Why do you think coronavirus is increasing lately?
With the restrictions put in place across the world lifted, people are traveling. This has increased the number of infections. People have stopped wearing masks and taking other safety measures. Amid this, a new Omicron variant of coronavirus—XBB.1.16—has been spreading in India. Uninterrupted cross-border movement has been attributed to the rise in cases in Nepal. The XBB.1.16 sub-variant was confirmed in 10 of 24 swab samples of the infected on which whole-genome sequencing was carried out in Nepal recently. People having Covid-19 symptoms are not testing and isolating themselves. Election campaigns and rallies and religious festivals are being held in many places. All these are responsible for the increasing number of cases. How infectious is this variant? The new variant is comparatively less lethal. It spreads quickly but does not cause serious complications. However, people with underlying health conditions, the elderly population and individuals with respiratory conditions are prone to the infection and its severity. Runny nose, fever, sore throat, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort and headaches are some of the symptoms of the XBB.1.16 variant. The hospital however has not seen a large number of cases. Though there are cases in the community, they have not reached the hospitals. Had there been severe infection, people would have visited the hospitals. Who could be under risk? Various reports suggest that this variant can evade immunity gained through vaccination. Patients with comorbidities such as elderly population, or with cardiac conditions, previous pulmonary issues such as asthma, tuberculosis, diabetic and chronic kidney disease patients are at high-risk of infection. There is no need to panic. We have had a mass vaccination program. Despite this, many have contracted the virus. However, one must continue to follow the Covid-19 appropriate behavior such as hand hygiene and masking. High risk population segments should take more precautions. What should be done to prevent infection? One must isolate themselves if s/he has symptoms of the disease and see the physician at the earliest to avoid any complications. It has been proved that vaccination prevents the severity of the infection. People must take booster doses of the vaccines apart from coronavirus appropriate precautions. People with comorbidities should take additional precautions. People should avoid congested, poorly ventilated spaces. They must wear masks. Those who have not received the vaccine should take the vaccine. What should be an individual and government’s role in controlling the infection? Precautions like handwashing, respiratory hygiene, proper ventilation at home and the workplace, and masking up in crowded places are crucial. An individual must practice them. These precautions will also shield individuals from the flu and other viruses. Caution should be taken while touching nose and mouth, and afterward. Those with symptoms of coronavirus must isolate themselves from others. The government must justify the importance of vaccines and vaccinate people.
