Potential Side-Effects of Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19-Vaccine-Injection1 — Photo by FreePik

First it was the Astra-Zenica vaccine that was causing trouble. Now it is the Johnson & Johnson drug that is causing a stir.

Back in February, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The primary intent was to control the spread of the COVID-19 disease. With the EUA, the J&J vaccine was distributed throughout the U.S. for use among individuals of age 18 and above.

However, on April 14, 2021, a panel of experts gathered to review the potentially fatal side effects of the vaccine that was reported by six individuals. The panel has agreed further to evaluate the risk and safety of the vaccine. As a result, the CDC and FDA have recommended a temporary pause in administering the J&J vaccine for COVID-19.

Let’s take a closer look at the side effects and what to do if you have already received the J&J vaccine.

Like any other drug, there are several side effects associated with the administration of the J&J vaccine. The common side effects can be categorized as local side effects and systemic side effects.

The Local Side Effects

Local side effects refer to the soreness and pain at the site of the injection. It is common for people who received the vaccine to experience pain, redness and swelling at the injection site. However, with the J&J vaccine, the local side effects were experienced two days after the vaccination. Other side effects, including pain and redness, lasted for two days on average. However, the swelling continued for another day or two.

It is interesting to note that the onset and duration of local side effects varied greatly among people. In a few cases (less than 3% of the individuals who received the vaccine), the local side effects continued for more than a week. Moreover, less than 1% of people who received the vaccine experienced severe pain at the injection site.

The local side effects were more common among younger adults between the ages of 18 and 59 as compared to individuals aged 60 and above.

Systemic Side Effects

The other category of side effects experienced by the recipient of the vaccine includes headache and flu-like symptoms, which occurred in more than half of the people who received the vaccine (around 55%). Some of the most commonly reported systemic symptoms include headache, muscle pain, fatigue. A smaller percentage of recipients of the vaccine also experienced nausea and fever.

On average, the onset of side effects was observed two days after the vaccination, with symptoms such as fatigue, headache, and muscle ache lasting for another two days. However, other symptoms such as nausea and fever on average subsided within a day.

Similar to the local side effects, the onset and duration of systemic side effects varied across the population. However, less than 2 percent of people who received the vaccine continued to experience the systemic side effects for more than a week. Severe systemic side effects (including fatigue, muscle pain and fever) were reported in less than 2% of the individuals who received the vaccine.

The systemic side effects were more profound among younger adults compared to older individuals. The only exception is nausea, which was experienced by all individuals who received the vaccine regardless of age.

The Concern

The FDA and CDC have recommended a temporary pause in administering the J&J COVID-19 vaccine subsequent to the reports of a rare yet severe side effect reported in six recipients.

On April 13, 2021, the CDC and FDA called for a halt in the use of the vaccine. All the severe side effects involved women between the ages of 18 and 48, and the side effect occurred between the 6th and the 13th day after receiving the dose. One of the women who experienced this severe side effect died while the other had been hospitalized.

This potentially severe side effect resulting from the vaccine administration is the clotting of blood in the veins that drain blood from the brain. Medically, the condition is known as central venous sinus thrombosis, which can also occur without administering the vaccine and affects around five people in a million every year. However, the vaccine-associated side effect results from an immune system response that causes a clotting disorder by activating platelets that form a clot. The same side effect has been observed with the administration of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. However, it is important to note that this potentially fatal side effect is not a concern with Moderna and Pfizer vaccines for COVID-19.

The Statistics

Vaccine Research lab — Photo by Trnava University on Unsplash

If you look at the numbers, so far, around 7 million (6.8 million to be exact) doses of the J&J vaccine have been administered throughout the country. Moreover, six cases of severe side effects have been reported. This means that around 1 in a million individuals is likely to experience the severe side effects of the vaccine. On the other hand, the medical condition caused by the vaccine administration affects around five people in a million every year.

What to Do If You Have Received the J&J Vaccine?

Since the CDC and FDA have recommended a temporary pause in the administration of the vaccine, there is a lot of speculation and concern among individuals who have already received it. Thus, the CDC and FDA have recommended that individuals who have received the vaccine within the last three weeks should keep a check on the symptoms. If they develop severe headaches, leg pain, shortness of breath, or abdominal pain, they must immediately contact their healthcare provider.

If diagnosed well in time, this type of blood clot can be treated using blood thinners (anticoagulants). However, the treatment varies on an individual basis and only a registered medical practitioner can prescribe the required treatment.

Update on COVID Vaccine Rollout

COVID infections and deaths are decreasing, but we are not out of the woods yet; however,there is promising news. The vaccines are here!

After spending months in lockdown, scared of getting infected by the novel coronavirus, the world is beginning to open up, thanks to the mass immunizations in process. Pharmaceutical companies were working hard to develop a COVID vaccine for a while.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, we now have a handful of effective antiviral serums on the market. Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are some of the famous and perhaps better credible names in the industry that have released COVID vaccines and are yielding results.

COVID Vaccine Rollout Worldwide

With efficacious vaccines now available, governments have started mass immunization drives to vaccinate as many people as possible. CNN has reported that 171 countries and nations in the world have administered about 825 million COVID vaccine doses so far. Naturally, not all nations are rolling out vaccines at the same pace, which means some countries will lead to nationwide immunity against COVID sooner than others, such as Gibraltar, Israel, UK, UAE and of course, the United States, where the vaccines have been created.

As per Our World Data COVID vaccine tracker, Israel is currently the country with the highest percentage, 61.68% of their population have been fully vaccinated. Data shows that countries with a lower population are immunizing their people more swiftly than those with a higher population and understandably so. This means despite vaccinating millions of people in a day, states such as the USA and the UK remain among the top countries but are not at the very top of the list of nations with the highest vaccination rate.

To understand the difference in vaccination stats between the US, UK, and the rest of the world, here is a deeper look into the vaccination program of the two countries.

The United States of America

Two bottles of vaccine and a syringe over a black background — Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich from Pexels

America has reportedly administered 122.3 million first doses of COVID-19 vaccines and 75.3 million second shots so far, mostly from Pfizer and Moderna. Johnson & Johnson vaccine was ordered for distribution to be stopped after some people still became infected with the virus.

At present, the country is rolling out approximately 4 million vaccines a day, surpassing the 2.5 million mark of the preceding months. On Saturday, April 3, the Center for Disease Control reported that the country’s vaccination program had administered 4 million vaccines in the past 24 hours, setting a new record and bringing the weekly average to more than 3 million.

The COVID data director, Dr. Cyprus Shahpar, recorded his response to the monumental news via a tweet the same day, saying “Wow, a record reporting day!! +4.08M doses reported administered over the total yesterday,”

President Joe Biden has promised to deliver 200 million vaccines by his 100th day at office- a goal many believe is attainable. Previously, POTUS had pledged to have 100 million vaccines rolled out by his 100th day at the office, but that mark was reached pretty early in the vaccination drive. The 100th-day-100-million-vaccine challenge was deemed not ambitious enough by many of Biden’s critics. It seems that the 200-million-shots promise is better received than the previous one.

The United States of America is not the only region in the world that’s doing everything to heighten its defenses against the fast-spreading coronavirus; the UK is also working hard to vaccinate as many people as possible to attain some degree of pre-pandemic normalcy.

The United Kingdom

According to a BBC report, close to 32 million people have been vaccinated so far as part of the largest immunization program the kingdom ever conducted.

The government has planned to give inoculation shots to 32 million people based on their placement in priority groups by April 15. The vaccination drive that began in mid-February first catered to four priority groups; people aged 70 and over, care home residents, healthcare workers, and people required to shield. Now that said classes of people have received at least the first shot of the vaccine; the government has asked people over the age of 50 to book their vaccination appointments.

The next phase is supposed to give antiviral shots to people over 40, who make up about 21 million of the total population. That is, once the current round of immunizations is complete, the next will begin in which those aged 40 and above will be vaccinated- approximately 21 million adults.

Currently, the UK is rolling out 87000 vaccines a day- which is less than the daily inoculations average of March: 500000. The drop in the daily vaccinations is attributed to the 2-shot drive that has now begun in the country. In February and March, the immunization program primarily gave out the first dose of the COVID vaccine. But now, those who have already gotten their first shot have to get their second, which means that the vaccination resources have to be divided, leading to a lowered daily average of vaccine rollout.

NHS’s stats show that more than 32 million people have gotten at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while more than 7 million have received the second jab as well.

The current status of daily vaccine administrations in the UK shows that 317,000 people are getting their 2nd vaccine shot daily.

There have been reports of a dip in the supply of COVID-19 vaccine in the country, which created a bit of a stir at first. However, the government authorities are hopeful that despite the drop in supply, the UK is still vaccinating a significant number of adults every day. And even with the current rate of inoculations, the NHS is positive that it will be able to give out the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to everyone over the age of 50 by the end of April and all adults by the end of July.

The vaccination process is supposed to pick up pace over the coming weeks as Moderna is said to join the other serums, particularly in Wales and Scotland. Reports say that those under 30 will be given Moderna or Pfizer. As for AstraZeneca, there are reports of people developing blood clots, so UK’s health minister, Hon Matt Hancock, believes that Moderna and Pfizer together have enough resources to vaccinate the 8.5 million adults in the kingdom.

The UK’s progress in dispensing vaccines throughout the country has been remarkable, making it one of those states that have the highest vaccination rates globally.

Ending Note

With J&J and AstraZeneca fairly out of the picture and just Mordana and Pzifer becoming the only major distributors of the vaccine, how soon the entire world will be coronavirus-free is hard to predict, but the end to this dreadful pandemic seems in sight now. Let’s hope we don’t face any more hiccups in our battle against the coronavirus.

The Disputed Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccine for COVID-19

Illustration of covid virus next to vaccine bottles — Photo by freepic.com/pikisuperstar

It was a good six months ago that serious discussions had begun regarding the new vaccines that were on the horizon. The main participants who volunteered to work 24/7 towards a cure were Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca.

Well, we now see that Pfizer and Moderna have succeeded in providing a 95% efficacy rate among adults, and for some people who have a strong immune system, the efficacy rate can reach 100%. But what about AstraZeneca?

The World Health Organization approved the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines for the COVID-19 virus in February 2021. While high hopes accompanied the vaccine during the initial stages of development, things have changed for the worse since then.

According to the World Health Organization, this vaccine, which is developed in partnership with Oxford University, has 63.09% effectiveness against the virus. The longer interval between doses is another possible factor contributing to the greater effectiveness of the vaccine. However, unlike the other coronavirus vaccines, this life-saving has been unfortunately inundated with disputes followed by other disputes since its inception.

Here is an overview of the problems and disputes revolving around the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.

The Trial Data Dispute

Zika Vaccine

In November 2020, AstraZeneca, the British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Company based in England, published an ad-hoc analysis of clinical trials. The results showed that the vaccine was 70% effective in protecting against the COVOD-19. While the results appeared promising initially, further analysis of the claim revealed something else.

Later, more in-depth research on the company’s statement revealed that the 70% effectiveness was a combination of two separate dosing schedules within the trials. One of the schedules showed an efficacy of 90% when trial participants received half a dose, followed by a full dose. Both the doses were administered at least one month apart. The other dosing schedule showed 62% effectiveness when two full doses were administered at least one month apart.

Later the pharmaceutical giant admitted that the first dosing regime was a mistake. In fact, the concerned authorities described it as a “useful mistake.” The confusing public relation strategy marked the start of trust issues between the public and AstraZeneca.

The Supply Side Issue

Another dispute related to the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine for COVID-19 was the supply dispute. Since AstraZeneca is a U.K.-based company, most of the doses were manufactured in Britain. However, when the pharmaceutical company started the supply of doses to the neighboring European Union, that’s when there were reports about the pharmaceutical company not fulfilling their supply contract.

The Effectiveness for “Over-65 Years of Age” Dispute

Man getting injection As the year 2021 started, another controversy was waiting for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine for COVID-19. Some of the European nations who received some of the earlier supplies of the vaccine claimed that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine was not effective for people over the age of 65. Note that this is a group of the most vulnerable and in need of the vaccine due to a higher risk of contracting the infection.

Germany was one of the first European countries to claim that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine should only be offered to people ages 18-64. The concerned German authorities claim that there was not enough data to prove the vaccine’s effectiveness for people over the age of 65. France further aggravated the concern as the French President called the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine“quasi-ineffective” for individuals over the age of 65.

Later, the trial data revealed important results, and the numbers showed that the vaccine was effective and safe for individuals over the age of 65. As a result, Germany and France have revised their concerns and have approved the vaccine for the older population.

However, the public image of the pharmaceutical company and the newly developed vaccine was already compromised.

The Resulting Blood Clots

The series of controversies didn’t stop here. Another issue surfaced in March 2021 when there was evidence of blood clots in some individuals who have been vaccinated with the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. As a result, more than a dozen European countries put off the administration of Oxford-AstraZeneca’s vaccine. The case is still pending as the countries are assessing the safety standards of the vaccine. Countries within the European Union which have stopped the use of vaccine include:

- - Norway,
  - Bulgaria,
  - Iceland,
  - France,
  - Spain,
  - Italy,
  - Ireland,
  - Germany,
  - Sweden,
  - Latvia,
  - And the Netherlands.

Moreover, countries outside the European Union, including Thailand and Congo, have also halted the vaccine administration.

However, the pharmaceutical company stepped forward to defend the use of vaccines and claimed that the risk of blood clots following the vaccination administration was much lower than the risk of naturally developing blood clots. Following the controversy, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the World Health Organization conducted safety reviews for the vaccine again. The results concluded that the vaccine was safe and effective. However, further damage to the vaccine’s reputation has been done.

The Latest Dispute

The disputes revolving around the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine for COVID-19 seem never-ending. The findings of a large trial based in the U.S. proved that the vaccine was safe and effective for use. However, a U.S. health agency claimed that the pharmaceutical company might have included obsolete/mistaken information as done in the past.

It seems to be a huge allegation on a pharmaceutical company that is striving to deliver a quality life-saving drug to people around the world. The company responds back to the dispute claiming that the trial was conducted to the highest standards.

The Future of Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccine for COVID-19

The evidence from the clinical trials has proven the effectiveness of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine for COVID-19. However, it has faced many controversies since its inception, which has damaged the company and the vaccine’s reputation among the general public. When people already have reservations about the vaccines in these times of uncertainty, negative coverage of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine for COVID-19is certainly not something the world needs. To end the pandemic, the world has no choice but to trust vaccines that have proven effective and safe in the trials.

White Collar Crimes During COVID

Suspicious looking man with mask on — Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

We have previously spoken about criminal activity in general. Now we are going to delve deeper into the different types of crimes committed and how the coronavirus pandemic has become part of ongoing criminal activity.

The legal definition describes white-collar crime as a “crime that is committed by salaried professional workers or persons in business and that usually involves a form of financial theft or fraud (as in securities dealing)”. Hundreds and thousands of white-collar crimes are performed every year. In some cases, the double-crossing executor is caught and in other times, they go undetected or undetected for years.

Even more scandalous are the situations in which the con artists frame someone for the crimes they have committed. It’s deceit within deceit. Even more dangerous is the fact that these crimes are usually committed by well-to-do and respectable people. They snatch money right under everyone’s noses with none the wiser.

But not all of these crimes are based on money (although a large percentage are). Take a look at former Trump attorney Michael Cohen. He is currently serving time not for fraudulent financial activity, but for perjury.

Perhaps the only redeeming quality of white-collar criminals is that they don’t use violence. They only use the weapon they know best, their Machiavellian minds.

COVID and Crime

Regardless of how they occur, the COVID pandemic has opened the doors for criminals to expand. According to the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, organized criminal activity has diminished, but other white-collar crimes have been initiated. From selling fake masks to calling potential victims to give up their investments to get a vaccine.

The federal government is on its tracks though and they have been focusing on people who are illegitimately using money from the $2 trillion federal stimulus package, known as the CARES Act, which is being used to help businesses suffering from financial losses due to the pandemic.

Specifically, the feds are going after those who steal or try to steal money from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which are loans given to businesses to keep them ‘alive’ and give them financial funding so that employees do not have to be laid off.

Recently in Texas, a man was trying to fraud the government of $24 million via fraudulent PPP loans. He used 11 different business names, each filing for a loan. He succeeded in obtaining about $17 million in forgivable loans before he was caught and brought to justice.

Bribery

Bribery is a common crime among the nefarious workforce. This entails accepting gifts, money, or other favors to treat the bribee differently from other individuals and there’s no doubt that some unscrupulous individuals are taking bribes to stay silent about some criminal workings regarding fake masks and other PPE essentials that society needs.

Our suggestion is to research the store (brick and mortar or online) to see their reviews and background. Also, check if the items are FDA insured.

Ponzi Schemes

Ponzi schemes are one of the most favorite criminal activities among criminals and the worst nightmare for ordinary people like you and me. The crime itself is named after the notorious swindler and con artist who was known by many names, the most famous one being Charles Ponzi.

A Ponzi scheme is an illegal investment where the embezzler gathers a pool of investors and builds their trust enough to convince them to invest their money, sometimes their entire retirement. Promises of high profits and exceptional rewards are made. Once the swindler succeeds, the criminal disappears without leaving any traces behind.

Most of the time, white-collar criminals resort to a Ponzi scheme to acquire money from new investors to pay off the “profits” to the old ones. Sometimes, it is done just to earn quick and easy money, but if caught they could get hefty prison time.

The losses from this type of scheme could be as small as a few dollars or as large as billions of dollars. One of the most famous scandals in the history of white-collar crimes is that of Bernie Madoff. The estimated size of his fraud was $64.8 billion. Regardless, he got caught and is currently serving his time at the age of 80. He was sentenced to 150 years of imprisonment.

Don’t get caught up in phone calls or emails that ask you to invest in their products, specifically PPE products before doing thorough research, but even better, why bother? Just hang up!

Embezzlement

Embezzlement involves the illegal theft of money through tampering with documents and entries. Since it is a white-collar crime, it is done in secret and often involves cases where trusted employees embezzle their employers. In embezzlement cases, employees are accused of stealing money from their employer by slyly diverting funds from their company’s account to their personal bank accounts.

Except for people in certain positions in their company, not everyone can manage that. Mostly, embezzlement is done by accountants who are managing their company’s funds or by investment advisors who can misuse their client’s money behind their backs.

Embezzlement cases on a small level are considered a misdemeanor. However, when a specified amount of money or property value is exceeded, it becomes a major felony.

Tax Evasion

Individuals and businesses of every country are obliged to pay taxes under their state or federal law taxes. Deliberate tax evasion is a white-collar crime in which the felon illegally avoids taxes either by tampering with their tax documents or through the illegal transference of properties. There are endless tactics that criminals use to achieve their goals.

Tax evasion is one of the most common types of white-collar crime and anyone from an average middle-class worker to a billionaire tycoon may commit it. On a lower level, people might simply enter a false amount on their tax forms, whereas on a higher level, a felon might go as far as changing the will of a dead relative to avoid estate taxes by moving the property around. If or when caught, it could lead to some severe criminal charges.

The effects of these crimes are substantial and often trigger a butterfly effect. To curtail them, countries have introduced numerous regulations on the federal and state level.

If a person is caught in any of the above white-collar crimes, the case would be prosecuted in federal court. Some people become a victim of these crimes and others get caught up in it for being so close to it. In either case, it is advisable to hire a lawyer to protect your rights, and if possible, get back the embezzled money.

Understanding The Grief of a Bereaved Person During COVID

Candles in glass holder Ever since the coronavirus broke out, the world has seen a staggering number of deaths, and although we are seeing reduced amounts of deaths, the death toll continues to rise. This means that people worldwide are continuing to lose loved ones.

Bearing the Death of a Dear One

Losing a person close to you is unquestionably the most agonizing experience that everyone has to go through at some point in time. Regardless of how healthily a person leads their life, they will see the final end, leaving behind mourners grieving over the irreplaceable loss. Despite being a universal truth, death remains an out-of-bounds subject that mustn’t be mentioned in gatherings unless at a funeral. This shying away from such an inevitable reality has made people quite insensitive (though inadvertently) and awkward when it comes to dealing with someone’s death and their survivors.

Because we don’t like to discuss death and processing the loss of a loved one, when someone actually dies in our circles, we are often tongue-tied and unaware of the right/appropriate words to say to the grieving family. Consequently, many of us end up saying insensitive platitudes, such as you have to move on, or you need to stay strong.

The mentioned phrases may seem harmless, but they bear explosive impact for those in mourning. A large majority of people don’t even realize that unless they have experienced the pain of losing someone close to themselves. That’s the truth about grief. You don’t understand it unless it’s yours. And that’s okay; not knowing what to say to someone in mourning is fine; in fact, it’s far better than saying something pointless and unintentionally hurtful.

If you want to understand how to help someone dealing with the loss of a loved one, here is a detailed guide on comprehending the trauma of bereavement.

Grief is Personal, Like One’s Life- REMEMBER THAT!

The most fundamental thing when wanting to help a grieving person is realizing and accepting that you are an outsider of their pain; you CANNOT begin to understand what they are going through. So, don’t even try to come off as someone who knows what grief is unless, of course, you have been through it yourself. But even then, we would suggest keeping your experience to yourself because, as mentioned above, grief is personal. Don’t tell your story until you are asked for it. Let the other person deal with their emotions and accept the reality in their way.

Be Present, But Don’t Be Intrusive

Whenever we hear about a death in our circle, we immediately feel sympathetic and wish to show our concern for the bereaved party. And more often than not, we do that by getting in their faces and dictating them on how they should act. For instance, we tell them to control themselves and not to cry much because that’s not what the deceased would want, or we tear apart two members of the mourning family when they hug to cry.

That’s not to say that any of our actions are ill-intended; if anything, they come from a place of love and care. But what we don’t realize is that forcing a mourner to stop crying or telling them to eat when they want to be left alone is not helpful. It’s infuriating.

You want to show concern, just be present! Don’t get overbearing and intrusive because you care for the grieving person’s wellbeing so much. If you wish to help, tell them you are there for them in whatever they need, whenever they need it. And if they ask you to leave them alone, do THAT! Let them decide what they want. You may think that doing so is not the right thing, but that’s actually the best you can do.

Try to Avoid these Platitudes

Stay strong
This shall pass
You are so strong; it’ll be okay
You will get through this
You need to move on
You have to remain strong for your family
They (the deceased member) would want to see you happy
They are in a better place
They are not in pain anymore

That doesn’t mean don’t use them, but use common sense and apply these words at an appropriate time. As noted above, you cannot understand grief until it’s your own, unless it’s your front row at the funeral. Naturally, you cannot (even with all your sincerity and love for the bereaved family) comprehend the magnitude of trauma the other person is going through. So, when you don’t know what it’s like to lose a loved one, how can you say empty words whose impact you cannot fathom? Therefore, DON’T throw those mundane phrases you hear people using at funerals to comfort someone in mourning.

If you want to show concern, you don’t need to use words. Sometimes just being physically present and not speaking can do more for someone in pain than saying thoughtless sentences that won’t make much difference.

Additionally, with your presence noted, see if there is something you can do for them without asking. For example, the person grieving says “I don’t know what’s taking so long for my daughter to come here”. You might want to take it on yourself to make some calls to find out where she is and relay that message to your friend/relative.

What to Say to Someone in Mourning

If you found out someone you genuinely care about lost a dear one to the coronavirus or to any other fatal cause for that matter and you want to comfort them, here’s what you need to do.

Leave them a message telling them that you are terribly sorry for their loss and you are here for them should they need anything. You should also mention that you do not understand their suffering, but you want to help them in any way possible.

And once you have expressed your wish of doing something for the grieving party, don’t bug them by repeatedly asking if there’s anything you can do. Let them come to you. When they go back to work or resume classes, leave a message saying that you hope they have a fantastic day or that you are sending lots of positive vibes their way.

Simply put, only express your sincere wishes by sending positive messages, don’t add any empty words or dictations in your texts.

You can also supply them with COVID-19 bereavement groups. Something most people won’t think about.

The Bottom Line

If you are not one of the bereaved, don’t act like you know how that feels or try to be ‘helpful’ by telling them to move on! The most thoughtful thing you can do for a grieving family is just letting them know that you’re here for them and give them all the time in the world to heal and move forward with the unfillable void in their hearts.

One More Thing

As distasteful as this may sound, we want to emphasize the following because it is all too common. When you do speak to a person who just lost a loved one, do not, under any circumstances, talk about inheritance or what money they have left.

Indoor Dating Ideas During Lockdown

Candle lit room — Candle Lit Room. Photo Pixels

Still in March 2021, many of us are still homebound, bored and in despair, and many in our single group are thriving for romance. Gone are the days of speed dating, night clubs and blind dates. And for those few who do venture out to plan a meeting at a restaurant or coffee shop, what do you say? “I’m the one with the mask that has a smiley face on it.” Is there what it has come to?

So the status quo of venturing out to meet your hopeful next spouse was the preferred choice during normal times when planning a date, it certainly isn’t the only one! In fact, for someone looking to spend intimate moments with their significant other, having a cozy night at home is perhaps the most romantic thing they can do.

But with restaurants out of reach, traveling banned (most of it, if not all), beaches and other dating locations closed for business, the results are the good old online dating, but with a twist – having to meet at home.

And what do you get with that? Anything from the dangerous to the nutty, like “Hi I’m your new date from Planet XR5”. So let’s jump past the first-time meets and concentrate on those dates that do work out; subsequently, we are providing some creative, thoughtful date ideas you can try in su casa during quarantine.

Wine Cheese and Cuddles

Whenever wine and cheese are mentioned, most people assume this experience can only occur at an extravagant place, but that’s not true. A bottle of wine and a tray of assorted cheese under dim lights at home can be equally romantic, if not more!

Picture this:

A plush rug on the floor in front of the fireplace (and a throw over it for when you want to get a lot cozier with your other-half) with a bottle of bubbly, two wine glasses, and a tray of cheeses. The lights in the room are dimmed, with a faint but audible piece of music filling the background while you and your partner sit next to one another (read: cuddle, lay entwined) without any interruptions or outsiders listening in on your conversations.

How romantic is that?

And remember, it’s just an idea so you can bend it any way you want to make your evening entirely yours. For instance, if you don’t have a fireplace or the weather doesn’t allow you to sit by a fire, then you can put up candles to fire up the romance for your romantic date night.

Romantic Movie and Wine

Going to the cinema for movies now seems like a thing of the past, and by the look of it, we might not be allowed to enjoy this simple pleasure anytime soon. But that doesn’t have to stop you from having a romantic movie night with sweetheart. And as noted above, indoor activities within the comfort of one’s home are much more intimate, especially with today’s electronics. You can purchase a 70” LED TV for $700 at some stores or online retailers. So rest assured, a movie at home will give you much-needed couple-time and set the scene for some more romantic moments throughout the night.

Now Let’s Get to the Logistics and Planning

The first thing you need to do is clear everything that stands between the screen and couch (if you plan on using it, we’d suggest using a pullout bed so that you can lounge while watching the movie). Next, arrange snacks and of course, wine- you can swap it with champagne to take your date up a notch.

Buy a starry-night lamp projector if you don’t already have one. It is an electrical instrument that throws stars and crescent-shaped lights on the ceiling. Set it up close to where you’ll be sitting so that you see an illusion of a starry night right above you.

Turn the lights off, play the movie and then get comfortable to enjoy the night.

Have a Homemade Candlelight Dinner

Going out to an exclusive restaurant to have candlelight dinner has gotten quite commonplace now, wouldn’t you agree? And let’s not forget the din of chatter and constant interruptions by the servers that taint the sanctity of what’s supposed to be completely private and romantic?

So how about keeping the ambiance similar to that of a restaurant and compromising a little bit on the food but taking the romance in your date through the roof?

You can have the most intimate dinner date at home with the added fun of preparing the food with your better-half. Here’s what you need to do:

- - Set up a menu that you both will enjoy and get cookin’
  - Once the meal is ready, get dressed to relish your homemade candlelight dinner!
  - To set the table, place as many candles as you like at the center; we’d suggest going with five different-sized candles or one big circular one. Pour chilled liquor into the wine glasses already placed on the table, and then eat your food.
  - To end the night, dip some strawberries in melted chocolate and feed one another. You can use a fondue to do that, or simply microwave some chocolate and douse strawberries, marshmallows, or whatever else you want to conclude the evening. Of course, you can make changes to the idea according to your liking. For example, eliminate the table from the picture and get minimal; use the same setting as the first idea but instead of wine and cheese, serve food that you made!

Final Thought

If you are ready to get creative, there is a lot that can be done to turn an ordinary night at home special! Try our suggested date options to stir up the almost dormant romance of your quarantine-life relationship. But remember, this will only be temporary. With the vaccines being produced and distributed on a massive scale, life as we remember it will come back hopefully sooner than later; however, after you’ve had your taste of romancing at home, maybe you might want to stick it out for a little while longer!

12 Places to Travel to Once the Pandemic is Over

handara-gate_Pancasari, Bedegul_Indonesia

Has your wanderlust kicked in yet? Yes, we all are getting restless sitting home waiting for the world to open, so we fantasize about life after COVID and for many of us, travel is one of those fantasies.

While every place we think about offers a range of unique experiences, there are some that are just exceptional and we cannot stop obsessing over them. Here are 11 of the top places we picked that we think you will love to come (hopefully) this summer!

Maldives

A small state in South Asia, the Maldives is located southwest of Sri Lanka and India in the Arabian Sea. It is popular for its crystal clear water with its most gorgeous shades of blues and greens as well as its talcum powder beaches. It is the perfect beach getaway if you are a water lover. Not to mention, the coral reefs are among the top in the world. The best part about it is that the weather throughout is ideal beach weather.

Portugal

Situated in South Western Europe, Portugal is famous for its beaches, its castles, variety of landscapes and vibrant culture. It has the perfect mix of terrains that offer multiple vibes to tourists. To add to that, its rich history and delicious cuisine make it one of the top destinations in the world. Its picturesque towns are charming and you will end up falling in love with them!

Mexico

Mexico is truly unique with its food, history, and culture. Its ancient ruins, delicious cuisine, fabulous beaches and super fun festivals make it one of a kind. We would go there just for the tacos! Oh, and did we mention just how cheap it is? It is one of the most affordable countries that you can visit, so money is not something you have to worry about!

Venice

We are not kidding when we tell you that this city is like a painting. It’s too good to be true! For starters, the canals around the city make it truly mesmerizing, the main mode of transport in this city is water taxis. To add to that, its rustic charm and stunning architecture will have you awestruck. Spend your days strolling through the streets soaking in the quaintness of the town while eating some yummy gelato, but be careful – the pigeons in St. Marks Square have taken over, but they’re great fun for the kids though!

Kenya

If you are an animal lover, Kenya is the place for you! Truly, the wildlife in the area is just exceptional. Go on their famous safaris and have the experience of a lifetime. You’ll see all kinds of beautiful creatures from lions to elephants and giraffes. The country’s natural beauty is exceptional and we guarantee you’ll love every bit of it.

Bali

One of Indonesia’s islands, Bali is a most intriguing city. It offers a range of landscapes and has every kind of beauty that you can dream of, from stunning beaches to rice fields, awe-striking waterfalls, majestic mountains, lush greenery, you name it! It’s magical temples and holy rivers make it a popular destination for tourists. In Bali you can be sure to find all the vibes that you are looking for and once you go, you’ll never want to leave.

While you’re on that side of the world, why not make a stop in nearby Australia?

Puerto Rico

Yes, there’s a reason Justin Bieber mentions it in his song. Situated between the Arabian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean east of the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico is full of raw nature and the most breathtaking landscapes. Here you can expect to find untouched rainforests, mountains, bays, caves, and just Caribbean heaven. The landscape is so diverse that you’ll never have a dull moment. To add to that you can enjoy warm weather all year round!

Paris

There’s no city in the world like Paris, the city of love and romance. There’s a certain charm that fills the city and one that we can never get enough of. Here you can admire some of the finest art and architecture in the world while sipping on some great wine. The rich history and culture are what make this city so unique. Every part of it has a vibe and one that you will totally fall in love with, so don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Vancouver

A major city in Western Canada, located in the lower region of British Columbia, Vancouver is one of the most scenic cities you’ll ever come across. It’s literally got all the landscapes that you can dream of from its high and mighty mountains to its lush rainforests, glistening oceans. In other words, Vancouver is heaven on earth! It’s also easily accessible which makes it a popular tourist spot. If you are there, don’t forget to try the delicious and fresh seafood that the city is well known for.

Istanbul

The capital of Turkey, you can expect it all from this iconic city. From the popping nightlife to the most scenic views of the Bosporus, to the delicious cuisine and rich history and culture, Istanbul is just awesome! Admire the stunning beauty of its architecture as you walk down the streets. It is the city where east meets west so you experience the most unique views in this city.

India

Home to the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world, India is one of the most colorful and vibrant countries in the world. From the people to the culture, to the food, all of it will amaze you. It has a deep-rooted history and culture that resonates throughout the country. It too offers a range of landscapes from scenic mountains to beaches and hill stations. Its unmatchable vibe is what makes it so special and unique.

Take a Cruise

We left this for last, but surely not least! For many, taking a cruise is the epitome of what a vacation should be. Cruises are relaxing and exciting. Each excursion is a vacation in itself. Many people love to live in a floating hotel and then go exploring at different locations in different parts of the world from the ‘hotel’. Then there is the food. No stop eats! Deliousis free food or you can up the ante and go to one of the ship’s luxury restaurants.

Even with COVID, cruise lines are booking now. So what are you waiting for? Go book the trip of your lifetime!

Summary

Each of these 12 vacation places is truly one-of-a-kind and has its charm. Each offers a unique experience and we can guarantee that you’ll have the time of your life once you take advantage of them.

Pandemic Paranoia: How it is Affecting Us in the COVID Era

People with Masks — Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

There’s no denying that the coronavirus pandemic has brought the world to its knees, and in a previous post, we saw how it is affecting the poor around the world, but they are not the only ones being forced to change their lifestyle.

As we make our way into this new decade, thanks to the vaccines, things are beginning to change for the better, schools, offices and other public places are reopening; albeit, with restrictions. With that said, some states have recently lifted all restrictions and the pandemic situation doesn’t seem as dire as it was a few months ago as many of us are starting to go out and resume our daily activities, but we still must follow COVID safety protocols. Surely, there is still a long way to go before the world gets back into its pre-pandemic routine, but with immunizations being dispensed worldwide, normalcy is starting to return.

Ever since the coronavirus pandemic began, governments have been forcing everyone to quarantine and as a result, some people began living in a constant state of fear, afraid of getting infected and even dying was not too far from the truth. After all, when you walk out your door, there are invisible creatures waiting to kill you, what’s not to fear? Surely, this is something that sci-fi shows are made of, but, unfortunately, this is real!

So it is within this framework that paranoia can develop and subsequently trigger a panic. For those that worry a lot or have sensitive mindsets, pandemic paranoia can become a reality. They will become fearful and refuse to accept any changes in the COVID situation.

So, what characterizes pandemic paranoia and who is more likely to have it? Let’s find out.

Paranoia Can Lead to Psychosis

Woman lying down with mask — Photo by Cade Renfroe on Unsplash

Paranoia is defined as the irrational belief that one is being victimized and is a target of premeditated persecution. If this is an ongoing issue with someone, it falls in the realm of an issue with their mental health. These people can lose touch with reality. They believe that everyone is out to get them and is conspiring against them.

One of the categories where this can occur is with people who suffer from anxiety and depression. Additionally, those that are always on edge or worry a lot or tend to lead to negative thinking, also resulting in a state of paranoia.

For these people, their thoughts are mostly baseless but continue anyway and consequently, their fears can get so overwhelming that after some time, the person may even begin to hallucinate, completely losing the sense of what’s real and what’s not.

Another category where paranoia can develop are people who are subjected to prolonged exposure to stress, social deprivation and/or loneliness. And once they fall into this mindset, it can eventually lead to psychosis, which is the medical term for a condition in which the brain begins misprocessing information. As a result, the person loses touch with reality.

Pandemic Paranoia

Tired businesswoman in office Feeling restless and scared due to a rampant and deadly viral infection is understandable. So, naturally, when the COVID took over, many people, especially those psychologically fragile became wholly preoccupied and obsessed with the fear of getting the disease. So much so that after taking all the necessary precautions, their anxiety did not dissipate.

And now, when things are beginning to get better and the dangers of the coronavirus have gone down, people suffering from pandemic paranoia still feel exposed and afraid of catching it.

People Who Get Pandemic Paranoia and What They Do

When a person’s preoccupation with the coronavirus gets to the point where they aren’t able to differentiate between what’s real and what’s not, they become obsessed with taking preventive measures, which can include:

Washing hands repeatedly
Disinfecting household articles again and again
Staying indoors at all costs
Getting groceries delivered and then sanitizing all items
Getting worked up at every cough or sneeze, thinking that they have caught the coronavirus
Quarantining if they ever leave the house, even with all the protocols

Other activities indicating pandemic paranoia in people include:

Watching COVID-related news all the time
Following COVID-related mortality stats
Talking about the pandemic with every other person they speak to over the phone or via messages

Parents with Pandemic Paranoia

People with pandemic paranoia don’t just affect their lives, but everyone else who lives with them. They demand their cohabitants perform similar rituals and avoid social contact. Being forced to do actions driven by the irrational fears of a family member is hard to understand for most people, but it’s unfathomable for children whose parents have become this way.

Parents with pandemic paranoia force their kids to do unnecessary things, such as:

Keep their kids locked in and not let them go out, even with PPE
Push them to shower multiple times a day to stay safe
Stop them from meeting friends
Don’t send their kids to school, even now when schools have begun opening nationwide.
Isolate them if their child sneezes, coughs or runs a fever.

Living with paranoid parents can lead to developmental problems in children. Kids who are not allowed to leave the house, even to go to school can develop psychological issues and become aggressive or socially awkward.

Dr. Laura Saunders, a child psychologist at IOL, Institute of Living, believes that venturing out is essential to a child’s emotional and mental development. Denying kids the opportunity to explore the outside world could be detrimental to their well-being. She thinks that parents need to reconsider their methods and let their children go out and socialize as long as they abide by the state commanded restrictions.

One of the most damaging aspects of the restrictive social movement in children is losing or not building a sense of self-worth. Children are prone to feel anxious in unfamiliar environments, so they need to be exposed to varied social settings. If you don’t let your child meet with people or socialize with friends, you increase their chances of developing social anxiety or fueling any underlying psychological issues.

Parents need to understand that children are extraordinarily resilient and need to get all the opportunities for mental, physical and emotional growth.

Although the coronavirus pandemic has made it difficult for people to meet in regular social settings, like in the pre-pandemic days, the world’s new normal has presented alternative ways of socializing, such as Zoom. Those may not be the most convenient methods of interacting with one another, but they are not undoable.

The Way Forward for People with Pandemic Paranoia

If you follow the state guidelines regarding going to public places, meeting with people and wearing the necessary PPEs, you may be able to adapt to this new lifestyle, but long exposure to it or to make it the permanent norm is not recommended. That goes 10-fold for people suffering from COVID paranoia. For such patients, Dr. Saunders suggests the following steps to overcome these fears:

Stay away from COVID-related news as much as possible.
Fight the urge to clean things repeatedly and needlessly (but don’t completely stop. Cleanliness is still essential; however, there is a balance between normal behavior and obsessive behavior)
Let the kids go out with a facemask and sanitizer
Reach out to support groups or medical professionals for help
Understand the difference between physical distancing and social distancing. You don’t need to completely distance yourself from other humans; as long as you maintain a safe physical distance, you can interact with them.

Summary

It takes time and patience to overcome fears, especially if those fears may be unrealistic. Yes, COVID-19 is a dangerous disease, but hundreds of millions of people are managing to maintain their normal lives, as long as they keep to the standard policy of wearing masks, keeping a safe distance from others and washing their hands frequently, but not obsessively, they should be fine.

Video Conferencing Etiquette – 5 Ways to Prove Yourself on Screen!

How Do You Appear to Others on a Video Conference?

Zoom meeting shown on a laptop — Photo: Chris-Montgomery, Unsplash

Don’t ever underestimate this!
You are always being judged!

Telecommunications has skyrocketed since the coronavirus pandemic. The medical field is one area, but corporate distance meetings exploded within the last year as well.

Let’s look at a common scenario and let us know if this has happened to you?

It’s a summer day and you are working from home because of COVID. In the morning you get an email that the company VP is having a Zoom meeting at 2:00 PM with a potential client and he would like you to join in on the conference.

At 1:55, you stop your exercise routine and join the meeting on your cell phone. You answer questions and even purpose some new ideas that they didn’t think of. When the meeting is over, you leave the conference and sit back with a smile that you are going to get kudus because of your excellent ideas and participation.

At 2:15, the phone rings. There it is. The call you’ve been waiting for. Maybe you will be getting a promotion?

“Joe,” the VP says. You respond with the typical “Yes” and with a smile. “Thank you for coming on the call today, but I have to tell you, the client was a bit disappointed. They had some comments about your appearance.” “What?” you say. “Why would anyone care about my appearance?” you say to yourself. The answer is – they do.

Man video conferencing — Photo by Tarun Savvy on Unsplash

Joe was taking the liberty of home living and carried this liberty right to the video conference, ugly t-shirt and all.

If you think this is not typical, you are wrong. In fact, this particular scenario is a true story and there are many others just like this one.

How Should You Dress on a Zoom Call?

You don’t need to wear a suit; however, don’t rule it out, but generally, just wear a nice shirt or top that compliments your look and make sure you take that COVID mask off. You don’t have to prove to anyone that you are following COVID protocol. The rest is common sense.

So dressing appropriately is one factor, but there are others. Let’s take a look at these other factors that will make you look your best!

Make Sure Your Camera and Lighting are Set Up Correctly

Silhouette of a person in front of a windwo — Photo by Alex McCarthy on Unsplash

How many times have you been on a video call and have seen people look like a silhouette?

To avoid looking like a shadow, follow these recommendations.

Test Your Set Up First

Take a seat. Position your device (computer, laptop, tablet, etc.) so that the camera is facing you. Locate the app that allows you to see yourself on the display screen. Do you look too dark, too light or are there other uninviting circumstances? If so, adjust!

Ensure That the Light Faces at You and is Not Behind You

Make sure that there is no large light source behind you, like a window or bright light. Instead, add a light that faces you. Depending upon the type of light you use will show you for better or worse.

Portrait of a woman in the sun — Harsh light can produce ugly shadows. Photo by Taylor Knox on Unsplash

You could get a lamp with a standard incandescent bulb, but to really look good, purchase an LED Ring Light or a photographic softbox. These lights bring out the best in you by diffusing the light source, resulting in a soft illumination and not that harsh glow on your face like the sun does on a beach.

Harsh lighting intensifies dark shadows and makes you look like a Holloween mask instead of your beautiful self. Contrarily, a soft light can work wonders, even if it is natural light, such as in front of a window. Just make sure that the sun isn’t shining directly on your face. A cloudy or hazy day is best for this type of lighting.

Woman in front of a soft light box — Photo by Sam McGhee on Unsplash

Your face should not be too light or too dark and there should be no shadows on your face. A soft light such as this softbox (left) diffuses the light which avoids harsh shadows and is used by professional photographers. This particular unit is expensive, but you get the picture (pun intended!). Finally and importantly, position the camera so that it is level with your eyes.

Think of it that light can determine your mood. To look dramatic, some shadow on the face would be a good thing, but not on a business video conference. That’s for sure. When your lighting is finally set up, if you’re lucky, you might look like your favorite Hollywood movie star.

What Did You Say? Is Your Audio Connection Correct?

If you hear your peers saying “What” and “I can’t hear you”, check your settings. One of the most common mistakes that people do is forget to unmute themselves. If that is not the problem, ensure that your computer audio is set up correctly.

The other way is to make a call on your phone instead, using the phone number and access code they give you for your meeting.

4. What’s Behind You?

Whatever it is, those in the conference will see it, so take down that political poster or picture of the latest swimsuit winner that’s pasted on your back wall. Also, remove any items that make your background look cluttered.

Cluttered Garage — Does your background look like this? Photo by todd kent on Unsplash

A clean background reduces distractions and looks more professional.

Photos of your beautiful family are a nice touch, but even better, use the app in the video chat software that allows you to place an animated background behind you. Zoom has one called the Virtual Background.

5. Smile for the Camera!

Don’t look at the ceiling while you are on the call. Don’t look at your dog either. Remember, they see everything you are doing! If you are looking away, it shows you are bored. If you are looking at the screen, it shows that you are interested. Keep it that way and smile when appropriate.

Tip: Throw in a joke (appropriately of course). Humor makes everyone feel more comfortable, breaks the monotony of the call and makes you appear more popular! Triple win! You can’t lose with this one.

For managing and hosting a Zoom meeting, as well as additional tips, take a look at this video:

Bottom line:

You are on a video call, so act the same as if you were in front of a live audience. People are watching you when you least expect. Promote yourself at your best and finally, keep smiling for the camera!

ReplyForward

11 Trends That Have Gone Viral During COVID-19

Woman with tie-dye shirt on ground — Photo: Jason-yoder-beRDGiXtBAk-unsplash

COVID is not over and even with the vaccines being distributed, we have many more months to deal with its effect on our society, so what are you going to do about it?

As far as our younger generation is concerned, they have definitely done something about it.

We are in a time when we are our most creative selves, so our desires to stay sane are resulting in finding new ways to keep ourselves entertained while we sit in these quarantined holes we call home.

In this article, we will focus mainly on the social aspects of COVID and the effect it is having on social media, as we visit the ongoing creativity of our millennial and Gen Z age groups. Here are 11 of the most popular social trends that have gone viral.

1. Tik Tok Videos

Screenshot of Tic Toc videos The world’s most popular video-sharing app became all the more popular during quarantine. One of the more common videos was ‘bored in the house’ by Tyga x Curtis Roach that got young people finding ways not to get bored and showing their creativity over social media.

It was interesting to see that families have partaken in this trend also, using it as a means to bond with each other as they stay cooped up at home.

2. Dalgona Coffee

This was probably the most viral trend of the COVID era. There was a time when it seemed that almost every single person in the world was indulging and sharing this coffee trend on social media, which only added to its popularity.

It originated in South Korea and became so big that coffee companies had a large increase in sales. What also helped is that it was pretty easy to make as it requires only four ingredients: coffee, milk, sugar and hot water.

3. Fitness Challenges

Fitness challenges took over social media by a storm during the early stages of quarantine. This was when people were more motivated to be their most productive. People got creative with these challenges and started tagging one another on Instagram to participate in them.

There were many different types, from the plank challenge to the football challenge to the more innovative upside-down challenge. Since there was no way anyone could go to the gyms at that point, this was a great way to motivate each other to work out at home.

4. Banana Bread

There was a time when we couldn’t get enough of it and Instagram feeds were nonstop! It was one of those trends that caused a domino effect and became super popular because everyone was making it.

We can’t deny how delicious it tasted especially straight out of the oven! At least, it was a relatively healthier option than other desserts so we can’t complain about that too much.

5. Zoom Hangouts

Whether it is game night, karaoke night or just a simple hangout, Zoom is the way to go! Having zoom parties has become a trend so much so that people would actually make an effort to dress up for them. And now, there are even proper etiquettes when attending a Zoom meeting, especially when attending a business meeting.

Since there are limited ways that you could meet your family, friends and co-workers, this is a great alternate. One that brings everyone together and keeps you connected.

6. Drive-In Cinemas

Since going to the movies wasn’t an option anymore, we had to find some sort of alternative. Drive-in movie theaters seemed to do the trick and after a while, they seemed to be the ‘in’ thing. It was the highlight of people’s quarantine where they got a chance to leave their homes and do something different. Personally, for us, the drive-in cinema had its own vibe, an old-school charm that many of us older folks still remember.

7. InstaLive

Ever noticed how Insta lives weren’t a thing before COVID-19? Of course, they existed but they really seemed to pick up during COVID-19 and it makes sense. People were bored in their homes, looking for entertainment and ways to connect with the outside world and what better way than an Insta or Facebook Live? From influencers to celebrities and your everyday person, everyone seemed to be conducting these sessions. We think that this trend is definitely here to stay and it’ll always be looked on as a way to interact with others.

8. Tie & Dye

Tie Dye Clothes — Photo: sharon-mccutcheon-BMrL6YDauWE-unsplash

We have to admit that this was our personal favorite. We just can’t get enough of all those delicious colors and designs. From T-shirts to hoodies and dresses and scrunchies, tie & dye took over the internet by storm. Suddenly all the top fashionistas and celebrities were posting pictures in tie & dye outfits and it just went viral. Maybe it was because it was the positivity that the world needed at that point or because it was a fun activity to do while being stuck at home. Either way, it was a brilliant and fun trend!

9. Pillow Challenge

This was popular with the ladies. It was a kind of fashion challenge where women created outfits with their pillows and accessorized them. It was a kind of creative outlet where they got to style their pillow outfits with funky shoes, bags and jewelry. Who says you can’t get dressed just because you have to stay home? Although this was a fun and innovative challenge, it was short-lived.

10. Nail Art

Woman's fingers with different nail colors — Photo by Evelyn Semenyuk on Unsplash

There’s only a certain number of ways in which you can entertain yourself at home and for women, this one was a quarantine hit. Many different designs of nail art became began to take over social media.

Once a particular one started trending and the rest just followed along. A popular one was the ombre trend in which every nail was painted a different color that made an overall ombre effect. This trend is still very much out there with new designs taking over.

11. Binge Watching

We spoke about this trend in a previous article. We are sure that Netflix, Hulu, Prime and all the other networks are building a huge profit from the quarantined people who need that exit into the world of fantasy, excitement, drama, comedy and sci-fi.

It’s interesting to note how each of these trends is unique in its own way. Some such as the dalgona broke the Internet, while others were there for a while and quietly phased out, but no doubt that as this pandemic continues to affect our lives, different trends will materialize to keep us busy in our homes. What do you think the next one will be?