I was struck very hard by the second wave of Coronavirus infection in the last few months, though the wave seems to be receding. now. The second wave caught the whole population totally on the wrong foot. Many Indians lost their lives and many have been maimed for life. We need to introspect as to what went wrong and what can be done to minimise the effects of the third wave.
When is the third wave of SARS COV 2 likely to strike us?
Though this is extremely difficult to predict, many scientists predict that we shall face the third wave after 4 to 5 months. This is as per the experience of other countries like England, Italy and France.
Is it that children are likely to face the brunt of the third wave?
Most of the middle-aged and elderly either would be vaccinated or would have been infected by the year-end. This by itself gives them immunity aga’ not the coronavirus infection. This is achieved by the protective antibodies present in the blood after vaccination or after infection. As only the young group would not be vaccinated or infected by that time, the younger population less than 18 years are likely to be more vulnerable.
How would the infection likely spread in young?
To begin with, the infection may occur in children after getting the coronavirus from adults. Later young adults and children are likely to spread the infection amongst themselves. As the young population is non-immune today, theoretically the risk seems to be enormous considering how populous we are!
Why children have a different response to coronavirus infection?
Children have repeated episodes of the common cold due to some respiratory viruses. The coronavirus also belongs to the same family of viruses. This probably gives them some cross-immunity. In addition in adults, the immune system launches an aggressive response to the invading coronavirus causing massive release of cytokines and thus causing severe damage to the individual’s lungs and vascular system.
What are the common symptoms of coronavirus infection in children?
The symptoms are mild in children. Fever, cough, mild breathlessness may occur. Loss of smell and taste may occur as in adults. Diarrhoea, fatigue body aches and muscle pains may occur too. A rash on the skin, conjunctivitis discolouration of fingers and toes may occur: A more serious form of symptoms is seen in children with Multiple Inflammatory Syndrome.
What precautions would be required to prevent the impact of the third wave?
The most important would be to get vaccinated as early as possible. If you have Diabetes or Hypertension or are on blood thinners like Aspirin or Clopidogrel or anticoagulants please do not be worried about any complications due to vaccination. Even if the blood glucose or blood pressure is not under good control, the vaccine can still be given. There is no need to stop blood thinners before vaccination. The most important aspect is to get vaccinated as early as possible.
What about Covid appropriate behaviour?
Wearing two masks of which one should be an N95 mask is extremely important. Even if you have been vaccinated please wear two masks. Avoid going to crowded places as far as possible and maintain social distancing. Make sure that you exercise regularly. This is the only way to boost your immunity besides vaccination. Other measures like Zinc, Vitamins, Calcium, Ivermectin have not been scientifically proved to prevent coronavirus infection.
What about vaccination in children?
The government authorities have approved phase 2 and 3 trials of Covaxin in children 2-18 years old. These trials are certainly likely to succeed and children may be vaccinated soon.
What to expect from governmental agencies?
The most important aspect would be to make sure that Oxygen, Tocilmintab, and illegal drugs for Mucormycosis are available in good measure. The guidelines for treatment change frequently as the disease itself is just less than 2 years old. The virus itself undergoes mutation bringing in newer challenges as regards symptoms and treatment protocols. The latest guidelines should be given adequate publicity.
Have we learnt any lessons from the second wave?
We should never be complacent about this deadly and unpredictable virus infection. We should never lower our guard till this virus is completely eliminated from our planet. Provision for Oxygen and other life-saving medications, hospital beds and a proper public and private partnership is important. The second wave struck us hard for various reasons. There is a lot to be learnt from our experiences from the second wave. We were underprepared and complacent. Hoping that the vaccination program is effective against mutant strains of the virus. We teed to maintain the dedicated Covid centres till the pandemic is totally brought under control.
