Are we ready for third wave of Covid-19?

Dear Readers,

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As you know that our country is all set heading towards another wave of the COVID-19 due to the lack of access and inadequate coverage of immunization, direct or indirect contact with an infected persons, are the probable possibility of causing the disease
A lot amongst our citizens take our life for granted amidst the emergence of various deadly corona virus variants. Many of them are not even following the Covid-19 appropriate behaviour including physical distancing, wearing masks, avoiding crowded areas, but nowadays we often see the ignorance of these behaviours which would exacerbate the situation at large.
According to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the declining trend in daily COVID infections has slowed, with a modest increase in the positive rate. This is concerning since there has been an inflow of visitors to tourist locations who have shown little or no COVID-appropriate behaviour.
Maharashtra has issued a warning for the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, just as India is recovering from the havoc of the second wave. The second wave of the Corona virus pandemic was blamed on a delta version of SARS-CoV-2. Last year, Maharashtra was the first state to report the Delta variant. It’s unclear whether the Delta Plus version is more contagious or deadly than the Delta type. The Delta form has been discovered to be more lethal and capable of generating more severe Covid-19, resulting in a higher rate of patient hospitalisation.
India’s vaccination speed looks impressive compared to other countries, but not in terms of percentage. A vaccinated person may produce antibodies that neutralise the virus and interrupt the transmission cycle. Once a substantial population has been vaccinated and has circulating antibodies for the disease, herd immunity develops.
Following the Covid-19, appropriate behaviour is crucial to stop spread of the virus, despite of what be the fast spreading variants or new mutants that propel, if we avoid crowds by maintaining physical distance, wearing a mask, and thoroughly washing our hands, interrupting super-spreading events of explosive transmission. If we realize the significance of public health measures, and act appropriately we will overcome the tough times. Prime minister has also urged more people to come forward for vaccination. Because the greater the number of people who can be vaccinated, the lower the risk of transmission and viral replication, and the lower the risk of mutants emerging.
The vaccination is something that we vigorously provide to our youngsters and it is the only solution to handle the emerging crisis. If young people don’t get vaccinated it could leave every one vulnerable. Sometimes apprehensions regarding anything new especially about vaccines is there, but it is important for all to get vaccinated during this critical time. It is overwhelming to think about it but we cannot be denial. Children are still at risk of getting and spreading of coronavirus,as cases of MIS-C, or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, are on the rise.MIS-C is a condition that happens when “the virus induces your body to make an immune response against your own blood vessels,” that can cause inflammation of the blood vessels. As we have seen in the older variants and the delta variant, the Delta variant is far more infectious and produces massive increase of deaths that we witnessed in the second wave.
The pandemic of Covid-19 pushed scientists to produce vaccinations as quickly as possible. The efficacy of lab-developed vaccines varies depending on the candidate and the mutant forms of SARS-CoV-2. Covid-19 appropriate behaviour, on the other hand, provides the best protection against all SARS-CoV-2 subtypes. Immediate stringent measures should be taken to control the congestion in public places to prevent the third wave. We must be fully prepared to protect our toddlers and young children. High risk is involved for infants and children in the projected third wave. Functioning of neonatal and paediatric intensive care units are need in an hour.It is important to strengthen our IT, system, control rooms, and call centre networks offering phone numbers.
As much as two third of population is still unaware of need of vaccination. More focus is needed on villages and remote rural areas. Youngsters with access to information should create awareness, explain to rural people how vaccines help, talk to senior citizens, in their vicinity and help them to get the jabs. Availability of the services of tele-consulting platforms where the people can avail unlimited free consulting services of Doctor’s from morning to night 7 days a week who would support them not just in COVID care, but also specialists in other fields are needed.
India should impose strict covid-19 restrictions and also people should take this tiny virus seriously and not for granted. For overall well being of the society government already gear up and put a well designed system for effective management of Covid-19 to fight the possible third wave. It’s not only government responsibility, every individual; every organisation must come forward and contribute their services to strengthen the hands of government machinery Following non-pharmacological interventions like Physical distancing, wearing masks and hand washing could result in reducing risk of infection.
Apart from taking precautions, we must get our jabs done as early as possible so that we can combat this virus more effectively. Saving our and others lives by getting vaccinated should be our priority. Let us all work together to win this war and save mankind from this Covid crisis.
Let’s know about current issue of Double Helical there is more such interesting and thought-provoking stuff to savour. So, happy reading!

Thanks and regards

Amresh K Tiwary,
Editor-in-Chief