The whole world is going through a very critical phase. If we are not taking care of ourselves, then nobody is going to save us from the dreadful effect of coronavirus. 

The pandemic is prevailing all over the world very rapidly. Despite the fact that, the respective Governments of the the highly affected countries are taking measures to counter the spread of the Corona virus, the number of head counts infected by Covid-19 is gradually increasing.

Approximately 1 million people were  defeated during the fight with the disease and forced to accept death. So, what we can do is to maintain social distancing and obey the rules and regulations provided by the health experts, our Government and WHO.

There are only three ways by which Corona infection can be controlled effectively. First of them is mass vaccination of our population which is not an easy option but it appears to be a reality and it will take time.

Secondly, herd immunity by natural infection can stop the disease transmission but Indian population is still far from achieving herd immunity against Covid-19 as shown by ICMR’s second sero survey.

With the present infection load, our healthcare infrastructure is getting saturated; there are reports of oxygen scarcity in many hospitals and it is dangerous to think of herd immunity by natural infection to control the pandemic. So at this crucial stage, the only option left to us is to prevent transmission from the infected person. Corona virus will not be able to survive for a longer period outside the human body. So, if it is not getting transmitted to another human being, it will die.  This is very easy and extremely effective way to control the infection. The Covid appropriate behaviours include maintaining social distancing, wearing mask and keeping hand hygiene.

Many times it is not feasible to maintain 'do gauze ki doori', considering the population density in our country, many slums, in our workplaces and even during home isolation. So most important preventive measure is to wear mask.

 If you compare mask and vaccine, which is more effective in controlling corona, then definitely the mask is the winner. The vaccine will be considered for mass use, if it is 50 per cent effective in preventing the infection, but proper use of mask is 95 per cent effective in preventing corona infection. 

What are the clear benefits of mask?

 If I am using mask, there is 95 per cent chance of not getting infected. Even if I am getting infected with the mask, the number of viruses entering in my body will be very less.

So, I may not have any symptom or very minimal symptoms, and gradually I will develop immunity against the virus without having a vaccination dose.

Many studies showed those who used masks and got infected with Corona, in them the symptoms are very minimal, they got cured completely, even in elderly patients and people with other diseases like diabetes, blood pressure etc.

There are also studies to support that if 80 per cent of people wear mask when they are outside for work, the benefit will be more than stringent lockdown. So, mask appears to be the most important and powerful weapon against Corona. Many people complain, they are not comfortable in wearing mask. There are different types of masks available and we can also customize our own mask too.

The only requirement is, it should cover the nose and mouth. Should we not follow this simple measure as a proud Indian and save our country against this dangerous pandemic? Many young and healthy people are also dying, so if I am wearing a  mask, saving my life and not putting other lives in danger, then I am saving the lives of my own people indirectly and directly.

There are also reports of reinfection after some months after getting cured from Covid-19 and this is due to carelessness and not using mask.  They just think that they have overcome the disease and the disease can't affect them anymore.

We need to seriously understand and follow that we, the young Indians are the strength of our country, our involvement matters. Mask will save millions of Lives. You may not love your life, but you have no right to destroy the life of others. If you are not using mask, then you are directly putting youself as well as others in risk.

 If we wear the mask and maintain social distancing, then a time will surely come when there will be no fear of Covid-19 and the whole world will be with flying colours again.

(The writer is Professor Coordinator, ISG UGI Bleed Taskforce Member, Indo-British Health Initiative  Governing Council Member, SGIE National Editor, JDE, Ph-8384886518)