India sailed through the first wave between March 2020 to Sep 2020 and slowly showed a decline in the number of covid cases. However, again in February 2021, India began to see an exponential surge in the number of cases, owing to the second wave. The main reason for the second wave could be caused by new strains from the UK, South Africa, and double mutant.
The COVID second wave is very concerning as the new mutant is highly contagious and known to escape our antibodies. This mutant is known to affect all, regardless of their age and immunity. It is also called a super spreader and can rapidly spread to others in the community.
Common and New Symptoms:
Although the new strain causes new symptoms, that does not mean old symptoms do not exist. Along with the old symptoms such as loss of smell/taste, dryness in the throat, cough, and others, new ones would be.
- Diarrhoea
- Conjunctivitis
- Vomiting
- Headache
Keeping Yourself SAFE During This Wave
The safety precautions remain the same for the new double-mutated coronavirus as well. It spread through droplets from infected people and from contaminated surfaces.
- Owing to the contagious nature of the virus, you should step out only if it is absolutely necessary.
- Stay home as much as possible, avoid unnecessary gatherings and public places.
- When you need to step out, ensure to wear dual masks, a surgical mask topped with an N95 mask.
- Ensure to stay masked the whole time you are outside.
- If you feel uncomfortable wearing double masks, you can wear an N95 mask and a face shield.
- Sanitize your hands often when out of the home. Once returned, ensure to use an antibacterial disinfectant soap to wash off your hands.
- When out maintain a minimum of 6-feet social distance from others. Never step into crowded zones.
- If you are travelling by cab, do not turn on the AC. Wind the windows down to allow for maximum air circulation. Ensure that the cab driver is masked.
- Wherever possible use stairs. Take the lift only if it is necessary and you need to reach the top floor of a multi-rise building. Lifts are a breeding place of COVID as it is a compact and closed area.
- Ensure to educate children about COVID-19 and its effect, so that they will continue to stay home and will not step outside.
Above all the precautions, get VACCINATED as soon as you can. The vaccine reduces the chances of getting infected and even if infected, you will be at a lower risk. In case you observe any symptoms of COVID, immediately isolate yourself, book for a COVID test and reach out to your healthcare professional without further delay.
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