With emergence of new variant AY.4.2 and cases spreading rapidly, there is a high risk of third COVID-19 wave. SUPRIYA RAMESH tells you more
AY.4.2 is a Delta subvariant that has now spread to at least 42 different countries. India has recorded 17 confirmed cases of AY 4.2 variant from different states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir. It is a generic analysis which is not usually done in all COVID positive cases. So, the actual number could be more.
This variant is showing the mutations in spike protein that have initially been reported from the UK, Russia and China. Since it's a new variant, the major concern is that it could be an immune escape variant and the existing antibodies might not protect us against it.
We are seeing a rising number of cases in India and the festival season is upon us.
The question is what is the possibility of a third wave in India? How worried should we be? Dr Ankita Baidya, Consultant-Infectious Diseases, Manipal Hospital, New Delhi tells us that if the precautions and the COVID appropriate behavior is not followed, there are chances that we might soon face another wave. Continuing COVID appropriate behaviour and precautions, might save us from a third wave.
She adds that new variants will keep coming up and they might also spread rapidly. In that case, if people are not taking precautions, the third wave is not far away.
It is being said that it could be more transmissible than Delta and the existing vaccines might not work. “The concern is that there is a mutation in spike protein against which the major antibodies are what the vaccine antibodies are targeting. So, in that case, there are chances that these antibodies will not work the same way,” says Dr Baidya.
She adds that the vaccines need to be updated with more research but there are chances that the vaccine effect would be low or the antibody cocktail effect could be lower than pre-existing antibodies.
Most important measure to be taken in case of a third wave is that if it even hits the nation despite taking all the precautions because of the new COVID variants that are emerging, we have to have our healthcare infrastructure ready. In all sense, no oxygen shortage, no medical supply shortage is acceptable when we have seen the bad second wave in our country. And the loopholes now have to be corrected so that no lives are lost due to unavailability of treatment.
Symptoms are mostly going to be the same. “Only slight variation could be seen in the way it is presented. Same symptoms as of previous variants such as fever, cough and cold joint pain, malaise could be seen,” Dr Baidya tells us.
If you have a travel history from a place where such strains are circulating, get yourself checked and inform the authorities, inform your doctor that you have traveled to the states.
PRECAUTIONS
Precautions are the same that we have been talking about since last one and half years, practicing COVID appropriate behaviour. We need a tightly fitted mask covering our nose, practicing hand hygiene, following social distancing in this festive season even if you're going out. Wear your mask, try to maintain distance and avoid going to crowded places.
During this festive season if we take care of the precautions we can avoid the third wave.
Dr Baidya says that hand hygiene is also very important. Don't touch your eyes, nose and mouth once you are out without sanitizing or washing your eyes. Take care of your health, do regular exercise and drink plenty of water. Avoid drinking cold, take plenty of vitamin C that builds up your immunity.