Omicron Variant - Strict adherence to preventive measures is a must

Omicron Variant is of concern today and strict adherence to preventive measures is a must. Regular hand wash, social distancing and follow up with the doctor and following their advice can help in bringing down the possibility of an attack.

Omicron Variant is of concern today for everyone in view of the interconnected world that we live in. This emphasizes on the need to step up surveillance, to be on alert and rapidly detect any importation and take measures to curtail further spread of the virus. The response measures for all variants, including Omicron, is the same as that for SARs CoV2. Comprehensive and tailored public health and social measures by governments, and strict adherence to preventive and precautionary measures by individuals, is a must.

People must follow preventive measures

People must wear well-fitting mask which covers their nose and mouth well, keep distance, avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces, keep hands clean, cover cough and sneeze and get vaccinated. And continue to take all precautionary measures even after getting vaccinated. All travellers must adhere to public health and social measures at all times and remain vigilant for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

The heavy downpour coupled with the drop in temperature that the city had witnessed will have a ripple effect on the health of the people. The cold weather that the city has been seeing is conducive to viral replications and there has been a progressive increase in the number and severity of asthma attacks. Similarly, due to water logging the cases of dengue is also on a rise.

Regular hand wash, social distancing and follow up with the doctor and following their advice can help in bringing down the possibility of an asthma attack. Further, as Influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations given at the beginning of monsoon have shown to significantly reduce asthma exacerbations it would be advisable for people who have a history of asthma to consider immunisation.

Keeping yourself fit and active by practicing exercises and yoga is also a good practice that can help keep infections at bay. Keeping oneself hydrated by drinking plenty of water and fresh fruit juices as well as eating fresh fruits are recommended.

Increase physical activity

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the problems with movement restrictions and work from home mandates fuelling further the sedentary lifestyles. In addition, mental health issues have increased due to social isolation, fear, and uncertainty. Physical activity helps prevent non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some cancers, which continue to be leading killer diseases and a risk for severe disease and deaths in the ingoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The World Health Organization has called upon countries to accelerate action to address insufficient physical activity which is as high as 74% among adolescents, to arrest and reverse the growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases and promote physical and mental well-being.

We must take action to provide everyone with more opportunities to be physically active. This requires a collective effort, and WHO has been advocating physical exercise as one of the primary preventive measure and best buys against NCDs. Physical activity including yoga offer a cost-effective, non-invasive means for better physical, mental health and well-being.

Immunizing and staying hydrated can help in protecting our health.