Assuming Covid to be a mild passing common flu, could get you wrong, because it is not so. It needs timely detection and treatment preferably within 3-4 days of contracting the virus. With the onset of new variants like the Delta variant, which easily manages to escape the vaccine radar, rapidly attaches itself to the alveoli in the inner lining of the lungs, the bronchioles, causing immense discomfort to the patients gasping for breath only to be aided by a ventilator. These alveoli are air exchangers wherein interchanging CO2 for O2 takes place. In the aftermath these alveoli (air sacs) get clogged with mucus, and exchanges are not optimal due to congestion caused by excessive mucus secretions. It’s at this stage the patient is most vulnerable to possible cardiac arrests. If this condition persists long enough it brings the onset of a condition known as “Long Covid”. Adults as well as children could be affected by “Long Covid” infections when the marauding third wave will inevitably be upon us.
As recovery is slow “Long Covid” disease could be devastating and other organs in the body are likely to be affected and diseased due to very low O2 levels. Presently, 2 doses and possibly a booster 3rd dose of vaccines could be the best bet in resisting these infections thus leading to herd immunity. People shouldn’t lower their guard with indiscriminate discarding of established Covid protocols, and must adhere to them with all integrity. Mass gatherings like yatras and election rallies must be banned. Cases of the first signs of the imminent third wave are on the rise and started appearing across Europe and the Americas. The spread is identical to the pattern seen in the second wave that was witnessed early this year. Precious lives could be saved only by making diligent efforts to implement timely all-round measures.
