What the second wave of COVID 19 has changed over the years?

One hundred years ago (between 1918 and 1920), a pandemic attacked this world. That pandemic was termed as Spanish Flu, had infected about one-third of the world population and killed 50 million people, out of which 675,000 were from the USA only. 

One hundred years later, again, a virus has attacked the whole world and caused a pandemic. Now that virus was termed as Novel CoronaVirus or Covid-19. This virus may not be as deadly as Spanish Flu (Corona has 2% compared to 10% of Spanish Flu), but its high spread rate (almost 40%) instills more fear in people. 

Now this year’s surge has only added fuel to the fire. It is increasing the anxiety and worries of everyone. Let us look at the four things which have contributed to the surge of covid-19 this year. 

• Asymptomatic Nature: Last year, whoever was infected with the virus, did show some symptoms of being infected. The symptoms included fever and tiredness. But this time, covid is showing its fang without letting anyone notice. Since an asymptomatic individual, who conveys the infection, would have spread the disease. Specialists say 80-85% of the populace are asymptomatic. Asymptomatic individuals will communicate the infection in any event when the person in question is talking. Likewise, asymptomatic individuals don’t isolate themselves in a home setting.
• Not following proper guidelines: Super-spreading occasions in indoor settings, local gatherings, parties have triggered neighborhood outbreaks if Covid-avoiding practices are not followed. Since some infection variations are more irresistible, and because miniature regulation zones were not observed as feasible as control zones a year ago, we see whole families going down with the infection. Protocols are not being followed as thoroughly as the last year. All asymptomatic immediate and high-hazard contacts of affirmed cases are to be tested once every 5-10 days of coming into contact; however, sometimes, it returns false-negative results. Hence, the infection spreads.
• Affected age groups: Earlier, only old age groups and kids were at more risk, but as time passed and people became more infected, all the age groups were at risk. The biggest problem is that the virus is mutating as well. The more it mutates, the higher the possibility that it may escape the immune response.
• Letting guard-down after vaccination: Many people think they would be immune to the coronavirus after being vaccinated. But so is not the case. People need to know that this vaccine acts as a shield; it is not the full-proof cure for the virus. Even after getting two doses of vaccine, a person may get infected, as the antibodies are still being developed in the body. Therefore it is essential that people still take precautions even after being vaccinated. 

The efficacy of both vaccines available in India is as below:

Hence, we still need to take precautions, even after we are vaccinated.