Prevention only protection against Covid second wave

Hyderabad: With high-end drugs like Remdesivir, Interferon and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) stated to be not working, experts state that it is back to basics with the prevention of Covid-19.
Anticipating a second wave in winter in India, experts are of the opinion that people must not neglect the use of masks, hand-washing, cough etiquette and must avoid mass gatherings to prevent the spread of the disease.
The sick must not venture out and rest at home as it is their duty not only to protect themselves but also others. To curtail the spread, World Health Organisation has asked countries in southeast Asia to scale up facilities and continue to test, track and trace cases.
People have been urged to remember three C’s – avoid crowded places, avoid closed settings and avoid confined places with poor ventilation. With seasonal influenza viruses active in winters, the health care system has to brace for a dual challenge this year.
Dr K.K. Aggarwal, president of the Conf-ederation of Medical Organi-sations of Asia and Oceania, said“Masks are very important in the prevention of the spread. Medical masks are regulated. But maximum people in India are wearing fabric masks. We need to bring it under regulation for quality and efficacy checks.”
Experts say that they are repeating the need for prevention as it has been observed that there is a fatigue in terms of follow protocols. Masking, social distancing and even hand washing is being violated as cases decline in India. This fatigue and carelessness will be one of the reasons for a spurt in new cases.
Dr Sudhir Kumar, senior consultant neurologist at the Institute of Neurosciences at Apollo Hospitals, said the next three to four months will be crucial in the fight against the virus. He noted that the next few weeks have important festivals like Bathukamma, Dasara, Diwali, Chhath, Christmas and Sankranti.
“With the relaxation in the norms, there are marriage parties and social functions where Covid guidelines are not followed. People have to continue to exercise care as only that will help in preventing the second wave. Apart from the environmental factors, it is the behaviour of the people which will decide the numbers in the second wave,” he said.
Experts have stated that wearing a mask in public places is important and the responsibility of everyone who is moving out in these fraught times. Physical distancing and hand-washing must be practiced and not given up following reports of the Covid curve bending.
Maintaining cough etiquette in public places is vital, doctors said. Restrictions during social gatherings, parties and public functions must be followed. Besides, people must be alert and report early to hospitals if they feel ill. Hyderabad: With high-end drugs like remdesivir, interferon and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) stated to be not working, experts state that it is back to basics with the prevention of Covid-19.
Anticipating a second wave in winter in India, experts are of the opinion that people must not neglect the use of masks, hand-washing, cough etiquette and must avoid mass gatherings to prevent the spread of the disease.
The sick must not venture out and rest at home as it is their duty not only to protect themselves but also others. To curtail the spread, World Health Organisation has asked countries in southeast Asia to scale up facilities and continue to test, track and trace cases.
People have been urged to remember three C’s – avoid crowded places, avoid closed settings and avoid confined places with poor ventilation. With seasonal influenza viruses active in winters, the health care system has to brace for a dual challenge this year.
Dr K.K. Aggarwal, president of the Conf-ederation of Medical Organi-sations of Asia and Oceania, said“Masks are very important in the prevention of the spread. Medical masks are regulated. But maximum people in India are wearing fabric masks. We need to bring it under regulation for quality and efficacy checks.”
Experts say that they are repeating the need for prevention as it has been observed that there is a fatigue in terms of follow protocols. Masking, social distancing and even hand washing is being violated as cases decline in India. This fatigue and carelessness will be one of the reasons for a spurt in new cases.
Dr Sudhir Kumar, senior consultant neurologist at the Institute of Neurosciences at Apollo Hospitals, said the next three to four months will be crucial in the fight against the virus. He noted that the next few weeks have important festivals like Bathukamma, Dasara, Diwali, Chhath, Christmas and Sankranti.
“With the relaxation in the norms, there are marriage parties and social functions where Covid guidelines are not followed. People have to continue to exercise care as only that will help in preventing the second wave. Apart from the environmental factors, it is the behaviour of the people which will decide the numbers in the second wave,” he said.
Experts have stated that wearing a mask in public places is important and the responsibility of everyone who is moving out in these fraught times. Physical distancing and hand-washing must be practiced and not given up following reports of the Covid curve bending.
Maintaining cough etiquette in public places is vital, doctors said. Restrictions during social gatherings, parties and public functions must be followed. Besides, people must be alert and report early to hospitals if they feel ill.