More than a year and a half after the coronavirus pandemic ravaged our collective lives, our society continues to grapple with fear and insecurity. As a result, we have seen misinformation spread like wildfire, and many people resort to bizarre and wrong ways of dealing with the virus. With this column, which will be published every Sunday, we aim to address any health or vaccine-related questions that our readers may have. coronavirus global pandemic.
The questions in this week’s column are answered by Dr. Rahul Pandit, Director of Intensive Care, Fortis Hospitals, Mumbai. Dr. Pandit is also a member of the National Task Force appointed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court and a part of the COVID Task Force of the Government of Maharashtra. In this column, Dr. Pandit answers questions about the third wave, and the precautions needed before and during Diwali.
What are the precautions being taken to ensure a safe Diwali from the point of view of COVID?
Please make sure you celebrate Diwali only with your family and friends. Only the double vaccine and the masked person to come together. Avoid overcrowding this year and go to places where there is a possibility of overcrowding.
Has Delta Plus been found in India yet? How dangerous is the subvariant?
Delta remains the dominant version. It has also been claimed in media reports that 7 new cases of Delta Plus have been reported in India. There is no significant clinical difference between Delta and Delta Plus, so although researchers are keeping an eye on this new subtype, it has not yet been found to be a threat.
Despite reaching 100 crore vaccinations, what are the challenges still faced by the administration in motivating people to get vaccinated?
Many people have not taken their second dose even after completing 12 weeks. There is still some vaccine hesitation and more importantly, people believe they have got covid and don’t need vaccination, or that COVID 19 is over and therefore no vaccine is needed.
Will there be a third wave? Have we averted it, or will it be like the second and first wave happened?
A major third wave is likely only if we have a newer version, and even if it does, it is unlikely that our hospitals will be more spread out during the first and second wave.
When will the COVID vaccines be available for children in India?
The subject expert group has given an emergency use authorization, now DCGI needs to approve it and NTAGI needs to implement it. It will follow due process. But will be available soon.
Is the rural population as vaccinated as the urban population? What are the challenges faced in vaccinating the rural population?
As far as the rural population is concerned, vaccine hesitancy, lack of communication, availability of vaccine near their home are some of the challenges that need to be tackled.
read all breaking news, breaking news And coronavirus news Here. follow us on Facebook, Twitter And Wire.
.