug's ability to combat the disease. However, the Food and Drug Administration has not approved favipiravir yet. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Infant's eye colour changes from dark brown to bright blue after COVID-19 treatment: Report

Researchers have revealed that cannabidiol (CBD), which is an active ingredient found in cannabis might help block infection with the virus that causes coronavirus (COVID-19).&nbsp;

It has been established after the laboratory studies that CBD has shown promising results, however, further investigation is needed to produce a concrete result as the possible effect still needs to be tested on humans.

It should be noted that many potential COVID-19 treatments that showed promise in test tubes have not worked or benefitted researchers during Covid studies/trials.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-funding-to-who-fell-by-25-during-the-pandemic-report-447722">US funding to WHO fell by 25% during the pandemic: Report</a>

However, Marsha Rosner of the University of Chicago, who led a team that found CBD might help curb Covid infection in laboratory experiments, says findings will make a "strong case" for trials.&nbsp;

She said as quoted by Reuters: "Our findings do not say this will work in patients. Our findings make a strong case for a clinical trial."&nbsp;

Since it has not been tested on humans, the finding should not be treated as any sort of recommendation to buy and consume CBD oils or smoke marijuana to prevent coronavirus infection.

Using small doses of highly purified CBD that approximate what patients receive in an oral drug already approved for severe epilepsy, Rosner and colleagues found that CBD did not keep the coronavirus from infecting cells in test tubes.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-pfizer-and-biontech-begin-clinical-trial-of-omicron-based-vaccine-447469">COVID-19: Pfizer and BioNTech begin clinical trial of Omicron-based vaccine</a>

As per a report in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abi6110">Science Advances</a>, the researcher found that CBD acted soon after the virus entered the cells. It further blocked it from making copies of itself in part via effects on the inflammatory protein interferon. They found similar effects in infected mice.&nbsp;

"We don't know yet if CBD can prevent COVID, but we think our results provide a strong case for conducting a clinical trial. That's really our mantra: We want a clinical trial," Rosner told Live Science.

Covid cases have increased exponentially in the recent days, especially after the&nbsp;emergence of 'variant of concern' Omicron, which was detected in November last year.&nbsp;

"Our results suggest that CBD and its metabolite 7-OH-CBD can block SARS-CoV-2 infection at early and even later stages of infection. The mechanism appears to be mediated in part by activation of the IRE1α RNase and interferon pathways," part of the study read.&nbsp;

"In addition to these cell-based findings, pre-clinical studies show that CBD treatment reduced viral titers in the lungs and nasal turbinates of SARS-CoV-2-infected mice. Finally, analysis of a national sample of patients with active records of 100 mg/ml CBD consumption at the time of COVID testing revealed an association with substantially fewer SARS-CoV-2 positive test results," it added.&nbsp;

Researchers have revealed that cannabidiol (CBD), which is an active ingredient found in cannabis might help block infection with the virus that causes coronavirus (COVID-19).

Researchers have revealed that cannabidiol (CBD), which is an active ingredient found in cannabis might help block infection with the virus that causes coronavirus (COVID-19). It has been established after the laboratory studies that CBD has shown promising results, however, further investigation is needed to produce a concrete result as the possible effect still needs to be tested on humans. It should be noted that many potential COVID-19 treatments that showed promise in test tubes have not worked or benefitted researchers during Covid studies/trials. ALSO READ | US funding to WHO fell by 25% during the pandemic: Report However, Marsha Rosner of the University of Chicago, who led a team that found CBD might help curb Covid infection in laboratory experiments, says findings will make a "strong case" for trials. She said as quoted by Reuters: "Our findings do not say this will work in patients. Our findings make a strong case for a clinical trial." Since it has not been tested on humans, the finding should not be treated as any sort of recommendation to buy and consume CBD oils or smoke marijuana to prevent coronavirus infection. Using small doses of highly purified CBD that approximate what patients receive in an oral drug already approved for severe epilepsy, Rosner and colleagues found that CBD did not keep the coronavirus from infecting cells in test tubes. ALSO READ | COVID-19: Pfizer and BioNTech begin clinical trial of Omicron-based vaccine As per a report in Science Advances, the researcher found that CBD acted soon after the virus entered the cells. It further blocked it from making copies of itself in part via effects on the inflammatory protein interferon. They found similar effects in infected mice. "We don't know yet if CBD can prevent COVID, but we think our results provide a strong case for conducting a clinical trial. That's really our mantra: We want a clinical trial," Rosner told Live Science. Covid cases have increased exponentially in the recent days, especially after the emergence of 'variant of concern' Omicron, which was detected in November last year. "Our results suggest that CBD and its metabolite 7-OH-CBD can block SARS-CoV-2 infection at early and even later stages of infection. The mechanism appears to be mediated in part by activation of the IRE1α RNase and interferon pathways," part of the study read. "In addition to these cell-based findings, pre-clinical studies show that CBD treatment reduced viral titers in the lungs and nasal turbinates of SARS-CoV-2-infected mice. Finally, analysis of a national sample of patients with active records of 100 mg/ml CBD consumption at the time of COVID testing revealed an association with substantially fewer SARS-CoV-2 positive test results," it added.

Can weed cure Covid? Cannabis compound stops coronavirus in test tube

The global health governing body - the World Health Organization has approved two new treatments of coronavirus (COVID-19) on Friday (January 14) amid a sharp rise in the virus cases globally.&nbsp;

In the efforts to counter the threat imposed by the COVID-19 and its variants, experts and scientists around the world are working to find treatments to minimise the risk.&nbsp;

The latest approval came as several countries are witnessing a steep surge in the number of Covid cases fuelled by the 'variant of concern' Omicron.&nbsp;

Also important to note that the Covid treatment recommendations by WHO are updated regularly based on new data from clinical trials.

Now, arthritis drug baricitinib used with corticosteroids to treat severe or critical Covid patients led to better survival rates and reduced need for ventilators, the WHO experts said in their recommendation in <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/376/bmj.o97">British medical Journal the BMJ</a>.&nbsp;

"The Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor baricitinib, which is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, is strongly recommended for patients with severe or critical covid-19 in combination with corticosteroids, an expert group from the World Health Organization has written in The BMJ," a part of the journal read.&nbsp;

Experts also recommended synthetic antibody treatment Sotrovimab for people with non-serious Covid at highest risk of hospitalisation, such as the elderly, people with immunodeficiencies or chronic diseases such as diabetes.

Sotrovimab's benefits for people not at risk of hospitalisation were deemed insignificant and the WHO said its effectiveness against new variants like Omicron was "still uncertain".

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/disappointed-us-supreme-court-blocks-bidens-vaccine-mandate-for-businesses-444557">'Disappointed': US Supreme Court blocks Biden's vaccine mandate for businesses</a>

Other treatments approved by WHO

Only three other treatments for Covid have received WHO approval, starting with corticosteroids for severely ill patients in September 2020. Corticosteroids are inexpensive and widely available and fight inflammation that commonly accompanies severe cases.

Arthritis drugs tocilizumab and sarilumab, which the WHO endorsed in July, are IL-6 inhibitors that suppress a dangerous overreaction of the immune system to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Baricitinib is in a different class of drugs known as Janus kinase inhibitors, but it falls under the same guidelines as the IL-6 inhibitors.

"When both are available, choose one based on issues including cost and clinician experience," the guidelines say.

Synthetic antibody treatment Regeneron was approved by the WHO in September and the guidelines say Sotrovimab can be used for the same type of patients.

WATCH:&nbsp;US hospitalisation witness an increase by 33% and deaths by 40%

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(With inputs from agencies)

The global health governing body - the World Health Organization has approved two new treatments of coronavirus (COVID-19) on Friday (January 14) amid a sharp rise in the virus cases globally.

The global health governing body - the World Health Organization has approved two new treatments of coronavirus (COVID-19) on Friday (January 14) amid a sharp rise in the virus cases globally. In the efforts to counter the threat imposed by the COVID-19 and its variants, experts and scientists around the world are working to find treatments to minimise the risk. The latest approval came as several countries are witnessing a steep surge in the number of Covid cases fuelled by the 'variant of concern' Omicron. Also important to note that the Covid treatment recommendations by WHO are updated regularly based on new data from clinical trials. Now, arthritis drug baricitinib used with corticosteroids to treat severe or critical Covid patients led to better survival rates and reduced need for ventilators, the WHO experts said in their recommendation in British medical Journal the BMJ. "The Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor baricitinib, which is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, is strongly recommended for patients with severe or critical covid-19 in combination with corticosteroids, an expert group from the World Health Organization has written in The BMJ," a part of the journal read. Experts also recommended synthetic antibody treatment Sotrovimab for people with non-serious Covid at highest risk of hospitalisation, such as the elderly, people with immunodeficiencies or chronic diseases such as diabetes. Sotrovimab's benefits for people not at risk of hospitalisation were deemed insignificant and the WHO said its effectiveness against new variants like Omicron was "still uncertain". ALSO READ | 'Disappointed': US Supreme Court blocks Biden's vaccine mandate for businesses Other treatments approved by WHO Only three other treatments for Covid have received WHO approval, starting with corticosteroids for severely ill patients in September 2020. Corticosteroids are inexpensive and widely available and fight inflammation that commonly accompanies severe cases. Arthritis drugs tocilizumab and sarilumab, which the WHO endorsed in July, are IL-6 inhibitors that suppress a dangerous overreaction of the immune system to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Baricitinib is in a different class of drugs known as Janus kinase inhibitors, but it falls under the same guidelines as the IL-6 inhibitors. "When both are available, choose one based on issues including cost and clinician experience," the guidelines say. Synthetic antibody treatment Regeneron was approved by the WHO in September and the guidelines say Sotrovimab can be used for the same type of patients. WATCH: US hospitalisation witness an increase by 33% and deaths by 40% × (With inputs from agencies)

Two new COVID-19 treatments approved by World Health Organization

When people are sickened with a disease, such as Covid-19, their immune systems generate antibodies to fight back

W.H.O cautious about endorsing plasma therapy for COVID-19 patients

A committee set up to fix rates to be charged by private hospitals in Delhi for isolation beds, ICUs with and without ventilator support for patients of the&nbsp;coronavirus disease has given its recommendation, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Friday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fake-covid-centre-image-spreads-amid-rising-coronavirus-cases-in-delhi-306907" hreflang="en">Fake COVID centre image spreads amid rising coronavirus cases in Delhi</a>

As per the committee, the cost of treatment at the coronavirus-designated private hospitals for isolation beds has been fixed at Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 per day. For treatment in ICU, the hospitals have been directed to charge Rs 13,000 to Rs 15,000. If a patient is put on a ventilator, the charges would be Rs 15,000 to Rs 18,000 for a single day.

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Committee has recommended Rs 8000-10000, 13000-15000 &amp; 15000-18000 including PPE costs for isolation bed, ICUs without &amp; with ventilator respectively to all hospitals as compared to the current charges of Rs 24000-25000, 34000-43000 &amp; 44000-54000 (excluding PPE cost)<a href="https://twitter.com/HMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HMOIndia</a>
— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBHomeAffairs/status/1273872168795779072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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To provide relief to the common man in Delhi, HM <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> constituted a committee under Member of <a href="https://twitter.com/NITIAayog?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NITIAayog</a> to fix rates charged by Pvt hospitals in Delhi for isolation beds, ICUs without ventilator support &amp; ICUs with ventilator support.
— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBHomeAffairs/status/1273872167269068800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The ministry of home affairs confirmed that following the orders of Shah,&nbsp;testing via Rapid Antigen testing methodology which has been approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) was started in the city on Thursday. "7040 people have been tested in 193 testing Centres. Testing will continue with increased numbers in coming days," it tweeted.

"Sample testing has been doubled immediately in pursuance of decisions taken by HM&nbsp;@AmitShah&nbsp;in series of meetings. &nbsp;A total of testing samples of 27,263 have been collected in #Delhi from 15 to 17 June 2020 against the daily collection which varied between 4,000-4,500 earlier," the home ministry tweeted.

"As per the directions given by HM in a series of meetings chaired by him over last few days in regard to #COVID19 &nbsp;situation in Delhi, house to house health survey in 242 containment zones of Delhi completed yesterday. A total of 2.3 lakh people were surveyed," MHA further said.

Over the last few days, Shah has held a series of meetings with Delhi LG Anil Baijal, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and high-level officials to sort out a strategy to contain the coronavirus outbreak in Delhi.&nbsp;

Delhi’s infection tally stands at 49,979 and 1,969 people have died due to the coronavirus disease so far.

A committee set up to fix rates to be charged by private hospitals in Delhi for isolation beds, ICUs with and without ventilator support for patients of the coronavirus disease has given its recommendation, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Friday.

A committee set up to fix rates to be charged by private hospitals in Delhi for isolation beds, ICUs with and without ventilator support for patients of the coronavirus disease has given its recommendation, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Friday. Also read: Fake COVID centre image spreads amid rising coronavirus cases in Delhi As per the committee, the cost of treatment at the coronavirus-designated private hospitals for isolation beds has been fixed at Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 per day. For treatment in ICU, the hospitals have been directed to charge Rs 13,000 to Rs 15,000. If a patient is put on a ventilator, the charges would be Rs 15,000 to Rs 18,000 for a single day. Committee has recommended Rs 8000-10000, 13000-15000 & 15000-18000 including PPE costs for isolation bed, ICUs without & with ventilator respectively to all hospitals as compared to the current charges of Rs 24000-25000, 34000-43000 & 44000-54000 (excluding PPE cost)@HMOIndia — Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) June 19, 2020 × To provide relief to the common man in Delhi, HM @AmitShah constituted a committee under Member of @NITIAayog to fix rates charged by Pvt hospitals in Delhi for isolation beds, ICUs without ventilator support & ICUs with ventilator support. — Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) June 19, 2020 × The ministry of home affairs confirmed that following the orders of Shah, testing via Rapid Antigen testing methodology which has been approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) was started in the city on Thursday. "7040 people have been tested in 193 testing Centres. Testing will continue with increased numbers in coming days," it tweeted. "Sample testing has been doubled immediately in pursuance of decisions taken by HM @AmitShah in series of meetings. A total of testing samples of 27,263 have been collected in #Delhi from 15 to 17 June 2020 against the daily collection which varied between 4,000-4,500 earlier," the home ministry tweeted. "As per the directions given by HM in a series of meetings chaired by him over last few days in regard to #COVID19 situation in Delhi, house to house health survey in 242 containment zones of Delhi completed yesterday. A total of 2.3 lakh people were surveyed," MHA further said. Over the last few days, Shah has held a series of meetings with Delhi LG Anil Baijal, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and high-level officials to sort out a strategy to contain the coronavirus outbreak in Delhi. Delhi’s infection tally stands at 49,979 and 1,969 people have died due to the coronavirus disease so far.

Home Ministry fixes rate for COVID-19 treatment at private hospitals in Delhi