PharmEasy Blog

Keep The Festive Spirit Alive Cautiously

The season of festivals is around the corner and so is the chance of a possible festival induced surge of COVID-19 cases. Kartik is the month of festivals in India with Dussehra, Karva Chauth, Diwali and Chhath Puja celebrated back to back in various parts of the subcontinent. And for every festive celebration to be successful there needs to be people. But given the times, people signify mass gathering and that means spread of coronavirus infection. Like last year, we cannot let our guard down completely and we must celebrate cautiously. 

Has the Second Wave Receded?

As the second wave is yet to recede completely, one piece of good news is that more than 75% of India’s adult population has received the first jab and more than 31% has got both doses. Although this puts people out of danger in terms of a severe infection, it doesn’t make you completely immune to the risk of infection in spite of getting both your doses. In the month of August 14,421 persons contracted COVID-19 in spite of being fully vaccinated.

Given the circumstances, it is only responsible on our part if we understand the scenario and continue to follow COVID appropriate behaviour for the safety of one and all.

Covid 19 mainly spreads airborne by droplets. The droplets from coughing or sneezing can travel upto 3 feet when protective masks are worn and without them they can travel 22 ft in a closed environment. Hence social distancing along with masking is necessary to prevent the spread of covid 19 in festive season where large gatherings are there and the disease can easily spread.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

What is the SUTRA model and why is it important?

The SUTRA model is an acronym that stands for Susceptible, Undetected, Tested (Positive) and Removed Approach. It is a model based on mathematics and used by experts to predict the COVID graph in India. As per its initial findings, the model reported that India had well ‘past its peak’ in October 2020, meaning that India had achieved herd immunity. However, in April this year, experts found a number of flaws in the model:

All in all, the SUTRA model is blamed for being instrumental in the idea that India was safe from a possible second wave.

However, with fresh COVID cases being reported in the states of West Bengal, Orissa and Assam post, it is only practical to follow all COVID appropriate behaviour. 

Crowds are a source of transmission in the COVID-19 spread. Contention and mitigation measures have focused on reducing people’s mass gatherings, the impact of small-scale (less than 100 people) gathering events on the spread of COVID-19 in the city is also not to be underestimated as even a single case of covid might be sufficient to cause the spread.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

How to Keep Yourself and Your Loved Ones Protected

As COVID is very much present among us, we need to follow some important tips to ensure that our enjoyment is maximum and so are the safety measures.

Conclusion

Times are still very much uncertain as we do not know how the virus might behave. Getting vaccinated does not make you invincible but only lowers the risk of a severe infection. Follow all COVID-19 protocols to ensure safety and happiness throughout this festive season. 

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