Doctors clear doubts on Covid-19 & vaccination, read to know

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The ongoing pandemic has got into a worse stage and has horrified people as the death rate increases. India, with a population of 1.3 billion has been fighting the pandemic 24*7. There are some common doubts and queries that people have across the nation and to address them directly, Mitron TV, a short format video app has launched a campaign called #VirusToVaccine. This campaign has been designed to educate users about the importance of vaccination and queries around Covid-19 by inviting medical professionals and health experts for live sessions scheduled every Saturday at 7.00 pm on Mitron TV’s new feature, Live Samvaad.

Doctors that have already gone live on the app are Prof. Dr. Sanjeev Bagai, Chairman at Nephron Clinic, Healthcare Leadership, Medical Administrator, Senior Consultant Pediatrician & Nephrologist, Medical Innovation & Digital Technology, Dr. Kaushal Kant Mishra who has more than 18 years of rich work experience in Orthopedics, Joint Replacement and Trauma and was recognized as the First Orthopaedic Surgeon to perform “Uncemented Hip Replacement” in Tanzania. He has also been nominated in “Guinness Book of World Record” for operating Hip replacement on 107 years old patient in 2006. Dr. Ashok Seth, a Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awardee, is the current Chairman of the Fortis Escorts Heart Institute in New Delhi and the Head of the Fortis Group of Hospitals’ Cardiology Council. His contributions to cardiology, especially interventional cardiology, have been widely recognized in India and around the world and Prof. Dr. J.A. Jayalal who is the current serving National President of IMA, the country’s largest professional council of healthcare personnel. He is widely recognized and has been associated with the IMA for many years.

These doctors addressed direct questions from the audience and below are a few pointers that many would want to know:

1.       What is the reason for the recent spike in cases?

There are many people who are wearing masks for name’s sake, they don’t cover their mouth and nose but rather the masks are seen around their neck. There are high risk zones where people are still wearing masks but in the relaxed zones where cases are fewer, people are taking it very casually and not wearing them. In the recent study, we have found strains from the UK, Africa which means the rate of transition is high and people should not wait but go ahead and take the vaccine. Only after about 70% of the population gets vaccinated the transition rate will reduce and the number of cases will drop.

2.       What is the symptomatic difference between last year and this year?

Last year the patients who were covid positive had symptoms such as running nose, body pain, fever, cough, etc. But this year we have witnessed new symptoms such as jaw pain, stomach pain, lose motions, rashes, etc. The nature of the virus has changed drastically, earlier there used to be one patient from a family but this year if one person is positive the entire family is turning out to be positive.

3.       Why is it that the current variant is the most dangerous one so far?

People should understand that virus is a living organism just like us humans and the way humans have adapted to situations, these viruses also have the characteristics to adapt to the changing environment. The virus wants to live, we cannot change the way the virus functions or reacts, but we can change the way we live, by taking necessary precautions we are keeping the virus away from getting inside our body. Hence, basic precaution like wearing masks is important, please do not wear a proxy mask.

4.       Does Virus Spread Through Eyes?

No. There is no such data available that says this.

5.       Is Vaccination safe?

Vaccination is only a defence mechanism that fights against the virus and protects your body from it. It does not harm your body in any way, mild side effects are there but that is only because your body is preparing protection against the virus. One should get vaccinated at the earliest.

6.       Are both doses of vaccine necessary?

Yes. If you take one dose of vaccine, your body will cover only 25% to 35% of protection but with both the vaccines it increases to 95% to 97%. The chance of getting affected is very low.

7.       Will there be a third wave?

It is not possible to predict the 3^rd wave but there is a surge or shift every 6 to 8 months in the way this virus reacts. Everyone needs to continue taking precautions.

8.       There are many youngsters who have been covid positive this year, why?

Last year, people were following strict guidelines but as soon as things started to look normal in early 2021, people especially youngsters started to step out and that is how they were the most affected ones and eventually became major transmitters.