CONNEXION OF SUN LIGHT EXPOSURE, USE OF PHOTOSENSITIZING SUBSTANCES AND SUBJECT’S PRACTICES, WITH THE DEVELOPMENT AND SEVERITY OF COVID-19 DISEASE

*Dr. Tehzeeb Zehra, Dr Shahzad Khan Siddique, Dr. Wajahat Sultan Baig, Dr. Faisal Bacha, Dr. Rahila Aamir and Dr. Adil Mahmood

ABSTRACT

Back ground &Objective: Concerning the prevention and management of corona virus disease, many modalities have been in trial. Effect of sun light and related themes are also under discussion in this regard with no definite proof. With the same intention we have combined the three parameters in our research so to observe the correlation of sun light exposure, use of photosensitizing substances and subject’s practices with the development and severity of covid-19 disease. Materials and methods: Covid-19 PCR positive patients were included in the study as cases, while gender matched house mate as controls. Study subjects were divided in two groups. In group 1 cases were diseased while controls were not diseased. In group 2 cases were having more symptoms and control with less symptoms. Results: Male Gender, higher education and being married affected the occurrence of disease while older age affected both the occurrence and severity. Good Sun exposure at work place was more seen in the controls of disease occurrence while direct sun exposure per week >100 minute was more frequent in the controls of both groups. DM (Diabetes Mellitus) was more common in cases of disease occurrence group while HTN (hypertension) was more common in cases of disease severity group. OAD (obstructive airway disease) was seen more in controls of disease occurrence group. Use of ACEi (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor) was more common in cases of disease occurrence group while use of ARB (angiotensin receptor blocker) was found more common in cases of disease severity group. Intercity travel, and history of attending the gathering was more in cases of disease occurrence group. Conclusion: Sun exposure prevented the disease occurrence and severity, OAD prevented the disease occurrence, DM, ACEi, gatherings and intercity travels were related to disease occurrence, HTN and ARB were related to disease severity.

Keywords: corona disease occurrence, corona disease severity, role of sun light in corona.