Nobody knows for sure whether the third wave of Covid-19 will hit us. However, it will definitely pay to be careful and exercise precautions till the virus is well and truly defeated. Scientists expect the third wave of Covid-19 to hit us either in August-September or in December. Whenever it does, the impact is expected to be severe but there is no unanimous view regarding this. The Delta variant which is doing the rounds right now is as bad as its predecessors. It spreads easily and binds itself to lung receptors. Nobody is absolutely certain about the timing or intensity of the third wave. There is no point in getting into panic mode. We would be better off preparing ourselves for the third wave and see it off as best as we can with minimal damage.
As common citizens what can we do to protect ourselves against the potential third wave?
- Complete your vaccination
- Wear a Double Mask
- Avoid social gatherings
- Continue the hand washing
- Stay indoors except in case of emergency
- Keep a Pulse Oximeter at home to monitor oxygen levels
- Do not take undue risks
- Sanitize all packages received
- Do not crowd hospitals unless necessary
Complete your vaccination
The best measure to avoid a widespread third wave is to vaccinate as many people as possible. It is your duty to get yourself vaccinated so that you can be safe and you can protect others. Make sure you get both your doses. Remember, immunity builds in several weeks after getting both doses. Even after the vaccination, you have to follow all the safety precautions. There can be no laxity.
Wear a Double Mask
The benefits of wearing a mask have been clearly established. During the second wave, it was recommended that people use a double mask to protect themselves when outdoors. There is absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain if you follow the simple rule of wearing a double mask. Remember, you need to wear the mask correctly, covering your nose and mouth. Wearing it for the sake of it is of no use. It has to serve the purpose for which it is intended.
Avoid Social Gatherings
It is understandable that the last sixteen months have taken their toll on all of us. We have all been forced to stay indoors and avoid social interaction. However, if we want this virus to be eliminated completely, we will have to limit its spread. This means that we will have to avoid social gatherings for some more time. Even if you are fully vaccinated, it will help if you follow the protocol and avoid social gatherings. Maintain social distancing whenever you are outdoors.
Continue the hand washing
There is a clear correlation between hand washing and the transmission of the virus. Make sure you wash your hands with soap several times a day. Avoid touching your face repeatedly. Always carry a sanitizer while leaving the house. If this simple rule can save you, doesn’t it make sense to follow the same?
Stay Indoors Except In Case of Emergency
Till the majority of the population is vaccinated, we are all at risk of getting infected. The tried and tested way to prevent it is by staying indoors and following all precautions. Yes, it can be boring and stifling but if it can save your life, it is a very good reason to do it.
Keep a Pulse Oximeter at home to monitor oxygen levels
The second wave of Covid-19 had the majority of patients suffering from depleted oxygen levels. It may make sense to have a pulse oximeter at home to monitor the oxygen levels in a patient before he/she is taken to the hospital.
Do not take undue risks
The world has been struggling with the pandemic since early 2020 and it is far from over. Dropping your guard now can be suicidal. Your safety is in your hands. There are no prizes for taking risks. The biggest prize would be to stay alive when this is all over. To achieve that, you will have to remain prudent and avoid taking any undue risks no matter how tempting they are. Your holiday plans can wait. So can your social or religious gatherings.
Sanitize all packages received
It is important to sanitize everything that you receive from outside. Be it your vegetables, groceries or any other purchase, you should wash and sanitize the same before using them. Staying safe is never a bad thing.
Do not crowd hospitals unless necessary
If all precautions are taken, this virus can be handled at home. Unless the situation gets serious, there is no point in crowding hospitals. Isolating at home is a safer solution.
The third wave of Covid-19 may or may not happen. Even if it does come to pass, it can be handled well provided each citizen observes the simple rules mentioned above. There are no prizes for acting smart. Sticking to the protocol and observing all the rules will surely keep you safe.
As the previous two waves have shown us, the virus spreads whenever we are careless. it is quite avoidable if we focus on taking adequate precautions. The mask has clearly been a savior. However, people have continued to be careless, making themselves easy targets.
Do not believe all the rumors. There is no evidence that children will be at greater risk during the third wave. Vaccination is the only solution as it will provide herd immunity. Observing the rules is by far the best weapon against this virus. We will need to be vigilant and cautious in our approach till India completes the vaccination of at least 40% of the population.
There is no need to panic. Your safety is literally in your own hands. Get vaccinated. Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Maintain social distancing. These are the simple mantras that will help you tide over the third wave if and when it becomes a reality.
