An epidemic that occurs worldwide, involving many countries and affecting a large population is called as a pandemic. The ongoing corona virus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has not only adversely affected the global healthcare infrastructure, but has significantly impacted world economy, socio-political and cultural environment. There are 219 different types of viruses, known at present to be able to infect human beings. This number is just a tip of the iceberg, with the possibility of a substantial pool of undiscovered human viruses and millions of other virus species (which affect plants and non-human animals) that can be potentially infectious to humans as well. Throughout human history there have been numerous pandemics and disease outbreaks that have not only led to huge loss of life, but also hindered economic growth and development. Therefore, in this review article we wanted to highlight major viral pandemics that have occurred in the last two decades, to understand factors contributing to their emergence, transmission and suggest ways to curb future outbreaks.

BACKGROUND The course and variations of thyroid arteries must be understood by surgeons to prevent bleeding during operative procedures of the thyroid gland. There is limited scientific literature regarding the radiological anatomy of thyroid arteries in this geographical area, the Garhwal region of Sub-Himalayan belt, which is considered to be the endemic belt of goiter. Computed tomography angiography provides a three-dimensional orientation of the vascular and surgical anatomy of the entire cervical region. AIM To estimate the proportion of variation in origin of thyroid arteries using Computed Tomography Angiography. METHODS Using Computed Tomography Angiography, the presence and origin of the superior thyroid artery, inferior thyroid artery, and thyroid ima artery were observed and assessed. RESULTS Out of total 210 subjects, superior thyroid artery was seen to be emerging from external carotid artery in 77.1% cases. The artery was found to be originating at the level of bifurcation of common carotid artery in 14.3% cases, whereas in 8.6% cases, it emerged as a direct branch of the common carotid artery. Similarly, the inferior thyroid artery was observed to be emerging from thyrocervical trunk, subclavian artery and vertebral artery in 95.7% cases, 3.3% and 1% cases, respectively. Thyroid ima artery was also reported in a subject, arising from the brachiocephalic trunk. CONCLUSION To avoid vascular injuries, excessive and uncontrollable bleeding, intra-operative difficulties, and post-operative issues, it is imperative for surgeons to be aware of the course and variations of thyroid arteries

COVID-19 was first detected in Wuhan (China), in December 2019. Mode of transmission was by respiratory droplets)or by surface transmission. Changing symptoms, treatment guidelines, and increased transmissibility of the virus were a concern among the healthcare workers. During the pandemic, the anxiety and stress levels were high among HCWs as they were disturbed by the increased caseload with colleagues testing positive. The present study aimed to find a correlation between knowledge and fear among health care workers working in COVID-19 areas of a tertiary care government hospital. This was a hospital-based study conducted at a tertiary care hospital, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. It was an observational study with a cross-sectional study design. The study was conducted in OPD and IPD of COVID-19 for a period of three months. Study participants were consultants, residents, nurses, hospital attendants, and paramedical staff. Pre-structured questionnaires for knowledgeand fear assessment were utilized. A total of 358 study participants were enrolled. The mean age of study participants was 29± 6.17. The mean knowledge and fear score of all study participants was 9.85 ± 1 and 19.86 ± 5.2 respectively. A negative correlation (r= - 0.04) was found between the knowledge and fear scores. There was a significant difference in knowledge among different groups of HCWs, but the level of fear was not significantly different It was established that the negative correlation between the knowledge and fear score among health care workers working in COVID-19 situation in tertiary health care hospitalRegular training and dissemination of the new updates regarding the pandemic can help in allaying the fear. Making appropriate personal protective equipment available at the healthcare center will boost the confidence of the health workers.