Former Professor of Cardiology Department of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) K. Srinath Reddy has said that we should not live in the misunderstanding that we will eradicate or eliminate this virus.
- Is Omicron more contagious?
- Wearing a mask will save you
- Corona will never end
New Delhi. While there has been an uproar in many countries of Africa and Europe regarding the new variant Omicron, which is said to be more infectious of Korana virus, it has raised the concern of the government and administration as well as the general public by knocking in India. All kinds of apprehensions are being expressed in the country regarding its infectious tendency and its effect on health. On all these issues, Chairman of Public Health Foundation of India and former Professor of Cardiology Department of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) K. Many big things came out in the conversation with Srinath Reddy (K. Srinath Reddy).
Question: Omicron has knocked in India and there is an atmosphere of panic about it because the World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern saying it is highly contagious. What do you have to say about this?
Answer: As far as its infectious ability is concerned, it is true that it is more contagious. The speed with which it has spread in the countries of South Africa and Europe is also proof of this. This form of the virus makes it seriously ill, so far there is no sign of it. Rather, whatever things have come out so far, it shows that there was not much need for hospitalization of infected people and it is not killing people, as we have seen in the delta form of the virus. Was. If we talk about the effect of the vaccine, then it is more likely that the effect of the vaccine will be reduced. Because the level of antibodies made from the vaccine decreases after some time. But this does not mean that the vaccine will be completely defeated by the virus.
Question: Before Omicron takes a dangerous form, what steps should the government take immediately. There is talk of ban on international flights as well?
Answer: First of all we have to slow down the speed of its spread. Therefore, wear a mask so that the virus cannot enter our body. There should be a ban on the programs which are crowded. The speed of vaccination should increase. Its effect on health will have to be continuously monitored. The infection may spread but if it is not making people seriously ill, then treatment should be arranged at home. If the disease is severe, then definitely hospitals should also be arranged. Talking about banning international flights, I believe it is not going to help anything. When this epidemic came to China, many countries had banned international flights, even when the Alpha variant came to Britain, we banned international flights and did the same in the case of the Delta variant but still we could not stop it from spreading. But we can reduce its speed a little, by banning flights. Instead of imposing restrictions, the travelers who are coming from abroad should be screened and symptoms of diseases should be detected in them. Their contacts should be traced.
Question: Whenever a new form of the virus comes to the fore, a debate erupts in the country whether the vaccine is effective against it or not. If so, which vaccine is most effective? There is also talk of booster doses. What will you say?
Answer: I have been saying since last April that these vaccines that have been made or which we are using all over the world, they can prevent serious disease but can not stop the virus infection from spreading. Masks can only do the job of preventing the spread of infection and the vaccine gives us protection. That’s why we also have to get the vaccine and wear a mask. Talking about the booster dose, it depends on the effect of the vaccine. There are some vaccines that rapidly increase antibodies. There are some in which the level of antibodies even ends after a few months. There is a difference in every vaccine. It is necessary to see how seriously ill Omicron is making before a booster dose is given.
Question: Under the nationwide vaccination campaign, more than 126.53 crore doses of vaccine have been administered so far. Out of these, both the doses have been given to only 46,88,15,845 people while 79,56,76, 342 people have taken the first dose. Your opinion about this?
Answer: We have to give both the doses of the vaccine as soon as possible. It is necessary to complete the vaccination program at the earliest. If it is proved that Omicron is causing serious health hazards, then booster dose may be started. In this also, preference should be given to those above 60 years of age or those with serious illness.
Question: This question is being raised again and again in the minds of the people whether every year some form of corona virus will keep coming and we will be forced to live in the shadow of fear in the same way?
Answer: The virus will change its form to live among us. It may also come in a different form. We should not live under the misunderstanding that we will eradicate or eliminate this virus. We can definitely reduce its danger and give a signal to him that if you want to live among us, then do not spread the disease much. For now, there is nothing to panic as Omicron has not shown any serious health effects so far. This is a good sign for us. So wear a mask, stay away from the crowd and get the vaccine.
