A type of pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan city of China in 2019. The official name or term for the outbreak in Corona Virus or COVID-19. It is basically a spectrum of many diseases including common cold, flu, fever, congestion etc. Its symptoms are also similar to that of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). It became a global pandemic in early 2020. Biologically, it is an RNA (Ribonucleic acid) virus. It uses glycol protein or spike protein to bind to the receptor and enter human cells.
𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐃 𝐢𝐬 𝐳𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐬.
But now, it spreads from human to human even from human to animals. Studies suggest its transmission from bats to humans. Initially, lockdowns in Wuhan and other cities of China were imposed. Because of highly contagious nature of COVID. Even then, the spread was rapid to other Asian countries and then to other continents. International and domestic travel bans restricts and somehow control the transmission. But for how long can the world ban live with a ban on travel? The high mortality rate makes it most dangerous virus in the history of man kind. The Chinese government quickly began research on COVID and trials for medicines and vaccines to curb the virus. So, the whole word began researching to get rid of the disease.
The COVID grows exponentially. The virus has a high adaptability and mutates as per the environmental conditions to develop resistance. That is why, the treatments including medications and common flu shots are not successful against COVID. Depending upon the mutation, there are different waves of COVID pandemic.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐃 𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜
When a mutation occurs in protein coat of virus, a new resistant Variant is born. There are many variants of COVID. Each variant originates in a different country with a different environment condition. So, the WHO classify the variants as; variant of interest, variant of concern and variant of high consequence. Depending upon the spread, mortality and symptoms nature, WHO divides and name the variants of COVID. The Delta variant in India contains three mutations and is the most lethal variant of COVID.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐚 𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐥 𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐃.
Recently, Omicron is the variant of fifth wave. This is highly contagious. Because it spreads rapidly. But, it is not very lethal like Delta.
Scientists throughout the world apply different medicines to treat COVID patients. Initially for COVID treatment, medicines like Hydroxy Chloro Quinine (HCQ), Remdesivir, Actemra were prescribed. But these did not work effectively. In developing countries, hoarding of these medicines created havoc. So, only for patients on ventilator, WHO recommends these medicines. Otherwise, social distancing, wearing of masks, washing hands and sanitising are the only preventive measures for COVID.
COVID declines natural immune response of human body. So, efforts to develop a cure which improves human immunity were made. Therefore, scientist came up with mRNA based vaccines, adenovirus vector and inactivated COVID vaccines. Initially, it was decided after 1st administration of vaccine on human in March 2020. That 2 doses will be administered to humans with a time gap or 20-40 days to improve immunity against COVID. So, different pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer BionTech, Moderna, Oxford, GlaxoSmithklein and Chinese and Russian companies made Sinopharm, SinoVac, Sputnik. Indian company vaccines include Covishield and Pakistan made PakVac.
Now, after the occurrence of new variants, 2 doses of vaccines are not effective.
𝗦𝗼, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗗.
The fight Omicron, WHO recommends booster shot. The immunity can improve with a booster shot. So, many countries are carrying out mass campaigns to administer booster shots to population. Because Omicron is wildly spreading. It is affecting even children and young. Most of all, elderly are dying because of Omicron. Everyday, the cases and COVID positivity rate is rising.
𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝗼𝗳 seco𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝘀𝗲.
Countries with mass population vaccination campaigns are easing restrictions. They are getting back to pre COVID routines. Some countries are even allowing removing masks and social gatherings. Because they believe that booster dose and vaccines will prevent COVID. But we have seen that even 2 doses of vaccines did not prevent Delta variant. So, what makes us think that a booster shot will prevent next wave of COVID?
A booster shot adds an extra layer of protection against COVID. But there is still uncertainty. If this variant also, mutates. May be another booster shot will help. So, no one knows how many more variants and how many more booster shots will prevent COVID.
Some vaccines boosters are more effective for certain variants. But if we get into a 6th wave with a new variant, we might need a new type of booster or a new combination vaccine.
Since, everyone is living I uncertain times. It is better to get a booster shot. The world leaders are trying to curtail the pandemic. But instead of living in fear. Try to live responsible. Use preventive measures like masks, social distancing etc. Pandemic is not over yet. so prevention is better than cure. Try to relax your mind and improve your focus on good things in life. Enjoy nature and improve your health through yoga, exercises and meditation. It is always good to connect with nature to free your mind from all the confusions.
