Coronavirus explainer: Are we heading towards the fourth wave of COVID in India? Steps to take now

In a latest update by the Union Health Ministry, India has logged 12,781 new COVID-19 cases, with 18 deaths in the past 24 hours. Several states including Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh have recorded a sudden spike in the coronavirus cases. While there have been no severe cases so far, health officials have warned state authorities against patients with influenza-like illnesses and have emphasized on the importance of testing, tracking and treatment.

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According to health experts, Omicron sub-lineages, mainly BA.2 and BA.2.38, and in some parts of the country BA.4 and BA.5 may be behind the upward trend of coronavirus cases.

Recently, India’s Covid genome sequencing facility, the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) found that the BA.2 sub-variant was found in 60% of the cases and BA.2.38 in 33%. But the percentage of BA.4 and BA.5 is very low, as per the facility.

However, the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has declared the BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants of Omicron as ‘variants of concern’.

Some of the most common Omicron symptoms include fever, sore throat, runny nose, joint pain, gastrointestinal issues and certain skin problems. For those who experience severe illness, shortness of breath, chest pain and dizziness are some of the symptoms to watch out for.

With the increase in the number of COVID cases and the emergence of new transmissible variants, it is important that people take on the responsibility to stay safe. The unpredictability of the SARs-CoV-2 virus is not unknown to us and therefore, there's no telling who may develop severe illness. That said, there are measures each one of us must take to protect ourselves and the most vulnerable in society.

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Although the worst seems to be over and many have returned back to normalcy, being vigilant is still very crucial. Wearing a high-quality mask is still essential, especially if you have cold-like symptoms or are in the company of someone who has a mild illness. As the saying goes prevention is better than cure, as far as COVID crisis is concerned, this phrase sits very well.

It is important that you do not wait for the worst to come. Rather be alert and prepared in advance. Instead of waiting for the health officials to issue warnings, to share reports or impose restrictions, do you part and take preventive steps beforehand.

Before another wave strikes us, order COVID home testing kits. Since mild symptoms can also indicate COVID-19, it is best to use and throw testing tools in hand to detect the virus. This not only curbs exposure to other people, but is also very convenient.

However, an RT-PCR test is still the most accurate form of COVID-19 diagnostics. If you're unsure about your rapid test, you can always opt for a more reliable type of test.

With everything going back to normal and people being less afraid of the virus, house parties, gatherings and events have become very common. From celebrities to laymen, everyone wants to plan a get-together.

While there is no wrong in wanting to have some fun, avoid meeting up in indoor spaces. As is known, the SARs-CoV-2 virus can spread due to aerosol droplets, meaning people can pass it on to others while talking, singing, sneezing or coughing. That said, indoor spaces are likely to make it easier for the infection to transmit widely. Hence look for a comfortable outdoor setting to organize your party.

It's been quite a few months since booster shots have been made accessible to everyone above 18 years of age in India. That said, if you're eligible, do not wait or hesitate to receive your vaccination. While being fully vaccinated i.e. with two doses of COVID-19 vaccine, gives you a sufficient amount of immunity, getting your booster dose re-exposes your immune system to the foreign pathogen, triggering a response that helps produce defences against real future infections.