Second wave burden

The receding second wave of Covid-19 has left a shift in the pattern of the disease and its effect. Unlike the first wave when the elderly and those with comorbidities were considered more vulnerable, the calamitous March-June period of 2021 has unfolded a departure that points to the young and healthy also being highly susceptible to contracting the coronavirus. Mortality data from the health departments of many states, including Haryana, shows that patients with no underlying comorbid conditions accounted for nearly 50 per cent of the deaths in the recent couple of months. Also, the fatality figures in the younger age segments were higher than those of last year. It is also observed that Covid-19 leaves a trail of side effects on patients even long after testing negative, such as compromised lungs, fatigue, aches or loss of taste and smell.

Besides the more aggressive and transmissible newer virus strains hitting the country, this trend is being attributed to people becoming complacent or delaying testing or treatment after getting the symptoms. Compounding the situation was the lack of proper medical care available as the healthcare system collapsed under the overwhelming weight of the second wave. Another significant factor is that the younger lot remained unfortified as vaccination for them was opened much later and the shots were in short supply.

All these are matters of concern and call for a constantly evolving strategy to keep ahead of the mutating variants of the pathogen. Indeed, the unprecedentedly tragic wave has shaken the nation out of its self-congratulatory mode of overcoming the virus. It should alert both the public and healthcare experts to be on their toes in order to keep the virus at bay. Individually, it is incumbent upon each one of us to strictly adhere to Covid-appropriate protocol and consult the doctor immediately in case of suspected symptoms. The authorities need to tailor the pandemic management plan as per the unfolding scenario, along with being prepared in advance for possible eventualities. And, most importantly, ensure that there is no let-up in the vaccination goal. It is the key defence in the battle against the virus.

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