Mask up, Omicron is here

Covid-19 has held the whole world hostage for the last two years. We were just getting past the fallout of the second wave, and now the third wave is almost here. With the onset of the Omicron variant, we can expect a third wave in India by 2022.

What is Omicron?

Thus far, the new coronavirus variant Omicron has been identified in at least 95 nations. It was first detected in South Africa and Botswana followed by Britain, Denmark, Norway, and the United States. Currently, there are more than 200 cases of this new variant across 12 states in India.

The Omicron variant has been constantly doubling in numbers and that is quite alarming. The time taken to double in number is around 3 days. Omicron variant has almost five times more infectious than delta and the time taken for doubling can be as less as 1.5 days.

Will there be a third wave?

While most of the country’s population has been vaccinated and the immunity has gotten better, the chances of a third wave are high. This is because people are flouting all the rules and not maintaining the necessary Covid-19 safety protocols.

They are not wearing face masks and those who do are using it in a wrong manner. By wearing your mask on your chin or below your nose, you are not going to keep the coronavirus away. Huge public gatherings for weddings and other functions are being carried out and nobody seems to follow social distancing. In fact, people are living as if they have forgotten all about Covid-19.

With all this in play, the third wave is soon upon us. It is our moral duty to maintain basic precautions and try to curb the third wave.

How to prepare for the third wave?

Since we have all dealt with the second wave, we should be in a better position to handle the third wave. Here are 3 important tips to prepare for the third wave.

1. Don’t repeat past mistakes: Covid-19 has not been eradicated. It may have decreased but has not disappeared. Remember that the virus can still spread and cause more harm. Do not repeat the same mistakes made during the first and second wave.
2. Follow protocol: Covid-appropriate behaviour is your only go-to medicine right now. Follow all necessary protocol to keep the dreadful disease away. Wear your mask properly by covering you nose and mouth. Do not let the mask slip down. Wash your hands and legs every time you come home. Keep your work area sanitised and clean. Maintain six feet distance with everyone around you.
3. Family health: Since most of us are vaccinated, we are relatively safe. But children below the age of 18 years have not yet been vaccinated. They need the maximum protection.

The onus of caring for the family lies on the mother. Since the mothers are the health ministers of the house, you need to focus on maintaining their health. As a mother, try to give your family healthy, home-cooked meals, include physical activity in your family’s daily routine, and try to bond as a family. This way your family is mentally and physically healthy and happy.

Whatever be the number of the wave, Covid- 19 is here to stay for a while. If we do not follow all precautions and maintain mandatory protocol in place, we are just feeding the virus. Instead focus on keeping yourself healthy and following all Covid norms to keep this dreadful disease away from you.

-Dr. Neha Mishra Consultant - Infectious Diseases, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Rd