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.

Mrs. D.A. Kalpaja
Chairperson
Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre

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Bengaluru, Dec 02 : Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa virtually inaugurated phase-3 clinical trials of ‘Covaxin’ (COVID-19 vaccine), which is being developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

The trials are conducted at Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre in Bengaluru. Clintrac International Pvt Ltd and Vydehi Hospital have partnered to initiate the third phase of the trial, and the vaccine will be given to the volunteers in two doses, the first on Wednesday. The second dose will be administered on December 30, officials said.

‘Covaxin’ is India’s indigenous COVID-19 vaccine and has been approved for phase-3 clinical trials on 26,000 participants in over 25 centres across India. The hospital has roped in Clintrac International Ltd for the trials, which will involve about 1,000 volunteers. 

Earlier, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre official K. Ravi Babu told “The ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) has permitted our hospital to conduct the third phase trial for Covaxin developed by the Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech. Though the volunteers need not stay in the hospital,  they would be monitored daily through phone/video call for feedback and updates.

Karnataka is fully prepared for the distribution of Covid-19 vaccine

Karnataka Health Minister Sudhakar K said, “It’s a happy day for Karnataka as ICMR gave permission to Vydehi institution. I think they are doing clinical trial on about 1600-1800 people in Karnataka. Chief Minister has officially announced and given first dose today through Vydehi institution. I hope 3rd phase will be very successful and will be devoid of adverse effects on any individual and Karnataka is fully prepared for the distribution of Covid-19 vaccine”.

People should be wary of rumours and misinformation during this trial period, there may be side effects of vaccination and experts will be observing it carefully and there was no need for panic at this stage, Sudhakar said. Pointing out that the Narendra Modi government at the centre has reserved Rs 900 crore for vaccine research, he said the Yediyurappa government in Karnataka has released Rs 300 crore for providing COVID treatment free of cost.

The minister said 1.25 lakh tests are conducted per day in the state and 1.2 crore free Covid tests have been conducted so far. Karnataka was fully prepared for vaccine distribution and 29,451 vaccine distribution centres have been identified with 10,008 trained staff ready for the task on hand, he noted. He also pointed out that 2,855 cold storage centres were available for storage of vaccines.

Regional centres are being set up in Bengaluru, Shivamogga and Ballari, he said, adding that Healthcare workers will be given vaccination in the first phase followed by frontline warriors, people aged above 50 and those with comorbidities.

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As the number of COVID -19 cases and deaths have constantly rising all over the world, social isolation has turn out to be a new lifestyle with schools and colleges being shut and offices have opted for work from home. In the opening it was like a dream come true – family time, no school and no office to disturb the togetherness.

But now, shutting of school is a major displeasure for kids. Parents are afraid, because their wards are in front of screen for entertainment more than their usual quota. Meetings have been moved to virtual space as travelling is not worthwhile. Gyms, clubs, swimming pools and all other shared social spaces are either being shut or having low turnout.Those who are venturing out are forced to stay safe.

Home is the world– the social isolation

Now home is the world. The social isolation has made problematic– leading to disappointment, as there is little for other entertainment. The condition is specifically serious for people with elders and children at home, as they are equally vulnerable and want attention.Older people are even postponing routine check-ups.

Earlier parents had the option of enrolling their wards for activity classes during vacations but now left without that option. Instead schools are conducting virtual classes and assignments are additional task and responsibility of parents.

Surrounding uncertainty and isolation is making people angry, irritated,restless and stressed, especially people with psychological problems. I have received grievances of people even losing sleep. Children may be more distressed as they don’t comprehend the condition wholly, but can understand that something is wrong.

Of course people needs little time to get through this. Accept this new thing – work from home, personal and social space as normality. In truth, some of them are trying to remain positive and doing things normally.Technology is also coming in hand, in particular video calls.

Importance of hygiene

Adopting regular routine will be useful. Waking up at usual time,dress up for work, checking mails, meetings over phone and video chat may solve problems to some extent. But the flipside of work from home is portraying the difference between private and professional time. People are actually ending up with long working hours.

No one is sure and have an answer for a question – how long it will take to defeat coronavirus completely? Month?Couple of months? Will it change human habits?It will definitely take a time to pick up, from where the people are left off before the arrival of COVID -19.

The one thing pandemic taught us is the importance of hygiene. India, with dense population,  hygiene, frequent hand wash, avoid touching face, may go a long way in enclosing spread of any infections.

Mrs. D.A. Kalpaja
Chairperson
Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre

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