Verified By Apollo Pulmonologist April 1, 2021
16379The COVID-19 pandemic has overtaken the storyline of healthcare and the world, for the past year. In India, after a brief lull, the number of daily COVID-19 cases is once again rising, signaling that the country may be on the verge of a second wave of infection.
Additionally, a new double mutant strain of COVID-19 virus has been detected recently in India. An analysis of the samples collected from the state of Maharashtra revealed an increase in the samples with the E484Q and L452R mutations.
The new virus strain with two mutations, is indicated to be highly infectious and has the potential to evade the immunity developed either by vaccines or natural infection. As the second wave of the COVID-19 is looming large, the development of this new double mutant COVID strain emerges as a cause of serious worry.
Experts say that although the new double mutant COVID strain symptoms are the efficient, it is not yet a superspreader and therefore, there is no reason to believe that it is more deadly, or is the reason the emerging second wave in India, just yet. However, we must prepare ourselves to stop it. The confidence brought by India’s vaccination drive to fight against the pandemic so far should not cause carelessness.
If we do not stop it here, then a condition for a nationwide outbreak may emerge again. We all have a role to play. We have to continue to wear masks, maintain physical distance and wash hands regularly.
Let’s not become careless and lower our guard.
Following are some important facts on COVID-19 to prepare you in case of any potential infection.
Symptoms of COVID-19 appear from the third day after the infection.
Phase 1 (From 1st Day to 3rd Day)
Symptoms in the first phase may include :
It is important to count the days of symptoms .
Phase 2 (from 4th Day to 8th Day) – Inflammatory
Symptoms in the second phase may include:
The difference between shortness of breath and fatigue: Shortness of breath (or lack of air) is when you are just sitting – without making any physical effort – and are out of breathFatigue is when you move around to do something simple and feel tired. |
Phase 3 (9th Day to 14th Day) – Healing
The healing phase begins on 9th day which may last until 14th day (recuperation).
Do not delay treatment, the sooner the better!
For now, there is no evidence that India’s COVID variant (B.1.617) is causing more severe illness. There is currently insufficient evidence or proof to show that any of the variants that was recently detected in India cause more severe disease.
In addition, scientists do not know for sure whether the new variants are resistant to vaccines.
While COVID-19 is said to spread from person to person, there is no evidence that it can spread through food or food packaging. But, it is always important to practice good hygiene while handling food to prevent any food-borne diseases.
To begin with, the COVID-19 recovery period depends on the severity of the disease. If the infection is mild, recovery period can be within about two weeks. However, for severe cases, it may take six weeks or more to get better, and hospitalization might be needed.
Please note that if you are currently positive for COVID-19 infection, you should not get vaccinated till you recover fully.
The content is verified and reviewd by experienced practicing Pulmonologist to ensure that the information provided is current, accurate and above all, patient-focused