Clinova increases hydration tablet production to help NHS staff during pandemic

Formulated to World Health Organisation standards, Clinova’s O.R.S Hydration Tablets add an electrolyte mix to water that helps the body to quickly absorb fluids and restores an optimal level of hydration. O.R.S is the official hydration supplier to Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur’s players and medical staff.

O.R.S is currently undergoing trials with patients suffering from acute viral upper respiratory infection symptoms (AVRTI), associated with Covid-19, such as coughing, fever, sore throat and nasal congestion.

The glucose-salt combination replenishes water and body salts that are depleted through sweating (exercise or illness) and through drinking too little. Clinova said working on Covid-19 wards requires long and testing shifts, while dressed in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Although a vital barrier between staff and the virus, the equipment makes staff hot and makes it harder for them to drink. With temperatures set to rise this summer, Clinova said hydration is crucial to keeping key workers healthy.

Tottenham Hotspur has donated a supply of the tablets to two London hospitals, which will keep staff hydrated through their crucial work battling Covid-19.

Clinova’s co-founder, Yorkshireman Arsalan Karim, said the firm has also accelerated production of its Covaflu respirator masks in response to the Government’s request for PPE for NHS and key workers.

Mr Karim said: “Hydration is one of the most important aspects of human health, especially when the body is faced with challenges such as extreme heat or illness. With the Covid-19 pandemic continuing, it is essential for everyone to stay well hydrated.”

Clinova’s chief medical adviser, Wakefield-born Dr Tom Bracewell, added: “Meteorologists are forecasting another scorching summer this year, and when temperatures pick up, our bodies are more prone to dehydration.

“Good hydration goes a long way in supporting the body’s natural ability to defend and repair, which is going to be incredibly important for anyone suffering from Covid-19 symptoms.

“Also, this generous donation from our partners at Tottenham Hotspur is both a significant vote of confidence in O.R.S as well as a welcome boost to the NHS’s heroic doctors and nurses.”

Clinova has also released an updated version of its digital healthcare app Caidr, which, in addition to helping users assess common medical issues, has found a way to promote social distancing and keep vulnerable people safe.

Clinova private investor, Gordon Black, who ran the Yorkshire-based company Peter Black Healthcare, said: “Investing in an agile, digital-focused consumer healthcare business, built by two passionate entrepreneurs, was a journey I had to be part of. Clinova is a business which is in the right place at the right time.

“It has a winning consumer product in the increasingly popular O.R.S, the very timely Covaflu respirator masks, which are in huge demand because of coronavirus and the first-class artificial intelligence Caidr app, which has huge potential. This is a tremendous combination.”

Dr Bracewell added: “At Clinova, the whole team is dedicated to slowing the spread of the pandemic, while at the same time making sure the care for those who become infected by the virus is up to scratch and able to deliver maximum benefits.

“While looking at ways to reduce the impact of Covid-19, it is important to remember that as of yet, there is no cure or vaccine. Steps for the prevention of virus transmission such as social distancing, handwashing, and continued worldwide research into a vaccine, remain vital.”

The Lancet, one of the best known general medical journals, described O.R.S as “potentially the most important medical advance of the 20th century”.

O.R.S. tablets are now widely available both in shops and online. Stockists include Holland and Barrett, Boots, Wiggle, Morrisons and local pharmacies across the UK.

https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/brands/ors/