By now, we are all aware that the 2nd wave of COVID-19 has arrived. According to the latest coronavirus news, several states have imposed or renewed COVID restrictions. Vaccinations have been liberalized and accelerated so that more people can get the COVID vaccine as soon as possible.
The surge of COVID-19 cases in India has happened quite suddenly and has taken a lot of people by surprise.
It’s no wonder that people are asking what the second wave is, what triggered it and will the same COVID precautionary measures we adopted throughout last year suffice? Read on for all the answers.
India recorded the first few cases of COVID-19 in March 2020 and then on until September of 2020, COVID cases continued increasing. After September, fewer cases began to be reported and the first wave of COVID officially began to decline. By the beginning of 2021, only a handful of cases were reported in PAN India and normalcy was almost restored.
However, from February onwards the cases began to rise exponentially and in 1 month (February to March) we recorded as many cases as in 6 months of 2020. This is the second wave because it is the second time that COVID cases are on the rise.
What exactly caused the second wave is unknown. However, this second wave could have been triggered by a few new strains of the coronavirus including the UK virus, South Africa virus and the double mutant. These mutants of coronavirus are very infectious and have a high R-value (the number of people who can be infected from one person).
2 other reasons why the second wave has spread like wildfire are:
The second coronavirus wave is of concern because this new mutant SARS-COV is very contagious and has learned to dodge our antibodies. Even the 18-45 age group, who supposedly has strong immunity, is susceptible. This group has been called the COVID-19 super-spreader. They are the ones who have to be out in public the most. And once they come home with the infection, they rapidly spread it to others in the house/apartment building/housing society. This new COVID-19 strain is also infecting children.
Even though the new strains of COVID are accompanied by new symptoms which do not mean that the old symptoms are no longer seen. COVID positive people may still have a fever, body ache, loss of smell/ taste, soreness or dryness in the throat, runny nose and cough. However this time, solitary symptoms may confuse people. For example, someone with diarrhoea may attribute it to a stomach infection but it is also now a symptom of COVID. Some new COVID-19 symptoms have been noticed. Sometimes just one of these symptoms is exhibited –
Here’s What You Should Do If You Develop Symptoms Of COVID
The new double-mutated coronavirus too spreads through droplets from infected persons or through contact with contaminated surfaces. That is why the same precautions as before will help you now –
If you notice anyone in your family or yourself showing the symptoms of COVID-19, practise home isolation and book a COVID test right away. Contact your doctor even before the reports arrive. Follow the COVID-19 protocol at all times.
All you need is to book a test to check your health.
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The Coronavirus outbreak is now a global epidemic. Everyone, starting from everyday people like us to government officials, healthcare experts and international organizations like the Centre of Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are worried about how to check this threat.
COVID -19 as a disaster of the 21st century seems harm all of as for a while more as new variants keep emerging. Though it can affect all ages, the elderly and children are the most vulnerable group. Despite many of drugs has been speculated as a treatment agent, only vaccines are effective modality.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
22 countries have been affected by the coronavirus. They are:
Though adults are the most commonly affected group; it can also be seen in newborns and elderly patients. Unfortunately, elderly patients are the most vulnerable group with higher mortality. Elderly patients, smokers and patients with comorbid conditions are most affected by the disease.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Not much is known about how this condition is caused. It is believed that the virus originated from a wholesale meat/seafood market in China. The viruses can jump from one species to another and that is why humans have contracted the virus from animals.
The signs are similar to that of the regular flu – runny nose, fever, coughing, body ache, sore throat and breathing difficulties.
The virus becomes deadly if it affects the lower respiratory system, as it can result in pneumonia.
In this context, it is important to learn about coronavirus precautions. Here are a few things you must do:
The number of coronavirus cases is rising with every passing day. Take all the precautions mentioned above to protect yourself from the coronavirus threat.
Assess Your Risk of COVID-19 with Coronavirus Risk Assessment Tool
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
