Coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic has remained a buzzword throughout 2020 and even now as we’re at the cusp of moving into New Year 2021, the world yet again faces the threat of virus’s second wave. For some countries, this second coming is considered even more dangerous and deadly. The information shared below will act as a detailed guide to keep you updated on everything. Read on!
Severity Level
Earlier in 2020, multiple pieces of research concluded that coronavirus can breed with its cells lasting longer in a colder environment. Since the threat hasn’t been completely neutralised in the first place, the coming of winter season brought with its the second wave of the virus with, however, a few changes in the symptoms should one catches it.
[www.technologyreview.com/2020/10/08/1009650/winter-will-make-the-pandemic-worse/ ]
In some countries, severity level is considered significantly higher following the number of confirmed cases whereas others that remained cautious and prepared in advanced are dealing with it in a normal way, however, not taking it utterly lightly!
States that came out of total lockdown, curfew and travel ban have reimposed all essential security measures to prevent the number of cases whereas a few countries continue to resume normal activities however with all safety checks in place.
The total number of deaths around the world following the resurgence of the virus is lower as compared to the first coming but, medical professionals still consider it as lethal as it has been.
Cardiac/Heart Condition – Are the Young at Less Risk than Older?
There’re many different factors that make an individual vulnerable from coronavirus. People above the age of 55 years
[www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/older-adults.html] with underlying health anomalies, especially cardiac/heart-related are at greater risk from the pandemic.
Likewise, there’ve been many reported cases and confirmed the news of elderly recovering earlier from the virus than the young. In the end, it’s all about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seriousness in taking precautionary measures.
Likelihood of Catching Coronavirus the Second Time
Individuals who’ve already been exposed to the virus usually develop antibodies that help in fighting the infection and recover but, it depends on taking all safety steps and health guidelines as clearly communicated by medical associations and government authorities.
A stronger immune system and being physically fit helps is swift recovery. Still, there’ve been changes in the symptoms to help you keep a check with. These are classified into six clusters or groups as explained below:
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- Flu-like, no fever: Muscular pain and stretch, sore throat, cough, headache, chest pain, loss of smell, NO fever.
- Flu-like & fever: Shortness of breath, loss of smell and appetite, headache, cough, sore throat, fever.
- Gastrointestinal problem: Loss of appetite and smell, pain in the chest, headache, diarrhoea, sore throat and no cough.
- Fatigue & level-one severity: Fever, wheezing, shortness of breath, loss of smell, chest pain, headache and extreme fatigue.
- Dementia & level-two severity: Physical and mental exhaustion, loss of smell and taste, sore throat, headache, shortness of breath, chest and muscle pain, reduced ability to think (confusion and/or dementia-like state).
- Abnormal respiratory and abdominal function, level-three severity: Physical and mental weariness, wheezing and shortness of breath, loss of smell and appetite, headache, fever, cough, confused state of mind, diarrhoea, abdominal and muscle pain.
If someone’s experiencing any of the above symptoms or even the slightest feel, have your COVID test and/or screening performed immediately.
Mutation of the Virus
When a single coronavirus cell enters the body, it begins to gestate and reproduce quickly which is the reason a positive case/subject experiences a declined state of health so fast. And what’s worse is that each time when the cell multiplies, the structure and bacteria experiences change which is termed as ‘mutation’.
Take for instance flu virus which changes every year due to which flu vaccines are administered yearly. That said, vaccines to battle these viruses are updated too thus making them more effective. As for COVID-19, we’re soon to see the public release of the vaccine whereas healthcare workers, doctors and first-responders in some countries; including armed forces, have already been given the trial jabs.
Difference between COVID-19 & Common Cold/Flu
A newer entity or strand termed as ‘SARS-CoV2’ [www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance/naming-the-coronavirus-disease-(covid-2019)-and-the-virus-that-causes-it] is known to be the source of COVID-19 whereas common cold and flu is influenza infection which circulates yearly. Still, some common symptoms between both are high temperature, body ache and frequent coughing.
COVID-19 specific indications are shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, loss of smell and taste, however, there’ve been positive cases without these symptoms as well. Self-isolation and screening are the two best ways to determine whether one’s affected or not.
Preparation for The Second-Wave or Spike
So far, healthcare experts, hospitals, clinics and COVID-19 screening facilities around the world have agreed to the fact that surge in the number of cases is likely to occur. They’re aligned with pharmaceutical companies and drug manufacturers to keep up with the essential stock for the worst-case scenario. Protection of the patients, doctors, facilities and everything else is prioritised with constant updates on the policies. Here’s how you can keep yourself safe:
- Keep up with the COVID-19 safety procedures such as physical distancing, avoid public gathering and unnecessary outdoor travel, wear your facemask and keep washing, sanitising your hands.
- Keep in touch with your local health authorities for updates on a possible increase in the number of cases in your area.
- Make sure you’ve all the essential supplies stocked in your homes like food, prescribed medicines and emergency supplies; especially winter-specific.
- Keep up with the doctor and stay updated on vaccines.
Helpful Resources
Just in case you’re in the UAE and looking forward to knowing all about COVID-19 safety essentials, news, updates, vaccines, screening service in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and rest of the UAE etc, check out the authorised government pages listed below:
www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates/coronavirus
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